12 hours north of Manila is a quaint little town called Sagada. There’s nothing there except pine trees, rice paddies, and more pine trees.
Oh okay, I’m trying to dissuade you not to go. I’m a dreamer and it is the perfect place to chill out and bond with nature. Finding restful and enchanting places is tough. Sagada is a gem.
Getting There
We took the 11pm Victory Liner bus in Cubao. Four hours later we were in Baguio.
There’s a 7-Eleven store right across the terminal where we took a coffee break before heading to Dangwa bus terminal. It is convenient to just take a taxi to Dangwa terminal where Lizardo buses pick up passengers going to Sagada.
First trip was not supposed to leave before 6am. But since there were already lots of passengers waiting in line, the bus management decided to push for an earlier trip.
It was an insane 6-hour trip.
It was my first time to cross the infamous Halsema Highway. I could still feel my feet tingling every time our driver carefully navigated one of those tight hairpin bends.
Traversing Atok, Benguet was the worst. But, it was also incredibly beautiful.
There were parts where both sides of the road drop to about 7,400 feet. I have never been more scared of falling off a cliff in my entire life.
After being 12 hours on the road coming from Manila, we have arrived in Sagada at last.
The significant drop in temperature was the first thing I noticed. Hubby and I decided right away to look for George’s Guesthouse where we booked our room for the next 5 days.
Accommodation
Lodging houses are a dime a dozen.
You can take your pick from moderately pricey (considering location) to about the cheapest you can get.
The budget-friendly rates is undoubtedly one of the perks of staying in Sagada.
The P300/person double room at George’s Guesthouse already comes with a fully functioning hot shower, 2 double beds, a veranda with a killer view, and warm soft blankets.
George’s Guesthouse is in the center of town along with Masferré Country Inn and Restaurant, Yogurt House, Salt & Pepper Diner, Lemon Pie House, Strawberry Cafe, Ysagada, Sagada Brew, and SAGGAS office.
As their main building was already fully booked due to Etag Festival, they housed us at their newly constructed Labanet guesthouse which was just a few feet away and was still on the main road.
Best pick ever.
Everything was new, from the bathroom fixtures to the furniture down to the linens. You bet I would stay here again.
And oh it would be a good idea to bring your own extension cord and bath towels. Bathroom tissues were about the extent of toiletries provided. There were two outlets but they were out of reach from the beds. But I am pretty sure that would be the last thing that would worry you.
Activities
I remember we did a lot of walking. No kidding.
We went to Marlboro Mountain, Kiltepan Peak, Sagada Pottery, Sagada Cellar Door (which is just right on top of Sagada Pottery), Rock Inn Cafe, Misty Lodge and Cafe, and Gaia Cafe on foot. These places are quiet a walk from town.
I basically smelled and tasted Sagada on foot.
But nothing beats the trek from Lumiang Cave to Sumaguing Cave.
The Sagada Cave Connection: Traversing Lumiang Cave to Sumaguing Cave has to be the highlight of our 5-day trip in Sagada.
The activity will challenge you both physically and mentally and then reward you with stunning rock formations and icy pools.
Dare yourself to live on the edge of danger at least once in your lifetime. It is absolutely worth the try.
Marlboro Mountain
One of my unforgettable treks in Sagada is the hike to the top of Marlboro mountain. The trek will take you through misty forests in the cold morning air.
Together with our guide, we started trekking from town at 4:30am to catch the spectacular sunrise hikers are bragging about. It was windy and chilly, not exactly a picnic weather.
Our guide brought his flashlight, the one he used in our caving activity the day before, while hubby also had his own.
After almost an hour of walking, we turned from the main road at the junction that would lead us to Marlboro Mountain.
I couldn’t see a thing except the rough path we’re on because of the thick fog. It was wider at first with lots of wet and muddy parts, then tapers down to a single foot path as you go nearer its peak. It was perhaps another hour or more before we reached the top.
The only downside to this trek was the weather. We didn’t get to have a clearing that morning and missed the spectacular sunrise. It was so foggy.
The descent was more enjoyable.
Tall pine trees everywhere. It felt like I was in an adventure movie.
The sound of rustling pine needles in the breeze coupled with a light drizzle, hello Robin Hood! Will definitely come back here, and not just for the sunrise.
Kiltepan Peak
This has to be the most sought after place to watch sunrise in Sagada.
Unlike Marlboro Mountain, you can hire a vehicle that would take you right to the top. There’s a newly opened cafe there where you can have a cup of steaming hot coffee. Really quite civilized already.
We had a fun photo shoot here. The only consolation we had for missing the sunrise at Marlboro Mountain.
At this time of day, the place is empty with only the occasional tourist. You could emote all you want.
Echo Valley Viewing Deck
You absolutely don’t need a guide here. It’s just a 10-15 minute leisure walk from the center of town. When you get past St. Mary the Virgin church, you’re almost there already.
You can opt to go down and get a closer look at the most photographed Hanging Coffins in Sagada.
Or you can just head to the viewing deck where you can get a tiny glimpse of the famous burial cliff and a sweeping view of this mountainous region.
It was nearly late afternoon when we decided to explore that part of town.
As the day turned a bit chilly, we just stayed at the viewing deck.
You know you’re just about there after you cross the footpath right in the middle of their modern cemetery. Meanwhile, the track going down takes a different route.
Food
The multitude of restaurants is absolutely one of the reasons I love Sagada.
Salt & Pepper Diner
I remember they have large servings of delicious chicken.
I particularly love the garlic-rosemary flavored chicken.
Misty Lodge and Cafe
This cafe is quiet a walk from town, but truly worth it.
The place itself is charming. The service superb.
It has that friendly atmosphere where one absolutely feels at home.
I love their pancakes topped with strawberry sauce. That paired with the famous Sagada brewed coffee, perfect!
You can have a view of their mini garden from the windows of the cafe.
Yoghurt House
I love going back to this cafe.
They have considerable options on their breakfast menu. It’s a great way to start your morning.
It’s super convenient too as this is located in the center of town.
Gaia Cafe
Of all the eating places I tried in Sagada, the view of Ankileng rice terraces from this vegan cafe tops the list.
The view from here is really fantastic. You can go down to the rice terraces below while waiting for your order.
Bundle up though because it’s al fresco dining, the air could turn a bit nippy.
Kusina Ysagada
Do you love reggae? How about sisig? If you do, this cafe is for you.
More surprise? Their sisig is delicious and it comes in huge servings for only P180. Yay!
This is a small artsy cafe with dream catchers hanging on the ceiling in varying colors and sizes. I really must ask on my next visit why plenty of souvenir shops in Sagada sell dream catchers.
Sagada Cellar Door
It took us about an hour of leisurely walking to reach this enchanting cellar in the middle of the woods.
Hansel and Gretel, are you there?
Such a lovely set-up for outdoor dining.
It was tempting to sit outside but the temperature is way below my comfort level.
After taking a few photos, we were invited to their cellar to try their local wine. Their cellar is a cozy place with a considerable selection of beer and wine.
I’m far from being a connoisseur, so I’d rather pass the wine list to the experts.
We would have liked to linger at this cozy cellar, but it was nearly sundown, the weather could turn uncomfortably cold and the long walk back to town would become plain torture.
Rock Inn Cafe
Famous for its orange grove, this cafe is a fascinating place. Apart from orange picking, they also offer quite a selection for breakfast.
But unless you are staying here or bringing your own transport, it is really way out of town.
When we came down from Marlboro Mountain, we had breakfast here.
I had beef steak with the famed Sagada brown rice and Sagada brewed coffee.
What can I say? I ended up cleaning my plate. Our early morning hike must have worked up my appetite.
Below are some side stories from Sagada
While we were on our way to Sagada Cellar Door, we passed by this scenic spot of some rice paddies below.
Igorots definitely have an amazing sense of humor.
Vegetables are without doubt not scarce here.
Saturday is a lively market day.
Walking around town without any absolute plan is easily my idea of enjoying Sagada.
If you like small mountain towns with plenty of eating establishments, you’d definitely enjoy this place. Don’t let the long drive deter you from going. Have fun!
Thanks hubby for a memorable birthday trip♥
