Sagada, Mt. Province | Day 1. The journey to Sagada Bonfire Festival

Sagada, Shangri-La of the North

Most commonly dubbed as the Philippines’ Shangri-La of the North, Sagada is a sure hit for any traveler who is looking for cold climate, laid-back living, fresh produce, and awe inspiring natural landscape. It is definitely as remote and beautiful as how the novel Lost Horizon (1933) by James Hilton depicted Shangri-La. It is nestled in a valley enveloped between the Cordillera mountain range and the Ilocos range. The road leading to it is both scenic and perilous due to its geography. Although faraway, visitors going to Sagada will not be faced by uncomfortable living conditions. The local community has made it possible for tourists to have decent bed & breakfast and even offer dining options to suit a food lover’s taste.

Tuguegarao-Sta. Ana, Cagayan | Day 3. Caving and the Search for the very elusive Tuguegarao Longganisa

Day 3 is the final day of this long weekend adventure for the Stokedtraveler. Two things remained to be done, take a bite of the famed longganisa and go spelunking on the even more popular Callao Caves.

Before this day came, the group bid farewell to their luxurious private villa stay at Sun City and transferred to a more reasonably priced nearby accommodation – Country Inn & Resort.

Country Inn & Resort

The group took a tricycle from Sun City to Country Inn. They passed through some local houses and went deeper until they reached the location of this humble yet very homey place to stay.

Photo credit to owner

To the Stokedtraveler’s amusement, they were warmly welcomed by wide smiles and assisted to their room by the resort staff wearing colorful flowery headdresses. J Such hospitable reception is a rarity in this part of the country. Having dealt with difficult locals in the past days, staying here felt like being in an imaginary bubble separating this tiny spot from the rest of the non-tourist friendly locals.

Tuguegarao-Sta. Ana, Cagayan | Day 2. Surviving Cagayan

Day 2 was planned for the trip’s highlight. Everyone had to make sure they rested well to keep up with all the island hopping, hiking and spelunking that was in store for them.

Engano Cove, Palaui Island, Cagayan

Securing that green pass for the island hopping tour was a hassle. Avoid negotiating directly with boatmen or anyone presenting themselves as tour guides. Just go directly to the ‘Visitor’s Center’ located in San Vicente Port and ask assistance from there. The standard tour which will bring you to the destinations listed on this blog will cost P3,500 for the boat rental for a group of 6 persons. There will be other fees on top of the boat rental (i.e. island passes, guide fee). You can also skip the fee for the snorkeling guide and snorkeling gear. Just bring your own snorkel gear. After all, there isn’t so much reef life to experience at least in the places the Stokedtraveler’s group visited. Do not leave the visitor’s center without that ever so important ‘green pass’ and remember to bring it with you on the day of your tour.

Here’s the breakdown of the whole day island hopping itinerary:

Day 2

8am-5pm – Island Hopping (Cape Engano, Punta Verde, Crocodile Island, Anguib Cove)

5pm-6pm – Boat ride from Anguib Cove to Sun City

6pm – Check-in at Country Inn and Resort