Our Baguio visit won't be complete without going to Strawberry Farm in La, Trinidad Benguet. On our way there, we saw these beautiful colorful murals painted on houses on the hillside community of Stonehill, Botiwtiw and Sadjap (STOBOSA) in Barangay Balili, La Trinidad, Benguet. Inspired by the favelas of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The Stobosa mural is the newest tourist attraction in Baguio that every Baguio-goer, travelers, and adventure seeker would go gaga over with, on their SNS including moi self.
So make sure to pullover and take your selfies and poses when you see these on your way to strawberry farm or walk away after your visit in Bell Church. The whole thing took almost half a year to finish, with residents pitching in in painting each houses.
A day before my 30th birthday, I went to the Summer Capital of the Philippines to unwind and relax. Never did I know it was in time for the famous Panagbenga Celebration. An annual flower festival celebrating Baguio City's "seasons of blooming". Nothing can be more romantic than thousands of flowers in full bloom and meticulously arranged floating at the heart of Melvin Jones Burnham Park in Baguio City.
I am so happy, I was able to witnessed it for the first time.
Here are my favorite photos of that day!
The festival is held every month of February, this was created in honor to the city's flowers and as a way to rise up from the devastation of the 1990 Luzon earthquake, that badly hit Baguio City. The festival includes floats that are covered mostly with flowers, street dancing - presented by local dancers in flower inspired costumes, that is inspired by the beautiful Cordillera's customes and tradition.
Make sure to include this in your #travelgoals for next year travel adventure!
HOW TO GO TO BAGUIO?
Going to Baguio is very easy. Because there are bus companies in Manila that cater passengers travelling to Baguio such as Victory Liner and Genesis Bus. Victory Liner's buses run on a 24-hour service while the Genesis buses operates from 3AM to 7PM. Regular fare/ ticket price is 485 pesos and travel time usually takes 6 to 7 hours. Most of these buses have FREE WIFI. (Prices may change without prior notice.) Check out Victory Liner's website for more information at www.victoryliner.com while Genesis Bus at www.genesistransport.com.ph.
On our second day at Sagada we decided to go to spelunking at the famous Lumiang and Sumaguing cave connection which is a very popular activity in Sagada. Our tour guide Kuya Mark waited us in-front of Lemon Pie House then we head straight to Lumiang Cave, a 30 minute walk from Sagada but since we had a car it only took as 15 minutes going there. On our way to Lumiang we passed by Dokiw Hanging Coffins viewpoint. In Sagada mostly mountains with this kind of rock formation has hanging coffins. Hanging coffins at Dokiw were not limited to those on Echo Valley. They are so rampant everywhere that we just have to have an eye to spot them in many tall rock formation as we stopped by.
At Dokiw pointing one Hanging Coffin on the rocks.
Our spelunking tour will start at Lumiang and ends in Sumaguing Cave. While waiting for our guide to park our vehicle we saw this big hole and wonder what it is. Kuya Mark our guide told us that it was a graveyard and only pregnant women are allowed to be buried in that hole from before. When I took a closer look, I saw coffins on the ground.
As you could see there are coffins downstairs.
In every Tourist spots in Sagada there are local tourism official to check your entry. So make sure you always bring your environmental registration receipt where ever you go in Sagada.
My friend Edz, Me, Bhem and Kuya Mark our tour guide waiting for our O.R. check by local tourism official.
We continued to walk going to the entrance of Lumiang Cave. Our Spelunking Cave connection begins....
beautiful view near the entrance of Lumiang Cave.
But wait...as we reach to the entrance of the cave I was surprised to find it out that Lumiang Cave is also a burial place of Igorot's from before. The cave entrance is surrounded by hanging coffins with hundred-year-old bones encased within. Honestly I was feeling creepy. Kuya Mark our guide was telling us story about those coffins. He said that each burial sights in Sagada has different kinds of deaths. This one in Lumiang cave are the remains of those who died in old age. Those who died in diseases are in different burial site. Infants are buried in their own homes because it was believed by there ancestors that the little ones still needs to be taken care of by their families. This coffins in Lumaing cave are 300-400 years old.
Entrance to Lumiang Cave
Even if were allowed I won't bothered to get some. Yay!!!
Behind me are piles of coffins on the wall of the cave. Look at my creepy face. Lol
Along the path you'd walk along some opened coffins with some bones sticking out and some clothes of the dead. The coffins with gecko design means abundance and good-luck. Some coffins on the cliff where falling and you can see its remains on your way down to the cave. This piles of century-old coffins, carved out of timber guard the entrance of the Lumiang Cave. At first glance I thought the coffins looked like rocks, just as they seem to be naturally part of the cave, because green moss have conspicuously thriven the moist stuff. Obviously, the sizes of coffins are relatively small, because according to ancestral burial tradition, the dead were positioned inside the coffin just like a baby in a mother's womb. Though the sight is very unfamiliar and uncanny, I have the impression that this old tradition of the Sagada ancestors could simply reflect the intimate spiritual understanding and prime respect to God and nature. Sagada natives don't practice the tradition anymore instead they now follow the modern way of burying the dead. This is now part of a historical or cultural site in Sagada and one of the most visited areas in town.
Gecko Coffin
These hanging coffins were made of carved-woods.
Before our spelunking begin Kuya Mark briefed us on what to expect inside the cave, the things that are expected from us to do, and taught us some skills for our safety. Sagada's cave connection tour is definitely isn't for the fainted hearted adventurer, because you need to be relatively fit and unafraid of being trapped miles underground in confined spaces wading through water which at times reaches as high as your chest, or might be beaten by a snake. It's too dark and the hole entrance going to the cave are very small. When I saw how small the way going down the cave I was doubtful If I would fit on it, because holes were very very small. I remember our guide Kuya Mark told us that the reason Igorot's fit on that whole, because they are very small. So my friend and I were telling ourselves we are Igorot too, just to keep us motivated ha!ha!ha!. Plus we get to see a 10 year-old kid spelunking on the cave so that made us motivated even more.
Our Tour Guide Kuya Mark fixing the lamp to guide our way down the cave.
Our guide Kuya Mark squeezing through a tight hole.
You really have to be focused on where you're stepping, crawling and holding because one slip and it could mean a fall to the waiting jagged rocks.
I was having hard time climbing up and this position is so wrong, please don't follow. The one my friend did is right. Safety first! :)
Our guide showing us how to climb up using this rope. The 10 year old kid and me crawling.
This activity may be fun but it can be a little risky too. You really need to be extra careful, obey your tour guides, trust them feel free to ask if you're not sure what to do. And most of all don't forget to ask guidance and protection from the Lord. And if you can't reach some foot landings, ask for your guides to assist you. After an hour of rock-climbing, and sliding we finally reach Sumaguing cave, where all limestone rock formation and icy pools can be found.
Sliding down limestone.
Left: Stalactite Rock Formation. Right: Flying "Shokoy" or Merfolk.
Behind me is a big Broccoli Vegetable Rock formation.
Frog Rock Formation
On our way down to see more amazing rock formation.
Indoor Pool. The water is icy but so clear, it provides us an excellent opportunity to cool off :)
More indoor pool inside the cave. Feeling mermaid kami :)
Behind me is a Turtle Rock Formation.
Chocolate Marble Cake rock formation.
Kings Curtain
Giant Pincers!
Did you know that Sumaguing Cave is also known as the Porn Cave? Yup! You read it right, I have no idea it was known as Porn Cave as well until our tour guide show us the amazing rock formation that explains why. The rock formations inside is a resemblance of some private parts of humans. hehehe. Kuya Mark our guide has a good sense of humor in presenting all the rock formations that made us had a good time exploring the caves.
Before you scroll down, LET YOUR IMAGINATION WORK HERE. READY?
PRESENTING THE PORN CAVE!!! =)
PENIS
behind me is a Pregnant Women or the Queen rock formation
The King. German size as per our guide. LOL
The Prince
The Princess
The entire Lumiang-Sumaguing Cave Connection spelunking took us almost three hours to complete. We finally see the daylight signalling us to the caves exit. If your spelunking the cave connection, it usually start in Lumiang cave and exit through Sumaguing Cave. It was a great spelunking experience for all of us. It was our first time, feeling relieved, exhilarated and exhausted, we survived our underground adventure in Sagada.
I can see finally see the caves exit.
For some people who successfully conquered the Cave Connection would normally tell you its difficult. But as for me, I would rather call it challenging. Because some parts of the cave are manageable, but there were really some parts that required much caution, especially in Lumiang Cave, were in you have to climb rocks, go through very small holes, swimming in ice-cold water, going up and down via ropes, sliding down limestones, and soaking wet with shaking muscles. But nevertheless to say, we had an amazing experience and we absolutely loved it. And I would definitely recommend Sagada's Cave Connection to you, just make sure your ready to experience the fun, exciting yet deadly adventure of your life.
I survived Lumiang and Sumaguing Cave Connection.
Here are my five personal tips in your Cave Connection adventure.
1.) Wear shorts or leggings.
2.) Wear your slippers. No wearing of rubber shoes. Because most of the time you have to walk barefoot in this adventure.
3.) Put your important things like camera's, cellphone, wallet, etc. in a zip-lock or plastic to avoid getting it wet.
4.) Bring extra pair of t-shirt because you'll definitely get wet and so cold once you get out from the caves.
5.) Bring small bottle of drinking water or mineral water. Don't bring big bottle because it would be heavy for you to carry.
Thanks for reading.
All the best,
Tine ♥
My Spelunking Lumiang and Sumaguing Cave Connection in Sagada was featured in GMA, News as Youscooper ng Bayan for Summer Gimmick of Filipino.
TV Features :
UNANG BALITA, GMA NEWS.
Unang Balita is the news segment of GMA Network's daily morning program, Unang Hirit. It's anchored by Rhea Santos and Arnold Clavio, and airs on GMA-7 Mondays to Fridays at 5:15 AM (PHL Time).
NEWS TO GO, GMA NEWS.
News to Go is the daily morning newscast of GMA News TV, anchored by Howie Severino and Kara David. It airs Mondays to Fridays at 9:00 AM (PHL Time) on GMA News TV Channel 11.
BALITANGHALI, GMA NEWS
Balitanghali is the daily noontime newscast of GMA News TV anchored by Raffy Tima and Pia Arcangel. It airs Mondays to Fridays at 11:30 AM (PHL Time).
April 15, 2014 10:00 PM VICTORY LINER CUBAO 683 Edsa, Cubao Quezon City April 16, 2014
5:00 AM VICTORY LINER BAGUIO TERMINAL
6:00 AM BAGUIO SAGADA TERMINAL in DANGWA
It is advisable to travel no later than 12 midnight so that you can reach the first trip bus bound for Sagada at 6AM. The bus terminal in Baguio that plies the Sagada route is at Dangwa terminal which is about 10 minutes cab from Victory Liner Terminal inform the cab driver that your going to Sagada. Non air-conditioned buses (Lizardo or GL Transit) to Sagada depart daily from 6AM to 1PM. Travel time from Baguio to Sagada could take 6 to 7 hours and fare should be PHP220. Drop off point would be at Sagada Municipal Hall. (NOTE: FARE MIGHT NOT BE ACCURATE NA.)
12:00 NN SAGADA Municipal Hall Find a place to stay.
1:00 PM LUNCH
1:30 PM SAGADA Municipal Tourism for Registration proceed to SAGGAS Office
Will asked list of tours and guides (for cheaper cost so we can joint group of tours especially for caving and hiking).
2:00 PM On-wards schedule tentative to be discuss in Sagada.
Here are the Top things to do and see in Sagada:-) Source: Google
Spelunking | Cave connection Sumaging to Lumiang. The entire cave connection could take approximately 5 hours. Every activity in Sagada, a guide is required and this can be booked at the SAGGAS office.
Trek to Bomod-ok Falls.
SAGADA Rice Terraces.
Sunrise viewing at Kiltepan Viewpoint
Trek Pongas Falls. This is the newest attraction in Sagada.
Camping at lake danum or Mt. Ampacao
Walking tour at Sagada town (museum, pottery, weaving, Episcopal Parish, Sagada Weaving) I'm thinking of doing this on our last day in Sagada.
Up close with the burial caves and hanging coffins.
Top loading! (Riding on top ng jeep ) I REALLY WANT TO TRY THIS :)
Unfortunately we weren't able to follow the time in this itinerary because we did not able to ride the 10:00pm Victory Liner bus going to Baguio, because it was peak season and we don't have ticket reservation. Please note that if its peak-season please reserve your ticket in advance. We boarded the 1:00 am bus ride going to Baguio and arrived in Baguio around 6:30 am then head straight to Dangwa terminal werein busses going to Sagada are located. We catch up the 7:48 am bus and arrived in Sagada around 3:30 in the afternoon. We may not follow the time on this itinerary but then this helps us, as guide on what to do in Sagada. :)
Where to stay in Sagada:
Source:www.visitsagada.com
Residential Lodge - This establishment covers the bases as far as comfort is concerned. The rooms in the basement are quite spacious and at just 200-300 pesos per night, the rates are quite competitive compared the other inns in the area. The team of Visit Sagada can be quite biased when it comes to this verdict (we have stayed here almost 20 times over the past 6 years) but we have never been let down. Location-wise, it’s very close to good restaurants in town and is just a few paces away from the SAGGAS office. Due to the popularity of this place however, it can get quite hard to get a room. The common areas are good places to make new friends and travel companions. You can make reservations by calling Mary Daoas +639196728744. Residential Lodge has rooms that has private toilet and bath as well as rooms that share a communal toilet. For larger groups, you can probably ask for use of the kitchen should you want to cook your own meals instead of eating out. There is also complimentary coffee at the receiving area as well as a wifi service that is very reasonably-priced.
Rock Inn - is about 2 km away from the center of the town and even has its private driveway. This makes the lodge relatively remote – perfect for honeymooners and those who want peace and quiet. In terms of interiors, Rock Inn is possibly the best designed hostel in town. Aside from the great building, Rock Inn also boasts of having an orange orchard that visitors can pick fruits from for a very small fee.
George Guest House-George was built roughly along the time that Residential Lodge also came into existence. They have three buildings – one on the main road and two buildings on top of a hill down the road (these buildings are called George Extension). Aside from being a guest house, this establishment also has a small restaurant right next to the front desk. They also deliver to the extension buildings for no extra charge.
Kanip-Aw Lodge-One lodge that has been gaining a lot of buzz over the past few years has been Kanip-aw lodge. This establishment enjoys having been built on a great perch that overlooks vast pine forests and rock formations
Residential Lodge and Rock Inn are two of my option on where to stay in Sagada. I know Ms. Mary and Bang of Rock-Inn I spoke to them (via phone) and booked to them many times but due to bad weather I always got my reservation cancelled. Good thing it was a last minute plans with my friends for Holy Week long vacation and we decided to hit it off in Sagada. On our way up to Sagada we meet this lady in the bus and was referring us to Misty Lodge. My friend Bhem talk to her but I told my friend, lets check it out Residential Lodge. (So Bias^^) They are my first choice, been reading good reviews about them and there price are very reasonable especially for backpackers like us. And Rock-inn is my second choice, good reviews and location but a little pricey, so Residential Lodge it is. We are so lucky they had one room left, good for 3 person with 2 beds, with restroom and a heater at Php250.00 per head. PS...I know this might sound weird but in Sagada, they have an ordinance that no wearing of shorts and we dont know why, and we still wear our shorts though (no choice we pack mostly shorts) :)
Hope this itinerary helps you on your trip or plans going to Sagada. Goodluck!
PS. if your going to Sagada please bring your own towel and tissue mostly inns and lodges there don't provide.
Thank you for reading.
All the best,
Tine :)
Spelunking at Lumiang and Sumaging cave connection.
