I Wandered The 8th Wonder of The World: Sagada-Baguio Experience 2017

Start the year right!

After a long series of reschedules, cancellation, arguments, and planning, here we are, finally in Sagada.

I was overjoyed that my high school friends and I were able to gather few people from our own peers after high school. It was awesome how these people managed to bond as if they met each other a long time ago.

Day 1

Touchdown!

It was really nice to wake up to this 15°c weather after an 8 hour-long drive. Our first stop, Banaue Arch, was already packed when we arrived, and their vans' headlights were my cue to take some candid photos.

Zigzag roads, chitchats, and long drive through mountains; this trip was heaven for a city girl. It was a perfect break from the concrete jungle and break lights that conquer the chaotic streets of Manila. Breathing fresh air and the cold weather in replace of the smog and humid weather as if my whole body was having a party through shivers.

No wonder why people called this place as the "Eighth Wonder of The World". These rice terraces I used to see only on my textbooks as a student were actually right in front of me and I couldn't help but the stare at the beautiful scenery. It just saddened me that the concrete houses kinda ruined the view, nevertheless, still caught me in awe. The fact that only human hands crafted these terraces added magic to what human could do to make this world a better place.

We already expected that the food would be a little more expensive compared to Manila but it was completely understood because we were in highlands. Breakfast meal cost 110php.

After breakfast, we headed up straight to Sagada to check-in. We're lucky to have a room with both nice view and easy access to the shops where we can buy food to cook. Our tour guide gave us few hours to settle before our first adventure.

(photo by @stellalcabasa IG)

"The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek." - Joseph Campbell

Sumaguing Cave is one of nature's work of art. I was stoked for this one because finally, spelunking would be ticked on my bucket list! Adventures like trekking and canyoneering made me forget how much I hate physical activities because who would say no to this, right???

My mind was confused as I enter the cave because how was it possible to feel cold and hot all at the same time? Sumaguing Cave gave me As Above So Below feels which kinda scared me so I brushed that off my mind. Don't get me started how extremely cold and dark inside, and yes, it was allegedly a spirit-infested cave. If you're going to Sagada for the first time, never ever leave the place without braving Sumaguing Cave. There was actually another cave called Lumiang Cave. It is a connecting cave after Sumaguing. We weren't able to go there because we were on a tight budget and it would take 4 hours of non-stop walking and balancing. Sumaguing-Lumiang Spelunking costs 400/pax while Sumaging only costs 150/pax. Our tour guide told us that it would just take 2 hrs to explore the whole cave but in reality, it took us 4 friggin' hours!

It was no joke to explore the cave as it was highly dangerous for its slippery and steep rocks. You need to focus on how would you balance yourself through winding steps. The gasoline-powered lamps that were consistently held by the guides were the only light source for the whole trip. The 40 ft deep entrance of the cave proper (yup, you read the right, entrance) could be overwhelming.

Sumaguing Cave is known for its peculiar rock formations, even named by the witty tour guides with their highly imaginative minds.

By the end of the cave, there's a pool that was approximately 70 ft. deep and 10-15 ft. wide. I was hesitant at first but then again, I was already there, I know how to swim, and as far as I know I could bear the cold temperature so why not? The pool didn't have a consistent depth. A part of it could be really shallow, then a meter from that part could be deeper than your hugot. The guide told us to reach the middle when we jump because it was just around 5-6ft. My friends took less than 2 seconds to reach the top. Since I was hesitant, I didn't leap that far and ended up to the deep part.

Say hello to the brave souls of Sumaguing Cave!

Day 1 summary:

-Touchdown! -Sumaguing Cave

Day 2

Woke up at 4am to witness the sea of clouds in Kiltepan View Point in Sagada but the odds weren't in our favor, it's okay because finally, I'm doing this...

Since I became aware of what Sagada could offer, I've been fantasizing to ride on top load jeepney.

It was fun yet tough ride. Bumpy and zigzag wasn't an ideal road when you're riding on the top but if otherwise, where's the fun in that? The mesmerizing thing was we were able to see the 360° view while having the adrenaline rush. (Sorry for the blurred photo)

We had a quick breakfast before heading to Bomod-Ok Falls.

*cue The Ransom Collective's song Fools*

If you're expecting a short walk to Bomod-Ok Falls, then nope, you're mistaken. It took us an hour or two to reach the "Big Falls". But it was paid off because we were rewarded by the amazing view of the rice terraces while trekking.

It was excruciatingly hot which was unexpected because we were in Sagada. Make sure that you're well-dehydrated on your way.

“Death is a natural part of life. Rejoice for those around you who transform into the Force. Mourn them, do not. Miss them, do not. Attachment leads to jealously. The shadow of greed, that is.”

-Master Yoda

This eerie yet fascinating ancient burial of Ifugaos is one of the most unusual cemeteries in the Philippines. It is believed that the higher the coffin, the closer it is to heaven. Not everyone is qualified to be buried here. The qualification is still unclear but an assembly of the elders of the tribe shall be conducted for the decision. This burial tradition is still practiced nowadays but most people prefer to be buried in this Anglican Cemetery. Our tour guide also told us that the there's no burial fee and a body will only be allowed to be buried here as long as you have a family who is a local from Sagada.

Day 2 summary: - Kiltepan (a.k.a the abused site of sagada because of the movie "That Thing Called Tadhana" - Trekking to Bomod-Ok Fall

- Trekking in Echo Village & Hanging Coffins

Day 3

Another early call time to catch sunrise at Highest Peak, Mountain Province. We were greeted by 10°c temperature and the green scenery of mountain ranges.

We almost had an accident on our way to this canteen that offers free coffee. I'm not sure who were awake aside from me and the driver but all I can remember was this black van suddenly appeared from a blind spot that made me scream despite the condition of my voice that day. The scary part was we were the one on the cliff side.

The food in that canteen wasn't that appetizing so we decided to eat in Baguio instead. Nothing much happened in Baguio because everyone was tired already.

Was really delighted to see these bibis at Mines View Park! You can buy these bibis at 50php/cactus or 3 cacti for 100php (without pot). I wanted to buy a lot given the price if only it wasn't hassle to bring them to Manila.