After the long day we had in Sadanga, we have to bid goodbye because it was time for us to go to the next city--Sagada. Who's excited? Who isn't???
In the morning, we had breakfast--they served boiled sweet potato and brewed coffee. I don't know about you but I tell you, they have the best brewed coffee there is! It makes you want to drink unlimited cups! The breakfast they served is just so homey that makes it so nostalgic and reminisce the life in countryside.
Our second day was also one of the longest day we had in Mountain Province. According to them, it is colder there and it will take us less than an hour of travel time. I was in literal awe on our way going there. I felt like we were near the skies. The clouds were almost within our reach and everything felt so fresh. When we arrived at the inn, it dawned on us the coldness of the place. The temperature was 10 degrees Celsius or less and according to the locals, it was one of the coldest yet. Our day started there with their best lunch. As usual, we never passed on getting coffee because it was definitely one of the best. After lunch, we were scheduled on a mini tour to the newly renowned city. We had our names listed at the Tourism office and they assigned us one tour guide. We started our mini tour to the famous caves. They have almost hundreds of them and one day is not enough to tour them all.
 |
| Hanging coffins in one of the caves |
 |
| One of the many caves in Sagada |
 |
| En route to one of the caves |
 |
| Hanging coffins |
After which, we settled in the inn and waited for supper. We only had light supper as we were eating the entire tour. I didn’t know my kids would survive the cave tour going down and up the trek. The trek here is quite different though from that on in Sadanga. The timing was perfect when we went there because it was the city’s fifth festival.
 |
| 5th Etag Festival in Sagada |
We didn’t dare shower before bedtime as it was very cold and the water heater wasn’t helping. The inn we checked in utilizes fresh air outside and the windows in the bathroom were screened! Imagine how cold it was taking a shower. I was literally shivering and my bladder was confused because it was constricting my pee because of the temperature! It was also extremely cold despite closed windows and not utilising any zircon or even fan! We slept with our socks on and still we were shivering and dreaming of hot coffee in my sleep.
 |
| View of Sagada in their highest point |
Next morning, it was about time for us to leave and before we left, we got pasalubongs as well as all their delicacies. Their vegetables were so cheap and looks delish that only if we could take a truckload of it with us to Manila, we will definitely! We could've stayed a little longer though if only time will permit but we have to go back to the busy streets again of Manila.
We took Benguet highway going to Baguio before heading to Manila. Our trip to Baguio took us roughly about 6 hours and honestly we had the nicest view there. The clouds were within out reach and saw one of the best sunsets. We had to slow down at some areas of the mountain because of thick fog. Benguet highway has lots of Cabbage and other crops plantation. It is where we can also see lots of flower plantation from afar. We didn't get a closer look anymore as we have to get to Baguio before dinner.
 |
| Bed of clouds along Benguet Highway, view inside the car |
 |
| Sunset along Benguet highway |
We arrived at Baguio at exactly dinner time and Burnham park was already too dark for the kids to stroll around. We just went to different thrift shops were Baguio known for. We travelled back to Manila at almost 12 in the evening and arrived at almost 3 in the morning.
It was yet the best vacation we had in a short period of time. The kids get to experience at an early age immersion with locals. Though probably my daughter will not remember it yet, but my eldest definitely did!
Few tips:
If you are to travel to these places with kids in tow, make sure to bring all your essentials with you. Pack them extra clothes, medicines and anti-mosquitoes. Bring with you comfy clothes. Make sure also that you wear comfy shoes as you will be doing a lot of walking there. Also it is best to have a private transport (big car) because you will definitely make a lot of stops along the way.
Must try: coffee (one of the best!), Lemon cake, and their famous bread that is similar to Eclair bread.
Best pasalubongs: Etag (preserved pork meat), Arabica coffee, and fresh vegetables!
For other travel photos please visit this link: Sadanga/Sagada Travel Photos
