Sagada, Mountain Province, Philippines

Where: Sagada, Mountain Province, CAR, Philippines
Who: The Wanderlustin' couple
When: Feb 2014
What: Just a little relaxation out of the busy city
For more pics and info about our trip in Sagada, Mountain Province click read more

Sagada is a municipality in the Mountain Province with population around 11,000 as per 2010 census. Located 275 kilometres (171 mi) north of Manila. Geographically, it is almost 2 and a half kilometers above sea level enveloped around Central Cordillera Mountains having a very cool temperature.


How to get there?

Manila - Baguio - Sagada

Bus from Manila to Baguio which takes 6 hours or less and another bus ride from Baguio to Sagada. There are bus companies in that has a "First-class bus" (with Wifi, snacks, chargers and more space - for a little more extra cost of couse, but still!) for that 6 hour bus ride. Then once in Baguio, go to Dangwa terminal for the 5 hour Sagada bus ride.

By private vehicle, but this option personally would not be recommended because of few reasons: too long for drive, vehicle must be well maintained, costly gasoline, and even locals disagree since it blocks their roads and causes more traffic as opposed to public transport.

Where to stay?

Being up in the mountainous province there are no luxurious hotels but maybe few 2-star small hotels. Another option are the 'home-stay' where you stay with locals and also other travelers, you are sure to win a friend, but if you prefer tranquility, home-stay is not recommended as you have to share bathrooms, common areas etc. Just research on which lodge you want, if they have hot water (some lodges/homestay does and some doesn't have and it is freezing cold in the mornings). We stayed in a small lodge with its own balcony and private toilet/ bathroom with hot water for just less than 1,000php a night. 

Mr & Mrs Wanderlust's Reviews

Kanip-Aw Pines View Lodge

• In the secluded part of Sagada, with a very nice view of the cliffs and pine trees, where you feel cold breeze
  
• Has its own private bathroom and hot shower in their rooms (not so much inns in Sagada have this.)
  
• Room has balcony with nice view of cliffs and trees
  
• Wooden room finish makes it cabin like and cozy
  
• Walking distance from famous food places and town center
  
• Quiet, Peace, Calm are the best words to describe the stay

***Rating:

Price:  $ (700 php - 1,500 php per night) 
Service: 3 star
Facilities & Amenities: 3 star
Restaurant (foods): 3 star
Bar: n/a
________________________________
Overall: 4.3 / 5

What to do?

In Sagada, you can organize the trip DIY (Do It Yourself) trip. 

From Marlboro Country, Bomod-ok Falls, Lumiang Cave, Lake Danum, Pottery House, Kiltepan Viewpoint, Pongas Falls, Sagada Weaving and a lot more!

** Just make sure to check and register with the local tourist registration stall just in the middle of town usually around the area where the bus arrives.

Pricing:

Pricing is pretty standard in Sagada, and to avoid being ripped off, you can go straight to the town centre they have clear pricing for guides and going to places. Guides are recommended because you don't want getting lost in the middle of mini jungles of mountain province. 

Transport Cost (Bus Ride to Baguio) - 600php one way standard bus / 750php First class bus with wifi & toilet
Transport Cost (Bus ride to Sagada) - 250php one way standard bus
Accommodations range from 300php a night - 1,200php a night.
Food is not so expensive 200php per head per meal is enough, bonus is the freshest veggies and yummy Sagada Rice.