(Banaue-Sagada-Baguio trip Part 1) Two things that I can check off of my 2014 bucket list! I have never been to Sagada and I’ve always wanted to see the place since everyone says its so beautiful. And I haven’t been to Baguio since circa 2001/2002, I wanted to see how much it’s changed.

If you guys plan on getting a driver I suggest you get an experienced one or at least a driver you trust because a) it’s a very long drive to Sagada and b) the roads close to Mountain Province are very narrow and there a lot of curves. Pretty scary and dangerous(esp on wet roads so be careful!).

We made it to Banaue after around 4-5 hour drive!

Along the way there are a lot view points of the Banaue Rice Terraces, and well for me they were all beautiful. Of course there are people in Igorot costumes!

Isn’t it beautiful!!!

Further up along the road there was another view point and we wanted to see if the view was better. And it was just as amazing!

There was also a store at the view point where you can buy these native figurines. My mum likes to collect magnets and mugs from places that we travel to so that’s what we bought there as souvenirs.

After a few more hours we finally made it to Sagada! First we went to the place we were staying to check in. We stayed at the Rock Inn (for 2 nights). I forgot to take photos but its a very cute place. It’s remote and secluded, it’s not hard to find because there were a lot of signs which was good. The place has a homey feel, very affordable, and the workers were nice and accommodating.

First stop, Kiltepan! It was about 5-10mins drive from our inn and it was a beautiful view of Sagada! Most people come during the early hours for sunrise. We didn’t get see it but apparently its amazingly beautiful with sun and clouds. If you guys go during sunrise, send me your photos!

Next stop! Sumaguing Cave! Before we came here we went to the tourism center located near the town’s market and municipal. We got a guide so it would be much easy to find places to go, and also for that extra bit of information about the history of Sagada. The way to Sumaguing cave was a good hike, a lot of rocks so I recommend wearing comfortable clothes and sneakers.

If you go further along, you’ll come to a little opening to the cave. My brother and I wanted to go inside but my parents didn’t think it was a good idea. Our guide had told us it takes 4 hours to go through it and that it was very small, dark, squeezing in tight spaces and of course you’ll get it. Maybe next time we can go because I just searched for photos and it looks beautiful inside.

The coffins are a kind of bizarre yet fascinating ritual of burial of the past Igorot tribes. As told from our guide, when a person died they would put them in fetus position so they could fit inside. You can’t open these coffins as a sign of a respect, however I couldn’t help peeking into a little small hole  in one of the coffins and I saw some bones! Freaked me out a little bit.

Welcome to Echo Valley! From here you can see the hanging coffins. You can get a closer look, but we decided no to go. We had fun here because every time you’d shout something, it would echo, hence the name. We wanted to rest for a bit to so we took a lot of photos, had a little breather, and shouted a bit more. Hehe!

This was our dinner at the Rock Inn. Very yummy! Plus points: we had just got back from our very exhausting yet fun day so we ordered our food then we had a rest, took a shower, etc. and when the food was ready we were called from our room, which was great!

Highly recommend buying a map! To know where you and also to see all  the places you can visit.

There Yoghurt House! When you’re in Sagada you definitely have to have some yoghurt! We were walking around the neighborhood and came across this cute looking place. We had just had lunch so weren’t that hungry but they do also serve meals.

Don’t they look delicious? I loved it! Mama wasn’t a big fan though hehe.

Done in Sagada and now off to Baguio! We made a lot of stops on the way to Baguio to take pictures of the views and also to use the restroom! Bring coins with you! Nothing in this world seems to be free anymore -.- I can’t tell you how much money we spent for restroom privileges! Hahaha.

Also it’s very cold! Bring a lot of warm clothes.

This is the what they call the Highest Highway Point (in the entire Philippine Highway System). It is 7,400 ft. above sea level. It’s located at Kilometer 52 of Halsema Highway, at Barangay Paoay, Atok, Benguet.

Stay tuned for Part 2!

xo