I started my day by eating at Yogurt House again to taste their specialty. I ordered Banana Pancake with Yogurt with Strawberry toppings (48 years i-serve). And I cant agree more, this is superb! Im a fan of pancakes and yogurts, and their versions are one of the best.
Banana Pancake with Yogurt with Strawberry Toppings - I so ♥ it!
I also have this Lemon Pie form Lemon Pie House for my baon. (hindi benta sakin - ang asim! malamang kasi lemon to.) Ü
the famous lemon pie
I got energy and Im now ready for another "no pain no gain" Sagada adventure. As you know, lahat ng beautiful spots here in Sagada, paghihirapan mo muna bago mo makita.
Bomod-ok Falls (aka the Big Falls)
This attraction is as popular as Sumaguing Cave. Lucky me, there are no ongoing rituals at that time - else no one will be allowed to go down there. Rituals are usually made before and after harvest season. Yes, the trail down the falls lets you pass the rice terraces.
This place is 1.5kms away from the municipal hall. In the drop off point, an hour of trekking awaits those who want to see the Big Falls. Tara na!
let's go down the beauty of Sagada The view is spectacular. The trail is easy too (after I did Cave Connection, wala ng mahirap!).
concrete (jungle where dreams are made of) trail Ü
the journey begins
survival of the fittest
the rice terraces - wow!
in the middle of nowhere
Whew, I didn't feel tired at all because I was busy taking photos of the view. The guide said were almost there once the trail became rocky.
the falls is almost there
What's your hobby? Umakyat ng bato!After 1.5 hours of trekking, I finally saw Bomod-ok falls. Wow!
first glimpse of the BIG falls
Water is cold and refreshing. Hadn't I thought that it would make me more tired for the trek going down, I will swim here.
true or falls
After an hour of resting and enjoying the view, it's time to get back.
sleeveless in Sagada
And as always, the way up is the hardest part. Another test of endurance and will power. I realized I didn't throw my tantrums while Im in Sagada. After all, who will care if I complain or pagod nako, My being alone made me overcome this.
This Bomod-ok Falls experience is fulfilling. I know there are many other majestic falls in Pinas but this one's not for everyone to see. Paghihirapan mo muna kasi. I have personally seen a girl, hinihila nalang siya paakyat. 200++ steps going up under the heat of the sun is no joke.
Back in town to eat lunch. I ate at Salt and Pepper (hey, customers can use their computer with internet connection while waiting for the food). At pag gutom ka na, walang hindi masarap!
pig out lunch at Salt and Pepper
At this point, kaya ko pa ba? My legs are starting to feel the cramps. My other concern was pagbalik ko ng Manila umaatikabong sunburn na naman ang pproblemahin ko... But then I decided to continue. Sayang ang 12 hour bus ride ko just to get here. Kaya pa!
Echo Valley and Hanging Coffins
Echo Valley and Hanging Coffins
Getting there, you will pass by:
the church
the wheel of faith
the cemetery
and a little walk
Where's the hard part? Here it comes. The guide pointed where the Hangin Coffins are found. I thought that's it, that we'll be just viewing it from afar. But I was wrong, the guide said we will go down. Seriously?! Look, 80 degress inclined yan- ang steep masyado! The path is not concrete too. One wrong step or may the soil collapse, laglag ako sa bangin for sure.
Are we really going down to those rocks?
Tibay ng loob at lakas ng trip ang kailangan to overcome this complicated, risky, and difficult trail.
the Hanging Coffins, upclose and personal
Did I really go down and risked my life or I just used a telephoto lens to capture that shot?
See for yourself:
buwis buhay just to pose here in the Hanging Coffins
Again, the way up is harder. Another buwis buhay moment. Praise God I made the right steps. FYI, if ever I visit Sagada again, this is the one spot I will never go. One time is enough. Maybe Im just lucky that day I survived Hanging Coffins. Ü
* According to our guide, the Igorots placed their coffins up high because it is near the sky (heaven). Burying this way is actually pricier than burying the conventional way. And just imagine how hard it is to bury someone there. Way of love indeed.
Lake Danum
No hassle / no trekking / no risk in getting here. This is the place to catch sunset. To my surprise, the lake was colored sulfur. The guide said the water here is seasonally changing its color.
the sulfur colored Lake Danum
almost sunset behind the thick fog
Sagada Weaving
Hurriedly went here after Lake Danum to catch Sagada Weaving before it closes.
the way it is done is impressive
But she simply impressed me the most:
Pay attention at all the threads which are attached to her. Amazing!
Ganduyan Museum
Located near the municipal hall. This place is owned by Christina Aben, a curator, an artist, and a cancer survivor. Mrs. Aben speaks English better than my Accent Trainor! Very very fluent without being so maarte and slang. Nosebleed ako! Ü Mrs.Aben shared the very rich culture of their town.
Speak No Evil, See No Evil, Hear No Evil
And the best way to reward myself that day was to have a nice Dinner Buffet at Log Cabin (reservations required).
Buffet Dinner at Log Cabin - round 1 plate
round 2Sarap.
The hearty food and place were rewarding.
Went back to the guesthouse after and made a very sound sleep. Pagodness!
This Surviving Sagada Alone experience is the greatest travel I have made so far. Aside from the very rich culture and tradition of this place, I can't explain how fulfilling and exciting it is to travel alone, specially this place is not an easy breezy kind of destination. Priceless. Actually I never felt alone too because I met a lot of interesting and kind people in this trip. And surely, I will do another Solo Travel in the future. Thank you Lord Jesus for keeping me safe. All glory is Yours!
As my souvenir shirt states:
I Survived Sagada Adventures - Alone! ♥
