Sa Lupa ng Mga Ninuno (Into the Land of the Ancestors)
Travel and Visit Beautiful Philippines Today!

Written by: Debbie Salcedo
03/19/05

Title: Sa Lupa ng Mga Ninuno (Into the Land of the Ancestors)
About: Travel and Tourism Philippines

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Along the Beaten Trail

Farther up Sagada can be found waterfalls where tourists can brave the cold water for a dip in the natural pool. Bomod-ok, other wise known as the "Big Falls" flows through underground rivers bubbling through Sumaging Cave and on to the lower valleys.

Vacationers may also wish to visit the Bokong Falls,a much closer point of interest from Sagada which only takes about 25 min walk to a small falls perfect for a short relaxation.

Ganduyan Museum offers a modest collection of preserved antiquities for history and anthropology buffs while the Sagada Weaving Shop will do nicely for those who would like to purchase souvenirs and samples of the town’s handicrafts.

Echo Valley provides a perfect vantage point for photographer’s who would like a nice view of the hanging coffins on the cliff’s face.

Just a few kilometers past Sagada weaving can be found the Matangkib Caves and Latang Underground River where burial grounds may also be found. Lamps, guides and scuba equipment may be necessary if planning to explore the underground river.

Sagada’s version of the famed Banaue Rice Terraces can be found at Kiltepan Terraces. A spectacular view of rice terraces constructed solely from mud and stones.

For that extra step back in time, Gueday Village is an interesting village where villagers have stone calendars and Stonehenge-like rocks used to predict the start of planting season.

Staying in Sagada

Quaint Inns and guest houses are fast becoming one of the more lucrative business in the area. St. Joseph’s Rest House which is run by Episcopalian nuns offer rooms that range from $3 to a little over $10 for the villa-type accommodations.

Masferre Inn rooms range between $3-$6 for an overnight stay. Healthy meals may also be had at the inn café for a very nominal fee of about $2.00 per person. Most of the dishes served come with fresh, crisp vegetables. Tourists may also purchase copies of photos taken of native Igorots by the father of Philippine photography, Eduardo Masferre.

Souvenirs like wooden figurines, hand-woven bags, potent native rice wine (tapey,) strawberry wine, and jars of different fruit preserves may be bought from stores lining the main street.

It is best to prepare all the cash you will need as there are no ATMs or credit card facilities in Sagada.

The main mode of transport is to use your own two feet. For more relaxed sightseeing, jeepneys may be hired for a minimal fee to bring you on a tour around town and the neighboring vicinities of Bontoc and Banaue.

An exploration of culture, history, and more, Sagada is definitely not just your ordinary tourist spot.

And yes, I have returned.

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