Journey into Sagada: Exploring Caves, Coffins, and Culture in the Heart of the Philippine Highlands

Sagada

Nice City For Activities;

Sagada is a picturesque town in the mountain province of Luzon, Philippines. Known for its stunning landscapes, unique culture, and outdoor activities, Sagada has become a popular destination for both local and international tourists. Here are some key features of Sagada

1. Geography:

   • Sagada is situated in the Cordillera Central mountain range in northern Luzon.
   • It is characterized by lush greenery, scenic hills, and deep ravines.

2. Tourist Attractions:

   • Hanging Coffins: One of the most iconic attractions, Sagada is known for its traditional burial practices where coffins are placed on cliffs or in caves.
   • Sumaguing Cave: A famous cave system with impressive rock formations, stalactites, and stalagmites. Cave connection tours are available for adventurous visitors.
   • Bomod-Ok Falls: A beautiful waterfall surrounded by terraced rice fields, accessible through a trekking trail.
   • Echo Valley: Named for its natural echo, it's another location where hanging coffins can be found.
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3. Cultural Practices:

   • The indigenous Igorot people inhabit Sagada, and their culture is an essential part of the town's identity.
   • Aside from the hanging coffins, other cultural practices include rituals and dances that showcase the traditions and beliefs of the community.
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4. Outdoor Activities:

   • Sagada offers various outdoor activities such as trekking, spelunking, and rock climbing.
   • The town's cool climate makes it an ideal destination for those seeking a break from the lowland heat.
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5. Climate:

   • Sagada enjoys a cool and temperate climate due to its elevation. The weather is relatively cooler compared to other parts of the Philippines.
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6. Local Cuisine:

   • Visitors can enjoy local delicacies like pinikpikan (chicken soup), etag (smoked mountain ham), and other traditional Igorot dishes.
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7. Accessibility:

   • Sagada is accessible by road, and the journey offers scenic views of the mountains and rice terraces.
   • The travel time from Manila to Sagada is around 12 hours by bus or private vehicle.

8. Accommodations:

   • The town has various accommodations ranging from homestays to guesthouses and inns. It's advisable to book accommodations in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.

If you want see ınteresting place you visit SAGADA because this place have more activites and hanging coffins... Sadaga province of the mountain province Philippines and is a fifth class municipality in the province. Sagada located north of Manila and Baguio and adjacent to Bontoc and weather is 22-23 C in yearly

Activities On The Sagada

What can you do in the Sagada?  You can popular activities include trekking, exploring both caves and waterfalls, spelunking, bonfires, picnics, rappelling, visiting historical sites, nature hikes, and participating in tribal celebrations. If you want guides can be found upon registration at the tourist-office in Sagada Proper for a small fee.

Famous
What is famous in the Sagada ?
Sagada has famous for its hanging coffins. Still they have is a traditional way of burying people that is still utilized. But not everyone is qualified to be buried this way; among other things, one had to have been married and had grandchildren.

Sagada province has many natural wonders. Backpackers and tourists can enjoy the waters of Bokong and Bomod-ok Falls and other places that can be visited are:

• Bomod-ok and Bokong Falls

This beautiful waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery and offers a refreshing trek to reach it. The trek is an excellent way to experience the natural beauty of Sagada.

• Marlboro Mountain

The Marlboro Hills are known for their vast, rolling hills and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The landscape is characterized by green hills and a picturesque scenery, making it a popular trekking destination. It's possible that people colloquially refer to this area as "Marlboro" due to its scenic beauty, but it's not an official name for any specific mountain.

• Hanging Coffins

One of the most distinctive features of Sagada is the presence of hanging coffins, a traditional burial practice where coffins are placed on cliffs. This practice is believed to bring the deceased closer to the heavens.

• Rice terraces

• Echo Valley

The Echo Valley is another location where hanging coffins can be found, and the valley gets its name from the echoing sounds that can be heard when you shout. It's a scenic area surrounded by cliffs and greenery.

• Kiltepan Tower

A popular spot to witness the sunrise, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

• Lake Danum

• Mount Ampacao

• Sumaguing and Lumiang Caves

Sagada is home to numerous limestone caves, with Sumaguing Cave being the most popular. It offers spelunking opportunities, and exploring the cave reveals impressive rock formations.

How do You get to Sagada?

There are multiple ways to get to Sagada. Traveling to the western side of the country is slightly more convenient due to the number of buses leaving Manila for Baguio City in a day. Traveling via the eastern side gives you less options but gets you to Sagada earlier.

General History Info;

According to legend, Sagada was founded as an ili or village by Biag, a man from Bika in eastern Abra. The people from Bika were forced out of their ili by raiding headhunters. Biag's family resettled in Candon but when baptism or the giving of names was enforced, Biag's family chose to move back toward the mountains in search for a settlement. Along the way, he and his siblings decided to part ways. A brother, Balay, chose to return to Candon, a sister to Abra. Another brother settled along the upper Abra River. Biag pushed further to the east until he came to what is now Sagada.

Perhaps for lack of transportation and willing guides, few conquistadors set foot in Sagada during the Spanish Era, and a Spanish Mission was not founded until 1882. As a result, it is one of a few places that has preserved its indigenous culture with little Spanish influence.