After breakfast at Rock Inn and Cafe, we certainly know that our last half-day in Sagada would be the longest half-day in our lives because of Gareth's suggested itinerary: Underground River, Echo Valley, Hanging Coffins, St. Mary's Church, Calvary Hill, and Ganduyan Musem.
It was summer when we went to Sagada, so there wasn't much water in the Underground River. Gareth told us that the river entrance is not meant to be entered and passed through the other side. It's plainly for sightseeing purposes only.
Next stop is the Echo Valley, which is home to the famous Hanging Coffins of Sagada, a very popular attraction to tourists.
No harm in trying if indeed, my voice would echo back to me after I shouted.
The Hanging Coffin's of the deceased elders of Sagada.
Gareth told us that although the half-day tour might seem to be a leisurely walk in the valley, he still recommends that tourists take an official guide since a foreign tourist fell to his death in the Echo Valley while taking pictures. This happened mid-2000s. Echo Valley is actually an easy walk from our initial point, but it's still on a cliff side.
A little less than 30 minutes, we reached the Calvary Hill. Now this is a very interesting site, and I was attentive with Gareth's story about the place. Calvary Hill is the burial ground of the locals. To others, we bury our elders based on the location of the lot that we own. On the other hand, in Sagada, they bury their elders according to how they died. There are assigned sites for Sagadans who died of suicide, childbirth, murder, disease, or accident.
From the cemetery, we then proceeded to St. Mary the Virgin Church. The church was founded by an American missionary, John Staunton, in 1904. This Episcopalian church, including St. Mary's School, was part of their plan to Christianize the non-Christians of Sagada.
Last on our itinerary for the day is the Ganduyan Museum. The owner/curator is Christina Aben who speaks impeccable English. I was so impressed on how she explained each and every artifact. I can feel her passion to the arts, culture, and history of Sagada. Ganduyan, by the way is the traditional name for Sagada.
Here is the list of entries on our 3-Day Sagada Tour:
