Popular as a destination of foreign adventurers, Sagada
features caves that can be explored (even by non-experts) with the aid of
local guides, an interesting hike along an underground river, a waterfall and
pool to cool off in after a day of exploring, and a quiet serenity only found
off the beaten path. The forebears of the current residents practiced an
unusual burial practice by hanging and stacking coffins, hewed from tree trunks,
in the limestone karst cliffs and caves near town.
A nice place to stay is the St. Joseph's Guest House run
by the nuns of an Episcopalian convent. They provide comfortable rooms, some
meals, and help locate guides. From Sagada it is a short ride to Bontoc where
you can catch a jeepney to Banaue and its famous rice terraces. At the Bontoc
bus stop, visit the gift shop and pick up a few photos of the mountain tribes
taken by E. Masferé. Once you reach Banaue,
you might want to try hiking to yet another Shangri-la, with fantastic rice
terraces, called Batad. More information about the
northern provinces can be found in the travel section of Tribung Pinoy (link
on home page).
Here's a large map. Thanks Kelly: Sagadamap.jpg (300k)