Up in the mountains of Northern Luzon in the Philippines, just a few hours from the world famous Banaue rice terraces is the small town of Sagada. Firmly on the backpacker circuit, this town is famous for it's limestone caves and it's relaxing, laid back atmosphere.
The limestone hills add a surreal quality to the landscape.
I could not help but to walk on the left past this overhang on the road.
One of the main attractions is the cost of living here. A room at the Canaway Guesthouse with private bathroom and Wi fi cost 250 pesos a night (AUD$6.25, 190 Baht)
The hills are covered by pine forests which sadly, are not indigenous to the area. The remoteness of the area in times past led to some strange local customs. One strange rite was the 'air burials' where coffins are suspended from cliff faces in a rocky valley.
Local restaurant choices are few but those that are there serve tasty dishes. This one specializes in.......You guessed it Lemon Pie.
And this one, yoghurt dishes.
The most exotic thing I ate here was civet coffee at my favorite Bana restaurant. Civet cats are native wild cats and the coffee beans are harvested from their droppings before being cleaned and roasted in the normal way. Reputed to sell for 70 pounds a cup in London, you pay only 200 pesos at Bana's (AUD$5, 150 baht). Some may question the level of cruelty in caging these wild cats and feeding them coffee beans.
There are pleasant walks along paths with views over neighboring rice fields.
The hills are covered by pine forests which sadly, are not indigenous to the area. The remoteness of the area in times past led to some strange local customs. One strange rite was the 'air burials' where coffins are suspended from cliff faces in a rocky valley.
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