I was fortunate enough to go back to Sagada for an eighth time during the last week of August. I was in a group of five that included one of the Philippines’ top photography and travel bloggers Lawstude.

He is a well traveled lawyer who definitely has a passion for adventure. In fact, he was fresh from a hike to Imugan Falls two days before we left for Sagada – and yes, with fresh cuts and bruises to show for it!

He has recounted his Sagada experience in a very well-written series of articles coupled with breath taking images.

Sumaging Cave @ Sagada

The Underground River

Echo Valley and The Hanging Coffins

Bokong Falls / Small Falls

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As much as I have kept myself from posting negative things on this blog, I just couldn’t let this particular incident go. I have been to Alfred’s Cabin multiple times already, but the service and the food was certainly not up to par the last time I ate there.

We were served a single chicken leg that was cut up into three sections – and that was what the 120 peso entree of Buttered Chicken was supposed to be. This was a far cry from the old buttered chicken dish that used to order at this very same restaurant a couple of years back. The pancit canton dish was also as bad – the noodles were ridiculously salty and had very little additions.

I was so embarrassed since I invited friends to join us. I would never eat there again unless major changes happen. If you happen to have bad experiences at Alfred’s Cabin, feel free to share it here.

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Rae Macapagal is hosting a fundraiser for the Batad Kadyangan Lodges. These are traditional houses at the very heart of Batad – the town that offers the best views of the Rice Terraces.

The trip is on October 27-30.

The fee for joining is 5500 and will cover everything from the transportation, lodging, meals, tours and a free massage to boot.

Batad Tour Rae Macapagal - Click here for more details

To ensure an optimal experience, the organizer will limit the number of participants to ten individuals only. Reservations must be confirmed with a deposit of 2000 pesos (BPI SA # 3889033079; Raymond A. Macapagal; San Juan S&L Branch). Please confirm all reservations by 17 October 2009.

For more information, contact Rae Macapagal at +63917 5273573 or email rae_pinioco@yahoo.com

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Here’s the complete list of accommodation options at Sagada, Mountain Province.

Recommended by Visit Sagada

Residential Lodge – 0919 672 8744
George’s Guesthouse – 0918 548 0406

Other

Alapo’s – 0921 327 9055
Alfredo’s Inn – 0918 588 3535
Ganduyan – 0921 273 8097
Sagada Homestay – 0919 702 8380

A-7 House 0921 287 6093
Billy’s House 0921 603 2745
Churya-a 0906 430 0853
Mapiyaaw Pension 0921 390 0560
Rocky Valley Inn 0918 643 2784
Rock Inn 0920 909 5899
Yabami Lodge 0920 411 9976
Gecko Inn 0920 289 5471

Igorot Inn 0928 630 5479
Olahbinan 0928 406 7647
Travelers’ Inn 0920 799 2960

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I just got back from Sagada and the tourism office now boasts of a new brochure that pretty much summarizes a lot of the things that a visitor needs to know about touring and transportation. They have divided the sites according to their location. All amounts are in Philippine Pesos.

Southern Sagada

Cave Connection – 400 per person
Short course caving – 500 per 4 people. 600 for 5 people.
Optional Ride: 350

Central Sagada

Eco-cultural Tour
Echo Valley Hanging Coffins
Underground River Entrance
Bokong Falls

Price – 400 for 1-10 people.

Northern Sagada

Bomod-ok Falls
Fidelisan Rice Terraces
Northern Sagada Villages

Price – 600 for 1-10 people.
Optional Ride: 650

Eastern Sagada

Lamangan/ Marlboro Country
Limestone Formations
Wild Horses

Price – 600 for 1-10 people
Optional Ride: 450

Western Sagada

Amapacao Mountain Trek
Demang Community

Price – 600 1-10 people

Sunrise

Kiltepan Viewpoint
Rice Terraces

Price 450 1-10 people *the driver can be your guide

Sunset

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