Preview of Cordillera's Rice Terraces

On our way back to Manila from Sagada, we chose the Ifugao-Nueva Vizcaya route instead of passing Baguio City. It was another zigzagging traverse of the Cordillera roads, with views of mountains and pine trees. Yet Halsema highway would not be included on the world's most dangerous highways, if not for ravines and rock/mud slides we've encountered on a rainy roadtrip.

Aside from various waterfalls which I have no opportunity to take good photos, we have also seen many rice terraces, where we made two stops along the way. The first one is at Bay-Yo Rice Terraces in Bontoc, Mountain Province above.

Spelunking on Lumiang & Sumaging Caves

Tired of the trails and views on top of the mountains? Going under the ground is a good break, to literally see what is beneath us. One of the major draws of Sagada is spelunking, or exploring its 3 interconnected caves. With 6 known entrance/exit points, Sagada caves are considered as the deepest caves in the country with lowest vertical drop of 163 m.

I booked a Lumiang-Sumaging cave connection tour which costs Php 400/head, minimum of 2 persons with a guide for every 5 clients. I thought that I would do the tour alone, but I was surprised that Mr. A from our seminar decided to join me. Our guide Joey (0919-2151096) is the VP of SAGGAS, one of the two guide associations in Sagada.

Sights of Sagada and Besao in Mt. Province

Sagada is on my bucket list of the must-see places in the country. Our group left Manila at night of 27 June 2013, hoping for a nice weekend weather despite the onset of rainy season. Below is one of the many nice views along the road as we entered Mountain Province.

The town’s poblacion is small, with the new municipal building on the center of various inns and restaurants. 

My Stay and Food Experience in Sagada

For a small poblacion in Cordillera region, the town of Sagada in Mountain Province has a lot to offer to tourists. Allow me to share my experience with these establishments in the area.

George Guesthouse

Our group of about 30 people stayed in the neighboring hostels of Canaway and George guesthouses. Above left photo shows the facade of George Guesthouse. The rock on the right photo is along the road to the caves and Mt. Ampacao.

Solo Dawn Hike to Mt. Ampacao in Sagada

While on a seminar in Sagada, Mountain Province, I managed to squeeze a hike on the town's highest mountain. But to do that, I have to wake up at 4:00 am to start my trek by 4:30 am from the guest house. Understandably, it was all dark and quiet, as only a few souls are awake at that time.

It was a peaceful and not-so-cold early morning of 29 June 2013. I did not wore my jacket, but I brought my disposable raincoat, in case it rains. Though its dark and I'm unfamiliar with the trail, I felt no fear, except for those aggressive dogs who I thought would bite me as they got near my path.