Sagada, Mountain Province

Rice Terraces

Sunset

Sagada is a 5th class municipality in the province of Mountain Province, Philippines. According to the latest census, it has a population of 10,930 people in 2,158 households.
It is located 275 km. north of Manila, 140 km. from Baguio, and it is adjacent to Bontoc, the provincial capital.
Sagada is famous for its "hanging coffins". This was a traditional way of burying people that is not utilized anymore. Not anyone was qualified to be buried this way; one had to, among other things, be married and have grandchildren.
Popular activities include trekking, exploring both caves and waterfalls, spelunking, bonfires, picnics, rappelling, visiting historical sites, nature hikes, and participating in tribal  celebrations. Guides can be found upon registration at the tourist-office in Sagada Proper (the main town) for a small fee.

Sea Of Clouds

  Geography

Sagada is nestled in a valley at the upper end of the Malitep tributary of the Chico River some one and a half kilometers above sea level in the central Cordillera; enveloped between the main Cordillera Ranges and the Ilocos Range. Mt. Data in the south and Mt. Kalawitan in the southeast pierce the horizon. Mt. Polis, Bessang and Mt. Tirad in the east, and Mt. Sisipitan in the north mark the Mountain Province - Abra boundary.

Climate and Crops

 The climate and crops are like those of Baguio and Benguet: cabbage, tomatoes, green pepper, potatoes, carrots, beans, and other temperate products. Between 1882 and 1896, the Spanish colonizers introduced Arabica coffee: a source of income since the American occupation. Citrus, mainly lemon, lime and Valencia oranges were introduced from Spain by Jaime Masferre to provide the needs of American missionaries and employees of the Mission of Saint Mary the Virgin. During the American Period, the Americans introduced products like strawberries, apples, and pine trees, due to its cold, lowland climate.

Basic Culture

Basic culture refers to the indigenous culture before the establishment of a Spanish Mission in 1882. As an ili or village, Sagada was founded by a man, Biyag, from Bika in Eastern Abra. The people from Bika were forced out of their ili by raiding headhunters. Biyag's family resettled in Candon but when baptism or the giving of names was enforced, Biyag'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. Biyag pushed further to the east until he came to what is now Sagada.

Places of Interest

Rice Terraces, Sagada

Some varieties of Coffee from Sagada.

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

• Sumaguing and Lumiang Caves
• Bomod-ok and Bokong Falls
• Rice terraces
• Echo Valley
• Kiltepan Tower
• Underground River
• Lake Danum
• Hanging Coffins

Getting There

Baguio-Sagada route takes about 6 hours on a fairly good weather by trail motorbikes and if coming from Banaue, the ride takes 2-3 hours. By Mountainbiking, although rides can take up to two days, the views of thick forested mountains and waterfalls just few steps along the sides of the roads are best sights to enjoy. If you prefer the comfort of your vehicle, 4WD cars are excellent for the rocky unconcreted roads of Cordillera. Low cars are not recommended as deep soft muds and landslides can easily occur on bad weather. Check the condition of the roads with hotels in Baguio or Banaue before heading to Sagada. There are daily bus routes from either Baguio or Banaue but be sure you are brave enough to take such adventure. Another option locals are more used too is by jeepney. Take note that Banaue-Sagada route although closer is mainly rough roads while Baguio-Sagada has rough roads almost the same distance as Banaue-Sagada route.

Banaue Hotel