I went to Sagada alone without any itineraries or reservations on accommodations. I didn’t know anyone there. All I had were bus tickets and a heart for adventure.
I took the Manila-Bontoc-Sagada route, and it’s the best and fastest way to go to Sagada. It’s a 12-hour bus trip with 2-3 stopovers. Currently, Cable Tours is the only bus company offering Manila-Bontoc (bus leaves at 8pm) and Bontoc-Manila (bus leaves at 3pm) routes. Contact them at 0918 521 6790 for ticket reservations.
I am no longer recommending Cable Tours as the bus line to ride because their airconditioning doesn't work anymore + they don't pass you through NLEX and they still charge for the same amount. What I do suggest is you take the Ohayami bus to Banaue, and from there you can commute to Sagada or Bontoc. The Banaue route is really scenic. Pass by there!
 |
| Banaue Rice Terraces |
 |
| The landscape reminds me of the Studio Ghibli film, Totoro! |
On my bus ride going there, I sat beside this beautiful girl talking to the bus operators in their local dialect. Her name’s Zara, and what started out as friendly introductions turned into almost six hours of non-stop talking. She’s from Bontoc, and she was sweet enough to text me everyday to check if I was still alive (haha) and enjoying! She even toured me around Bontoc on my last day!
 |
| With Zara |
After hopping off the bus, I went to the jeep terminal found two streets away. From Bontoc, Sagada is only a 45-minute ride away. I sat down and introduced myself to my seatmate. She happened to be from Sagada. Her name’s Julie, and she helped me find a place to stay. My seatmates are the best!
 |
| With Julie |
 |
| Bontoc-Sagada Highway View |
It was days before holy week, and I was lucky enough to get a room in St. Joseph’s Resthouse! It’s ironic how I’m an atheist and I wound up staying there (I simply ignored all religious decor), but the accommodations were pretty cozy and the staff were always in smiles!
 |
| Single occupancy is only Php 300/night. Contact them at 0918 599 5934. |
Nobody gave me the memo that tourists had to register at the Info Center. I almost cried because I couldn't figure out where to go and how to schedule tours (Yes folks, that was how clueless I was). The people there were really kind and helped me out. I scheduled my solo tours. Define loner/hermit vibes (hahaha), but my tour guide was just great!
Kuya Kit probably saved my life on multiple occasions. He offered whatever limb was necessary to help out a poor, 4’11-foot girl like me to survive the treks and the short course caving! He also had a lot of stories to tell. From fun Sagada facts to his life as a tour guide/driver/etag maker/etc, I’ve learned a lot from my awesome guide who claimed that whatever he lacked in formal education, he made up for his drive to succeed in life.
Another thing I love about Sagada is their food! You should try the Pinikpikan in Dap Ayan Restaurant located at the basement level of the commercial center.
I went to Bontoc earlier to avoid the rush of people flocking over their fiesta. It was my last day, and like I said, Zara toured me around her lovely town. We went to the Bontoc Museum and took pictures everywhere.
There was a lot to learn on Northern culture. Who knew that the each
region had its own architecture, clothing style, and weaponry? I am
amazed at how diverse and culturally rich the Philippines is. I love my
country.
People find it remarkable how I survived Sagada all by myself. Some of them tell me that my trip was filled with ‘divine intercession’. I laugh that thought of and tell them that all the credit should go to Zara, Kuya Kit, Julie, and all the other local folks who’ve been nothing but great and honest. These people have been kind enough to help out and trust a stranger. I think that’s more remarkable than any god theory, and they deserve to be fully acknowledged and thanked.
