Sagada is our next stop right after Buscalan. Moreover, Sagada will be second to Baguio being the well-known destination up North especially in the Cordilleras. Unfortunately, not all travels meant to be perfect as planned due to unforeseen factors especially the weather and our desire to rests peacefully  (tulog is life)  for a day since we’ve got so much wooz during the tour in Buscalan. And yes, we’ve missed a lot of areas in our itinerary (haha).

Sagada is approximately two hours from Buscalan and one and a half from the capital, Bontoc. One of the municipality in Mountain Province and has become famous in recent years due to influence of local movies and series. Who would have forget the movie that made this place even more popular in thing so called “soul searching”? This movie has become a box office success after being showed in big cinemas nationwide that was initially intended for small screen independent film festival so to speak. That Thing Called Tadhana grossed Php 134 million in 2014 and started the “hugot” feels movies trilogies.

Sagada has a lot to offer for tourists especially for those who wants to escape a hot steaming temperature in the metro. It has consistent subtropical highland climate ranging from 17-20 degrees Celsius that is relatively low compared to what we have in Metro Manila and nearby provinces in North and South Luzon. Sagada is one popular place for adventurers and wanderers. Famous for its hanging coffins, Sagada can be a perfect place for nature hopping such as spelunking and mountain climbing.

Blue Soil Hills

Known as Kaman-utek in local term, this place is a worthy spot to visit while in Sagada. Normally, this is the last destination right after you hike for Marlboro Country or the Kamanbaneng Peak where you can see the “sea of clouds” that unfortunately, we have not done and experience.  Anyhow, at least we were able to visit this famous “Blue Soil Hills” after 30-45 minutes trekking. You won’t get lost after all since a trail path were made respectively to guide you directly going to the area. But better as well to ask for a tour guide for safety.

The blue-green hue of this landscape makes it different from its surroundings. Do not wonder so much why because science has an answer to that. The soil in this particular area has a rich copper sulfate content and actually safe for human exposure. Pitcher plant, grass and pine trees are still growing all around despite of its condition. Our tour guide actually prohibits us to come near close since it caused a lot of damage to the soil. In fact, that’s true. You can observed a slight erosion in some parts.

Sumaging Cave

Adrenaline rush! That is one thing to describe my experience going in and out of this cave. It’s actually my first time to do caving or spelunking so far and I thought it would not be that bad (haha). But hey! Good thing I’m always ready for situation like this and survived the trail. Climbing back down to see its hidden beauty was difficult and absolutely quicker in climbing up back. Entry and exit point is the same and that would same slippery experience but it’s totally fun! I’m noticing myself being competitive enough and became tremendously tougher. Because it’s typically cold inside, you can also observed a condensation or a smoke when you breathe (feels like a K-drama experience).

Sumaging Cave dubbed as “The Big Cave” because of its huge chamber that connects a total of 60 caves of the town. Inside is splendid rock formations that comes in different shapes. Major highlights as well is the stalagmite and stalactites that was formed millions of years ago.

Trail is divided into three phases. Phase 1 is to reach the bottom of the steep. A strange smell of bat-poop was vivid in this area. Phase 2 is where you can see now the rock formations, stalactites and stalagmites. Mandatory to remove those gorgeous sleepers, sandals and shoes to protect the landscape in this area as you go down to Phase 3 that called the tunnel. You can swim in a freezing cold water in chambers.

Being able to experience how tough it is, I would like to share some helpful tips and reminders that could probably help as you do your own Sumaging adventures too.

Ilocos a blast from the past!

Summer - April 2018. It was a short trip to Ilocos Region on a 3 days and 2 night’s tour as a joiner. I bet it is cheaper, easy on the pocket and very reasonable especially if we have same wavelength, solo and a backpacker. Tons of travel agencies are existing out there and they are offering similar tours at the same value. Facebook has evolved already as market place with all sort of things including travels so you can find plenty of them.

Make sure to read reviews and check badge or any proof like counts of likers and followers and even site or page impression. So thanks to Facebook, my Ilocos trip became a reality. The good thing about being a joiner is that, transportation, accommodation, tours and even the food (sometimes exclusive in the package) are inclusive. All you need to do is to pay and enjoy!

One of the best destinations in the Northern Luzon is perhaps the llocos Region. Approximately (8) eight hours away from the Metro via bus and van or you can reach Ilocos via plane bound to Laoag International Airport, the only airport in the northernmost by geographical location. Ilocandia is located in the northwestern coast of Luzon Island.

Pagudpud, Laoag, and Vigan are the three must see places in Ilocandia. Pagudpud and Laoag are in Ilocos Norte while Vigan is in Ilocos Sur. From a budget of not less than Php 3,000.00, you will be able to see these three main attractions in the region. You will need to add Php 2,000.00+ perhaps for souvenir shopping and other activities exclusive on the tour package.

The tour begins from North to South so Pagudpud and Laoag are the first places to visit and Vigan in the South will be the last day before heading back to Manila.

Pagudpud

Town in the northern coast of Ilocos Norte and the farthest among the three. This spot is a safe haven for beach lovers and surfers due to its unique location facing the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) where waves are strong. Pagudpud is rich and known for its wide long stretch white sand beaches. Must see visit here is the Bangui Windmills, 20 units of 70 meters long wind turbines and one of Southeast Asia’s biggest wind farms after Burgos wind farm. 40-50% of Ilocos Norte’s electricity power are coming from the wind turbines that provides sustainability in lowering the carbon emission footprints.

Hannah’s Beach Resort and Blue Lagoon, one of the emerging top spot destination in Ilocos Norte is also located in Pagudpud and a true crown jewel. This is a seven-hectare exclusive resort surrounded with majestic mountain and cliffs and the turquoise water.

Laoag

The capital of Ilocos Norte, the center of political, education, commercial and industrial hub. Laoag is among the oldest and ancient city in the country, originally founded in the late 1500’s but city hood abound in 1965. Bordering by the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), it is one of the largest cities in the region of Ilocos. Tour heritage sites is of the main attractions in the city featuring Spanish colonial structures, the St. Augustine Church also known as Paoay Church, a baroque church and one of the UNESCO World Heritage Site which was completed after 16 years since the groundbreaking in 1694 until finally done in 1710.

Trip to Laoag without able to experience the La Paz Sand Dunes would not be worth it. La Paz Sand Dunes is among official tourist attractions in the city. This is a protected sandy coastal and beach with 85 square kilometer range.

Vigan

Founded during the Spanish regime in the Philippines, Vigan is one of the oldest city in the country. Vigan is among the UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was the home of old Spanish colonial towns featuring Spanish ancient architecture that survives over the (4) four centuries. Founded in 1572, Vigan has officially became a city in 2001 and in 2015; it was recognized as one of the New 7 wonders cities in the world. Saint Paul's Metropolitan Cathedral and Calle Crisologo are the best top spots in Vigan.

Ilocos Norte