Top 30 Favorite Spots in the Philippines: 18. Sagada

Sagada is on my list of must-revisit places after my 80 Before 30 challenge. It's one of those places that has a great recall and repeat value not only because I've had an incredible time when I went there in 2009, but because I feel there's still a lot that I need to see and do there.  And of course... still a lot of food I must try and go back for.

What do I recall most about Sagada... the extreme (and life-threatening) spelunking experience from Lumiang Cave (with the hanging coffins) to Sumaguing Cave, the crisp and cold temperature while witnessing the sunrise at Kiltepan Tower and sunset at Lake Danum, the delightful mountain foods, the raging and massive Bomod-ok Falls, the strenuous but fulfilling hike along Banga-an rice fields, and the friends I've met during the trip (who I still travel with until now). Ahhh, memories of Sagada make me want to go back there very soon, hopefully this year. :)

More of my adventures in Sagada here...

While waiting for sunset at Lake Danum

My unusual journey in Sagada

Banga-an Rice Terraces

May 1-3, 2009
Sagada, Mt. Province

I knew the moment we unloaded our bags from our bus that I’d be up to a great adventure in Sagada. Actually before we arrived there, we had already enjoyed the scenic Mt. Province - indeed, it is a province with a lot of mountains! The deep ravines, the majestic stretch of rice terraces, the simple structure of uphill houses, the long and winding Chico River, the cotton-cloudy sky kissing the mountains, the moist of fogs, the road’s delicate curves and ultimately the dominance of green. I later on realized that these were just a prelude to what we were up to in Sagada.

My travel mates included my sister Cha, my college classmates Ems and Precel, my new-found friend ate Melody and some other 60-strong adventurous urban folks (trip made possible by Travel Factor). It was a large group of tourists expecting to find some fun for the long weekend. We traveled more than 13 hours to get to Sagada.

bonfire with new-found friends in Sagada

group pic with ems, kuya edwin, cha, cel and ate melody