When it comes to the scenery of the Philippines, what often first comes to mind for those considering Philippine immigration are the long, pristine beaches of Boracay, the stunning sunsets of El Nido, and the tranquil lifestyle of Siquijor. However, if you think these beautiful islands encompass all the charm of the Philippines, you do not truly understand the country. After immigrating to the Philippines, it is only by stepping into the enchanted realm of Sagada and embarking on a fantastical journey that blurs the lines between reality and illusion that you will truly appreciate the extraordinary allure of the Philippines.
Located in the northern part of Luzon, nestled within the Cordillera mountain range, the small town of Sagada is a leisurely and endearing place. Amidst the dense cedar forests and the rugged limestone terrain lies the beautiful home of the indigenous Igorot people. The wild forests, mysterious hanging coffins, fantastical caves, and the scattered underground rivers, along with the cascading waterfalls that traverse the woods, are the most eye-catching features of this small town.
The beautiful mountain town of Sagada, though not large in size, boasts quite good travel facilities.
[Transportation]
Due to its mountainous location, reaching Sagada is not an easy task, as there are no direct flights to this destination. The nearest airport is in Baguio, the gateway city in northern Luzon.
From Baguio to Sagada, there are several scheduled buses that run before 1:30 PM daily, all of which are ordinary non-air-conditioned buses. The ticket price is approximately 275 pesos. On regular days, the buses often have many available seats, but during peak seasons or events, it is essential to book tickets in advance, or you may find yourself facing a full bus.
Since the journey from Baguio to Sagada is entirely mountainous, the speed is relatively slow; the distance of less than 200 kilometers takes about 6 hours to cover, with two stops along the way where you can buy some snacks.
[Accommodation]
As a tourist city, Sagada, though small, has dozens of hotels of various sizes, most of which are family-run. Although many rooms are not large, they are all quite clean, and the prices are reasonable.
If there are local festivals or events, it is crucial to book accommodation in advance; otherwise, you may end up sleeping on the streets. Every year during the Sagada City Festival, thousands of local tourists flock here, making the already small town feel overcrowded.
[Dining]
Surprisingly, despite its small size, Sagada offers several high-quality dining options. In addition to local Filipino dishes, there are also many exquisite Western restaurants. Upon entering the elegantly decorated dining halls, it is hard to imagine that this is located in a remote mountain town.
