The Sagada Echo Valley lets you have a closer look at the famed Hanging Coffins. There were only a few wooden caskets compared to the ones from Lumiang cave but they're far more popular.
Ancient Sagada Burial Ritual
According to our guide, there are still native Sagada residents who practice this burial ritual. But there are qualifications to be eligible and not everyone can avail of the option.
Along the way, we've seen a few wooden coffins hidden underneath caves. Expect more in similar sightings all over the nearby mountain ranges.
Hanging Coffins of Sagada
Some of the coffins below were just added in recent years. Take a good look at the photo and compare it with older shots from sources like Wikipedia. You'll notice the new additions to the hanging coffins of Sagada.
Echo Valley in Sagada
The tour is dubbed as Echo Valley because one of the main attractions is a literal, echo valley where you can scream at the top of your lungs and the mountain screams back at you, echoing.
Rappelling
Along the way, there's also an opportunity to go rappelling down a rock with a fee.
Water Literally Flowing Down from the Mountain to Lower Lands
Still part of the trail, you'll pass by a river which runs underground.
I'm on Top of the World!
The section is full of rock formations with a good view of the area. You can scan the place and take photos atop these rocks. But be careful not to slip though.
This specific shallow flowing water signifies that you're closing in to the Underground River.
Latang Underground River of Sagada
We made our own tower made of limestone right at the entrance of the river.
These towers most likely were made by previous visitors.
A gas lamp is needed inside the river as it's dark like the Lumiang and Sumaguing caves.
Rock Formations
Stalactites and stalagmites, as well as other limestone formations are everywhere inside the underground river.
Bat Colonies
Bat dung signifies that a colony of bats live inside the cave which shelters the river.
The river water is shallow when it's not the rainy season yet but is still slippery. We walked without any slippers on. Our guide kindly kept the flip flops on his back pack.
The End of the Underground River
The trail inside underground river ends at a different barrio so you won't go back to where you have originated.
The Trail Continues
Along the way, you'll pass by more shallow waters which are supposedly flowing down the mountain. The thought of that made me feel nostalgic since we used to work and live in the Loakan area of Baguio City where the water source comes directly from interconnected water hose systems installed all the way up the higher levels of the mountain down to where we live.
Fishes in Shallow Flowing Water
I didn't get the chance to take a clear photo but there are small fishes in these waters.
Wild Orchids Growing
It's not this violet flower, but supposedly, there are wild floral species which are sold downhill as commercial orchid products.
Concrete Walkway Overlooking the Area
There's a concrete farm foot bridge overlooking more flowing waters en route to Bomok-od falls, another destination included within the Echo Valley tour trail, although there's an additional fee for that.
Bokong Falls
Finally, Bokong falls!
Bokong is literally translated as "small." Another popular falls, the Bomod-ok is it's opposite because it means "big."
You can actually swim in Bokong. Some local kids even dive from up the upper part of the waterfall.
Here's something that's similarly amazing. But it's further up from Bokong and can possibly be the source of the falls.
Our guide borrowed my phone so he can take photos of this place.
Going Back to Town
The trail back to the town proper offered similar sights comprised of flowing waters. There are even rice paddies at that time.
The Staircase Back to the Main Road
Here's a long and tiring staircase path leading back to the main street. I can't remember how many steps it has but it feels longer than the Lourdes Grotto in Baguio City.
When booking for this tour, make sure to do so at least the day before. Like the other tours, the fee costs less with groups.
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