Sagada is one of the top tourist destinations in the Philippines. It is famous for the Hanging Coffins and its cave connections. Popular activities include trekking, spelunking, visiting historical sites, and participating in tribal celebrations. Really exciting activities but too bad for me, I just can’t do any of them on this visit. These activities are best done in groups to save up on the tourist guide fees. Yes, you might be a daredevil but guides are necessary (even mandatory, I assume) to explore the caves for security reasons. Also, you will need at least 2 days to maximize your visit in Sagada.

So, what the hell am I doing here?

No particular reason actually. I am on a road trip exploring the Inner Loop. It passes through Baguio, Bontoc, and Banaue. Five hours ago on this trip, I traversed Halsema Highway leaning side to side as I negotiated the twisties of Benguet and Mountain Province all the while taking quick glances on the scenic view that never gets old turn after turn. 

Sagada is a municipality of Mt. Province.

the Bontoc-Sagada junction in Sabang viewed shortly after going up Staunton Road.

From the Sabang junction, Sagada is still about 10 kms away with some rough roads and minor erosion on Staunton Road. Upon reaching Sagada, you are required to proceed to the Tourist Assistance Office to register in the visitors log. It’s a good assurance that when you get lost in the caves or mountains, you’ll be found… dead or alive :p Of course that’s on the pretense that you don’t get skewered by some tribesmen and offered to their gods. Haha! Relax, no such thing would happen. The tribe warriors are too busy with their iPads. Yes, the locals are no longer that primitive in their ways.

Here are some info posted you can check after registering. This is as of  was taken March 2012.

a tourist map of Sagada

“Involves a lot of Walking” adventure packages

daily trips

where to stay

Green!! very refreshing to the eyes

Hanging coffins viewed from the south road

The Kapay-aw Terraces near Sumaguing Cave

Lunch at the Yoghurt House

the Centennial Wheel

I tried going to the Echo Valley but I realized that I lost track of time and I have already stayed 3 hours marveling at the wonders of Sagada.. and that’s just staying on the major roads.

I’m looking for a shirt that says “I went to Sagada just to buy this lousy shirt”

1400H on my way to Bontoc coming from Sagada

Still a long way to go!

It’s already 2 o’clock in the afternoon and I am still 440 kms away from home and I have dozens of landslides waiting for me en route to Banaue. I became worried when it dawned to me that I only have 4 hours of daylight left To make matters worse, 1 of the 2 bulbs of my headlight is busted and my auxiliary light is not working.. One out of three lights working doesn’t really make the odds in my favor. Regardless, I have to haul my ass outta there.

“Igorot on Board” is a three-part series of my 22-hour Inner Loop adventure ride in the Cordilleras on March 2012.