Sagada Travel Forum

I have seen vans from Baguio plying the Halsema, probably to Bontoc and neighboring towns. I presume they are lot faster and more comfortable than the old buses going to Sagada, though you still have to transfer to a Sagada bound jeepney. But are they safe? Has anybody taken this ride? Please comment. Thanks in advance.

I've tried the van from Kabayan to Baguio. Yes, more comfortable than Lizardo as the van is airconditioned and faster since all the passengers (then) were Baguio-bound. There was only one stop which was at Halsema's highest point where there's a view deck and comfort rooms.

if we apply the surface area of bus compare to a van i would say vans are a lot safer than bus you have more space away from the cliff if you'll take van. Plus you dont get to see how close the wheels are from the edge of the cliffs. But if you're in for adventure take the bus, its a lot fun. the thrill of sagada starts from the journey of getting there. (wink)

But if you really want to get there by van for reasons of convenience, make sure it will depart before 12pm. also make sure it's not raining. it's safer to travel in daylight and in dry land going to sagada.

Im sure it's safe, if the driver survive halsema highway once he must be a real good driver. hehehe. what more if he earned his liscence there? he must be a class 10 level driver. :P

i think the vans you've plying the halsema road are the abatan-baguio vans. there are a few vans now plying the bontoc-baguio route and still some are plying the abatan,bauko-baguio route.

anyway, as comfortable and convenient alternatives to buses, maybe. but if the way these vans load their passengers is similar to the way the vans plying bontoc-bauko or bontoc-tadian route, i don't see any comfort and convenience in it.

Lot faster, Yeah in a mater of 30 minutes arrival or so.. but in terms of Safer etc.. no.... the bus is a lot safer in terms of accident encounters, and road safety standard... the van has poor structure in terms of safety standards...

i still think you should take the bus going to sagada......

hmm... shuttle vans are not those suv type right? i was referring to suvs sorry. hehehe. If they were suv they were safe if not they're still cool enough. But if gareth said it's not safe, i'll take it from gareth kun :P