Viaje Sagada | Soloing the Hanging Coffins of Echo Valley

I failed to have a glimpse on the famous hanging coffins the first time I went to Echo Valley. I made a promise to myself that I will return and take a few snapshots of this marvelous tradition, even if it means that I have to go on solo.

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Day 5 - November 2, 2011

The sound of the wake-up alarm disturbed my light sleep. It was 5:00 in the morning, and it's still dark outside. It's also our last day in Sagada, we're scheduled to leave by 1:00 pm. Good thing I have done packing my things last night before I sleep, now I still have a couple of hours to pursue the hanging coffins of Echo Valley.


I left George Guesthouse at 6:20 am. I walked pretty fast while having a mixed feelings of excitement and nervousness. I passed by the bus terminal, where we were supposed to ride for Baguio, and I was shocked to see the number of passengers in line. Inside my head, I was asking myself how the hell are we going down to Baguio. I then passed by the church and reached the cemetery, nothing was there but the charred pine firewood of last night's panag-apoy ritual.

look at that, multitude of passengers going home

ashes from the panag-apoy

My heart was beating fast and I really don't know why. I continued walking at fast pace until I came again before the trails of the Echo Valley. No one was there except me, talagang medyo creepy but I still walked despite the uncomfortable feeling.

I cautiously followed the trail, still slippery and wet, until I reached again the forking path, but this time, I know that the right trail is the right path. After a few more walks, vwalla, the hanging coffins welcomed me.

hello again Echo Valley

I won't get lost for the second time.

ahh, the hanging coffins. this view was giving me chills. medyo creepey. I was solo all the way.

I was really nervous pero smile pa rin..
Mission Return to Echo Valley - success!!

I did not spend too much time with the coffins, who would want?. After a few snapshots, I left with haste. By 7:30, I was back again at the guest house.

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Viaje Sagada-Baguio Series, Sagada-Baguio Trip for 7D6N (Oct 29-Nov 4, 2011)

Viaje Sagada-Baguio |  Preview to my Sagada-Baguio Series - Preview

Viaje Sagada | The "Topload" Way to Sagada - Part 1

Viaje Sagada | No Sun at Kiltepan - Part 2
Viaje Sagada | I Survived Cave Connection - Part 3
Viaje Sagada | Lost in Echo Valley - Part 4
Viaje Sagada | Pongas Falls and the Death-defying Trek - Part 5
Viaje Sagada | Witnessing the Begnas Ritual - Part 6 
Viaje Sagada | The Might of Bomod-ok Falls - Part 7
Viaje Sagada | Blazing Rituals of Panag-apoy - Part 8
Viaje Sagada | Indigenous Flavors of Sagada - Part 9
Viaje Sagada | Soloing the Hanging Coffins of Echo Valley - Part 10
Viaje Sagada | Foodtrip in Sagada - Part 11

Itinerary | Sagada

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