TRANPO OPTIONS

Via Baguio
Manila to Baguio - 6hrs - fare - PHP445
Baguio to Sagada - 7hrs - fare PHP220
Total time and Fare: 13hrs; PHP665
Via Banaue
Manila to Banaue - 9hours - fare - PHP470
Banaue to Sagada - 4hrs - fare - PHP300
Total Time and Fare: 13hrs - fare PHP770
Ohayami Transit is the only bus company that operates Manila-Banaue route. The bus leaves Manila at
10 pm everyday (with additional 9PM trip on peak season), estimated time of arrival is 7 am the next
day. The same bus leaves for Manila at 7 pm.
From Banaue, catch Immanuel Bus Line to Bontoc for P100.00 (~2.5 USD) that will drop you off near the
Bontoc Municipal Hall. From there, ride a jeepney to Sagada for P35.00 (<1 USD). You may opt to ride on
the jeepney rooftop to enjoy the view and the sea of clouds of Sagada.
BANAUE-BONTOC (2 hours)
Bus: Immanuel Bus
Fare: P100.00
BONTOC-SAGADA (45 minutes)
Jeepney
Fare: P35.00

TOUR OPTIONS
10PM

ETD Manila

DAY 1- THURSDAY
7am

ETA Banaue
Breakfast
Go to Municipal Tourist Center
(where we registered and paid a tourist fee of Php20 per person)
Ride Jeep going to Batad rice terraces drop off point
10am*
Batad Rice Terraces trek (1hour trek)
Batad rice terraces, known to be the amphitheater terraces
A local jeepney will take you to the sight. From the drop off point our local guide will assist
you throughout the one hour trek down to Batad
11am
Tappiah Waterfall (1 hour trek)
If you arent too tired yet, another hours hike through the terraces will take you to the
Tappiah waterfall, a phenomenal 70 meter waterfall with a large natural pool at the bottom.
Return to drop off point
Bangaan Village (optional)
From Batad, you can hike to Bangaan, another cluster of rice terraces hailed as a UNESCO
world heritage site. You can ask your driver to just pick you up from there, with an additional
fee of P500.
(OPTIONAL: Overnight stay- The Saddle Point - Batad - Tappiya Waterfalls day trip is by far
the most exhausting walk that I have ever experienced. )
(*or Banaue Viewpoint only for the rice terraces- leave Banaue via van (300))
1pm Lunch
1.30pm
ETD to Bontoc
4pm ETA Bontoc/ ETA Sagada
5pm ETD Sagada

6pm

Register at Saggas
Check-in
Dinner

NOTE: In Banaue attractions may be reach by a combination of a ride in Jeepney (rented for
P2000 to P4000) and trekking. For example, to reach Batad Rice terraces (the most
beautiful, they say), one has to rent a jeepney from the town proper to Saddle Point (over 1
hour of rough road) then walk from Saddle Point to the town of Batad then to the terraces
(around 2 hours). Many opt to stay for a night in Batad.
DAY 2 - Friday
6am
Breakfast
7am Bomod-ok Falls
Guide tours: 500 pesos (good for 1-10 people) Guide: Rainalyn
Service ride: 600 pesos (good for 1-10 people)
Baranggay fee: 10 pesos/ each
12nn Lunch
1pm Cave connection Sumaging Cave
(Service ride back-and-forth: 500 pesos (highly recommended, activity is too tiring; if you
like walking it would take 40 mins away from the information center).
7pm Return to inn/Dinner
DAY 3 - Saturday
4.30am
Kiltepan Sunrise Viewing (500 service and guide)
7am Breakfast
Rest or Sagada Walking tour. Echo Valley, Hanging Coffins, St.Marys
12pm Check-out
1pm Lunch
3pm ETD to Bontoc
7pm ETA Banaue, ETD to Manila
4am

ETA Manila

BANAUE TOUR
Wake up for an early breakfast and depart for Batad rice terraces, known to be the amphitheater
terraces. A local jeepney will take you to the sight. From the drop off point our local guide will assist you
throughout the one hour trek down to Batad. If you arent too tired yet, another hours hike through the
terraces will take you to the Tappiah waterfall, a phenomenal 70 meter waterfall with a large natural pool
at the bottom. Spend some time to enjoy the view and the water. Next, return to the drop off point and
continue your tour to Bangaan Village. The village is nestled amongst the terraces and is a classic example
of village life in the Ifugao region. Finally go back to the hotel and reach it just in time for a heavy dinner to
restore your energy.
First stop! Banaue view point. This is the ideal location to take photographs of the 2,000-year-old rice
terraces. There are several viewpoints that you can visit. One of these includes the terraces featured on
the 1,000-peso bill.
From the viewpoint, head to the Banaue Museum to learn a little about its cultural history. Here you can
see some of the original artifacts used by the natives over a thousand years ago. The original journals and
studies by American archeologists, including a 1912 National Geographic magazine about the Igorots are
stored in this museum.
After, you may buy some souvenirs at the Banaue trade center. The Ifugao natives of Banaue are famous
for their wood carvings and weaving. Theres a variety of artistic treasures to be found here! Most of the
souvenir prices are negotiable, so be ready to haggle!

Finally! Spend the rest of your day at the Guihob natural hot spring! Untangle those aching muscles until
youre ready to return to the hotel for dinner
BANAUE TO SAGADA
o
10:00 - 12:00 pm : Bonbon Bus
o
12:00 - 1:00 pm : Emmanuel Trans
o
5:30 - 7:00 am : Cable tours
o
Bontoc ? Banaue (3 to 4 hrs ride)
o
7am - Bonbon bus - terminal: beside the Municipal hall
o
8am - AV trans bus - terminal: beside the Municipal hall
o
9am - Emmanuel bus - terminal: behind the Municipal hall
o
12 noon - Jeepney - terminal: beside the Municipal hall
o
1pm(not regular) - terminal: beside the Municipal hall
o
3pm - Cable Bus - terminal: in-front of Cable Cafe' near Churya-a Hotel
o

Bontoc-SAGADA: Jeepney transport only

7:00 first trip, 5pm last jeep out to Sagada and in betwin, jeeps leave every after 45
minutes. Ride to Sagada from Bontoc would take around 40 to 45 minutes, PHP 50 fare

SAGADA
Lumiang Cave | Tour Fee: P150, to be paid at the municipal office and inclusive of tour guide
A 15 to 20 minute walk from Sagada town proper is a 2000-year old cave and resting place for Igorot tribal
elders.
Echo Valley and Hanging Coffins | Entrance fee: Free
A 20-minute walk from the Lumiang Cave is Echo Valley, where you can shout and hear the sound bounce
around the forest. From there, Sagadas famous Hanging Coffins are a five minute walk away. The Igorot
practice of attaching the coffins to the mountain comes from a belief that underground burials isolate a
person from the natural world.
Bokong Falls | Entrance: free
This is where Sagada locals learn to swim! If the waters too cold for you, its still fun to stand at the edge
and let the mist wash over you.
St. Mary the Mother Church | Entrance fee: Free
This is the first Anglican church established in Sagada
Spelunking in Sumaguing Cave | Guide fee: P150/head
Warm up with the 20-minute walk from the town proper. The challenge? The physically demanding, four
hour journey through Sumaguing Cavecomplete with ice-cold spring waters. Wear rubber shoes and dry
fit clothing, and dont forget to bring a flashlight so you can appreciate the rock formations.
FOOD

Best food in Sagada (in our experience) is in Log Cabin. During off-peak, they are open only for dinner.
Occassionally they are also open for lunch. Saturday night is buffet night.
Good food also in Yoghurt House and Bana'S Cafe (they even serve Civet Coffee for P200/cup), both in
Sagada. Breakfast at Masferre a little better than that of Ganduyan, but both simple.

Pinikpikan | Price range: P200-300 for a whole chicken, definitely good for sharing
This one isnt for the squeamish. The preparation of pinikpikan, Sagadas local delicacy, includes beating a
live chicken with a stick prior to cooking. The logic here is that as the blood pools in the flesh, so does the
flavor. This can be ordered from restaurants all over Sagada.
Lemon Pie House | Price range: P20/slice; P150/whole
If sour food is your thing, you might like the pie at Sagadas Lemon Pie House. A dense, eye-squintingly
sour layer of lemon paste forms the base, and is topped by a soft meringue icing. If youre not used to sour
food, alternate with some egg pie and brewed coffee.
Salt and Pepper Diner
Yoghurt House
CONTACT DETAILS FOR SAGADA GENUINE GUIDES ASSOCIATION by Benj
For inquiries regarding itineraries and tours reservation, please contact the Sagada Genuine Guides
Association. The information is from their Contact Us page.
email: sagadagenuineguides [at] gmail [dot] com
mobile: 0929-556-9553 (Gareth Likigan)
WHERE TO VISIT:
The following sites are arranged according to uniqueness and how often spots are visited. There are 5
priorities. Priority 1 are sights that can be visited in 1 day, for Priority 2, you add 1 more day. Priority 3 can
still be stretched with priority 1 and 2. Priority 3 sights are also additional sights for people who are more
adventurous and for tourists wanting to stretch their visit.
Priority 4 and 5 are sights to be visited by second timers, third timers or for tourists staying in Sagada for a
week. Priority 5 sights are specially arranged. But first time visitors could also include this in their itinerary.
Priority 1: (not to miss sights) (1 day activity)
Sumaging Cave (Lumiang Cave included)
Echo Valley (Saint Marys Church, Hanging Coffins Included)
Take a tour to the Limestone Valley and Great Hanging Coffins, Sagadas most unique culture.
Pongas Falls (Suyo Rice Terraces)
Have a trek to the rice fields and the Ankileng village. Take the Rivering route to the waterfalls

Priority 2: sights to visit if you have more time and days to spare in Sagada (2nd day)
Kiltepan Peak (sight of the Sunrise)
Have a glimpse of the rice terraces and great mountain ranges, and the majestic sunrise with mystic
clouds lying in between mountains.
Mt. Ampacao (lake Danum included)
Trek on top of the mountain ranges, overlooking central Sagada.

Priority 3: these are sites if you want to stretch your visit to Sagada to the maximum.
Underground River (trek to the mouth of the cave only)
You can include this sight to your tour list when visiting the Echo Valley. Also include Bokong falls to create
a clustered sight seeing tour package trip.
Bokong Falls
This may not be that hard and interesting as the Bomod-ok falls but this is perfect for people wanting to
have a dip, dive, and swim on its naturally hollowed pool.

Demang Village
If you want to know more about Sagadas Culture and traditions, you can pass by the place or have a
guided tour around it.

Priority 4 (for second timer visitors or more who are looking for more adventure)
Cave Connecting
Not only for second timers, but newbies can also take the tour to the cave immediately even without
visiting Sumaging, as Sumaging cave would be its exit. Be prepared for lots of twist turns, rope assisted
descents and climbs.
Marlboro Mountain (for Trekking, and Wild Horse Spotting)
Take a trek to the bald mountains located east of Sagada
Balangagan Cave
This includes both trekking going to the location of the cave and exploration of the cave.

Priority 5: (for tourists that are looking for super challenges in life and are sick and bored of
visiting Sagadas touristy spots.) try the ff:
Natividad Cave
Crystal Cave
Mount Polis Trek
Mount Sisipitan Camping and Trekking

WHERE TO STAY
BANAUE

SAGADA
Sagada Guest House - 09193002763 / 09189385601
Ligayas Guest house and cottages - 09183438415 / 09207849633
SAGADA LODGING

Yabami Bed and Breakfast

Contact #:
09497472245
Bagalima Riverside Inn
Contact #:
09477046613

Yellow House Inn

Contact #:
Mary Hillz Homestay
Contact #:
09153794860
Rock Inn
Contact #:
09209095899
Shamrock Tavern
Contact #:
09301955680

Sagada Kanip-aw View Lodge

Contact #:
09282847507 /
09298162233

Saint Joseph Rest House

Contact #:
09185595934

Sagada Guest House

Contact #:

09189385601 /
09193002763

Hidden Hill Inn

Contact #:
09107967073

Green House
Contact #:
09187367831

Ganduyan Inn
Contact #:
09212738097
Alfredos Inn
Contact #:
09185883535

Gecko Inn
Contact #:
09202895471 /
09197261114
Alapos View Inn
Contact #:
09183113161 /
09213279055
Ligaya's House
And Cottages
Contact#:
09183438415/
09207849633
Alibama Inn
Contact #:
09208135797

Mapia-aw Pension
Contact #:
09052164055
09082027969

Residential Lodge
Contact #:
09196728744

Rocky Valley Inn

Contact #:
09184036018
Canaway Inn
Contact #:
Billys Haus
Contact #:
09216032745

George Guest House

Contact #:
09185480406 /
09206070994
Masferre Country Inn
Contact #:
19183416164
Travelers Inn
Contact #:
09207992960 /
09195171833

TOUR FEES
Spelunking @ Sumaging Cave
# of persons in
the group
14

Guide Fee
(Php)
500

# of guides
(required)
1

600

69

1,000

10

1,200

11 14

1,500

15

1,800

16 20

2,400

21 & above is charged 125 / pax

Guide:client ratio
(1:5)
Spelunking @ Lumiang Cave or Cave Connection

# of persons in
the group
1

Guide fee
(Php)
800

# of guides
(required)
1

800

1,200

4 & above is charged 400 / person

Guide:client ratio
(1:3)

Hiking (Marlboro Mt./Pongas Falls)

# of persons in
Guide fee
# of guides
the group
(Php)
(required)
1 10
600
1
11 15
800
1
16 20
1,200
2
21 30
1,600
2
31 40
1,800
3
41 45
2,400
3
Mt. Ampacao to Lake Danum Trek
# of persons in
Guide fee
# of guides
the group
(Php)
(required)
1 10
800
1
11 15
1000
1
Crystal Cave (Extreme Spelunking)
# of persons in
the group
1
2
3 and above

Guide fee
(Php)
2,500
5,000
1,500 / pax

# of guides
(required)
2
2

Sight Seeing Tour (choose 3 spots)

# of persons in
the group
1 10
11 15
16 20
21 - 30
31 40
41 - 45

Guide fee
(Php)
600
800
1,200
1,600
1,800
2,400

# of guides
(required)
1
1
2
2
3
3

Select 3 from these Tourist Spots

Dokiw/Sugong Coffins
Lumiang Burial Cave
Sumaging cave Entrance
Kiltepan Peak

Echo Valley
Underground River entrance
Bokong Falls
Pottery

Escort Tour
(a term when you choose just 1 spot from the sight seeing
tour)
# of persons in
Guide fee
# of guides
the group
(Php)
(required)
1 15
200
1
16 30
400
2
31 45
600
3
1 day tour

(Php)
1,200
Is an option for guests where in they would hire a guides
service for a duration of 1 whole day. You can visit any
tourists destination you want for the day.

Standard Vehicle Hire Rates

(applicable to Van or Jeep)
Destination
Cave
One way
Waiting
Waiting (cave connection tour)
Pongas Falls (Suyo drop off)
One way
Waiting
Balangagan Cave (Maduto Drop off)
One way
Waiting
Bokong Falls
One way
Waiting
Lumiang Burial Cave
Waiting
Echo Valley

Rate
(Php)
250
350
400
400
650
500
700
150
250
250

Waiting
Mount Ampacao Base
One way (Bitin Village drop off)
Lake danum
Waiting
Marlboro Mountain Drop off
(cement road)
Marlboro Mountain (end of dirt
road)
Kiltepan View point
Bontoc
Banaue
Baguio
1 day tour package for vehicle

150
350
500
500
800
500
1,500
4,500
7,000
1,800

What is the best Attire for the Spelunking activity?

All of emm are in leggings/tights/spandex right?

why?

It gives the lower body easy movement and flexibility.

creates a secondary skin to your legs reducing the risk from scratches

easily dries up when soaked wet, and helps keep the body warm

maintains a lovely figured image of your selves in photos.

*note: select the tougher garment when deciding to wear leggings because some rocks are sharp enough
to tear your pants once you sat on it. An alternative is to wear a short pant over the leggings.
Other options:
jog pants this is maybe very helpful to protect your skin from possible scratches but might get heavy
once soaked wet.
Short pants makes movement easy and you look pretty much lovelier looking on photos, but, not as
effective as long pants that protect your body from possible scratches.
For upper body

any shirt can do.

easy dry shirts are advised.

avoid using whites because of stains.

For MEN:
Any short pants can do however; we also would want to be incredibly amazing, neat and athletic looking in

photo right?
So here are some suggestions:
cycling shorts/trunks
above the knee shorts ex. football shorts
For the upper body:

body fit shirts

sleeveless shirts

easy dry shirts

FOOTWEAR

Many tourists consider hiking sandals as the best footwear for the spelunking activity. Not actually right.
Spelunking is quite different from Hiking.
Whats the best then?

Water shoe the idea is to establish a good grip on the limestone rocks inside the cave. The
flexibility of the rubber in the shoe adopts the contour of the rock in the cave trail and easily dries
up when wet.

But if you dont have it, dont bother buying one. Instead use an:

Ordinary Slippers/tong/flip flops there are other parts of the cave that walking barefooted is
actually best, so for easier carriage and practicality, get the simplest one you can find. Notice that
most of the subjects in the photos are barefooted.

Croc or clog type slippers would also be functional enough to protect the feet from scratches
and gives a comfortable feeling while making it to the cave trail.

Other things you can use:

gloves although not necessary, gloves can protect you from sharp rocks and in contact from mud and
guano
head lamp very very helpful if you have one of your own, always have them turned off when pausing for
a picture though but dont bother buying one if you dont have them. The guides have their own lamps to
illuminate your path well.
to sum it up, this is an ideal attire one should be using.. for girls

Trekking, Tours and Batad Guide Rates

Village tour - P300
Walking around the village requires you to pass through many peoples yards, so you should use a guide
for this.
Village and Tappiyah Falls Tour - P400
This is a half day tour and you will be walking much of the time. Although you dont need a guide to find
your way to the waterfall, it is not a bad idea to pay the extra 100 pesos onto the village tour to add the
waterfall. Tourists sometimes take the wrong path to the waterfall and find themselves traversing the
terraces in the dark there are no signs to follow. The Tappiyah Waterfall (also spelt Tappia Waterfall) has a
large pool, and the frigid mountain waters are great to swim in. Dont underestimate the endurance
required to make it back up to the saddle from the waterfall, and I suggest that you only do this if you are
used to trekking long distances in the mountains. Many people from Manila, or those with children, who are
not used to this amount of walking, find that they should have had an overnight stay in Batad and walk up
to the saddle the next morning.
Best View Point - P500
A trek up a high mountain on the eastern side of the amphitheater overlooking Batad. The trek is
strenuous and uphill most of the way. Allow between 2 and 3 hours to make it to the top. Set off at very
first light in the morning because you will then be in the shadow of the mountain for your trek up.
Cambulo Trek - P900
Cambulo is the next village in the valley heading back to Banaue. You can go here for a day trip or you can
stay overnight. There are several simple guest houses there for you to stay in overnight. The walk to
Cambulo will take about 2 hours.
Batad Cambulo Pula Banaue Trek - P1,800
This is a 2 day trek from Batad to Banaue. The overnight stay will be in the small village of Pula. Consider
hiring a porter at P500 a day if you have a large backpack, and that way you can really enjoy a relaxing
walk.
Batad to Bangaan trek - P500
This is a back-route to the village of Bangaan which located off the main road, about two kilometers or so
past the Batad Junction. The direct trail from Batad is difficult to find without a guide. Alternatively, you can
walk to Bangaan by following the road from the Saddle back to the Batad Junction. On reaching the
junction, turns left and follow the road; you will see Bangaan village in the valley on your left and you cant
miss it. There is little value in using a guide and going on the direct trail unless there is a group of you or
you want someone to carry your bags.
Mount Amuyao trek Batad to Barlig approx P2,500 for 3 to 4 days

This is the most popular trek for mountaineers. There are several ways to do this trek, but I suggest that
you do it from Batad so that you can get a good Batad guide. Whether from Banaue or Batad, make sure
you get a senior DOT accredited guide. If you are leaving from Banaue and not via Batad, I suggest you
use Derick Gano (mentioned above) as your guide. If your onward journey from this trek is to Sagada or
Baguio, then finish your trek at Barlig. If you are heading back to Batad or Banaue, then trek back after
reaching Mount Amuyao. The round trip back to Batad should take 4 days. The one way trip, Batad to
Barlig, will take 3 days.
The first nights sleep will be at Patyay, a small village on the slope of Mount Amuyao. The second night
will be spent on the summit of Mount Amuyao, which is 2700 meters above sea level. There is some very
basic shelter there but you will need to bring a sleeping bag as it will get very cold up there, well below 10
degrees Celsius sometimes. You will also need to bring food. At the Mount Amuyao summit there is a
ABS/CBN TV tower and a full-time guard. The guard is always happy to have some company. Note that if
you are with a large group, you will need to bring tents. It is unwise to do this trek in the rainy season. It is
also possible to do a return to Banaue rather than Batad, and the distance is only a little longer.
Getting from Banaue to Batad
You can hire a private jeepney to take you to the Batad Saddle and back, or a tricycle to take you the
Batad Junction and back this is best organized through the Banaue Tourism Council. You can also arrange
for a porter through them if you want help to carry your luggage.
There is also a regular jeepney service that goes to the Batad Saddle. It leaves Banaue between 9 and 10
in the morning and departs from the saddle between 2 and 4 in the afternoon. The cost each way is P150.
Check with the Banaue Tourism Council well before you want to go.
Passenger jeepneys also regularly pass by the Batad Junction and this may be the cheapest mode of
transport the fare is P50. This Jeepney service is for taking locals from far out villages to Banaue and
returning them on the same day. For this reason, there are only morning jeepneys passing the junction to
Banaue, the first being around 7am and the last being around 10am. The same jeepneys leave Banaue
between 2 and 4 in the afternoon. You dont want to catch the last one as it is dangerous to negotiate the
trail in the dark, especially during the rainy season. Saturday is Banaue market day so these jeepneys will
be too full with people, livestock and vegetables, so you may not get a ride as priority could be given to
the local people.
The walk from the Batad Junction to the village takes a couple of hours, allowing for photo opportunities.
There are shelters along the way where you can rest, gaze at the view and from where you can buy cold
drinks. Avoid doing this walk in the heat of the midday sun.