BANAUE-SAGADA Experience (Part 2)

Part 2 of the Banaue-Sagada series.


DAY 2


This is day is called "The Climax of Sagadan Adventures".


The day started with a beautiful sunrise with its luminous effect on the mountains, the trees and nearby clouds. This was the only whole day spent at Sagada. The morning was so cool and yet refreshing. That was the day I was quite near to nature in Sagada. We ate breakfast again at St. Joes collectively. Few minutes after breakfast, the group splitted into 2 for the whole day. The itinerary has been adjusted due to some order by the mayor of Sagada.

EASY TRAIL- Bokkong Waterfalls. (Small Waterfalls)

(I have noticed that when I was there the smaller one to the left had no flow.)

This waterfalls are nice and fantastic, but let me share what I had experienced on the way. Due to acrophobic experiences, I always have kept an eye on the ground on where to step. I was quite anxious because it was muddy, non-cemented (first few meters) and no rails. I have developed a technique here to prevent falling to the abyss. When you are not sure if each step is stable, always hold on the grass and try dragging your buttocks on the soil. A walking stick made of bamboo created a great difference. I used that stick by going up, while I excessively used my energy, getting tired easily. For me, I called this hard already, because there are no safety measures. It was pleasing and relaxing to walk by the stream. It is still worth it. It is only a 30 minute trek. I heard that there was an 18 year-old girl drowned in one of these waterfalls last year. One thing I have to tell you before I forget, On my way down to the majestic locus, I subconsciously lost my Nito ring and I didn't even bother to find it because it is only P20 (I bought it at SM-MOA).

HARD TRAIL- Bomod-ok Waterfalls (Big Waterfalls)

I was told that it was hard because of the terrain. There was an eyewitness account in that group that 2 people fell 6 ft down to the abyss. A girl suddenly slipped hanging on the edge of the pathway and a boy tried to help her up but instead they both fell. I must say that they are a bit injured and hopefully, they didn't get any fractures but some wounds. This should be a motivation for municipial precautionary measures for the sake of tourist's safety. It took them 1.5 to 2 hours to trek down and back up. This means that the roads are way up high and it is further than Bokkong. The advantage of going to these waterfalls, is you will passby and get the closest encounter with the rice terraces ever.

FYI, you will need a guide from SEGA (Sagada Environmental Guides Association) located across the Municipal hall.

There are 2 other places I went with the Easy group that morning, the panoramic Kiltepan Viewpoint and the murky Lake Danum.

I would like to show you a myth on Lake Danum from Youtube.




Lake Danum is among the most serene places at Sagada. I saw the ecological interaction of insects, water and trees. I even observed a cow relaxing, dragonflies mating (while flying) and the murky browness of the lake. As a naturalist, I appreciate these acts as ecosystemic symbiosis.

Lastly is the Kiltepan Viewpoint (Barangays KIlong, TEtep-an and ANtadao). This is a very high viewpoint with a steep edge. The arrangements are so authentic that it is seen from the heavens. So panoramic and unbelievable stunning to see in a gigantic scale. Among the most outstanding viewpoints in Sagada.

In the afternoon, my guardian and I didn't go to the caves, specifically Sumaging Cave, due to some health hazards and extended walking distance.

I observed that the Sumaging cave has some nicknames like "Rice Granary", "King's Curtain" and "Dancing Hall". Through different pictures, I also saw that you have to walk down to the cave then crawl. Take note, that the walls have bat feces.

First I wanted to join, then i didn't want since it was too slippery then at the end, I regretted because the girls my age joined. However, I saw the truth through the photos. Shoewear must be removed few meters after entrance, there's rapelling. The reason why I didn't join is my fear of heights and falling. At least the guides and ropes are there to help you. There is a rule that no one is allowed to go there without a guide nor registering.

http://www.waypoints.ph/detail_gen.html?wpt=sumgng

The waterfalls were creepy enough. But the Stygian Sumaging cave is nasty. They say that there is a foul stench, a powerful fecal malodor created by the cavernous chiropterans. They should be named as the Great Cavern of Sumagin. Meanwhile, I was at St. Joes reading my books and researching for these posts. The world is precious with its hidden treasures. There will be a part 3. Before I end, let me say that this trip to the great cordilleras and the group have really changed me alot, my perspectives and my understanding into a better person. GOD BLESS YOU

PS. Again, These are not my pictures and I am so unsure if I am involved in some cases of photographic copyright infrigements. Pls. warn me if I am.

PSS. I will make a separate post just for pictures taken, with captions.

PSSS. Updates: I have started my summer classes and workshops last Monday. I will start writing about my workshop and classes after the anthropological, Sociological and Historical aspects of the trip. The next post after the post of the 1st and 2nd days of the workshop, I will promise that I will talk about myself in the verge of emotional abuse.

So, There is still so much to talk about. Nothing really see the cul-de-sac entirely. This will be among the busiest posts in this blog. ENJOY!