The second leg of the Luzon loop by motorbike starts in Sagada. I broke up the loop into 2 pages so that it doesn’t load too slowly for those with slow connections – including myself.
Many travelers come to Sagada to explore the caves and see the hanging coffins. I chose to just chill out for a few days because I am burned out on caving and it had been raining every day for the past week.
I did take this picture of some coffins visible from the road but was not interested in taking pictures inside the caves this trip.
This break was a good chance to wash some clothes and enjoy the hospitality of the Sagada Home Stay. The home stay has a beautiful view of town, has beds for 200 pesos, kitchen privileges, wi-fi and is the best value that I have run across in Sagada or anywhere else in the Philippines. Karen – 09197028380 , 0919498218
Sagada colors
Bontoc at the Churya-A hotel. The food here is good and the rooms are not a bad value.
Drying rice alongside the road in Bontoc.
The trip through Bontoc and over the mountains to Banaue is usually a piece of cake but there had been a landslide that took most of the day the clear.
Waiting at a sari sari store while the road crew works on clearing the road.
Steep terrain makes these landslides common during heavy rain. Road closures are not unusual but these men make short work of getting the way open again.
It was a wet ride to Banaue.
The following morning was warm and sunny!
Banaue Ifugao at the terrace viewpoint.
Landslide on the way to Hapao.
There is no room for error because it’s a long way to the bottom should you slip – the reward was not worth the risk for me in his case.
These guys took their motorbike across but the slide was very steep and unstable so I turned back.
These Ifugao people are very sure footed.
Muddy road to Hapao.
I drove up to the saddle and walked down to Batad today. This is one of the most photogenic rice fields in the area.
Ifugao man
Hanging bridges are used extensively through out the mountain provinces.
Backtracking to Sagada to get to the Halsema Highway.
Sagada
The highest point on the Halsema highway – 7400 feet.
Heavy rain began just as I arrived in Baguio. It was an unpleasant ride but I continued on to La Union since I was already wet. I did have rain gear on, but the rain always seems to find a way inside.
Baguio City on a clear day – picture from an earlier trip.
The road to Bauan in La Union is a long steady downgrade and was uneventful except for a large tree that was uprooted and blocking all the traffic. There was just enough room to slide the bike under it so I was able to continue onwards.
The most miserable part of the entire trip lay ahead – getting through Manila!
Recommendation – Sagada Home Stay
This home stay is worth noting if you plan to stay in Sagada. It really a good value and the kitchen is immaculate!
Karen – 09197028380 , 0919498218
Another thought that was reinforced in my mind after this trip is the absolute madness of taking a small bike through Manila. Is it worth the pain?
Sagada onward
Climbing Mount Apo
General Santos
Growing Orchids
Judy's Resto Bar
Logging with Motorcycles
Mount Mayon
Balabac Island
Biri Island
Calbiga Cave
Capul Island
Mangrove Swamp Palawan
Mikes's Resort
Hi dutchpickle,
I am really enjoying your blog. I have traveled most of the Philippines but I still have places left. Anyways, I could not get your email and I got a few things to ask. please email me though if you can see my email through this comment. Thanks!
– Ja
hey,
Your pictures are amazing, i m going there next march and would like to know if you know any transportation for bontoc or sagada to laoag ?
Thank you for this page, amazing trip
Rodrigue
You might have to head to Baguio from Sagada. Possibly then travel to San Fernando La Union on the coast. From there it will be easy to catch a bus heading north along the coast.
cheers
dp
For me – travelling by motorbike in the Philippines is really a cool way to travel but there are additional hazards to consider. Muddy roads , weather, parking and frankly navigation in general can be a challenge.
Also consider the weather , heavy rains can be a daily occurrence in some parts depending upon time of year..
Always have your note book and cell phone in several layers of plastic bags and carry a complete set of rain gear – pants and jacket with hood.
I have ridden from Pagudpud to Zambonaga City with sandals but I strongly recommend boots.
Sunglasses and long sleeves for protection from the sun , long pants etc.
In remote areas I have camped in the open but this is not the best choice for most riders. I have rode though the night but it increases the hazards to do this.
Have your license and papers for the bike handy for police and army and other checkpoints.
Also need the motorbike registration for ferry crossings. Island to island .
In some areas motorbike rentals are readily available. Puerto Princesa , Palawan and Dumaguete , Negros come to mind.
Keep in mind that there are dangers is riding motorbikes in heavy traffic. Talisay and Tabunuk near Cebu City on the way to CarCar going to Moalboal are notably treacherous.
Lots of people die on motorbikes! Experienced and beginners.
Its easy to do.
Riding at night is particularly hazardous . Near my place in the mountains Leyte a young fellow died recently when he drove straight on into a black carabao that was standing in the middle of the road. Blood everywhere – most unpleasant. sad
One experience I had was riding at night to Tacloban after the Yolanda Typhoon. There was no light or electricity but black wires had dropped across the roads in numerous locations . It was obviously a nightmare under any conditions. I had 3 liters of gasoline and two litres of water and a plastic tarp. I slept outside near the San Juanico bridge and went to Guiuan Samar the next day. Trees everywhere, it was very difficult. Especially for the people that lost everything.
dp