How to Get to Sumaguing Cave in Sagada from the Town Proper

Going to Sumaguing Cave in Sagada, Mountain Province:

This cave has the largest cave connection in the Mountain Province! I love doing unusual activities in my life. Traveling around Sagada is so cheap and an unforgettable experience. Here are some tips and guide before going to Sumaguing Cave. Ask for a tourist guide during your trip and make sure to register at Municipal Hall of Sagada. From the town proper, you will take about 30-40 minutes walk towards suyo road and passing the Hanging Coffins of Sagada and Kapay-aw Rice Terraces. The road is accessible to all types of vehicle. Your tour guide is one who know the place and really take care of you, just make sure to listen and follow with the instruction. I recommend to bring your own flash light. 

Challenging Spelunking Experience in Sagada, Mountain Province

I survived Sumaguing Cave! Deep, Dark, Slippery and There's no turning back! This is the  words I actually in my mind before going down to the cave of Sumaguing! Yes, this is a must-do adventure activities in Mountain Province! Normally, it will takes about 3-4 hours inside the cave but I suggest to be early during your trip to avoid many crowds inside the cave. One of the popular indoor activity in Sagada, Mountain Province and most of the people spending their last activities during the trip. I've seen many old and new stalagmite and rock formation inside the cave. Ones inside the cave you will be amazed, challenging obstacle or passages, slippery walkway, rappelling, crawling, climbing and exciting view inside. You'll appreciate this beauty of the nature and this is one true adventure you don't want to miss it. The water is so very cold and clear. Our two guides are excellent that made us felt we will safely survive the adventure inside the cave. Note: bring waterproof camera if possible and bring water during your spelunking adventure. For me, trekking and spelunking is one of the new interest during my trip and quite a challenge for me and I like that you can actually saw stalagmite and touch them. Just perfect for a new beginner like me. 

Spelunking or Caving in Sumaguing Cave, Sagada Mountain Province

It takes about 30-40 minutes walk from the town proper of Sagada, heading to Suyo road where the Sumaguing Cave is located. Our Sagada experience continue, while walking around the cave I noticed some of big stalagmite and rock formation but first pay for their environmental fee cost you about Php 60 per head.  From the main entrance of the cave, you'll step from a man-made stairs going down then start with slippery and muddy walkway going down. It was so tiring but really worth it, our guide is so supportive and helpful about us on do 's and dont's inside the cave. This is our first time to do spelunking in the cave. You'll see some of rock formation images such as the turtle, the elephant, the pregnant queen and the king cause of the pregnant! hehehe! It will take 3-5 hours to finish caving, but nothing to be worried. Time passed so fast and you will notice that you almost stayed inside of the cave for such hours. 

Spelunking in Sagada is an experience that you will never forget and I certainly go back again, for sure Sagada memories will stay in my mind forever. Thanks for the people I met in Sagada.

Wandering the Hanging Coffins of Sagada in Mountain Province

After touring around the town center of Sagada. We decide to book our day tour package at SAGGAS one of my preferred tourist guide facilities & association. It was so great to see those old aged-coffins! Seeing the hanging coffins and doing the cave spelunking is a must-do experience and these was our priority activities that day. We dropped from the hanging coffins on our way to Sumaguing Cave and take photos of the coffins over mountain.The first question you will have is " How did they manage to put those coffins on the side of the mountain?" my answer is amazing & unique indeed.  It was a worth visiting the area with a stunning limestone formation at the cliff of mountain. I always look around, trees swaying to soft winds, echoes from birds, cold weather & great nature ambiance all over the place. 

I hope this thing from the past will be take care & preserve for the next generation of backpacker around the world. It was a good experience. Note: Good to visit during Summer time mid of March to April and all I can say is perfectly beautifully amazing place to be free for stress! :-) Happy Trip - Bisayang Manlalakbay around the Philippines. 

Walking Tour Around Sagada Town Proper

Yes, Sagada is a great backpacker place in the country! I love traveling the Philippines, I'm so excited to do this 3 days-trip around Banaue-Sagada-Baguio routes. Doing this top loading in the Sagada is more challenging & adventure trip because I meet some friends & try their special delicacies - lemon pie with a bit tangy, sweet and rough texture. This is a quiet little town in the north part of Mountain Province so don't expect a lot of amenities in accommodation around the area.  About 12 hours bus ride from Manila, you will capture this unique and nature's best attraction in Mountain Province but I find the food more quite expensive but the food is okay and fresh. By the way, the town center is where everything is like restaurants, bars, tourist center, municipal hall, souvenir shops or even internet shops along the roads of Sagada. I like the place and I'am planning of going back to Sagada with my family next year then stay here for 4 days :-) For your information: SAGGAS - Sagada Genuine Guide's Association Inc. is one of the most trusted tour guide in Sagada with a friendly staff and accommodating tour guide. They charged us with a minimal fee & package for six person in a group. Check out my next blog post about the Hanging Coffins & Sumaguing Cave Connection of Sagada in Mountain Province. 

How to Get to Sagada's Kapay-Aw Rice Terraces

Going to Sagada Rice Terraces or locally known Kapay-Aw Rice Terraces:

We took about 20-30 minutes travel from the town proper of Sagada. Just register to the Municipal Hall before going to the tourist attractions of Sagada, just pay for the environmental fee of Php 50.00 per person. Just take a habal-habal or walk around the rice terraces toward the Hanging Coffins & Sumaging Cave which is one of the famous attraction in Sagada. You'll passing through the famous Lemon Pie House & some souvenir shops within the road. Take a left turn towards the Hanging Coffins & I suggest to get a tourist guide during your trip about Php 100 per guide / person. The best month to travel Sagada in Mountain Province is from February to April. Trekking is the best adventure experience in Sagada.

Kapay-Aw Rice Terraces in Sagada, Mountain Province

I love Rice Terraces in Sagada in Mountain Province! I was amazed with this overlooking view of the rice terraces in Sagada.Yes, this is a dream come true to all backpacker and blogger like me and Sagada is place to be. A backpacker haven to explore, unwind, relax, appreciate the nature's beauty, learn their culture, experience adventure & love for nature. You can see this amazing view on the right side of the road when going to Sumaging Cave which is one of the best tourist spot in Sagada, Mountain Province. We meet this Australian solo backpacker - tourist along the way  and he asked me took photo with him. It was a foggy afternoon day hike & about 20-30 minutes walk from the town proper. The place is so relaxing, greenery atmosphere & cold weather. We continue our walking tour to the main entrance of Sumaging Cave, a lot of tourist & local that time so we decided to take a quick rest before going to the main cave. Thanks Sagada! Till We met again :-)

My Travel Map From Banaue - Bontoc - Sagada

Sagada Lemon Pie House in Mountain Province

Jane and I, decided to try out some restaurant in the area. We checked our map and list of tourist attraction in Sagada which I printed before the day of our trip from Banaue -Bontoc - Sagada. So, I listed down this restaurant and cafe as part of our itinerary. Where to eat in Sagada? Well I was confident enough to recommend you this restaurant & cafe which is known to be the best lemon pie in Sagada. I was previously reading about the good comments and reviews of Sagada Lemon Pie House. We ordered three slices of lemon pie and two brewed coffee. It is a wonderful place to dine, relax, eat and enjoy your wooden furniture over a cup of coffee with you. As per our guide, the abundance of lemons in Sagada pushed through to create a perfect dessert during a trip in Sagada. Over the years of experimenting the perfect taste of lemon pie until the perfect blend of tangy and sweet are made. I admit that Sagada is a top tourist destination in the north and is flocked both local and foreign tourist. 

The Famous Echo Valley in Sagada Mountain Province

We took about 20-30 minutes walking time at the center of town proper. You will find yourself here a very nice scenery on a ledge fronting many trees, wild flowers, mountains and limestone formation. Why is that they named Echo Valley? Because echoes can be heard in the valley if you shout loud enough to hear in other part of the mountain. As first time traveler in Sagada, you must know and make a research about the top tourist attraction of the place you want to visit. There are a lot of bloggers, travelers and foreign tourist wanted to go to Sagada in Mountain Province because of a relaxing ambiance over the big trees and mountains but the hospitality and caring of people in Sagada. Did you know that Sagada has a zero crime rates. A Sagada experience getaway will not be complete without going to the Echo Valley and seeing the famous Hanging Coffins which is even only in the Philippines. Next part of our itinerary was a trip to Kapay-aw Rice Terraces ,Sumaguing Cave and Touring Around the Town.

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.

Famous Sagada Hanging Coffins in Mountain Province

Yes, I finally got a photo souvenir at the famous hanging coffins of Sagada at the middle of pine trees and luxuriant plants. Sagada is a very beautiful and amazing spot for those who love hiking or trekking around big trees, mountains and nature environment. No need to wear hiking or trekking gear actually. Slippers or comfy sandals will do. As per our guide, there is one of coffins here buried last 2 years ago (2011), these painted brown coffin below. The people of Sagada continue burying their dead in this side of the rocky mountain near the Echo Valley. We also made think of it, how it was formed and you'll find it only in the Sagada, Mountain Province because of their old traditions and rich-culture. Make sure you get a guide as some of the area are hard to reach and road can be tricky to navigate. The people prefer to be buried them in the rock cliffs including their personal things than to be buried in the ground and have been doing this for more than 2,000 years. Well, passing through this area is much fulfilling and make me proud of the people of Sagada and the Mountain Province. During our trip, there are a lot of foreign tourist along the way and meeting another group along the way made our Hanging Coffins Sighting more enjoy, fun and memorable.  Thank you and let's travel around the Philippines.

How to Get to Sagada Orange Farm Plantation in Rock Inn & Cafe in Mountain Province

How to Get to Sagada Orange Plantation in Rock Inn & Cafe.

Going to Sagada Orange Farm Plantation for your orange picking experience in Sagada. The easiest way to go to Rock In & Cafe is via the route coming from Bontoc, Mountain Province. You will passed through this road of Batalao in Staunton Road, this orange plantation is also located from the road going to Kiltepan Peak and not along the road going to Bokong or Bomod-ok Falls. About 3 kilometers away from the town proper and you'll see the signage going to Rock Inn & Cafe as you approach the town proper. This was visible to anyone along the highway. Rock Inn & Cafe may be difficult to reach but it has  became a popular tourist destination in Sagada. Staying here is an experience in itself. Orange or ponkan is easily grown in Mountain Province. Here's the photos below. Happy Trip Everyone - Bisayang Manlalakbay around the Philippines.

Orange Picking at Farm Plantation in Rock Inn & Cafe, Sagada Mountain Province

Sagada Orange Farm Plantation gave us a very scenic view and wide open field full of orange trees and other vegetable plants at the side. Passing through the orange farm plantation site is more exciting and has a nature's best feeling which is surrounded with lot of orange and ponkan trees.  The 2 hours adventure ride from Banaue is worth it and rewarding, regardless of the bad weather condition and quite far from the main road. It's offered more of natural scenery and calm environment. This is located at the back of Rock Inn & Cafe, you'll find two classic varieties of orange are all - natural local citrus. Good thing some orange trees were small that we didn't have a hard time picking fresh oranges. We got six ripe oranges which I personally picked, it is hard to find ripe orange at the farm because mostly the orange picking season in Sagada is from the month of November until February every year.   We're not forced to pay for the Php. 50 pesos entrance fee, Thanks to the owner of the restaurant and hotel. I will definitely stay and return at Rock Inn & Cafe someday for a beautiful ambiance, good service and peaceful atmosphere. Happy Trip - Bisayang Manlalakbay around the Philippines. Next post is " How to Get to Sagada Orange Plantation".

A Glimpse of Rock Inn and Cafe at Batalao in Sagada

After a long road trip from Banaue-Bontoc-Sagada, this cafe and restaurant welcomed us. They have a  beautiful artistic design, wide parking space, relaxing ambiance and a nature garden. As part of my research about Sagada, I found this site about the orange plantation spot in Sagada and our driver convince him to drop over this 1 hectare lot in Barangay Batalao. About 15-20 minutes away from the town proper of Sagada. I was surprised about the local design of the whole restaurant and cafe. Even the side part of the place because they have a lot of antique furniture, wooden craft and nipa hut ceiling. They also have variety of pasalubong like strawberry jam, oatmeal choco chips cookies, wild blueberry jam, key chains, cellphone holder, native products and a lot more. I was told that this area is one of the main tourist attraction of many foreigner traveling to Mountain Province. It was a pleasant surprise with my first stop over and one of my favorite spot in Sagada. We rested a while before heading to their orange plantation site. There will always be something and unique spots in Sagada worth returning to. Check out their contact number - (63928) 2131149 or 386-4042 and address: Staunton Road, Barangay Batalao, Sagada in Mountain Province.