Sagada Warnings Or Dangers

Just because the air is cooler up at Sagada it doesn't mean that the sun is less dangerous. Please remember to slather on sunscreen before you go hiking! and If you go swimming in the waterfalls be sure to re-apply before going off again!

Please be careful when you're in the cave. Listen, listen , listen to your guide. some waters are really deep. a hole inside is 10ft it is so narrow.even if you're a swimmer you'd be having a difficult time resurface. and some waters are 25ft.

if you're a globe subscriber, you will only have signal from 7am until 6pm. they shut down the equipment that provides signal around 6pm because it is located within the vicinity of the cemetery (i'm guessing nobody wants to stay there at night to operate the equipment =)). if you're a smart subscriber, you wont be having any problems with your signal because smart has a cell site at mt. ampacao, the highest peak there.

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Before you finalize your travel plans be sure to check the planting and harvest times in Sagada. The people of Sagada still hold firmly to their traditional beliefs and this includes keeping their traditional practices when it comes to planting and harvesting their rice. Visitors are not allowed to walk /cross rice paddies during the planting and harvesting seasons especially after they've undertaken their, what i supposed, are purification/.sanctification rites. I had the bad luck of going there during harvest and wasn't allowed to cross unless I offered a hog to whatever deity is in charge of harvest! Seeing Bomod-ok is not worth a pig's life!

We just went to Sagada last Feb 22-24, after we register at the Municipal Hall we asked for 2 guides to accompany us in going to Sumaguing Cave. We brought our own vehicle to Sumaguing and parked it along the road (entrance of the cave). After going inside the cave on our way to Lumiang we found out that our license plates were stolen. The guide didn't even remind us that its not safe to leave our vehicle unattended. Just a warning for others who will bring there own vehicle going to Sumaging ask from your guide to call up the TOP COPS assigned in the area if you didn't see any when you reach the place. And Don't trust your guide... The guide even accompanied us going to the nearest school looking for any suspect. (why would kids stole our license plates in the first place).Coz there some writings on our windows so he thought of checking it... duh!

When exploring Sumaguing Cave, be ready to get wet if you want the maximum thrill and experience. I wont go to details, better find out in surprise. Bring the least provisions as possible, a dry bag would be a plus. Choose the right footwear for the slippery ground once in the cave.

In as much as spelunking is an adventure sport...please do not go to Sumaguing Cave alone. Get a licensed (??) guide...most guest houses have contacts or go straight to the Municipal Hall and ask for guides from there.

Sumaguing is also known as "The Big Cave" and it rightfully deserves the name. You could easily get lost in there. Inside, it is pitch black, there are deep gorges and the bat droppings made the rocks awfully slippery.

Please don't be fooled that you'll be able to bring your jacket, flashlight, camera, snacks and whatever tourist stuff that you'll have inside the cave. You'll be needing your hands for a good grip...wishing you're an octopus and praying for dear life LOL. Our guides looked like Christmas tree with our belongings (poor guys).

do not attempt to visit sagada during the rainy season....the steps down the caves can be very slippery...... also the slopes where you'll do a lot of climbing to reach sites like the falls,etc would also be slippery with mud....