Two days (Day 28-29) before our trip to the Cordillera Mountains, we shopped a few things for our excursion at SM Mall of Asia in Metro Manila (island of Luzon). We stopped by Baguio City on Day 29, where we visited historical parks and the Philippine President’s residence during summer and holidays. Our short stay in the “Summer Capital of the Philippines” allowed us to see the beauty of Baguio’s culture and appreciate its historical significance.

Travel Diary for Day 30-31:

It was Day 30-31 of our Philippine adventure trip, we were all excited to have a glimpse of Sagada, Mountain Province in the Cordillera Administrative Region. Unlike other destinations in the Philippines with beautiful islands and white sand beaches, Sagada depicts simplicity as well as the Igorot tribe’s old funerary custom. Interested to see the hanging coffins? How about a close encounter with its lush green mountains, cold pine-scented air, top-notch cuisine, and delicious local coffee?

Day 30: How do we get from Baguio City to Sagada?

22 March:

Our day (Day 30) started early. We really wanted to visit the strawberry fields in La Trinidad Benguet, Baguio City in the Cordillera Administrative Region. To avoid the morning rush, we hopped on a taxi to get there earlier than the schedule.

Unfortunately, the annual strawberry fiesta was held a week before our arrival, so there weren’t many strawberries left. Just like any other best festivals and events celebrated in the Philippines, we saw a parade of colorful costumes, fun activities, and electrifying street dances to the beat of drums.

We had some strawberry ice cream, and bought a kilo of sweet strawberries as a pasalubong (a present) to our local friends in Sagada, Mountain Province. Benguet Province is known for its strawberries and variety of fresh vegetables– a must-try especially for first-time guests.

Travel like a local! This Baguio City ultimate travel guide gives you an idea on how to get there, how to tour around, what accommodation options available, which places to visit, and where to find good food.

How do we get from Baguio to Sagada by Bus via Halsema Highway?

What are the Best Accommodations in Sagada?

Sagada will be your happy spot if your idea of a great holiday is waking up to sunny but chilly weather and gorgeous natural surroundings in the backdrop. You can choose from the different lodging options like Sagada budget hotels, backpacker hostels, guesthouses, and Airbnbs around.

Google My Maps Sagada Travel Adventures: Day 30-31

If planning a trip to Sagada, check out the Google My Maps below to experience activities and adventures, and get to know different routes and directions, accommodations to stay, attractions to visit, and restaurants to dine in. Visit the Sagada travel Google My Map to learn more about our Philippines Travel routes and adventures.

Day 31: How do we Explore the Tradition of Sagada?

23 March:

We got up early to make the most of the day at the townhouse in Sagada. Romy, Ricky’s brother who is the townhouse’s owner, told us the night before that the people in Sagada town will celebrate the traditional rice harvest (the Begnas) on the next day. Locals in the village usually wear their traditional Igorot costumes and walk from Dap-ay to Dap-ay (ritual site) as a way of thanking the Almighty for the bountiful harvest.

At the end of the ritual, the village women bring food and drinks, which are shared to everybody taking part in the celebration. The people of the Cordillera Mountains in the northern part of the Philippines, mostly Igorots, have a very traditional way of living. Despite the call of modernization in all parts of entire country, they still practice their traditions. And, watching them celebrate their Begnas ritual was an opportunity to get to know their admirable culture.

Discover how the people of the Philippines & their culture are a unique blend of diversity from a distinct Asian background and strong Western influence.

How do we Explore the Foods in Sagada?

We got hungry and went to a Pinikpikan restaurant, a very traditional place in Sagada, Cordillera Administrative Region. Pinikpikan is a traditional meal made from uniquely-butchered local chicken. The chicken is mixed with Etag (salted, air-dried, and smoked meat of the Igorots). Since it was breakfast time, we ordered a typical Filipino traditional breakfast or almusal, with rice of course.

Because we already had enough to kick start our Sagada adventure, we went back to the Townhouse and took photos of the rooms and the beautiful nature around us.

While you’re in Sagada, there are many places to dine serving different types of cuisines.

How do we Visit the Cave and Sunset Viewpoint in Sagada?

What are the Top Things to do in Sagada?

The Igorots of Sagada are incredibly proud of their rich indigenous culture and traditions. In fact, they have battled hard to preserve them. The hanging coffins, depicting their unique form of burial, have made Sagada an interesting place to visit. 

If you are looking for some ideas when traveling to the Sagada, here is a list of the things to do, places to visit, and food to try.

Google My Maps Philippines Travel Diary: Day 1 to Day 51

Check out the Google Maps below, to have an overview of the entire 51 days of Philippines travel adventure including exciting attractions and activities we did, destinations we explored, and travel directions in the Philippines.

Philippines Adventure Tours from Day: 1 to Day: 51

There are a lot of reasons why you should come and visit the Philippines. Aside from the many beaches, untouched mountains, and stunning waterfalls, the pleasant and hospitable people in the country are more than enough reason to visit the country. Here is a complete overview of the Philippines Travel Diary experience for our 51 Days trip to the different destinations in the Philippines in 2017:

Day 1-2: Manila Adventure Tours
Day 3-4: Bantayan Island Adventure Tours
Day 5-6: Cebu City & South Cebu Adventure Tours
Day 7-8: Southern Visayas Island of Negros Adventure Tours
Day 9-11: Siquijor Island Adventure Tours
Day 12-14: Guimaras Island Adventure Tours
Day 15-17: Gigantes Island Adventure Tours
Day 18-20: Philippine Visa Extension & Food Tours in Metro Manila
Day 21-23: Puerto Princesa Adventure Tours
Day 24-25: El Nido Adventure Tours
Day 26-27: El Nido Motorbike Adventure & Puerto Princesa Island Hopping Tour
Day 28-29: Baguio City Adventure Tours
Day 30-31: Sagada Adventure Tours
Day 32-33: Buscalan, Kalinga Adventure Tours
Day 34: Banaue, Batad Rice Terraces Adventure Tours
Day 35-36: Pangasinan Adventure Tours
Day 37-38: Hundred Islands National Park Adventure Tours
Day 42-47: Metro Manila Adventure Tours
Day 40-41: Leyte Eastern Visayas Adventure Tours
Day 48- 50: The Bamboo Paraiso Beach Resort & Hundred Islands Adventures
Day 51: Best Tour in Pangasinan & Back to Manila

Why do we Create the Philippines Travel Guide?

SUMMARY: Sagada Adventure Tours

If you want to experience the top destinations in the northern part of the Philippines, visit the magnificent Banaue rice terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

For the next 2 days (Day 32-33), we will move on to Buscalan in the Province of Kalinga, as our next destination for this Philippine adventure.

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