Mountain Escape: My Unexpected Trip to Sagada

My twin sister and I spontaneously planned our Sagada trip in just two days. Everything happened so quickly that before we knew it, we were hopping on a bus at Dangwa Terminal (located behind Centermall, Baguio) during the last week of November. It was on twinnie’s rest day, the morning of November 26th, that we set off on our 6-hour journey to Sagada aboard a Lizardo bus.

We weren’t even sure we’d make it to the 8:30 AM trip, as finding a Grab ride from our home in Baguio to Dangwa Terminal was a challenge, good thing sissy drove us off to the terminal as a last-minute decision. November is peak traffic season here in Baguio, with tourists flocking to enjoy the cold weather, which lasts through February.

Sagada, a serene town nestled in the Cordillera Mountains, is also known as Sagada, Mt. Province. I didn’t expect to be traveling so close to Christmas, but twinnie was determined—even if it was just for a few days. I hadn’t traveled in a long time, and honestly, the thought of a 6-hour trip felt exhausting. But in the end, it was worth it. This trip turned out to be quite the adventure, especially since it had been 16 years since twinnie and I last visited Sagada.

Back in 2008, I swore I’d never return. The narrow, winding roads triggered my fear of heights, and the rough, dusty ride on an unpaved road was something I never wanted to experience again. But a lot has changed since then. The road to Sagada is now fully cemented, making the journey far less nerve-wracking. Maybe it’s not just the road that has changed—maybe I have too. After living in Baguio for over a decade, I’ve grown accustomed to mountainous terrains, and they no longer scare me the way they used to.

Reflecting on this trip, I’m glad I gave Sagada another chance. It reminded me that time changes not only places but also perspectives.

Before our trip to Sagada, I did some research to make sure everything would go smoothly. I looked into the best months to visit and what the weather would be like. I also searched for homestays located in the town proper to make it easier for us to get around. According to my findings, the best time to visit Sagada is from November to February. During this period, the town is less crowded with tourists, offering a more relaxed experience. It also happened to be the perfect time for us, as there were no typhoons forecasted for the last week of November.  

My twin and I reached out to a few homestays to inquire about their rates and availability. After comparing options, we found a place we liked and booked it through their Facebook page. The process was seamless—we paid a deposit online, which secured our stay. While we weren’t entirely sure if booking in advance was necessary, we didn’t want to risk arriving without accommodations, especially since we wanted our trip to be stress-free.  

For anyone planning a visit to Sagada, I’ll share our travel itinerary for our 3-day, 2-night stay. While the Internet was incredibly helpful in planning, not all the information was up-to-date or accurate. Traveling always comes with a bit of learning on the go, and I’m happy to share our experience to make your trip easier.  

Upon arriving at Dangwa Terminal, we quickly spotted the booth labeled "Besao-Sagada." We purchased our tickets for ₱330 each. The bus company operating the route from Baguio to Sagada is called GL Trans Corp.

Baguio to Sagada 3D/2N Trip | November 26-28,2024 

D.I Y. Itinerary

Day 1:

8:30 AM: Travel to Sagada via Lizardo bus. There was a 30-minute stopover two hours later.

2:30 PM: Arrived in Sagada. Register at Tourism office. We paid P50 each for the environmental fee and P100 each for the registration fee. 

3:00 PM: Checked-in at Lodge Labanet. Freshen up before heading out for dinner.

4:30 PM: Dinner at Gaia Cafe. We rode a tuktuk and paid P25 per head to get to Gaia from our homestay. 

6:00 PM: Back at the homestay.

Day 2:

10:00 AM: Breakfast at Masferre Country Inn & Restaurant

11:00 AM: Visited Church of St. Mary the Virgin.

11:30 AM: Visited the Sagada Homemade Whole Wheat Bakery. 

We rode a tuktuk again and paid the same fare which was P25 per head. The store was closed when we arrive, but the owner saw us outside and let us in. We bought whatever wheat bread was available at that time since there was no fresh bread available yet.

12:00 NN: Lunch at Sagada Brew.

This restaurant is just walking distance from the bakery.

1:00 PM: Visited Sagada Lemon Pie House.

We just walked here from Sagada Brew since it was just close by. We bought lemon pies as pasalubong. 

1:30 PM: Back at the homestay. Free time. 

We bought pasalubong at the souvenir shop just in front of our homestay during our free time. 

4:30 PM: Dinner at Yoghurt House. 

This is also just walking distance from our homestay.

5:30 PM: Back at the homestay.

Day 3:

3:00 AM: Wake up and get ready for our trip back to Baguio. 

4:30 AM: Checked-out at homestay.

5:00 AM: Travel back to Baguio.

We walked over to the Church of St. Mary the Virgin, thinking it was the GL Trans bus terminal, but the gate was still closed. The gate was scheduled to open at 6 AM, so we were a bit confused. Thankfully, we spotted the bus waiting for passengers at the nearby waiting shed. We managed to catch the 5 AM trip back to Baguio.

To sum it up, our Sagada trip was both memorable and exhausting. A lot has changed since we last visited—the town now has more commercial establishments and homestays. While the food was on the pricier side, it’s understandable given that Sagada is a popular tourist destination.

One thing that stood out, though, was the limited dining options for vegetarians like us. It was a bit of a challenge to find suitable meals. I hope that in the future, more restaurants will include vegetarian options on their menus to cater to a wider range of dietary preferences.

Sixteen years later, Sagada remains the serene and peaceful haven I fell in love with, and it’s definitely a place I’ll return to again.

Life Lately

It's been three months since my last update, which means I missed my goal of posting monthly. Now that we're in the BER months, a lot has changed. Our adopted feline family has fully adjusted to indoor life, and they seem to be thriving. Luna, the mama cat, was spayed last month, and the kittens are growing up fast. Skye, our Siamese, lost his baby teeth, which was a relief because he had "retained deciduous teeth"—a condition that could have caused problems if the baby teeth didn't fall out. Finn, the other kitten, has gained a lot of weight and is loving all the new toys, especially the cat tree I got them recently.

As for our two older cats, Atari and Katsu, they’re getting along well with the kittens but not so much with Luna, who’s developed a bit of territorial aggression. I’m hoping Luna will eventually learn to co-exist with everyone.

On a different note, I’ve started my Christmas shopping early, focusing on ornaments and gifts to avoid the last-minute rush. We’re planning to set up the Christmas tree next month, and I’m excited about our holiday color theme this year: purple, gold, and coffee brown. It’s keeping me busy, but in a good way!

That’s it for now. More updates to come soon!

A Busy May: Welcoming Furry Friends and Celebrating Milestones

May has been an incredibly busy month filled with new furry additions, unexpected vet visits, and joyful celebrations. Our home has become a haven for a stray cat family, and we’ve experienced the highs and lows of pet parenting. Here's a look at the eventful month we've had.

Welcoming a Stray Cat Family

One of the most heartwarming highlights of May was the adoption of a stray cat family. My older sister and niece came across a mother cat and her two kittens in desperate need of a home. Sadly, animal rescue shelters were overwhelmed and unable to take them in. Determined to find them a safe place, my sister and niece fostered the little family for a month. Their journey didn’t end there; they traveled 12 hours to bring them to our home, which will now be their forever home.

Meet our new "pawmily" members 

Adopting stray cats is a cause close to my heart. It's vital to provide these animals with loving homes rather than purchasing pets from breeders. Every stray cat deserves a chance at a better life, and adopting them helps reduce the overwhelming number of homeless animals.

Katsu’s Unplanned Vet Visit

Our 2-year-old cat, Katsu, gave us quite a scare this month. She developed a high fever and had to make an unplanned visit to the vet. After a thorough check-up, Katsu was put on medication for a week. Thankfully, she’s now on the mend, but it was a stressful time for all of us. Regular vet check-ups and prompt medical attention are crucial for our pets' health, even when unexpected issues arise.

Celebrating Cooper’s 2nd Birthday

Amidst all the hustle and bustle, we celebrated a special milestone—our dog Cooper turned 2 years old! We wanted to make his day extra special, so we gave him a cake, a cake that I baked using dog-friendly ingredients. Cooper also had his fur groomed just days before his birthday. Unfortunately, this led to razor burns, but we quickly treated them with cold compresses and wound spray. Despite the minor setback, Cooper enjoyed his birthday celebrations with lots of love and attention.

Cooper turned 2 years old

The Importance of Adopting Stray Animals

This month has reinforced the importance of adopting stray animals. There are countless cats and dogs in need of loving homes, and by adopting them, we not only save their lives but also make room in shelters for others in need. Stray animals often have a lot of love to give and can become loyal, grateful companions.

Our new cat family has already brought so much joy into our lives. Watching them settle into their new environment and seeing them thrive is a rewarding experience. It’s a reminder of the difference we can make one adoption at a time.

Conclusion

May has been a whirlwind of activities and emotions, from welcoming new feline family members to celebrating Cooper’s birthday and ensuring Katsu’s health. Through it all, we've been reminded of the joys and responsibilities of pet ownership and the importance of adopting stray animals. 

Back at It: A Long Overdue Update

It's been three months since I last sat down to write, and I've missed this more than I can express. Life has a way of throwing unexpected curveballs, and for me, it came in the form of taking care of a senior cat who needed extensive vet care and a temporary return to the graveyard shift for work.

My senior cat, a beloved member of our family, needed extra care and attention due to health issues. This required frequent vet visits, medications, and round-the-clock monitoring. It was a challenging time, but I wouldn't have traded those moments with my furry friend for anything in the world.

In addition to caring for my cat, I also found myself back on the graveyard shift for a short-term job. The change in schedule was abrupt, and adjusting to the nocturnal lifestyle once again was tough. But I knew it was a temporary situation, and I had to give it my all.

Despite these challenges, I'm grateful for the experiences and lessons learned during this time. It's taught me the importance of resilience, patience, and the value of cherishing every moment, whether it's with a loved one or in the pursuit of personal and professional growth.

As I return to writing, I carry with me a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper appreciation for the simple joys in life. I'm excited to share more stories, insights, and adventures with you all in the days to come. Thank you for your patience and understanding during my absence. Here's to new beginnings and the journey ahead.