Travel: Sagada -- A First Timer’s Point of View: Adventure Like No Other (Short Version)

“When I left Sagada, I felt like I just broke-up with a boyfriend. The happy memories just keeps playing inside my mind, and tells me to go back.”

All of us were first timers who have no idea where exactly Sagada is or how many hours it will take us to reach the place. The farthest we have gone in Benguet was at Baguio and La Trinidad. We are no mountaineers nor professional photographers. We are just ordinary people who do not have a hobby doing hiking, trekking, and spelunking.

So what made us go to Sagada?

It was because of a conversation I had with my best friend in high school, and it became my dream from then on to go to Sagada, and that dream burned so bright inside my heart that after a few years, when I met Chi, I dragged her along and her mom, Tita Grace to fulfill that dream of mine.

Since we all love nature, the adventure begins...

Day 1:

• Hiking going to Lumiang Burial Cave
  
  

  

  Following Sir James/Awingan to Lumiang Burial Cave.

  

  Listening to Sir James/Awingan's lecture about the cave.

Me (left), Tita Grace (middle) and Chi (right) at Lumiang Cave. Photo taken by James.

• Spelunking at Sumaging Cave

Me (left) and Chi (right) at Sumaging Cave.

Enjoying the water in the "cold spring."

Day 2:

• Hiking on the way to Pongas Falls

Tita Grace (left) and Me (right), crossing the bridge on our way to Pongas Falls. Trying to smile despite the nervousness I was feeling.

Me (left), Tita Grace(middle)  and Chi (right) on our way to Pongas Falls. Photo taken by James/Awingan.

• Sagada Weaving Visit
• Hiking to Echo Valley

Chi (left), Tita Grace (middle), and Me (right) at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church. Photo taken by James/Awingan

• Van Ride going to Sagada Pottery and Lake Danum

Chi (left), Me (middle) and Tita Grace (left) at Lake Danum. Photo taken by James.

• Hiking for Sunset Viewing

Chi on hiking mode on her way to the top.

• Lake Danum Area -- Sunset Viewing

The sunset. What a breathtaking moment.

Day 3:

• Van Ride going to Kiltepan Peak

Tita Grace (left), Me (middle), and Chi (right) while waiting for the sunrise. Photo taken by Manong Renz.

• Orange Picking at Rock Inn
• Departure -- Goodbye Sagada!

Last few words...

I can say that our trip to Sagada made me a better person. Personally, this trip helped me conquer some of my fears. I did things which I did not expect that I will do in my life. 

Chi and I conquered new grounds and we were so happy that we had a great time to experience that one-heck-of-an awesome adventure. Truly, we left a piece of our hearts in this place, and we will surely retrieve those pieces, and leave more pieces of our hearts -- it will be an endless cycle.

Oh by the way, it has been a week since our visit, and, Chi and I are still recovering from our “Sagada Hangover.” I wonder how long the symptoms usually last and how serious it affected us. : )

For the tour/itinerary, thank you to The Sagada Genuine Guides Assocation.

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A list of people to thank for on my first trip to Sagada:

Chi | Photos

James/Awingan | Tour Guide and Photographer

Sir Jake and Manong Renz | Van

SaGGAs | Tour/Itinerary

Victory Liner | Bus

GL/Lizardo | Bus

George Guest House | Breakfast, Lunch & Lodging

Salt & Pepper Diner | Lunch

Masferre Inn and Restaurant | Dinner

Pinikpikan House | Dinner

Yoghurt House | Dessert

Rock Inn and Cafe | Breakfast & Orange Picking

COOP | Lemon & Orange Pies