Heading to Echo Valley of Sagada in Mountain Province

Helloooo Echo Valley of Sagada. It's my first time here and I am so glad to step my foot in the middle of the mountains and huge pine trees. This area is the most popular tourist destination in Sagada and it become one of my favorite spot. Upon arrival to Echo Valley or " Ecological Valley of Sagada", I tried to shoot loud and to see if the area will create an echo of my voice. So, oo nga pwede narin kahit hindi masayadong nag-babounch back ang echo. Moving forward to our trip, you will find here the Hanging Coffins of Sagada which you shouldn't miss because it will take only a few steps down hill. We meet this students from Dubai, United Arab Emirates which I guess this was part of their ecological tour in the country. I saw many limestone rock formation, wild blooming flowers and birds. It was a cold afternoon and you must try out their new attraction, the rock-climbing because it looks a lot of fun and adrenaline rush. A lot of scenery around are here, the sound of birds and other endangered wild animals like butterflies, eagle and parrot. Please be take care in walking around the stiff parts of the mountain and rock formation limestone. The trail going down can get slippery when its rain, good thing because we are luckily during the  weather is in good condition. Always be careful with this trail down to Hanging Coffins. Tip: Better to have a guide to take you in case of emergency. Cost you about Php 200-400 pesos per group.

Arriving at Old Cemetery of Sagada in Mountain Province

From the St. Mary's The Virgin Church, you will passed through this public cemetery going to Echo Valley & Hanging Coffins. Did you known that they have a gathering called Sagada's Festival of Light every first day of November? The people of Sagada proceed to this area during that time, then use woods of pine trees and burying them at side of the tomb. All of the tomb (nitso) are colored in white, with different sizes and formation.  This is an unusual tradition in Sagada cannot be seen to other parts of the country. Only in Sagada, Mountain Province! Some of the coffins are well over a century old years. Sagada has more adventure awaiting us, so we proceed to the Echo Valley or "ecological valley" because my friends is so much creepy with this old cemetery on a hill in the middle of the forest. 

Walking into St. Mary's The Virgin in Sagada, Mountain Province

This is the only and oldest church in Sagada, Mountain Province and known to be the mother church in Sagada and Angelican Mission of the north, this protestant old church in Sagada is about 5-10 minutes away from the town proper and can be easily seen on the way to Echo Valley & Hanging Coffins. Just a few steps from the municipal hall and Sagada Municpal Hospital. The area is clean, calm, well-maintained and a lot of green pine trees covering the whole part of the church. Don't forget to take photo at this old memorable landmark of Sagada and has a very unique magnificent stone formation or limestone which built during the early 1900's. Like any other towns in the country, Sagada is a small uphill village in the Mountain Province. Tips: take enough cash with you and foods when you visit the place because there is no atm machine and some foods in the restaurant are more expensive than other parts of Mountain Province. Prize ranges is Php 100-200 pesos per serving. Best light for pictures during the afternoon and I will never forget this place because I always reminds me about the rich historical cultures of the people in Sagada. Happy Trip Everyone - Bisayang Manlalakbay around the Philippines.

Inside the Church of St. Mary's The Virgin in Sagada

Our group is entering at the side of church which located into a wooden wheel. The place is very unique, architecture design is good, wooden chairs and has a low ceiling. We took a group photos in front of the altar and the cross is covered with violet cloth. Our tourist guide tells us that St. Mary's The Virgin or also known as St. Mary's Episcopal Church was built in 1904 by American Missionaries which visited the place to teach people of Sagada about christian religion. There is a huge stone formation at the side of the church and well-preserved by local government. In those pictures will only tell you how wonderful and  a rich-culture. I also agreed with other tourist that Sagada is known for its pleasant climate all year round. Check out my next post about - Old Cemetery & Echo Valley Adventure Experience.

Oldest Bell Church in Sagada, Mountain Province

Before heading to Echo Valley, we dropped to the oldest bell church in Sagada, Mountain Province and take a lot photos. As per our tourist guide, this was build in 1921 with the American - Spanish entering the province and serves as a marker how the Protestant faith in God. When traveling Sagada just take time to see this landmark, beside St. Mary's Church. I think half of our time we were in Sagada was spent walking down up and down hill which I love doing it. I can never explain what Sagada experience and adventure is made me the best place to visit. At the area, we saw a lot of flowers blooming that time and big green pine trees all over the place. We've just had a quick rest and proceed to our next destination. This area is open to public and no entrance fee. 

How to Get to Hanging Coffins of Sagada in Mountain Province

Going to the famous Hanging Coffins of Sagada. How to Get There? 

This site is also one of the favorite spots of foreign tourist, backpacker, adventurer and locals in Sagada, Mountain Province makes me fairly challenging to visit because of stiff road and slippery side of the mountains. From the town proper of Sagada, we take about 20-30 minutes trekking time. We passed through the church of St. Mary the Virgin, Sagada Cemetry and then Echo Valley. I saw a lot of tourist that time, they have their own map provided by their tourist guide. I always believe that it is better knowing and being prepared. I always in my mind that we should first see what our beautiful country offers before going to other countries. I will provide map going to Hanging Coffins of Sagada. Please check out below. Happy Trip - Bisayang Manlalakbay around the Philippines.