Surviving Sagada Alone

Looks like everyone guessed my destination correctly.

Yes devils and darlings, I traveled SAGADA alone!

Sagada is not an easy breezy, chillax, tamang senti destination. As I said, I will travel alone to risk more to enjoy more. No need for soul searching, my soul is at peace with Jesus. Ü But I never thought this place awaits me exciting (and risky) activities.

To start with, I googled a Sagada Map. I always search for a map before I make my itinerary. Know your route so you can maximize your time.

Sagada Map - by P.M. Stephens

And of course, read, read, and read blog and forums. This blog's the most helpful- http://sagadagenuineguides.blogspot.com/ - two thumbs up for Gareth, he compiled all the details. Everything you need is there: from the fares, schedules, different routes, accommodation, tours, etc.

A 20 hour bus ride would never be a problem for me, but the Baguio-Sagada road is totally different. I didn't expect 6-hours of non-stop letter S turns, U turns, and W turns! haay, got very dizzy. And after 5 hours - i threw up (yes, nagsuka ako). Eeww and Awww :(

At this point, I really felt Im alone. Felt a bit sad, but I kept calling Jesus' name. And after 12 hours travel by land- I reached Sagada. Ginawness, but tolerable even below 15 degrees coldness.

I stayed at George Guest House Annex. Usually, the guests have to share a room with other guests. But here, I had my own room, own CR, sala, fireplace, and kitchen for the same rate because no one else is staying in the basement. Travel alone indeed!

George Guest House Annex

Good thing I have my own room. Makalat kasi ako.

harmony in chaos

Howkey, Sagada tour proper. Let me start with the Kiltepan for sunrise viewing. Too bad the sun didn't showcase his rays as the thick fog blocked them. Sorry, no sunrise shot.

Twilight Scene

Im not disappointed at all, the view is still breath taking.
A good breakfast is next. A must do in Sagada is to eat at Yogurt House so I didnt miss this chance.

Yogurt House

I ordered a Beef Rice Meal instead of the best seller pancakes and yogurt. I need a rice meal first, kelangan ko ng lakas. Ü

Beef Rice Meal with Mountain Tea (48 years i-serve)

Hhmm, serving is big. Beef is tasty. I think it's pricey for P150.
Alright, here comes my favorite part of the Sagada trip:

Cave Connection (Lumiang and Sumaguing Cave)
* shots taken from my point and shoot

What's the difference? Spelunking Sumaguing Cave will take you 2 hours. While Lumiang and Sumaguing will take you at least 4 hours to finish. Lumiang is more adventurous than Sumaguing. It is also part of the Philippine's deepest caving system. Whoa! Many will just settle for Sumaguing alone, but because I want extreme challenges for extreme fulfillment, I did and survived both Lumiang and Sumaguing! Ü

I left Harvey (my DSLR) in the guesthouse and carry Vincent (my point and shoot) in the cave. Btw, I had a pair of gloves which I accidentally bought in Hidalgo while waiting for Henry's shop to open. Im very thankful I had that gloves else tanggal lahat ng fingerprints ko kakahawak ng sharp stones sa cave.

Another thing, since paying for the rent of van and guide fees alone is expensive, I joined a group. The group I joined are doing their team building. Sosyal pala ng mga taga CDR-King. Hello peeps, nice meeting you all! Ü

Let's start spelunking!

Lumiang Cave

goodbye light and...

let's enter the dark side

At first I was always surprised where the guide would be taking us. I will stop for a while and ask the guide "seriously?!". Puro bangin kasi, and the way he was pointing to seemed impossible to pass. One wrong step and your head will hit the sharp stones (ok lang for me kasi dala ko Medicard ko!).


My flexibility and lakas ng damdamin were tested here. Akyat dito, rapel dun, lusot dito, split and all!

It's hard but I enjoyed it - a lot! ♥

for this stunt, i stepped over to a guide's shoulder. he lifted me until i reached the rope. i have to pull myself up.

just imagine kung nalaglag ako. haha

lusot kung lusot

split kung split si kuya guide

After 3 hours, the guide said we're halfway. Seriously?! Halfway palang? But this time, we finally reached Sumaguing cave. Thank God, I still dont have any bruises. Big thanks sa gloves and the leggings that I wore.

Sumaguing Cave

Sumaguing Cave offers more beautiful rock formation. The colors are amazing too. And the "stunts" are easier. After I've passed Lumiang, easy na ang Sumaguing- except for the spot where you will have to swim through the 12 degrees cold water (chest level). That is very challenging to me.

swim through the 12 degrees cold water

No Pain No Gain - Sagada Adventure! Here's the reward..

wonderful Sumaguing attraction

beautiful rock formations

strike a pose kahit giniginaw na yung lungs ko

Finally, it's almost done. But the most difficult part is still yet to come: the way up! The way is slippery and steep. I so love my japeyks Crocs which also survived my Pinatubo trek. Never ako nadulas.

And after 6 hours of spelunking, Im out of the cave alive! Thank you Lord!
True enough, this is the trademark attraction in Sagada. I might regret if I didn't do this Cave Connection. I extremely enjoyed it!

with CDR King peeps

Btw, guess who my tour guide is: none other than Gareth (09295569553)- the ultimate Sagada guide. He is the author of http://sagadagenuineguides.blogspot.com/

with Gareth - the ultimate Sagada guide

thank you for taking my shots, and goodluck in your studies. wag babarkda sa likod ng trinity ha. Ü

I have no plans of taking a bath at night in Sagada but I have no choice. The mud and dirt are all over me. Good thing there's hot water in the guest house.

After taking a bath, what else could be more rewarding than having a big dinner at Log Cabin. I met 3 ladies here. Hi Leidy, Jo, and Jr! Nice meeting you!

Log Cabin

very delicious creamy pasta with chicken breast

Click here for the 2nd part of this series.