Sagada was a pleasant place that had a temperate climate, beautiful valleys, and great food. We didn’t think it lived up to the “backpacker heaven” status that our Lonely Planet had given it, but it was a nice place to hang out.

 

The main sites are a waterfall, hanging coffins (we counted three), cave burials, and some good caving. The town has a strange curfew so don’t expect much company after 8pm, and the accomodation throughout is pretty lame. There are “please be quiet” signs everywhere.

 

I don’t regret going, but personally, considering how much effort it took to get there (two jeepney rides along cliffs, a lot of waiting in-between, 6 hours total, each way) we could have spent a few extra days in Banaue and been fine. Regardless, the caving was fun, the food was delicious, and the views were great.

What We Learned

 

- Praying might help you avoid having a maniac jeepney driver who slides along the edges of cliffs, on gravel roads, in the rain, around bends, at great speeds.

 

- There is price fixing in Sagada but it is fair.

 

- The tunnel connection is more hardcore than they portray it as. Apparently there are three areas where rappeling skills are required. Everybody was happy with the “tamer” option.

 

- The caving here is not a tame experience. Bring good shoes and appropriate clothes.