Cover image via PinayWanderWoman
If many of Philippines's famous beaches can be found in Visayas and Mindanao, its forests up north will also leave you breathless
**There are many ways to reach Sagada from Manila.** You can go there directly straight from Quezon City via [CODALINES] (http://codalines.com). I didn't have a lot of time but I also wanted to see Banaue as a side trip so I chose the following route: *Manila-Banaue; Banaue-Sagada; Sagada-Baguio; Baguio-Manila*
This trip, although very quick, that I had in Banaue and Sagada was one of my favorites. I shared it with my Russian and Colombian friends and it was one of those trips where I was really close to nature.
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[Ohayamitrans] (http://ohayamitrans.com/book-now.html.) offers a bus trip from Manila to Banaue so I booked a one way ticket. I suggest you book in advance to avoid any inconvenience especially if you only have a few days to spend.
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**There are many cheap hostels (250php per night) and tour options in Banaue**, but most of them include a large group of around 16 people and only takes half of the day which is very quick. If you prefer to go cheaper and go at your own pace, find travel buddies of around 3 people or less, hire a private tricycle, and divide the cost among yourselves.
Go on a challenging but fun trail hike to the [Batad] (http://wikitravel.org/en/Batad) community where you will see astonishing rice terraces and experience the cool waters of Tappiya falls which is by far the biggest and most refreshing waterfall I have seen in the Philippines
Along the way, there are restaurants that will allow you to eat hefty while resting your tired feet and enjoying the view at the same time.Afterwards, head straight to *Banaue* Rice Terraces View Point to mingle with the *Angyans* (natives of Banaue) and satisfy yourselves gazing at even more beautiful rice terraces.
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**The next day, just find your way to the central terminal of Banaue to be able to catch the earliest trip to Sagada.** There are several public vans that are available but I recommend that you ride on top of the jeepney. Make sure to bring clothes to keep you warm/dry and be prepared for drizzles, heavy fog, cold wind and stunning views of the mountains, trees, rivers and more waterfalls from a distance!
In Sagada, we stayed in Isabelo's Inn which was clean and very cozy*
The inn is right in front of the tourist information office and is just around 200 meters away from the bus station. Spend the day at a very cheap and nice price of 250php per night.
*Contact No.: 09289517153
There are many activities to choose from which require a tour guide for safety and also to avoid yourselves from getting lost
The activities I recommend are the following:
1. Spelunking in **Sumaguing, Lumiang** or **Crystal Caves** which was by far the most impressive and biggest cave I have seen and the longest spelunking I have ever done since it took us 4 hours or so to complete. This activity will test your stamina and adventurous spirit.
2. Walking and trekking tour of the cemetery and the hanging coffins, **Bomok-od falls and Pongas falls**.
3. Trekking to see the sunset at **Kiltepan Viewpoint**
4. Shopping around for local products. I suggest you buy a handmade woven backpack as a souvenir for 800php to 900php.
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All tour options are found in [Sagada's Tourist Information Center] (http://sagada.org/tourism) and costs depend on the kind of tour you choose. You can do more adventures for sure if you stay longer.
**Sagada's local coffee and food is amazing.** Apart from the unforgettable adventures, **a trip to Sagada is not complete without the satisfying and delicious menus at Yoghurt House and Lemon Pie House**.
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Get a taste of a local dish called Pinikpikan (battered chicken). The taste may not appeal to everybody but it is still worth trying since it's part of local culture.
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And just to add to that, I would like to mention the amazing Filipino band called *Pinikpikan* (now known as *Kalayo*) for its contribution to Philippines's indie music community. A personal favorite is a song called *Isip Bitaw*. I included the link from YouTube below so that you get a taste of their unique craft.
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It's a natural high for me each time I go watch them live. I always find myself dancing and sometimes even helping them out (haha) in one of their performances.
"Like" their Facebook [page] (https://www.facebook.com/kalayomusic/?fref=ts) to get updated of their gigs. Their gig will let you experience one of the best modern Filipino ethnic songs live. Definitely a beautiful and euphoric experience.
Anyway, back to the trip.
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I am sure that most of you would wish you could stay much longer in Banaue and Sagada
But if and when you do decide to head back to the city, I suggest taking the last afternoon trip at 1 o'clock from Sagada to Baguio which takes around 6 hours.
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From Baguio, I headed home to Metro Manila bringing with me all the beautiful memories. =)
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