THE CORDILLERAS (BATAD-SAGADA-BAGUIO): A PRACTICAL TRAVEL GUIDE FOR DIY & BUDGET TRAVELERS [UPDATED as of 2021]

Note: As a precautionary measure in this time of COVID-19 pandemic, it is best to check with the authorities the updated travel requirements and possible restrictions that might affect your travel plan. Contact Banaue tourism center at +63 936 807 1337; Sagada tourism office at [email protected] or at +63 995 013 8303 to know the latest update. For Baguio, you need to visit visita.baguio.gov.ph, an online unit of Baguio tourism center and an extension of the local government which facilitates tourist processes and all forms of travel assistance for Baguio. You need to sign up to be fully assisted.

Remember to always follow the health and safety protocols imposed from your travel origin to your destination. I wish you a safe trip ahead!

Traveling to the Cordilleras for the first time? This detailed DIY travel guide is exactly what you need. Scroll down and take note of the outlined information from sample itinerary and budget, best places to visit, top things to do, recommended transports, budget-friendly accommodations, and other travel tips. Have a fun and enjoyable trip ahead!

START HERE!

THE CORDILLERAS AT A GLANCE

In the vast mountainous region of Northern Luzon settles CORDILLERA, home of the Igorot tribe which has been greatly considered as one of the thriving ethnic groups in the Philippines. The region prides a configuration of breathtaking topography and cool climate encompassing the highlands of 6 equally astonishing provinces. In these provinces lie three of the most popular tourist destinations: Batad, Sagada and Baguio.

 Batad Rice Terraces
The amphitheater of Batad Rice Terraces.

These three major tourist spots are visited by travelers for its unique set of attractions – from the circularly arranged steep slopes of Batad’s rice terraces, the ethnic burial grounds of Sagada’s sought after caves, to the amusing spectacles of Baguio’s mountain resorts and parks. These are but few points of interest that can be found in these highly regarded destinations in Cordillera.

Ultimately, if you want to find a sweet respite from the taxing metropolis of Manila and its nearby cities, or be immersed in a true Filipino ethnicity that have survived the changing tides of time or find comfort from the beating heat of summer or simply prefer mountain over beach – the Cordilleras will be the right place for you.

Batad Rice terraces
A close look at Batad Rice terraces

WHERE TO STAY IN THE CORDILLERAS

Here is a mix of budget and average stays around Cordillera.

Ifugao Hut
The native Ifugao house for P300 per night. The place is good for 4 persons.

In Batad

To get the best local experience, stay for a night or two on a native Ifugao hut near Batad Rice terraces. Contact any of the list below: (click the link for details)

RAMON HOMESTAY
Price: P1,200+ for an accommodation good for 4 persons
This place has one of the best views of Batad Rice Terraces
Click the photo for more details.

In Sagada

Here are top value accommodations in Sagada that are ideal for a group of 4 persons:

BAEY BOGAN HOMESTAY
– price at around P1,700+ per night
– with shared kitchen and laundry service
– provides free coffee in the morning
Click the photo to book or check for more details.
KANIP AW PINES VIEW LODGE
– price at around P1,100+ for a group of 4 persons
– has access to WiFi in public areas
– near the main road, yet peaceful
Click the photo to book or check for more details.

For backpackers and budget travelers, below are accommodations that you can choose from. Click the link to check for more details.

Camping is allowed in Lake Danum, Mt. Ampacao, Marlboro Hills, Calvary Hill and in Kiltepan viewdeck.

In Baguio

Here are the best-rated accommodations in Baguio that are within the city proper. Click the photo for more details.

OLD ORANGEWOOD
Rating: 8.3 | P1,274 for a room good for 3 adults and 1 kid
G1 LODGE DESIGN HOTEL
Rating: 8.9 | Price: P3,840 for a room good for 3 adults and 1 kid
HOTEL VENIZ – SESSION
Rating: 8.6 | Price: P2,876 for a room good for 4 adults and 2 kids
THE ORCHARD HOTEL BAGUIO
Rating: 8.8 | Price: P2,713 for a room good for 3 adults and 2 kids
CEDAR PEAK CONDOMINIUM
Rating: 8.3 | P2,424 for a room good for 3 adults and 2 kids
BAGUIO LEFERN HOTEL MILITARY CUT-OFF
Rating: 8.6 | Price: P2,852 for a room good for 3 adults and 2 kids

HOW TO GET TO THE CORDILLERAS

Access to the three tourist spots: Batad, Sagada and Baguio – is through Banaue or directly to Baguio by land transport. Depending on your itinerary, you go to Banaue if you want to kick off your Cordillera trip in Batad, then Sagada and Baguio; go directly to Baguio if you want to do it the other way around. If you want to take a separate trip to Sagada, check out this budget travel guide to save time.

Banaue Rice Terraces
The Banaue Rice Terraces as seen from the viewpoint.

To Banaue

  • Via Bontoc – Local buses at the town proper of Bontoc, near the Municipal hall goes directly to Banaue in an hourly basis. Last trip is 12PM. Travel time is about 3 hours, fare is P110.
  • Via Clark – From the airport, head out to Dau bus terminal and take a bus that goes to Tuguegarao. Tell the driver to drop off to Bagabag junction where you can ride a jeepney or bus to Banaue. Bus from Dau terminal leaves hourly from 8:00AM to 11:00PM. Travel time from Clark to Banaue is close to 10 hours, total transport expenses is around P900.
  • Via Manila – Take the Ohayami bus in Sampaloc, Manila. Their buses leave daily at 10PM. Make your reservation at their website at ohayamitrans.com or by contacting them at  +63 927 649 3055. Bus fare is P490, travel time  is roughly 8 hours.

At Banaue town proper, register at the tourism office for an environmental fee of P20. Head out to Batad saddle point by chartering a tricycle for P500 for 3 persons or a jeepney for P2,800 good for 20 persons. Note that there is no public jeepney that goes to the saddle point as of late. Once there, you may hire a guide to take you to Batad town or directly to Batad rice terraces. Trek to the town is about 20 minutes.

To Baguio

  • Via Manila – Buses that directly go to Baguio are found at the bus terminals in Cubao and Pasay. Travel time is 6 hours, fare is P450. Here are some of these buses: Dagupan bus at Cubao (02) 727-2330, Genesis bus at Cubao (02) 709-0803, Joy bus at Cubao and Pasay (02) 733-8622, (02) 853-3115, and Victory liner at Pasay, Caloocan and Cubao (02) 727-4688.
  • Via Aurora – Here are buses that goes to Baguio: D Liner bus at Maria +63 919 622 1649, Lizardo Trans at Baler. Travel time is 8 hours, fare is P300.
  • Via Bataan – Take the Genesis bus at Mariveles (047) 237-3310. Travel time is 7 hours, fare is P530
  • Via Cagayan – Available buses are Dalin bus at Tuguegarao and Aparri (074) 424 4301, Gabriel trans at Aparri+63 927 515 0170, Van at Tuguegarao+63 947 148 2544. Travel time is 6 hours, fare P350
  • Via Cavite – Take a Saulog bus at Cavite City (02) 727-2330. Travel time is 7 hours, fare is P500
  • Via Laoag – Take any of these buses: Farinas trans (077) 772-0126 to 27, Gabriel trans +63 927 515 0170 and Partas (077) 771-4898. Travel time is 6 hours, fare is P480

GOING AROUND & AWAY

  • Batad to Sagada – There are public jeepneys at the main road in Batad that goes to the town at 9AM and 2:30PM only. If you miss the jeepney, walk to Batad junction for about 6 kilometers where you can catch a tricycle or jeepney to the town. At the public market, take a jeepney to Sagada. Travel time is 1 hour, fare is P50. To get the best view of the surroundings while going to Sagada, go up to the roof of the jeepney. Make sure to hold tight. 😉
  • Sagada to Batad – Take the bus in Sagada that leaves for Banaue at 3PM or any public jeepney available as early as 6:00AM to 1:00PM and takes for about 4 hours to reach Banaue. At Banaue town proper, charter a tricycle for P500 for 3 persons or a jeepney for P2,800 good for 20 persons to Batad saddle point. Once there, hire a guide to take you for a trek to Batad town or directly to Batad rice terraces.
  • Sagada to Baguio – There are buses in Sagada that leave daily to Baguio from 5AM to 5PM.
  • Baguio to Sagada – At Baguio Dangwa terminal, just behind Baguio Center Mall, take the bus from GL Liner to Sagada. Fare is P250, travel time is 6 hours. Last trip is 1PM.
Bay-yo rice terraces of Bontoc
The Bay-yo rice terraces of Bontoc. Choose the Banaue route on your way to Sagada and find yourself looking at the scenic view of Bay-yo rice terraces.

TOP ATTRACTIONS IN THE CORDILLERAS

Here are some of the top tourist spots that you can visit in the Cordillera region. Check out the separate post for Sagada and Baguio in the links found at the bottom of this page for more attractions.

BATAD RICE TERRACES

Batad Rice Terraces

It is an extraordinary piece of magnificence! If that’s ever a phrase to describe it. Batad Rice Terraces is among the few thousand-year old amphitheaters in Banaue that have been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage. Getting here on a 20-minute trek through a forest is already quite half an adventure before finally setting a full sight to the vastness of the terraces. The best time to visit is during April to May when the fields are at its utmost lush of green.

Rating: 4.5/5

TAPPIYA FALLS OF BATAD

Tappiya Waterfalls

A towering 70-meter waterfalls at the opposite side of Batad rice terraces. From the village, it is about a 30-minute walk across the vast steep slopes of the amphitheater over to a 50+ carved steps at the sides of a promontory leading to the cascading overflows of Tappiya waterfalls. The catch basin is bearably cold and clear, a good place to swim after a tiring early morning trek.

Rating: 3/5

SUMAGUING CAVE OF SAGADA

Sumaguing Cave Rock Formation

Sumaguing is a beautiful cave that is physically demanding to explore. It is enormous, steep on some descents, slippery, narrow in some pathways, and deep in the underground. Just as you thought it’s all that there is, a certain section would require a rappel on a rockface to cross over. Truly, Sumaguing cave is not for the faint-hearted, but if you can handle yourself physically and mentally, the perks of seeing the beautiful rock formations is all worth it.

Rating: 4.5/5

LUMIANG BURIAL CAVE OF SAGADA

Lumiang Burial Cave in Sagada

The Lumiang cave welcomes its visitors with an enormous pile of 500-year old coffins that are splattered with lichens. To get to this ancestral burial ground, you will have to trail on steep steps so get those knees ready.

Rating: 3/5

HANGING COFFINS OF SAGADA

Hanging Coffins in Sagada

Easily one of the most photographed attractions in Sagada. Hanging the coffins is a traditional approach used for the dead from the upper-class. They believe that by hanging, spirits will have an easier path to reach their idea of heaven.

Rating: 3/5

KILTEPAN VIEWPOINT OF SAGADA

Sunrise at Kiltepan viewpoint

Weather permitting, the Kiltepan Viewpoint showcases a fascinating display of the sun as it hovers with all its brightness above a thick sea of clouds to slowly dissipate and reveal the wondrous details of Kiltepan rice terraces underneath. The viewpoint is situated 4 kilometers from the town proper. To get here, you can either walk with a guide or charter a vehicle.

Rating: 4/5

BOMOD-OK FALLS OF SAGADA

Bomod-ok falls

A towering waterfall with a catch basin in deep green waters that are surrounded by boulders of different sizes, Bomod-ok falls is majestic in all of its glorious properties. Getting to its location would require an hour-long hike in the vast field of Fedelisan rice terraces. It will be tiring but easy and full of breathtaking views.

Rating: 4/5

MINES VIEW PARK OF BAGUIO CITY

Minews View Park during sunrise

A ridge overlooking the once gold and silver mines of the Cordilleras. The park has loads of gift shops and food places. Activities in the park apart from looking over the outskirts of Benguet include dressing up in traditional costume for P20, photo opportunity while backriding on a horse. No entrance fee. To get here, go to the lower Session road in front of Danes bakeshop and take a jeepney with a Mines View sign. Fare is P10. Come here early in the morning to avoid the crowd. Additional note: The Good Shepherd is only a walking distance where you can buy a cheap Baguio favorite ube jam.

Rating: 3/5

LION’S HEAD OF KENNON ROAD IN BAGUIO CITY

A large rock with a natural shape like that of a lion located at Kennon road. Over the years, the Lion's head has gone several changes in its coloration. The most present is the one in the photo. To get here, go to Harrison road where you can find a jeepney terminal for Camp 7. Tell the driver that you drop off at the Lion's head. Fare is P15. Rating: 2/5

A large rock with a natural shape like that of a lion located at Kennon road. Over the years, the Lion’s head has gone several changes in its coloration. The most present is the one in the photo. To get here, go to Harrison road where you can find a jeepney terminal for Camp 7. Tell the driver that you drop off at the Lion’s head. Fare is P15.

Rating: 2/5

TAM-AWAN VILLAGE OF BAGUIO CITY

Located at Pinsao Proper, Baguio city - the village of Tam-awan is a repository of Cordillera's exquisite crafts and indigenous aesthetics. If you are lucky, you might witness the male Igorots performing their dance rituals. The village has a cafe and a few Cordillera huts that can be rented as low as P500 per person for an overnight stay. Entrance fee is P50 for adults, P30 for students and P20 for children. Contact them at +63 917 510 8196, +63 921 588 3131. To get here, go to the lower Session road near the market area fronting Danes bakeshop. Take a jeepney bound for Quezon Hill with a Baguio Long-Long Tacay Tam-Awan sign. Fare is P10. Rating: 3/5

Located at Pinsao Proper, Baguio city – the village of Tam-awan is a repository of Cordillera’s exquisite crafts and indigenous aesthetics. If you are lucky, you might witness the male Igorots performing their dance rituals. The village has a cafe and a few Cordillera huts that can be rented as low as P500 per person for an overnight stay. Entrance fee is P50 for adults, P30 for students and P20 for children. Contact them at +63 917 510 8196, +63 921 588 3131. To get here, go to the lower Session road near the market area fronting Danes bakeshop. Take a jeepney bound for Quezon Hill with a Baguio Long-Long Tacay Tam-Awan sign. Fare is P10.

Rating: 3/5

STOBOSA HILLSIDE HOMES OF LA TRINIDAD

Known as the "Valley of Colors", Stobosa Hillside Homes is a community of rows after rows of 200 colorful houses at the hillside of La Trinidad, Benguet. It is an artwork village desinged by the Tam-awan Village group as part of Rev-Bloom Urban Redevelopment Tourism campaign in 2016. To get here, go to Magsaysay Street and take a jeepney with TOMAY signboard. Tell the driver to drop you off where there are colorful houses. Fare is P10. Rating: 2/5

Known as the “Valley of Colors”, Stobosa Hillside Homes is a community of rows after rows of 200 colorful houses at the hillside of La Trinidad, Benguet. It is an artwork village designed by the Tam-awan Village group as part of Rev-Bloom Urban Redevelopment Tourism campaign in 2016. To get here, go to Magsaysay Street and take a jeepney with TOMAY signboard. Tell the driver to drop you off where there are colorful houses. Fare is P10.

Rating: 2/5

STRAWBERRY FARM OF LA TRINIDAD

A wide field of strawberry plantation notable for its strawberry picking activity for P400. The best time to visit is during November to May on its high picking season. Outside the farm, you can find local shops selling strawberry products of all sorts. To get here, ride a jeepney bound for Buyagan or Pico La Trinidad located at the Centermall. Fare is P14. Rating: 3/5

A wide field of strawberry plantation notable for its strawberry picking activity for P400. The best time to visit is during November to May on its high picking season. Outside the farm, you can find local shops selling strawberry products of all sorts. To get here, ride a jeepney bound for Buyagan or Pico La Trinidad located at the Centermall. Fare is P14.

Rating: 3/5

TOP THINGS TO DO IN THE CORDILLERAS

Here are top things to do and activities that are worth a try in Batad, Sagada and Baguio.

In Batad

  • Get up close with the world renowned site of Batad Rice Terraces.
  • Share a glass of traditional rice wine with the locals.
  • Catch an Ifugao cultural show and dance to the beat of the local instruments.
  • Wear the traditional costume of Ifugao and go on a photo session with the rice terraces on the background.
  • Bonfire at night and trade stories with the locals and other travelers.
  • Go on a jeepney top-load adventure on your way to the village or to Sagada.
Ifugao traditional wear
The traditional wear of Ifugao.

In Sagada

  • Drop by at Sagada Weaving and take great pleasure in the making of hand-weaved bags and other textiles.
  • Walk down memory lane and learn the rich history of Sagada by visiting the Ganduyan museum.
  • Watch the sunrise at Kiltepan or the sunset at Lake Danum.
  • Enjoy the local cuisine. Visit some of Sagada’s finest eats: Yoghurt House, Log Cabin, Lemon Pie House and Salt&Pepper Diner.
  • Try civet and the local coffee of Sagada at Gaia cafe, Sagada Brew or Bana’s Cafe.
  • Go spelunking on a cave connection tour for 3 to 4 hours in the massive cave system of Lumiang and Sumaguing.
Gaia Cafe in Sagada
Gaia Cafe in Sagada is one of the locations of the local film “That Thing Called Tadhana”. The movie helped promote Sagada’s tourism.

In Baguio

  • Take a visit at the abandoned Diplomat hotel and experience the ghost stories it is widely known for.
  • Jog around the famous parks of Baguio early in the morning, join in the zumba session, or just walk around to breathe the cold, fresh air.
  • Try the strawberry taho, one of Baguio’s staple food.
  • Test your wits, play chess with some of the bright locals at Burnham park.
  • Stroll the hillsides of Baguio and appreciate the wild sunflowers that grow during the months of November to May.
  • Feel Baguio’s vibe and join the Panagbenga flower festival in February.
  •  Appreciate the local scene and artists at play by going around the Session road.
  • Go on a reading spree at Baguio’s most famous bookshop, the Mt. Cloud Bookshop.
  • Bargain for some vintage clothes, hip jackets and fine pair of boots at the Ukay-Ukay boulevard on a night market.
Some fine Igorot gentlemen during the Panagbenga festival parade.
Some fine Igorot gentlemen during the Panagbenga festival parade in Baguio City.

THE CORDILLERAS SAMPLE ITINERARY & BUDGET

In getting around the Cordilleras, one can go DIY if you are on a shoestring budget or an arranged tour package. Here are 2 samples of a 5-day DIY itinerary. The first one starts with Batad, then Sagada to Baguio. The other starts with Baguio, then Sagada to Batad.

Things to consider for this itinerary.

  • Guide Fee to Batad (Viewing deck and Tappiya) cost for about P1,500.00
  • The cave connection tour in Sagada cost for P800 for the first 2 persons, and P400 for each succeeding person.
  • You will need a transport to get to Bomod-ok falls, Kiltepan viewing deck and Lake Danum. You may charter a van or jeepney at a round trip rate of P500-P700 per attraction, good for 6 to 10 persons.

For a more elaborate travel guide for Baguio City and Sagada, check out the links below:

trek to Batad Rice Terraces
On a 30-minute trek to Batad Rice Terraces.

Batad-Sagada-Baguio itinerary for 5 days

The sample DIY itinerary for Batad-Sagada-Baguio assumes a party of two and will set back a budget of P5,400+ per person, excluding expenses for activities in the park, accommodation, souvenir and other incidentals.

DAY ONE

ActivityTimeBudget
Arrive in Banaue07:00AMP510
Breakfast07:30AMP100
To Batad Saddle Point08:00AMP250
Trek to Batad Village08:30AMP750
Get up Close with the Rice Terraces09:00AM
Lunch12:00PMP200
Photo Op01:00PM
Trek to Tappiya Waterfalls03:00PM
Back to the Village05:00PM
Dinner06:00PMP200
Socials07:00PM

DAY TWO

ActivityTimeBudget
Breakfast07:00AMP100
Back to Saddle Point09:00AM
Drop by Banaue View Point09:30AMP50
To Sagada10:30AMP50
Lunch at Lemon Pie House12:00PMP200
Check In02:00PM
Cave Connection Tour03:00PMP400
Freshen Up06:00PM
Dinner07:00PMP200
Socials at Sagada Pines09:00PM

DAY THREE

ActivityTimeBudget
To Kiltepan Viewpoint04:30AMP300
Sunrise06:00AMP50
Rock Farm Café and Orange Picking07:00AM
Bomod-ok Falls09:00AMP200
Lunch12:00PMP200
Echo Trail Tour01:00PMP300
The Episcopal Church of St. Mary
Sagada Cemetery
Echo Valley
Hanging coffins
Check out02:00PM
Yoghurt House02:30PMP200
To Baguio by bus03:00PMP220
Arrive in Baguio08:00PM
Lights Out!09:00PM

DAY FOUR

ActivityTimeBudget
Sunrise at Mines View Park05:00AMP10
Try Strawberry Taho07:00AMP20
Buy Souvenir at Good Shepherd08:00AM
Wright Park09:00AMP10
The Mansion10:00AM
Botanical Garden11:00AMP10
Back to City for Lunch12:00PMP200
Strawberry Farm01:00PMP15
Stobosa Art Mural02:00PMP15
Lion’s Head at Kennon Road03:00PMP15
BenCab Museum04:30PMP200
Chill at BenCab Coffee shop05:00PMP200
Back to City06:00PMP15
Mt. Cloud Bookshop07:00PM
Dinner08:00PMP200
Explore Session Road09:00PM

DAY FIVE

ActivityTimeBudget
Burnham Park06:00AM
Lourdes Grotto08:00AMP15
Old Diplomat Hotel09:00AMP15
Bell Church10:00AMP15
Camp John Jay Eco Trail11:00AMP15
Lunch12:00PMP200
Tam-awan Village01:00PMP100
Check out and depart02:00PM
The Lemon Pie House
The Lemon Pie House of Sagada.

Baguio-Sagada-Batad itinerary for 5 days

The sample DIY itinerary for Baguio-Sagada-Batad assumes a party of two and will set back a budget of P6,400+ per person, excluding expenses for activities in the park, accommodation, souvenir and other incidentals.

DAY ONE

ActivityTimeBudget
Arrive in Baguio09:00AMP450
Wright Park09:00AMP10
The Mansion10:00AM
Botanical Garden11:00AMP10
Back to City for Lunch12:00PMP200
Strawberry Farm01:00PMP15
Stobosa Art Mural02:00PMP15
Lion’s Head at Kennon Road03:00PMP15
BenCab Museum04:30PMP200
Chill at BenCab Coffee shop05:00PMP200
Back to City06:00PMP15
Mt. Cloud Bookshop07:00PM
Dinner08:00PMP200
Explore Session Road09:00PM

DAY TWO

ActivityTimeBudget
Sunrise at Mines View Park05:00AMP10
Burnham Park07:00AMP15
Lourdes Grotto08:00AMP15
Old Diplomat Hotel09:00AMP15
Bell Church10:00AMP15
Camp John Jay Eco Trail11:00AMP15
Lunch12:00PMP200
Tam-awan Village01:00PMP100
To Sagada02:00PMP220
Arrive and Check in Sagada07:00PM
Dinner at Lemon Pie House08:00PMP200

DAY THREE

ActivityTimeBudget
To Kiltepan Viewpoint04:30AMP300
Sunrise06:00AMP50
Rock Farm Café and Orange Picking07:00AM
Bomod-ok Falls09:00AMP200
Lunch12:00PMP200
Echo Trail Tour01:00PMP300
The Episcopal Church of St. Mary
Sagada Cemetery
Echo Valley
Hanging coffins
Yoghurt House02:30PMP200
Cave Connection Tour03:00PMP400
Freshen Up06:00PM
Dinner07:00PMP200
Socials at Sagada Pines09:00PM

DAY FOUR

ActivityTimeBudget
To Banaue by Bus06:00AMP300
Arrive in Banaue11:00AM
To Batad Saddle Point11:30AMP250
Trek to Batad Village12:00PMP750
Lunch12:30PMP200
Explore the Rice Terraces1:00PM
Trek to Tappiya Waterfalls03:00PM
Back to the Village05:00PM
Dinner06:00PMP200
Socials07:00PM

DAY FIVE

ActivityTimeBudget
Breakfast07:00AMP100
Back to Saddle Point09:00AM
Drop by Banaue View Point11:30AMP50
Depart to Manila12:00PMP510
The Mt. Cloud bookshop at Casa Vallejo Bldg, DPS Compound Access Road, Baguio city.
The Mt. Cloud bookshop at Casa Vallejo Bldg, DPS Compound Access Road, Baguio city.

QUICK FACTS AND TIPS ABOUT THE CORDILLERAS

Batad Saddle Point
The view on the way to the village from Batad Saddle point.
  1. Before heading to Banaue, stack up some cash as there is less ATM and money changer, and everything is on cash basis.
  2. Mobile signal in Batad and Sagada is unreliable most of the time.
  3. When traveling around Batad, make sure to get a local guide to avoid getting lost.
  4. Weather can get too cold and dampy, bring a jacket and ask for blanket in your choice of accommodation.
  5. Bring a proper footwear as going around Sagada, Batad and Baguio requires a lot of walking.
  6. Respect the locals and their well-kept tradition. Always ask permission when taking pictures, especially of the elderly.
  7. Drop by Banaue Tourism Office before heading out to Batad so you will be assisted with your transport and avoid getting ripped off. Same goes with Sagada, the tourism office is the best place to get oriented with the top attractions.
  8. The best time to go is during the summer months of March through May.

USEFUL PHRASES

English is widely understood in the Cordillera region. But in case you want to speak the local tongue, here are phrases in Sagada and Baguio that proved to be useful.

English to Kankana-ey (language of the Igorots in Sagada)
Good morning – Gawis ay agsapa
Good afternoon – Gawis ay masdem
Good evening – Gawis ay labi
Where did you come from? – Nalpuam?
Let’s go – Entako

English to Ilocano (the most prevalent language among the locals in Baguio city)
Thank you – Agyamanak
Good morning – Naimbag a bigat
Good afternoon – Naimbag a malem
Good evening – Naimbag a sardam
How much is… – Sagmamano ti…
Where is… – Ayanna ti… 

Wright park
Another scenic park in Baguio that is notable for its pink ponies, St. Bernard dogs and a long pond called “the Pool of Pines.” To get here, take a Mines view or Pacdal bound jeepneys at the lower Session road. Fare is P10.

MEET THE BLOGGER

Leaning on our boat at Punta Sibaring 1. This photo was taken during a high tide.

Hey there! I’m Ker, The Fun-sized Traveller. Fun-size because I’m a short guy from the Philippines. Thanks for checking out this virtual block I have started building since my 30th birthday to document my 2nd quarter life. Yup, it’s more of a personal pursuit, but a part of me also wants to give back to the travel community that is why I make it a point to share travel articles out from my trips around Asia.

If you are keen on following my adventure, I post regular travel updates on:

I am more engaging on these channels so feel free to say hello. Let’s catch up there!

SHOW SOME LOVE!

If my articles have helped you in anyway, you can return the favor by subscribing to my Youtube channel so I can monetize my videos where I would primarily source out funds to maintain this website and reach out to more travelers.

To subscribe to my YOUTUBE channel, click this link: @thefunsizedtraveller

If it sounds too much, you can also help improve this blog by sharing tips and suggestions in the comment section. That too will surely be appreciated.

DON’T STOP HERE

Visit the Fun-sized Traveller community in Facebook if you want to ask questions, meet other travelers, or share your travel interests. Check the group via this LINK.

Also, you can inspire your next trip by checking the blogs below:

PHILIPPINE DESTINATIONS

Luzon

Visayas

Mindanao

INTERNATIONAL DESTINATIONS

BE A RESPONSIBLE TRAVELER

Leave No Trace Principle

Facebook Comments