When in Mountain Province: Sagada

Going to Sagada spells a lot of adventure. Its natural resources and indigenous environment invite a lot of local and foreign tourists, making it one of the must-see places in the Philippines.

Sagada is a town located in Mountain Province, a landlocked province that is part of the Cordillera Administrative Region in the northern part of the Philippines. It is approximately 393 kilometers away from the capital Manila and takes more than 10-hour drive. Despite the distance, it is one of the most visited in the north along with Baguio, Banaue, and Kalinga. But what sets Sagada apart is the numerous exhilarating outdoor activities.

If you are up for the challenge, here are some adventurous things you can do in Sagada:

Get Close to the Hanging Coffins

The hanging coffins stand as the 200-year-old tradition of the Igorot tribe. For them, burying in a higher place makes their loved ones closer to heaven. The coffins amazingly suspend from the limestone cliffs and almost touching the boulder of rocks -- a bizarre sight that can only be found in Sagada.

Going to the hanging coffins requires a guided tour, which is often called as the "Eco Tour." This tour involves some 15-20 minute trekking to reach the coffin viewing area. It usually starts by passing by the modern cemetery and then slowly going down. The first part of the trail has cemented path with hand rails. Going down further, the trail loses hand rails already. A few areas were steep that may require some leg work, but it is very manageable.

Along the way, the guide paused from time to time to share information on the history, traditions, and beliefs of the tribe. One interesting fact was the story behind the suspended chairs. In a regular wake in the Philippines, elders usually say that there must always be a bantay or someone who watches over and sits beside the dead. The same idea goes to the chairs hanging with the coffins. The chairs are bizarrely meant for the coffin watchers.

In addition, the guide told us that the height of the coffins depends on the families’ love for their departed one – the higher the coffin, the greater the love is.

Some coffins look a lot smaller. One may think that babies were in it, but not really. An adult's body is usually placed in fetal position, another traditional and unique Igorot practice of burying the dead.

Trek to Echo Valley

Also part of the Eco tour, trekking to Echo Valley is another compelling activity in Sagada. Coming from the hanging coffins, which is at the lower part, climbing to the Echo Valley can get challenging. Despite this, it promises a scenic and relaxing view. It shows the lime stones covered by tall pine trees.

Some people enjoy shouting in this area for the echo that they hear. Urban legends say that it is inhabited by spirits – that when you shout, the resonating echo is said to be a reply from the spirit.

The Eco Tour covering the hanging coffins and Echo Valley costs PHP 200 for a minimum of 10 people. It is paid at the Sagada tourism office or at SAGGAS (Sagada Genuine Guides Association Inc.)

Go Spelunking in Sumaguing Cave

Conquering this deep, dark, and slippery cave is one for the books. Sumaguing Cave is one of the famous spelunking sites in Sagada. Finishing the trail may take at least 3 hours.

The trail starts at the big mouth of the cave, which has hand rails at first. Unlike other caves, Sumaguing is steep and so the trail just keeps on going down. The cave is divided into different descending stages.

The first stage leads to the slippery rocks caused not only by water dripping from the ceiling, but also due to the numerous bat poops! By looking closely at the roof of the cave, thousands of bats live and own the place. The area may stink and feel gross, but it is all part of the experience!

The next stage requires removing footwear. At first, it felt cold in the feet but walking barefoot was a lot easier. Some areas also need ropes to descend and ascend. They were truly good tests of rappelling skills.

Stalagmites and stalactites form inside Sumaguing Cave. Seeing them up close is truly the reward of the difficult trail. Famous rock formation include “the king’s curtain,” “elephant,” “rice terraces,” etc.Reminders:
- Get a registered guide to Sumaguing Cave from SAGGAS. The fee is PHP 500 for every 4 persons with PHP 35 environmental fee per person. Guests need to register their names.- Strictly follow the instructions of the guide especially when inside the cave
- Wear comfortable clothes that are stretchable type
- Wear anti-slip footwear. Some are comfortable with flip flops, some with trekking sandals
- Bring waterproof camera. DSLR is not advisable.
- If available, bring a head-mounted flashlight (the one that can be placed at the forehead). It is fine if to no avail since the guides have their own kerosene lamps

How to Get to Sagada via Public Transport:
1.) Manila-Banaue-Sagada route: Get an Ohyami Bus at Fajardo Street in Sampaloc Manila going to Banaue. Travel time is 9-10 hours (complete bus schedule and fares here). Once in Banaue, get a jeepney going to Sagada. Travel time is 3-4 hours. Jeepney fare is PHP 250.

Manila-Sagada direct route: Get a Coda bus At HM Transport Inc. Terminal in Cubao, Quezon City. Visit their website here for updated schedule of trips. Travel time is 12-13 hours.

ShellyViajera Travel Blog

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