Southern Sagada: Mt. Ampacao, Lumiang-Sumaguing Caves, and Pongas falls

Southern Sagada - Mt. Ampacao, Lumiang and Sumaguing Caves, and Pongas falls

Sagada, Mountain Province

November 30, 2014

Destinations:

- Mt. Ampacao

- Lumiang and Sumaguing Cave (connection)

- Pongas falls

This is a very late post about my Southern Sagada adventures part of Banaue-Sagada backpacking. (This might be my reference if my notes get lost.) On my first day visit in Sagada town I visited the usual attractions around the town center. The second day I went to southern part of Sagada. All destinations were done on foot out and back. Both Mount Ampacao and Pongas falls were unguided except the cave connection.

Mt. Ampacao 1890+masl

From the town center, head to Ambasing Elementary School. At the fork road, take the right uphill road then follow the road (paved-rough) for about 45minutes to 1 hour until you reach the saddle or the ranch. Look for the trail leading to the summit where the network tower is located. Following the road after saddle might lead you to other village. Network tower is visible in the saddle area (common sense). For about 20-30 minutes you will reach the summit of Mt. Ampacao. Sagada town, Ilocos Region, nearby villages and mountains are best view and rewarding on top. And a-must-try traverse trail leads to Lake Danum.

If you have a doubt or no experience in hiking just ask the tourism office or SAGGAS for guide.

Cellsite as seen from Saddle

Lumiang and Sumaguing Cave (cave connection)

After hiking Mount Ampacao, we headed to famous cave. You must secure a guide prior to spelunking activity. Guides are available at SAGGAS office in town center. Get the cellphone number of your assigned guide then meet him at the entrance of cave. Cave connection guide fee is 400/person (3pax per guide). Cave connection lasts for about 3 hours.

Pongas falls

After spelunking, we walked to Barangay Suyo where the not-so-famous Pongas waterfall is located. It was a 1 hour downhill long walk. Basketball court is the trail head leading to Pongas falls. You will cross through hanging bridge, trek though rice paddies and vegetable gardens, and passing by several houses. Just ask for direction because there are several footpaths. The last time I went there, the trail was paved already. Follow the small irrigation until you reach the falls. Going back to town center was roughly 2 hours on foot.