Final December earlier than Christmas, we spent nearly every week in Sagada simply to benefit from the cooler climate. This beautiful city within the Mountain Province might be the closest place you may get to experiencing winter within the Philippines. At any charge, it’s all the time a respite from the summer time warmth. The cooler temperatures within the months of November to February dip to lows of 15°, although the typical temperature all yr round is eighteen°, which is wonderful contemplating the 40° warmth index we’re presently experiencing in Manila.
Sagada provides an incredible vacation spot for outside fanatics, with adventures like spelunking, mountaineering to waterfalls, mountaineering, and extra. Since we had carried out many of the customary excursions throughout earlier journeys and motorcycled from Manila to Sagada and again in 2019 earlier than the pandemic lockdowns, we determined to deliver bikes on our newest journey as soon as Sagada reopened to tourism final yr.
Going round Sagada on two wheels provided a special expertise from our earlier journeys. It gave us a method of transport to get to the eating places within the outskirts of city that require longer walks, in addition to a enjoyable and free exercise to do there for just a few days.
Except for Batanes, Sagada is among the the highest locations I’ve ever biked round within the Philippines.
Sagada is a fifth class municipality within the Mountain Province within the Philippines. Residence to the well-known hanging coffins, Sagada is taken into account one of many high locations within the Cordillera area. It’s about 20 kilometers from Bontoc, the provincial capital, and 396 kilometers from Manila by way of Halsema Freeway, which till 2019 was formally acknowledged as the best altitude freeway within the Philippines.
One of many bucket listing rides amongst bikers within the Philippines is the Sagada Loop, an epic 800-kilometer experience from Manila going up and again down. This normally takes a number of days because of the distance and elevation.
Sadly, not like different international locations which have protected and devoted trails for bikers, this additionally includes having to go by means of congested cities early on from Manila after which coping with vans, buses, and vehicles alongside the nationwide freeway.
By personal transportation:
If you happen to don’t have a lot time to spare and wish to simply get pleasure from biking in and round Sagada itself, you possibly can deliver bikes up by automobile and use that as your base for going round. Attending to Sagada by personal automobile usually takes a 12-15 hour drive.
By public transportation:
By public transportation, it’s now simpler to get to from Metro Manila by way of the Premium Level-to-Level Coda bus strains, which travels straight from Cubao to Sagada by way of Nueva Vizcaya-Ifugao, with out a stopover in Baguio anymore. The journey time from Manila to Sagada (and vice versa) can also be 12 hours. The advantage of the bus choice is you possibly can sleep and get up in Sagada the following morning, contemporary and prepared for an journey.
For this explicit experience, we introduced our bikes by way of CODA Traces bus, which has a terminal in Cubao. To suit the bus storage compartment, you simply have to disassemble tires and safe bikes within the cargo compartment.
Right here’s the precise location of the bus terminal and Cubao: Coda Traces Cubao Terminal: Monte de Piedad nook Maryland Avenue, Cubao, Quezon Metropolis.
And right here’s the place the ticket workplace in Sagada: Coda Traces Sagada Terminal. Poblacion Tadian Group Heart, Poblacion, Sagada, Mt. Province. The buses normally park alongside Staunton Highway or the Mission Compound Parking space subsequent to the Sagad Group Courtroom in entrance of the city church.
Day by day journeys for the Manila to Sagada route are restricted, however you possibly can ebook your tickets simply on-line right here. The voucher can be despatched by way of electronic mail, which you’ll be able to print out and alternate for an precise ticket on the terminal itself. In some circumstances, they settle for should you simply present screenshots in your telephone, however more often than not, they require the precise printout for his or her reference.
Contact data:
Manila to Sagada schedule and bus fare
Coda Traces has two kinds of buses:
- Deluxe – 45 pax seater w/o CR – P1,300
- Tremendous Deluxe – 35 pax seater w/ CR – P1,400
You may ebook tickets by way of the PHBus on-line ticketing system or get discounted tickets by way of Klook right here.
- Spelunking at Sumaguing Cave
- Cave connection / Lumiang to Sumaguing Cave
- Go trekking to Bomod-ok waterfalls
- Go to the Hanging Coffins
- Echo Valley
- Kiltepan Viewpoint* (nonetheless closed to vacationers)
- Marlboro Hill
- Sagada Blue soil
- Go food-tripping
- Sagada Weaving
- Sagada Pottery
Take be aware that it is a very chill bike itinerary mixed with a number of food-tripping for six days. To maximise time, most first-time vacationers to Sagada normally spend solely 2-3 days and mix journeys with different locations within the North like Baguio or Banaue.
Day 1
After departing from Cubao at 9:00 pm, we arrived in Sagada at round 8:00 am (roughly 11 hours journey time). After leaving our baggage at our inn, we biked round city, had breakfast and went round whereas ready for check-in time at midday.
Our first cease was The Shire of Sagada, a lovely new hobbit-inspired lodging home that has a restaurant for in-house visitors.
After breakfast, we biked to Ambasing Bus Ruins, a non-functional bus parked below a grove of pine bushes that’s change into a photograph spot for vacationers.
This space provides scenic view of cliffs.
We additionally checked out GAIA Cafe, a treehouse-inspired cafe identified for serving vegetarian and vegan meals. Since we had breakfast already, we simply had espresso and dessert.
The cafe serves good native desserts like Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies and Chocolate Chip Cookies that you could pair with Sagada Espresso, Mountain Tea, fruit shakes, or beer.
After checking in and sleeping many of the afternoon, we resumed biking within the afternoon, since we needed to go to Sagada Cellar Door, which is barely open from 5pm to 9pm.
We obtained a exercise biking up the steep Sagada-Besao highway as much as Sundown View and Pizza Bar, which is roughly 3.3 km up from the primary city correct.
NOTE: This identical highway results in Lake Danum, which is now closed as the realm has now been taken over by one other municipality. Excursions to Lake Danum are now not provided by the Sagada Tourism Workplace.
Then we capped the evening with some craft beer and sausages by the hearth at Sagada Cellar Door, the house of our favourite Cerveza Sagada.
It was actually chilly and darkish going again all the way down to city. If you happen to’re biking at evening, I extremely suggest you deliver bike lights.
Day 2
Day 2 was one other simple day for biking simply going round the primary landmarks in cities.
We had espresso at St. Joseph’s Inn and handed by the Church of St. Mary the Virgin, the primary Episcopal church in Sagada.
For brunch, we biked down the Staunton Highway to Rock Inn and Cafe (about 2.6 km from the city correct).
This space has a brief off-road path and a few enjoyable downhills from the primary highway. After consuming, we simply walked across the orange orchard.
Then we biked to the highway resulting in Kiltepan Peak. The world right here was quieter, however the highway was nice.
Sadly, Kiltepan Peak stays closed to vacationers. There are a number of canine within the space, so watch out should you’re biking right here and simply decelerate everytime you encounter canine.
We additionally stopped to take a look at the view at Isangwow Cafe by the Clouds, the the other way up home by Ampanga Heights.
There’s a minimal charge for picture-taking inside. You may also get pleasure from espresso, meals and purchase souvenirs right here.
Within the night, we simply parked the bikes on the inn and walked to have dinner at Log Cabin and dessert at Yogurt Home (because it’s a bit onerous to park bikes on the eating places on the primary avenue).
Day 3
On the third day of our journey, we determined to go on a Sagada City Loop, taking place to the Halsema Freeway (Baguio-Bontoc-La Trinidad Highway) by way of the Staunton Highway and going again up the Mabisil-Payageo-Balili Highway.
This turned out to be the spotlight of our journey. Whereas on the map, the gap we coated was solely 30 or so kilometers, it felt so much longer. Cordillera kilometers are value much more due to the steep parts and photo-worthy stops round each nook. We began our experience round 9 am, nevertheless it was nonetheless chilly.
The view of the mountains taking place roughly 12 km is wonderful. I used to be torn between desirous to cease and take images or simply benefit from the lengthy steady downhill rush.
We had been hoping to eat someplace alongside Chico River, however there weren’t a number of institutions aside from sari-sari shops, so we simply determined to have a late lunch till we obtained again as much as Sagada. We simply had our snacks and low with the view of the river.
The highway that goes alongside Chico River is good and flat, however since there was such an extended downhill, it’s inevitable that the highway going again up can be uphill. It was a sluggish paced climb going again up, however pleasing due to the cooler climate and nice views alongside the way in which.
Whereas going again up, we handed the doorway to the Blue Soil Hills, so we determined to test it out and simply rent an area information from the shop promoting snacks and souvenirs within the space.
Blue Soil Hills, identified regionally as Kaman Utek, is a patch of limestone rocks with a tint of blue surrounded by thick pine bushes. Most vacationers get right here by way of the Marlboro Hill traverse, however you can even simply hike to the Blue Soil space alone.
The hike itself from the jump-off level was about 1.1 km and takes about 20-Half-hour relying in your tempo. The route will not be bikeable due to the terrain. From afar this hill appears to be like a bit like snow, including to the wintry really feel of the place.
After backtracking on the mountaineering path, we resumed biking, passing by means of the Sagada Blue Mountains Cabin, the doorway to Sumaguing Cave and Lumiang Cave, and ultimately GAIA Cafe.
Acquired to like views like this!
We had late lunch at Rust N’ Wooden, a easy cafe and memento store that serves rice meals.
This Bohemian roadside eatery provides rice meals, ramen, pasta, sandwiches, contemporary fruit shakes, crepes, home made yogurt, and even just a few vegan choices like Vietnamese Spring Rolls, Japjae and Taco Salad and extra.
After greater than 7 hours on the highway, we made it again to our inn round 4pm. The shifting time recorded by Strava was simply 3:27 minutes due to all of the photograph ops, the hike, and meals stops.
Later that night, we had a celebratory dinner and drinks at Salt & Pepper Diner.
Day 4
The fourth day of our journey was a relaxation day from biking. Artwork went for a path run within the morning, whereas I scouted out the remainder of the eating places on the town like French Crepes for analysis and checked some outlets for souvenirs.
We regrouped for lunch at Misty Lodge and Cafe, certainly one of our all-time favorites within the space.
After dinner at Sagada Homestay Inn & Restaurant, we went again for extra beer at Sagada Cellar Door, as a result of beer is life. This time, we determined to stroll to make the journey longer.
Day 5
On the fifth day, we simply checked out Googlemaps and determined to discover the highway resulting in Bomod-ok Falls, which we hiked to earlier than. Whereas there was mountain bike trails in among the areas resulting in Marlboro Hill, bikers are now not allowed in sure sections.
The highway provided one other nice experience with scenic views of mountains, rice terraces and cliffs.
On the way in which again, we had lunch once more at Misty Lodge to attempt their steaks and burgers.
We caught up with some article deadlines at GAIA Cafe whereas having espresso.
On the way in which again to the inn, we observed Piitik Wines Honesty Retailer alongside the highway for fruit wines, so we did a detour for some wine tasting and ended up interviewing the proprietor for one more story.
After dinner, we watched some pre-Christmas festivities that evening on the group heart.
Day 6
On the morning of our sixth and final day, we simply did some last-minute memento looking for ukay finds, espresso, and fruit wines. We stopped for a snack of yogurt at Toast Avenue and Co., a brand new Korean-inspired cafe on the town.
For the reason that bus leaves Sagada at 2:00 pm, we had a final lunch at Salt & Pepper Diner earlier than testing and bringing the bikes to the church.
It was an extended bus experience again, with a stopover in Nueva Vizcaya for dinner. After 12 or so hours on the highway, we lastly obtained house at 3:00 am and biked again house.
For a roundup of simply eating places, try my separate meals information: The place to eat and drink in Sagada (2022).
There are a number of budget-friendly lodging choices and homestays throughout the Sagada city correct relying in your desire. Discover choices the place to remain in Sagada right here:
- RedDoorz@Sagada Dawn View Homestay
- Sagada Guesthouse by Sagada Rooms
- Isabelo’s Inn and Cafe
- Kanip Aw Pines View Lodge
- Shamrock Tavern Inn
- Sagada Lodging Properties
- Misty Lodge and Cafe
- Grandma’s Yellow Home
- Sagada Resthouse
- Masferre Nation Inn
Sagada – St. Joseph Resthouse
Throughout most of our visits to Sagada, we normally like staying at St. Joseph’s Resthouse. It’s centrally positioned close to the church, strolling distance from many of the restos and close to the bus station. Except for the common rooms in the primary constructing, in addition they have cozy cottages if you would like just a little privateness.
NOTE: For parking, they’ve a spacious parking space for vehicles in the back of the inn (going up the Besao highway). If you happen to’re bringing bikes, getting as much as the parking space is a brief however steep experience. For safety, you possibly can simply deliver bike locks and lock it close to the parking space, or deliver all of it the way in which to your cottage (by means of the steps).
E-book rooms at Sagada – St. Joseph’s Resthouse by way of Fb. Cottages begin at P1,800/evening.
Misty Lodge and Cafe
If you happen to don’t wish to keep in the primary city correct and like a quieter place with entry to good meals on a regular basis. Misty Lodge and Cafe is an effective wager.
This cozy lodging home throughout the premises of the highest Sagada restaurant provides free Wi-Fi in all rooms.
E-book rooms at Misty Lodge and Cafe by way of Agoda.
Rock Inn and Cafe
One other potential place to remain in Sagada is Rock Inn and Cafe, a lodge and restaurant positioned in a rock farm with an orange orchard.
Primary options right here embrace a a big enclosed restaurant for bigger teams and households and a small open air part that gives a view of the backyard space and gazebo with a fireplace pit.
E-book rooms at Rock Inn and Cafe by way of Fb.
The Shire of Sagada
One of many latest lodging choices on the town is The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit-inspired dwelling often called The Shire of Sagada. Reopened in Might 2022, The Shire is has room encourage by characters in J.R.R. Tolkien’s fictional middle-earth.
The rooms right here with backyard and mountain views all have iconic spherical doorways and are named after ebook and film characters like Gandalf, Legolas, Gollum, and extra. Due to its hidden location and fantastically designed interiors, the lodge is widespread with {couples} searching for a secluded keep.
E-book rooms at The Shire of Sagada by way of Agoda.
The Hut by the Brewpub (Cerveza Sagada)
The Hut by the Brewery is a 130-year outdated Banaue native home from the neighboring Ifugao tribe positioned throughout the premises of the microbrewery Cerveza Sagada / Sagada Cellar Door.
In order for you a quiet and distant location and quick access to craft beer, this hut is correct in entrance of the bar’s bonfire space. The brew pub accepts different visitors for wine, beer and dinner from 5 to 10 PM, however you’ll have the place just about to yourselves within the morning.
E-book stays at The Hut by The Brewpub by way of Airbnb.
- Gentle jacket/windbreaker for rides. You sweat so much with the hassle, however it could get chilly at evening and early morning.
- Tumbler – refill water when you possibly can
- Snacks for the rides (most eating institutions are concentrated within the city correct. If you happen to’re using farther from city, it helps to have some gentle snacks, bread or vitality bars)
- Money esp. small payments (whereas Gcash is accepted in some institutions, it’s greatest to have sufficient money and small payments with you when eating out)
- The very best time to go to Sagada is from the dry season from November to April. These months are colder. It might probably get wet and extra landslide inclined in the course of the months of June onwards.
- For a top quality expertise, keep away from touring to Sagada throughout peak season like Holy Week and lengthy weekends
- To save lots of on breakfast, we introduced our personal espresso press and beans and simply purchased bread from sari-sari shops. We ate out for lunch and dinner as an alternative.
- We additionally purchased a gallon of water from the sari sari retailer and refilled each time we went out
- Sagada is a really small city with slender streets, the place locals stroll to get round. It can’t accommodate a really excessive quantity of autos, which is what occurs on a regular basis throughout peak season. To keep away from site visitors, Sagada has established a Park & Stroll ordinance, the place vacationers are required to make use of native transport or stroll round city or to the websites. You may’t actually use your personal vehicles to go round a lot for sightseeing.
- Handle your expectations. Throughout peak season, you possibly can anticipate heavy site visitors on roads, some vacationer spots, eating places and on the vacationer data heart.
- Water scarcity might be anticipated if there are too many vacationers at a time. Cellular & web entry could also be dangerous because of congestion. Some areas should not have a robust sign.
- Pointers & limitations have been set in place by the group on peak days for everybody to have an pleasing & protected time.
- Restrict & handle your trash. Convey your individual refillable water bottles to scale back rubbish. Segregate trash at your lodging too. Don’t litter in vacationer spots.
- Avail of the providers of accredited tour guides & lodging institutions.
- Be respectful of native tradition, heritage websites & different visitors.
- Hold the quantity of your music, laughter & chattering managed.
- Vacationers are suggested to decorate appropriately & maintain shows of affection personal.
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