Life in the mountains of Sagada is a life filled with extremes. From the weather to the choice of activities to the people who inhabit this mystical land, Sagada will surprise and mesmerize you in a way that no other place can. Nestled in the navel of the Cordillera mountains, in the northwestern portion of Luzon, Sagada has been tagged as the Shangri-La of the Philippines — and for good reason. Despite the influx of the modern world in Sagada, the people of Sagada (called the Igorots) have managed to preserve centuries-old traditions and conserve man-made and natural wonders.

If you want to witness the Philippine version of snow, Sagada is a good place to go. Every once a while, ice comes falling from the azure sky — in the form of ice cubes! The more amazing thing is that this phenomenon usually occurs in the summer months, according to locals. However, on the other end of the spectrum, be prepared to be fried by the sun when you go hiking across the majestic rice terraces.

When it comes to activities, your options range from the most peaceful to the most strenuous — reflecting on a deserted hill to spelunking inside Sumaging cave (Highly recommended although it is very, very physically challenging).

Sagada is a good place to cleanse yourself — both mind and body. Cleanse your mind of worries amidst the majestic beauty of God’s handiwork and cleanse your body by going on a detoxifying diet by gorging on veggies and breathing the fresh mountain air. The vegetables grown in Sagada are among the freshest I’ve tasted and even the fish is surprisingly good.

Whether you are breathless from the long, grueling trek to some far-off tourist spot or whether you encounter a marvelous view that simply takes your breath away, Sagada is a land filled with extreme serenity and strenuous activities all at the same time.