It was an unusual welcome that after a few meters walk from the Sagada main road down the scenic rocky pathways lined by trees, the first creature that welcomed us in Rock Inn were dogs. Not that I’m complaining but it was quite amusing to find them wagging their tails upon oue arrival instead of barking. Do they still remember me from my last visit a month ago with Karl Grobl and his group? That certainly seems to be the case. I’ve always thought that places who loves animals whether be a dog or cat or any other pets, are ran by really friendly folks. Hey if they can take care of their pets well, I think it would be the same for their guests.
It didn’t take months for me to come back to Sagada since my last visit being part of a Photo Tour. I tagged along with my friend yearning for an R and R after finishing a major project choosing Sagada as a place to unwind for a while. As a fellow dog lover he was quick to decide to stay at Rock Inn learning there were lots of dogs there.
Every structure seems to belong naturally with the surroundings. From the reception and dining area where one can breathe easily on the huge space but be amazed with the eco-friendly design fixtures and furniture used. The main lodging house is made of a very hard wood and each room was spacious. We got a twin bed room for P1500 a night and it could fit up top 6 persons there. Of course it doesn’t have TV (but there’s a big one at the dining area) or wifi or any kind of unnecessary distractions.
The Rock Inn is a secluded garden 2 kilometers away from the center and is a perfect place for quiet retreats or communing with nature. I can spend an afternoon here sipping a hot choco while reading a book, play around with the dogs, pick oranges or simply relax. But if we did decide to go to the town center, they can drive you up and also pick up later. This ain’t free though but it’s really reasonable if you are group of four.
Now let’s talk about our canine friends here. There’s this old dog Butch which I first noticed had a knack on accompanying guests on their way out from the inn. I was thrilled when I first saw him run in front of our vehicle and lead us up to Kiltepan Viewpoint with his running dog buddy Kapitan. I was really amused to find him watching the sunset with us and to run all the way there from Rock Inn. I heard these two dogs spend some time at the nearby blast site and watch the quarrying activity happening there.
The house dog Fluffy would prance around the dining area and face guest with those droopy dog eyes to appease them to give her food. The big brown dog Hamlin with his handsome stance can be intimidating but it turns out he likes to be patted by the guests as well. There’s also the little hairy Bart with a cute stare and the sexy Sally who’ll also vie for your attention.
Aside from the charming accommodation close to nature and the very good food they have, these dogs are part of the attraction. Rock Inn prices are on the premium side. They are probably the most high-end accommodation you can find in Sagada. But instead of the usual luxury one find in hotels like latest electronic gadgets or numerous kind of pillows in your bed, it’s the quiet comfort of being embraced by nature within the inns 4 hectare garden is their idea of luxury.
Ferdz Decena is an award-winning travel photographer, writer and blogger. His works has found print in publications such as Singapore Airlines’s Silver Kris, Philippine Airlines’ Mabuhay, Cebu Pacific’s Smile and Seair InFlight. He has also lent his expertise to various organizations like the Oceana Philippines, Lopez Group Foundation, Save the Children and World Vision, contributing quality images for their marketing materials.
