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No matter how you plan your travel, there are things that you cannot control. You should learn how to accept, adjust and deal with it. There are so many things in Sagada that we did not expect but it happened.
First thing is the weather, I was not expecting that it would rain in Sagada but unfortunately, it rained. So we were not able to witness the sunrise in Mt. Kiltepan.
Second, when we woke up, we have no electricity except for the light that was run by the generator. According to the owner of the lodge, it is not always the case, may problem lang talaga. We cannot take a bath without hot water, ayaw namin mag-ice bucket challenge.
We did not want to waste our time waiting for the electricity so we went to town proper. We’re just waiting in the car while eating our breakfast. We are hoping that the rain will stop so we can start our tour, but two hours had passed and we still can’t see the sun. So my husband bought raincoats for us so we can start our Echo Valley Walking Tour. Rain or shine, go sa walking tour.
Echo Valley Walking Tour
There are three types of Echo Valley Walking Tour and since we have a kid in tow, we chose the short hike which is Echo Valley Hanging Coffins.
Guide fee is P200 + P10/person access fee.
You can finish this tour in less than an hour because you will only visit the St Mary the Virgin Church, St Mary the Virgin Cemetery, Echo Valley and Hanging Coffins. I have very limited pictures on this tour because of the rain but you can check the Sagada Echo Valley Tour video here.
We skipped the church and went straight to the Sagada Anglican cemetery. I was looking for William Henry Scott coffin but I was not able to locate it. I asked the guide but he was not aware of it. Well, William Henry Scott is a famous historian who was settled in Sagada in the year 1954 and was buried in this cemetery on October 10, 1993.
Then we continued our journey to Echo Valley, remember the movie of “That Thing Called Tadhana”, so this is the valley where you can shout your feelings. I tried it, kaso nakakahiya din pala sumigaw pag madami tao. Hehehe!
We can already see the Hanging Coffin from where we stand but if you want to see the coffin up close and personal, be prepared in challenging and slippery walk. I don’t want to take the risk of going down with my son so we just stayed. My husband and the guide went down to see the coffins. This will be added to unique cemeteries that we have visited in the Philippines.
Read: Unique Cemeteries in the Philippines
After the tour, we went to Salt & Pepper Diner for our early lunch but it took them so long to serve the food, so just in time for lunchtime na. Hehehe!
We went back to our lodge and finally, we can already take a bath. Taking a bath is a new luxury. hehehe!
Sumaguing Cave
Aside from the Echo Valley Tour, the famous attraction here is Spelunking. We asked the guide if he thinks my 8-year-old son can do the cave tour and he said yes, “kaya naman daw”. I believed him but I don’t want to take the risk so again, babysitter na naman ang peg ko. Huhuhu!
Our lodge is just a few minutes away from the Sumaguing Cave so my husband just met the guide at the cave. You can also do the Cave Connection but my husband just chose the short course cave which is more or less two hours.
Read: Sagada Bilza Lodge
My husband brought waterproof bag, waterproof phone casing, lamp and bottle of water. Since I was not there, I will just share his pictures. Guide fee is P500.
Waah! I don't have pictures inside the cave. I'm pretty sure that we won't visit Sagada in the near future, I hope when we go back I can still do spelunking. Baka di na kaya ng powers ko, lol. #signsofaging.
Read: Day 1 in Sagada
Day 3 Sagada Pottery and Lake Danum
Day 4 Goodbye Sagada
Sagada Bilza Lodge
Where to Eat in Sagada
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My husband has a family reunion in Pangasinan last December 27 so he decided to go to Sagada after the reunion. He booked December 28 onwards but he canceled it because he learned that there is number coding scheme in Baguio so we cannot travel on that day.
And because of that, we were not able to experience the Sagada Bonfire Festival. We extended our stay in the province and had a day trip in Lingayen, Pangasinan.
Read: Day Trip in Lingayen Pangasinan
The following day, we left before 5AM and had a quick breakfast at Cafe by the Ruins in Baguio. We left immediately because travel time from Baguio to Sagada is 5 to 6 hours. My son and I took bonamine to avoid motion sickness, fastened our seat belt and prayed for our safe trip to Sagada.
I’m afraid of heights, but it did not stop me from appreciating the beauty of the scenic views. All I can say is amazing, I’ve seen fog, rainbow, green mountains and rice terraces are everywhere. I did my best to take some videos and photos on our way to Sagada, just in case you are wondering if it is safe to drive or to bring your own car in Sagada. Check the video of Hanselma Highway here.
We saw the Highest Point landmark in Atok but we could not park. (insert sad face) We continued our journey, then we saw Amgaleyguey View Deck, can you see the roads? We’re traveling at the side of the Cordillera Mountain Range, bangin kung bangin.
After several hours of driving, I felt relieved when I saw the Sagada Town Proper, finally we reached our destination. But we have no idea that our lodge is far from the town proper, as in ang layo niya and the road is under construction pa. Good luck sa kotse!
Read: Sagada Bilza Lodge
We just left our baggage and off we went to the town proper. We registered at Sagada Municipal Tourist Information Center, paid P35 each for environmental fee. Always bring your receipt or take a photo of it because they will check that in every tourist spot that you will visit.
It was already late so we did not book any tour but we asked the lady in the tourist center for orange picking activity but she said, ubos na daw ang orange since Monday (December 26). Waah!
We ate late lunch at Masferre Country Inn & Restaurant. We liked the food here, sayang lang we were not able to taste their desserts. When we went back last December 31, they were closed during lunch time. They were busy preparing for New Year’s Eve Buffet.
I did not have itinerary or map when we went to Sagada and I asked for brochures or map but they did not have any. Lesson learned, be prepared and print a map.
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| Sagada Parking Area |
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| Sagada Hospital |
We visited St Mary Virgin Church, we parked our car here for P50. We did not stay long because we wanted to rest na.
Day 2 Echo Valley Walking Tour and Sumaguing Cave
Day 3 Sagada Pottery and Lake Danum
Day 4 Goodbye Sagada
Sagada Bilza LodgeWhere to Eat in Sagada
Sagada is a town in Mountain Province, it is 5 to 6 hours travel from Baguio. Unlike in Baguio, there are no hotels in Sagada but there are inns, homestays or lodges. The accommodation offers basic things that you need like the bed and private or shared bathroom.
My husband has been meaning to visit Sagada, he even reserved a room last 2015 for our anniversary but I told him to cancel it. I wanted to go to Sagada when I was still single but things changed when I got married. Before I have no idea about the zigzag road of Sagada but after few years of reading blogs, natakot na ko so we had glamping instead of Sagada Trip.
Fast forward to 2016, my husband wanted to visit Sagada again and since he is the one who wanted to pursue the trip, I let him searched, booked and paid for our accommodation. I just told him that I want a private room with private bathroom. It was not easy to find an accommodation because we’re going there on holiday and 3 weeks before the trip pa lang siya naghahanap.
He asked his officemates who already went there for recommendations and one of the suggestions is Sagada Bilza Lodge. His officemate stayed here way back December 2014 and according to him, bago pa lang daw yung lodge.
My husband called, texted and messaged Sagada Bilza Lodge for reservation. Thank God that they still have an available room. He was advised to make a 50% downpayment to confirm the reservation. And because of that, I have no more reason to cancel the reservation, sayang ang bayad.
Welcome to Sagada Bilza Lodge. As you can see in the photo, the lodge is under construction but we did not see any construction worker there, maybe because peak season, stop muna ang expansion. There are Ifugao Huts too, I wanted to experience this room too kaso separate ang bathroom.
My husband went to the reception and he was ushered to room 205. Sharing with you the room. Sorry for the quality of the photos of the room, brownout kasi nung dumating kami. Ang saya-saya. Hehehe!
They charged us P1300 per night, we’re 2 adults and 1 kid but I think the room is good for 4 persons since there is a pull-out bed. As I mentioned, the accommodation in Sagada is very simple, so we have a private room, private bathroom and small veranda. There are one blanket, one towel and four pillows. No free toiletries so bring your own.
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| May ilaw na! :) |
I did not bother to ask for extra blanket and towels because we brought our own stuff. We have toiletries, towels, blankets, pillows and even comforter. Yes, always ready.
The room package has no free breakfast but the Lodge has a restaurant so you can eat breakfast, lunch and dinner. The breakfast meal is from P100 to 115. Coffee is P30, Hot Choco P25 and Milk P30.
Sagada Bilza Lodge is far from the town proper but it is few minutes walk from Sumaguing Cave. If you don’t have your own transportation, I suggest you book any accommodations near the town proper. But if you have your own vehicle, you can stay in Sagada Bilza Lodge because it has its own parking area. We have a good view of pine trees too.
Sagada Bilza Lodge
Mampukong, South Road,
A few days ago, I posted our 4 Days Adventures in Coron, Palawan. Now, I decided to share our 3 Days Puerto Princesa Palawan trip with the fambam. Almost seven years ago we went to Puerto Princesa, Palawan for our family outing. This was a much-awaited trip because this will be the first family out of town of via plane. Four generations kami, from my grandmother up to our own kids.
Read: 4 Days Adventure in Coron Palawan
Ysabelle Mansion
We’re group of 13 people so a month before the trip I already booked our accommodation at Ysabelle Mansion and rented a van for our three days tour. We stayed in Ysabelle Mansion for our 3 days and 2 nights trip. It is a hostel that offers basic accommodation. The rooms and bathrooms are clean. The service staffs are all friendly and nice. It is very near in seaport, airport, market and restaurant so transportation is not difficult.
Day 1: Honda Bay Island Hopping
Our rented van picked us up at the airport and we dropped by at the hostel to leave our baggage and off we went to sea port for our Honday Bay Island Hopping. Since our flight was delayed for almost an hour, we only have limited time for island hopping.
On our way to sea port, we went to 7 Plates Building to book our Underground River Tour, we bought mineral water and picked up our food. I ordered BBQ liempo, Grilled Pusit, Spicy Garlic Shrimp, Ensaladang Talong, Lato Rice, Grilled Baby back ribs, Buttered lobster, Kangkong w/oyster sauce and Atchara. The food were placed in a bilao and plastic container. I also brought disposables just in case magkulang. Good thing that I already ordered our food in advance because we were all hungry before we reach Snake Island. Sa sobrang gutom, walang pictures ang mga food.
Boat rental is P1500 good for 6 person, additional pax is P250 including kids. There are different islands in Honda Bay that you could visit such as Cowrie Island, Bat Island, Lu-Li Island (lulubog-lilitaw), Dos Palmas Island, Pambato Reef, Pandan Island, Starfish Island and Snake Island. Each island has its own entrance fee except for Snake Island but you have to pay for cottage.
Pandan island entrance fee P 50/head
Starfish island entrance fee P 50/head
Pambato reef entrance fee P 50/head
Pandan island cottage P 400/cottage
Snake Island
We only choose Snake Island, Star fish Island and Pandan Island. First stop is Snake Island, where we ate our lunch. The place is quite crowded maybe because there is no entrance fee. You will enjoy swimming and snorkeling even you are not a good swimmer because you can see school of fishes at knee deep of water.
Starfish Island
Next stop is Starfish Island but we just dropped by and moved to Pandan Island.
Pandan Island
Pandan Island has the best facilities and amenities among the three islands. They have their own comfort room, restaurant and massage place. So we already stayed in this Island till 5PM.
Bilao at Palayok
After Honda Bay Island Hopping, we went to Bilao at Palayok for our dinner. It is one of the most recommended restaurants in Puerto Princesa so we want to try it. The place has native ambiance and look.
We ordered Boodle Feast, Lengua Estofado, Buttered Garlic Crab and Ginataang Seafood. Among the food, my favorite is Lengua Estofado. For 13 persons, our bill is less than P2000 so price is very reasonable. Don't forget to bring your insect repellent. We took tricycle on our way back to Ysabelle Mansion.
Day 2: Underground River Tour
It’s been raining the whole night because there was LPA. I am bit worried that our Underground tour will be canceled but thank God for giving us good weather in Sabang. The travel time going to Undeground River is almost two hours and expect that is very long and winding road. It is not a smooth ride because some roads are not cemented.
Fortunately, we had stopover at Viewdeck because some of us are really dizzy and about to vomit. So don not forget to take bonamine to prevent biyahilo moments. This road is the same road that I will need to travel if I want to go to El Nido so I am really thinking twice about El Nido.
Underground River Expense
Van Rental P3000
Permit P150/head local, 200/head foreigner, 13-17 yrs old P50, 6-12yrs old P30 and 5yrs old below free
Boat (good for 6pax) P 700/boat
Tip: Do not forget to bring ID because they will look for it. I forgot the cost of terminal fee. For toddlers, bring your own life vest.
You need to ride boat to get to Underground River, it is just 15 minutes travel time. Upon arrival, you have to wait for your turn, yes pila ulit sa boart for Underground River Tour, it is about 45 minutes tour inside the cave. You will not get bored because the tour guide is really good, he will explain everything to you. I am proud that I have been here.
We availed the buffet lunch at the beach for P200 per head. The food is just ok so it is not worth the price especially for the kids because they have the same rate.
Puerto Princesa City Tour
After lunch, we decided to proceed with City Tour since we still have time. Itinerary for the day: Iwahig Penal Colony, Cathedral, Crocodile farm, Mitra’s house -Sta. Monica Ranch and Baker’s Hill.
Crocodile Farm and Nature Park
First stop is Crocodile Farm, there is a souvenir shop where you can buy pasalubong while waiting for your turn. I bought crocodile stuffed toy here. Between Crocodile Park of Davao and Crocodile Farm, I like Crocodile Park because there is so much to see in their park. But in Crocodile Farm, we were able to hold baby crocodile.
Then we visited Iwahig Penal Colony, Mitra’s house -Sta. Monica Ranch and Baker’s Hill. At this point, my grandmother was already complaining bakit hinto daw ng hinto, hehehe! City Tour nga e! So we did not stay long in each spot because our grandmother was just staying inside the van.
You will enjoy the Baker’s Hill because there is a playground for the kids. The place is big and it is not just a bakery. You can also buy food pasalubong here, the famous here is hopia.
Last stop is Cathedral na ako na lang ang bumaba just to take pictures because pagod na ang lahat. They did not want to go out anymore for dinner so we just ate at Ysabelle Mansion.
By the way, there is Vietville, Plaza Cuartel and Butterfly garden too but we did not include them in our itinerary.
Day 3: Palawan Museum
This was our last day in Puerto Princesa, since our flight was still 2PM, we decided to go to Palawan Museum. We just took a tricycle to get there. P10 for entrance fee.
We checked-out at 12 noon and naiinip pa kami na ihatid sa airport. Yun pala sarado ang airport, hindi man lang kami ininform na nagsasara pala yun. So we waited more or less an hour bago nag-open ulit ang airport.
Ysabelle Mansion
214 Abad Santos Extension
Puerto Princesa City Palawan, Philippines 5300
Contact Nos.: Landline (63)(48) 723-0992
Mobile No. (63)918-4089377 / (63)929-2417797
Email: info@ysabellemansion.com
Website: www.ysabellemansion.com
