Yes people. it’s worth it. This shot was taken near the summit of Mt. Ampacao in Sagada. The area provides a very good vantage point to the towns of Sagada and Besao as well as the summit of Mt. Polis and the humongous waterfalls of Bauko, Mountain  Province.

Here are resources about Mt. Ampacao

Visit Sagada: Mt. Ampacao

Pinoy Mountaineer: Mt. Ampacao

Effective June 2008, the bus lines that service the routes from Manila to the major hubs around Sagada have made considerable fare adjustments.

Victory Liner have increased the price of the ticket for Manila to Baguio from 380-390 (~10 USD) pesos to 450-460 (~ 12 USD) depending on on which station you choose to depart from – Cubao or Pasay.

Cable Tours made an even bigger increase. The shuttle from Manila to Bontoc now costs 650 pesos (~16 USD) – from 500 pesos (~12 USD)

Fortunately, the fare from Baguio to Sagada remains at 220 pesos (~6 USD). Jeep fare from Bontoc was also unchanged at 35 pesos (~1  USD).

Since the genesis of the Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo administration, holidays that were supposed to be celebrated during the middle of the week have been “moved” to a Monday or Friday to create a string of three non-working days. This is an effort to encourage local tourism and give people ample time  to spend with their friends and families.

While a three-day itinerary is ideal, one could still enjoy the wonders of Sagada in two days.

Here’s a list of national non-working a holidays in the Philippines:

January 1 – New Year’s Day (usually not moved)

April 9 – Araw ng Kagitingan (usually moved to the nearest Monday BEFORE the 9th)

Holy Week (Maundy Thursday and Good Friday) – as observed by the Catholic Church

June 12- Independence Day (usually moved to nearest Monday BEFORE the 12th)

August 21- Ninoy Aquino Day

December 24, 25 – Christmas

December 31 – New Year’s Eve

The celebration of Eidl Fitr (the end of the Rammadan) is also observed nationwide.