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1. http://www.ohayamitrans.com/

2. Yes and No. http://www.visitsagada.com/category/accomodation/

3. None but the bus leaves early in the morning, 7 am is the earliest if I'm not mistaken

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Hotels in Sagada only need advance bookings in peak season, like Holy Week, All Saints weekend, Christmas/New Year.

There's no direct bus from Sagada to Manila. Buses from Sagada to Baguio run from 6AM to 1PM, and Baguio to Manila runs 24/7. There is a daily direct bus from Bontoc to Manila (3PM) via Banaue, but if you come up via Banaue it makes sense to go back via Baguio, little variety. The stop in Baguio is not bad, chance to stretch a bit and there are good places to eat.

There's good rafting near Sagada but Jan 11 will be the tail end of the season, water will be low if it's running at all and the best section will be closed out. Might sort something out downstream in Kalinga, those runs hold up later in the season. Kalinga's also well worth the effort, much more in the raw tribal vein than Banaue or Sagada.

There's rock climbing in Sagada. It's all limestone karst and the usual route is top rope and not that difficult. There are other possibilities and the guides might be willing to set something up on them.

You'll want to do either the cave connection or the more difficult crystal cave/sumaging link. There's a lot of good trekking and the mt biking is top notch if you indulge, though rental equipment is limited.

3

4) Best area to stay in Manila? (We will be staying for 2 nights).
Either Makati or Ermita
Ermita is closer to the central sights but also more noisy/busy
Depends on your budget but http://www.oasispark.com/ is a nice option in Paco Park near Ermita..

4

...possibly a variation to #2 Pikayakers itinerary

after Banaue, Sagada, go to Bontoc and catch the early morning bus the following day to Tinglayan on the Chico River in Kalinga country - beautiful area with great trekking

after spending time in the mountains - Chico river (possible rafting)

http://www.dutchpickle.com/philippines/luzon/chico-river-whitewater-rafting.html

carry on to Tabuk and go back to Manila that way

suggested accommodation in Sagada - Sagada Homestay

http://www.dutchpickle.com/philippines/sagada/sagasa-homestay.html

dp

5

...since you don't have any time constraints

stick around and enjoy the mountains a bit
http://www.dutchpickle.com/philippines/luzon/luzon-loop-sagada-onward.html

Batad
http://www.dutchpickle.com/philippines/luzon/luzon-loop-sagada-onward.html

6

Thanks everyone for the replies, a lot of good information to look over!!!

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Batad - put the wrong one in above - oops sorry

http://www.dutchpickle.com/philippines/banaue/batad-2.html

If you have time you might want to consider using Batad as a jumping of point for trekking

cool - enjoy
dp