sagada tour itinerary

Dive Into Philippines

⛰️Perfect Sagada Itinerary For 1-3 Days [2024]

Heading to Sagada and looking for the perfect itinerary for Sagada? Perfect! We can help in this Sagada itinerary blog post.

Come spend a few days in crisp mountain air, surrounded by pine trees and scenic views, dining on fresh produce and enjoying excursions led by friendly guides. Not to mention some fantastic adrenalin activities, epic mountain treks, rice fields, waterfalls, plus the early morning world-famous “sea-of-clouds”… and those weird and wonderful Hanging Coffins of Echo Valley!

Sagada is a unique Philippines destination, away from the coast and far from crowded cities. Similar to Sapa in Vietnam, you’re transported high above sea level to lush covered mountains, to small villages where local people still tend their rice fields by hand, and fully immersed in nature. Every waking moment is spent savouring the healthy fresh air and peaceful views.

Often paired with a trip to Banaue, you’re sure to fall in love with the beauty of Sagada.

Below, you will find the ultimate itinerary: Sagada! We walk you through options whether you have just a day in Sagada or are looking for a full Sagada itinerary 3 days 2 nights. You can simply stop following our itinerary in Sagada if your trip finishes in less than 3 days when you hit the number of days you have or pick the days that sound best from the itinerary below.

We also have a complete list of what to do in Sagada, Philippines so you can decide if the stops in our itinerary are perfect for you. You will find all the options for Sagada activities below.

Finally, we also recommend some top places to stay in Sagada depending on your budget and some tips for visiting Sagada with kids.

Table of Contents

Full Sagada Itinerary 2024

Remember, this is a full Sagada 3 days 2 nights itinerary. If you have less days, simply pick the days that most appeal.

This can be either a Sagada budget itinerary or a more expensive one – you can pick the quality of accommodation and activities to suit your budget.

Sagada Itinerary 1 Day: Historic Sagada, with the Hanging Coffins

Wondering what to do in Sagada 2024? Well, here we go with your Sagada tour itinerary, and there’s a lot to fit into your first day. Don’t dally on breakfast as this itinerary makes the most of your stay and you’re ticking off some prime Sagada attractions today!

• First stop is the Sagada Municipal Tourist Information Centre to book guides, where needed or mandatory, for your excursions to the Sagada tourist attractions
• Spend an hour at the Ganduyan Museum
• Take a short stroll to explore the cemetery at Calvary Hill
• On to Echo Valley – one of our favourite Sagada places to visit -and through to the viewing point for the Hanging Coffins
• Back in town and refresh
• Mid-afternoon stroll to Danum Lake, possibly with a picnic, and await the sunset or hang around longer for the stunning starlit sky – definitely one of our favourite places to go in Sagada

Sagada Itinerary 2 Days: Sagada Sea-of-Clouds, Treks and Caves

If time is short and you’re enjoying a Sagada Itinerary 2 days 1 night, this is your last day. However, if you’re staying for the full three days… lucky you! Either way, it’s a pre-dawn start today.

• Join your jeep and guide at 4 am to start your journey to perhaps the best place in Sagada, the Marlboro Hills
• Catch the first rays of sunrise and photograph – weather permitting – the gorgeous sea-of-clouds before taking the 2-3 hour Trek to the Blue Soil Hills (a highlight of any Sagada 2 days, 1 night itinerary)
• Return to town, grabbing a locally-made coffee and early lunch
• Next up, Spelunking adventure at Sumaguing Caves
• …and drop by nearby Lumiang Cave on your return to Sagada
• Early evening, visit Demang for a glimpse of old Sagada and local life – a great way to end your Sagada 2 days itinerary

Sagada Itinerary 3 Days: Sagada Full On: Waterfalls or Rafting

Following our full 3 days itinerary? Great, as there are still lots of beautiful places in Sagada to discover. We’re giving you two options today, dependent on the season and/or your preference… but both promise an exhilarating final day!

• Full day trek, with picnic lunch, to the beautiful Bomod-ok Falls
• An early morning start again, this time heading to another of our favourite places to see in Sagada, Mt Kiltepan for your second Sagada-famous sunrise!
• Back to town for a late breakfast and refresh
• Join a tour for rafting or kayaking experience at the Upper Chico River

Click here for a Sagada and Cordillera Mountain Range tour option and discounted tickets.

Complete List Of Best Things To Do In Sagada, Philippines

Don’t forget that for many activities within our Sagada trip itinerary it is mandatory to have a guide. Thus the best start to your stay is to head directly to the Tourist Office, planning out your days and tours.

Hanging Coffins In Echo Valley

Locals believe that the higher coffins are placed, the nearer to heaven they are… hence the unique Hanging Coffins at Echo Valley, perched halfway up a cliff.

This old-world burial site (supposedly dating back almost 2000 years) of the Igorot indigenous people, is just a short walk from Sagada’s main road. You’ll soon come across a view of sharp cliffs with coffins suspended along one edge – making this Sagada’s most popular attraction.

The majority of the coffins – hollowed from logs and usually carved by the elderly Igorot themselves before they die – are centuries old, whilst others have only been there a few years, with the last placed around 2008.

They are actually so high up that it almost defies logic how they were erected!

Echo Valley Lookout

You’ll find the Hanging Coffins in the magnificent Echo Valley, which offers splendid views of Sagada’s rocky village and the coffins. A small ravine along the highlands – near to the town’s centre – it’s apparently one of the few places in the world where shouting is allowed. Echoes reverberate around the valley, shaped like a large megaphone.

Visitors flock here to enjoy the beauty of the surroundings that lead the way to the coffin’s viewing point… and, perhaps more importantly, to scream out their names waiting on the fun echo!

Calvary Hill

On your way to Echo Valley and the Hanging Coffins, you’ll also pass by the town cemetery, known as “Calvary Hill”. This is the newer version of the Sagadan’s burial site, replacing the cliffside coffins with a more traditional style of burial.

At first glance, this seems a typical cemetery, until you learn that burials are planned not on a lot or family plot basis, but by the type of death. This comes about due to the Sagadan’s believing that the spirits of their deceased are the highest forms of supernatural beings. Therefore, they are particular about where they are buried. Macabre as it is, there are areas for deaths such as childbirth, suicide, dying unmarried (!), etc. For example, suicides are buried within the deepest parts of Echo Valley to stop them returning to haunt those left behind…

There are many interesting rituals surrounding the burials in Sagada and it’s well worth discussing this with a local or joining with a tour guide.

Also, take time to search out one tomb of note – that being of Sagada’s adopted son, Dr William Henry Scott. An anthropologist/historian, Dr Scott spent most of his life studying the people of the Cordillera and wrote many books about the prehispanic Philippines.

Marlboro Hill to Blue Soil Trek

There are many hikes on offer in the mountains around Sagada (and you should be aware that the majority need a guide, easily arranged from within the village). One of the top treks is this highly rated trail that leads from the splendid Marlboro Hills, along a rugged terrain to the Blue Soil Hills.

Most visitors choose to experience sunrise and the renowned sea-of-clouds at Marlboro Hills (see more below), before tackling this two-to-three hour trek (from where you’ll need a transfer truck (approx 700php) back to the town centre.

Arrange a mandatory guide – from any of the operators within Sagada town – and take a jeep ride 30 minutes up to the drop off point, and a further twenty minutes trek to the Marlboro Hill lookout point.

Clean air, crisp weather (sometimes very cold, so pack well) and silent countryside abounds, with rice paddies in the upper valleys, pine trees covering the mountainsides, and wild strawberries underfoot with a sea of white clouds usually hiding the lower valleys. This is some seriously beautiful countryside.

Set off on the trail through colourful mountain wildflowers, passing unusual rock formations, all set to the splendid mountain backdrop. Tall, proud pine trees reach to the sky, emitting a fresh, fragrant scent. Your senses feel alive!

Not a difficult trail, even suitable for children (just ensure sensible footwear and clothing), this is a lovely trek through the colourful countryside with unique plant life. Your final destination doesn’t disappoint either, with the Blue Soil Hills (or Kaman-utek Hills as they are locally known) delighting with their bluish-green colour – due to the high copper sulphate content of the soil. A quite unique natural wonder!

Sumaguing Cave

With over 60 caves discovered underneath the town of Sagada, Sumaguing Cave is perhaps the most famous. Noted as “The Big Cave”, it has the largest chamber of all the caves and is filled with countless rock formations, slowly shaped by nature over thousands of years.

Some of the formations call to mind animals and have been nicknamed such: elephants, turtlehead, bear and, the non-animal but equally unique, Chocolate Cake. These unusual formations, along with dramatic stalagmites and stalactites, are some of the highlights of spelunking adventures on offer at the cave.

A man-made staircase from the roadside leads you into the interior of the cave, an initial easy walk down. However, it soon becomes apparent at the challenges that lay ahead!

Divided into three areas, spelunkers enjoy a great “Descent”, the rock formations, and then The Tunnel, where it’s time to get wet as you squeeze into narrow openings and soak in cold waters! There is also a 10ft boulder to climb up (with the help of ropes) to find your way out of the cave.

Guided throughout your 2-hour exploration, this is a thrilling activity and a firm favourite for tourists visiting the area. Wear sturdy shoes, with a good grip, and ideally bring a flashlight. Wear lightweight clothing, as you’re going to get wet, but there’s a shower area at the end of the tour if you need to change. Have fun!

Lumiang Burial Cave

South of the main village, only 10-15 minutes walk toward Ambasing, you’ll find the well signposted Lumiang Burial Cave. Steep steps lead you down to a massive cave where more than 100 coffins are stacked high at the entrance.

With pinewood coffins dating back almost 500 years, this is yet another ancient burial site. Elaborate designs are carved into the coffins, including images of lizards (symbols of long life and eternity). Buried in the fetal position – as Sagadan’s believe that we came out of our mothers in this position and thus should leave the world in the same position – the coffins are surprisingly small.

If you’re up for a real adventure and have more time – perhaps following your own Sagada DIY Itinerary 2024 – check out the 4-5 hour Cave Connection course, starting here at Lumiang and ending at Sumaguing. Epic.

Marlboro Hills

A guide is mandatory but is well worth the cost, so is the hassle of reaching this rather offbeat location. An alternative to the more well-known sunrise spot of Kiltepan (more on that later), Marlboro Hills promises a similar unobstructed 360-degree view of sunrise across a sea-of-clouds… Totally mesmerizing!

You’ll need to head out around 4 am, taking a jeep/4×4 with your guide up to the viewing point, walking the last 20-30 minutes to the rocky outcrop. And then… wait for the sun to aim its rays over the mountains, seeming to wash the world with a golden glow. As the sun rises, your surroundings take shape, coming into view – plants, flowers, rice fields, pine forests and the ever-present mountains. What a great start to your day!

It’s also a lesser known fact that the sunsets are equally dramatic from this viewpoint and stick around for stunning milky-way views. If you have the time, camping overnight is highly recommended.

Located to the west of town, near the town of Besao, Danum Lake is a peaceful at-one-with-nature setting, surrounded by the Ampacao mountains.

Trek 4km from Sagada town centre – approx 1h10m walk – along Sagada’s West Road, aiming to arrive about an hour before sunset to capture the setting at its best.

A small lake (more of a pond, in fact), the beauty is in the surrounding pine trees reflected in the still waters, and the relaxing atmosphere. A lovely end to any day, this is a firm favourite camping location for Sagada visitors.

If you’re staying longer in Sagada, walk just 200 metres to the smaller Lake Banao, the jumping off point for the long trek to the summit of Mt Ampacao, the highest peak in the area.

Ganduyan Museum

Your visit to Sagada is not complete unless you drop by here. A privately owned museum, maintained by family members, it’s almost directly opposite the Tourist Information Centre in the middle of town and offers a fantastic overview of the beginning of Sagada.

Listen as the curator tells stories of Sagada’s history, culture, art and its people, especially their beliefs and traditions. The small museum is packed with an anthropologist’s dream of sculptures, jewellery and other Kankanay (including Sagada Igorot) artefacts.

To the south of Sagada you’ll find an old village called Demang. Once the original “Sagada”, the village is today still the true cultural heart of the area. You might be lucky enough to witness celebrations or fiestas – always a loud and fun affair!

Bomod-ok Falls

This is the Philippines countryside at its best: an impressively high waterfall (200m), surrounded by rice terraces and breath-taking views. Instagram-worthy pictures guaranteed!

The falls can be reached by a challenging 3-hour trek from Sagada, passing through communities, down and up a mountain, and through rice fields with steep steps at almost 70-degrees. Not for the faint of heart, with 3 hours there and back, it’s fair to say that the exciting part is the journey itself, not the final destination.

Take it slow, pack well, and pencil out a full day to really enjoy the experience. Pack water and a picnic lunch too, though you will find a few local stores along the route selling drinks and basic snacks.

An hour or so into your trek, at the “staging area”, you’ll need to register and take a tour guide through to the Bomod-ok Falls. This is actually great, as the guides have a fountain of knowledge about the area and the places that you pass through.

Once at the falls, it’s time to cool off with a well-earned swim before, alas, facing the return trek. There are a couple of routes back, both taking the same time but one slightly easier so ensure to discuss this with your guide.

Though tiring this is a wonderful trek, totally worth it in our opinion!

Mt Kiltepan

Best explored in the early hours, you’ll need to leave Sagada before the crack of dawn to reach here as it’s again all about catching the dramatic sunrise!

Another popular spot to view the famous Sagada sunrise, with the sea-of-clouds laid out below, you’ll also have panoramic views of the Kilong Rice Terraces.

Located around 40-minutes walk (or 10 minutes drive) from the town, don’t be surprised to find throngs of fellow tourists heading up here at 4.30 am. Fog-allowing, it’s all worth it… As the first rays of the sun breakthrough in a blaze of light and colour!

Probably the most popular viewing spot for the famous Sagada sunrise, if you’re lucky with the weather this is a unique experience and well worth the early start. Wrap up warm as this will be a chilly trip, with your breath smoking from your mouth in the cold mountain climate.

Kapay-Aw Rice Terraces

Sagada’s own version of the rice terraces of Banaue, with variations of greens and patterns spread out over the valley. Take an easy stroll here to see the lush agriculture cultivated by the locals and capture some stunning photos.

Climb up through the rice-terrace levels for a majestic view across the valleys of the Sagada province.

Rafting And Kayaking On The Chico River

Time to get wet and have some fun at the Upper Chico River, high in the mountains. Rated as some of the best white water rafting in the Philippines, six sections of the Upper Chico are accessible from Sagada giving different water conditions, with the season usually running from late June to early January. Experienced kayakers also have a choice of scenic challenging runs, some almost 9km long.

Try The Local Coffee

Fair to say that the Philippines is not renowned for its cuisine or drinks, yet Sagada is definitely an exception when it comes to coffee. Thanks to the high altitude and cooler mountain temperatures, coffee grows very well here. Cafes offer the premium local coffee, with some even roasting the beans themselves.

What To Do In Sagada Map

On this Sagada map, tourist attractions available in this area are all noted.

Best Places To Stay In Sagada

When it comes to the best hotels in Sagada, there isn’t a huge range. The good news is that the accommodation in Sagada is generally good value and budget hunters will feel at home. However, people that prefer more upper midrange and luxury accommodation may be disappointed.

Below I’ve listed a few different places to consider.

Coffee Heritage House & Hostel Review

Looking for peaceful accommodation, surrounded by lush greenery? The Coffee Heritage House & Hostel ticks the boxes.

The first coffee-themed accommodation, aiming to share their passion about Philippine artisanal coffee whilst aiding the local farmers, it’s located on a hill approx 6km outside of town. A family welcome awaits you here, with tasty local and western food cooked to order. And as much fresh coffee as you want!

Views are spectacular, pine-tree scents fill the air, dogs and chickens entertain you, and the dramatic mountain weather of Sagada presents changing views. Oh, and the night sky… You should be easily spotting the milky-way from this remote, rural area.

Beds are comfortable and clean, and the common shared area is spacious – with an open fire for those mountain-crisp evenings. Rooms are varied: 5-bed mixed dorm with Queen, 5-bed mixed dorm with Single, 3-bed mixed dorm Single, Deluxe Queen and Deluxe Triple rooms. Do note that washroom facilities are all shared.

A favourite of visitors enjoying a Sagada backpacking itinerary 2023 offers, the inconvenient location is not ideal for everyone. However, if you’re looking for tranquillity, scenic views and a relaxed atmosphere, this is the spot for you.

Click here for the latest prices

Isabelo’s Inn and Cafe Review

Known for its family-friendly welcome and proximity to some good restaurants within the village, this is a great mid-market accommodation option.

Free internet access, on-site coffee shop and complimentary breakfast are offered. Less than half a mile from the Hanging Coffins, this is a great base for exploring the area.

With two floors, you’ll find the reception on the 1st floor, along with a small living room (with cable tv) and the breakfast-dining area. Upstairs there are 10 various room choices: standard double with private bathroom, twin room with shower, double queen with shared bathroom, triple and family rooms.

The convenient location, friendly welcome and comfortable facilities make this an ideal place to stay for families and couples, or anyone looking to maximise their time for excursions and activities.

Kanip Aw Pines View Lodge Review

Approx 8-minutes walk from the centre of the village, Kanip Aw Pines View Lodge is another ideally located accommodation option.

Various room options include 2 double beds, 1 single, 1 double, family and queen standard. Most have mountain views and a couple have a small balcony/terrace area. WiFi is available in the public areas, a vending machine and a shared lounge/TV area.

A popular choice for backpackers or those looking for a cheap base, not planning on spending too much time in their accommodation.

Find our full list of the best places to stay in Sagada here .

Visiting Sagada With Kids

With its cooler climate and out-doors lifestyle, caves, rock formations, forests and mountain views, children love Sagada! Rough-and-tumble younger children do well here, with lots of space and few vehicles around, climbing rocks, collecting flowers, and basically revelling in the outdoors lifestyle.

Older children appreciate the scenic views and thrill at the early morning jeep rides up to mountain viewing points for those pre-sunrise excursions. Needless to say, the hanging coffins are a winner too, and when you add in rafting, kayaking and spelunking… The kids might not be ready to leave after only 3 days!

Thus, all this makes Sagada a favourite for families with unique cultures and traditions helping to make a stay here not just great fun, but educational too. Don’t forget, that you’re guided by the welcoming and caring Filipinos, who especially enjoy sharing the sights and thrills of their home country with enthusiastic families.

With many things to do in Sagada with kids, this is one destination the whole family will enjoy.

How To Get To Sagada

Reaching Sagada is a fairly lengthy journey, whichever route you take.

Most visitors fly into Manila and take the new Coda Lines bus from Cubao, Quezon City, Manila, straight to Sagada in 12 hours (with a few stops for the restroom along the way). You’ll find a couple of choices – Super Deluxe with 35-seats and restroom, or a more reasonably priced Semi Deluxe 45-seater. This overnight service helps you avoid wasting a full day whilst travelling to Sagada.

Nearer still is Baguio, with a domestic airport 5km outside the city: Loakan Airport. From Baguio, Sagada is only 6 hours by road and there are a couple of bus companies that operate this route.

To see all the latest flights and prices, click here . For the bus routes and rates, click here .

Final Words

Theodore Roosevelt said, “Nothing in the world is worth having or worth doing unless it means effort…”. Reaching Sagada might seem like a lot of effort, but we assure you there will be no regrets!

One of the most relaxing travel spots in the archipelago, the beautiful town, indigenous culture and unbelievable scenery will blow you away. Hire a guide and explore, explore, explore!

We hope you enjoyed this Sagada sample itinerary and the complete list of places to visit in Sagada Philippines. You can find more information in our complete guide to Luzon here .

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By Julia Rolph

Julia first discovered the Philippines in 2011, eventually settling in beautiful Bantayan Island, Cebu, with her daughter and Filipino partner.  The family spend every vacation exploring the Philippines, and Julia enjoys helping others discover this wonderful destination. When she's not sharing her vast Philippines knowledge here, she works as a travel planner planning trips for people who want to visit the Philippines

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Home » Southeast Asia » Philippines » Sagada

The ULTIMATE Sagada Travel Guide (2024 • updated)

Exactly like a mangy stray after a bath, a pedicure and a long visit to the veterinarian, Sagada is currently getting a lot more love than it used to.

And it is DESERVING!

It is a welcome break from the infallible exhaustion of gorgeous sandy beaches, offering clear mountain air , fascinating cave systems, and, of course, the echo valley hanging coffins.

In my top tier S agada travel guide , I’m going to be exposing all the info you need to ensure an action-packed and mostly problem free visit. I might even tell you how to save a bit of money too…

Let’s get into it!

Why Visit Sagada?

A sample 3-day itinerary for sagada, top things to do in sagada, backpacker accommodation in sagada, sagada backpacking costs, sagada travel guide budget travel tips, the best time to visit sagada, staying safe in sagada, sagada travel guide to getting around, working and volunteering in sagada, nightlife according to my sagada travel guide, faqs about travelling to sagada, final thoughts.

If my spectacular introduction has not yet convinced you that my Sagada Travel Guide holds some crucial (and juicy) knowledge, you and I are going to have some serious words later ( ED : or more likely, you and me).

Anyway, Sagada is an awesome location to add to any Philippines trip ! Especially if you are one of those beautiful people who loves varying their experiences and getting off the beaten path. Mountains? Caves? Limestone cliffs decorated by coffins? Legendary …

Why else should you visit Sagada (and utilise my epic Sagada travel guide)?

It is seriously cheap. The cost of living in the Philippines is low, and this means that you can send it up a mountain, explore the tastiest places and stay at surprisingly lush accommodations for pennies on the dollar.

The people (as with most places in the Philippines), are super friendly and generous, making Sagada a fantastic place for better exploring local culture. Beaches are cool, but they can sap the exoticism from a place, in the form of multiple little stars…

So what does a trip here look like? For starters, you have to remember to register online and book a single night’s accommodation at a trusted location. You need this to get through the border!

There are increasing amounts of red tape to account for the number of tourists. It’s worth double-checking what is and isn’t allowed. However, I do know that you must stay for at least one night! So why not try 3…?

Day 1: The Tourist Office, Sumaguing Cave, Lake Danum

There’s no way anyone is taking part in a sunset hike on day 1. But that doesn’t mean that things won’t get done! Head to the Sagada Tourism office to book your tours (and the mountain sunrise on day 2). Yes, you may part with a significant cash sum, but there is an ATM in the town, and this will be one of your biggest expenses.

The Ganduyan Museum is worth an hour, and grab a delicious breakfast at any of the local cafes nearby.

Next, we’re going to get stuck into the Sumaguing Cave , one of the most popular tourist attractions in the area. It is a caving experience, so get ready to climb through some tight spaces and see weird cave stuff. The whole activity takes 2 hours, with transport either way.

You’re likely to be pretty tired after caving, so we’ll head to Lake Danum for gorgeous sunset views, and maybe a picnic if you’re pragmatic enough. You’ve got an early start tomorrow, so don’t overdo it at the local bar…

Day 2: Mountain Sunrise, Blue Soil Hill and Hanging Coffins

4:30 am start to catch some stunning views. Head to the Marlboro Hills (incl. Kamanbaneng) to stick your head above the clouds and experience the magic of the morning. There are various vendors in the area, so you can grab a snack and a drink if for some reason you are awake enough to eat.

Next, we’re going to embark on a hike to Blue Soil Hill . It takes around 2 hours to trek there but is predominantly downhill, and there is a range of other awesome viewpoints to take advantage of. The blue soil is pretty amazing too.

When you get back, grab a super tasty/amazing brunch and chill out in the city centre. You could take the time to hike to the cemetery at Calvary Hill if you want something free and local to do. That is a top Sagada travel guide recommendation right there.

Next up are the Hanging Coffins . The whole tour takes about an hour, but it is super interesting. Head for dinner at Log Cabin for a super tasty dinner. You can have a beer or five tonight.

Day 3: Bomod-ok Falls, Balangagan Cave

Heading to the Bomod-ok Falls is a top thing to do in Sagada. The largest of the three local waterfalls, touring here involves a mountain trek, followed by some sensational photo opportunities and the chance to swim in the pool at the base. There might even be a little surprise for you when you get there.

Head back to town for lunch, as you will be starving!

For your second caving experience of the trip, jump into Balangagan Cave . It is less visited than Sumaguing and is a little less user-friendly. If you back your caving skills, then challenging yourself here can be fun and rewarding. It has the prettiest cave formations in Sagada.

If that’s not enough for you, head to Demang to experience another side of the local culture. Sometimes, wild celebrations and activities are conducted, so count yourself lucky if you manage to see them!

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Being one of the most beautiful areas of the Philippines , there is a boatload of cool stuff to do in Sagada. My Sagada travel guide has got all the best ones, including intricate cultural oddities, paradisical nature, and some saucy bonuses!

1. Marvel at the Unique Hanging Coffins

One of the main reasons a lot of people make the trek up to Sagada is to see the iconic hanging coffins. The Igorot people of Sagada have traditionally ‘buried’ their dead in colourfully painted coffins clinging to the sides of limestone cliffs, or piled up at the entrance of caves.

They believe these methods of burial provide an easier path for the spirits to reach the great beyond, as well as keep wild animals from their remains. These days it is more common for locals to bury their dead in cemeteries – although there are still a few locals who choose to be buried in the traditional way.

You can reach some of the coffins independently or a visit can be included in an Echo Valley tour booked through the Tourist Information Centre. This is a must-see on any Sagada itinerary.

2. Go Spelunking in Massive Cave Systems

If adventure is your middle name, and you’re backpacking the Philippines, then spelunking may very well be the perfect activity for you. The most popular spelunking adventure is the Cave Connection tour, which takes you from Lumiang Cave through to Sumaguing Cave .

Exploring the underground cave system involves wading through chilly rivers, rappelling down waterfalls, and squeezing yourself through tiny openings.

It is like being birthed again, except this time you are old enough to be aware of it. Definitely not for the claustrophobic! There are also stacks of wooden coffins located at the mouth of Lumiang Cave, which is always an interesting sight.

Tour Guides are required for this 3-4 hour adrenaline rush of an activity, and you can pick them up from the Tourist Information Centre. If this sounds too extreme, you can do a shorter caving course in Sumaguing Cave. There is also an option to explore Balangagan Cave which is a 4-hour adventure and has some of the most beautiful rock formations of all the caves.

3. Hike in the Lush Mountainous Surroundings

There are many hikes on offer in the mountains around Sagada, some that can be done independently and a larger number that require a guide (all very affordable) Echo Valley is one of the most popular hikes in a Sagada itinerary, and on half-day hiking, you will see rice terraces, an underground river, hanging coffins, and a waterfall, along with lots of gorgeous scenery.

If you feel like a challenge, you could climb the highest peak in Sagada – Mt Ampacao – or hike to one of the waterfalls mentioned below. There are a large number of hikes available with local guides from the Tourist Information Centre, where you can pick up a free map and guide with the hikes listed.

4. Swim under a waterfall

It can get pretty hot during the day up in the mountains and what better way to cool off than in a deep, cool pool under a cascading waterfall? I can’t think of any!

There are numerous waterfalls around Sagada that can be visited independently or as part of a tour. Visit Bokong Falls for its deep, perfectly shaped rock pool close to town, Bomod-Ok Falls for its impressively high falls surrounded by rice terraces, and Pongas Falls for an adventure, with a challenging trek of slippery trails, and a sheer drop-off to reach it.

5. Try all the excellent eateries

The Philippines is not known for its cuisine but it doesn’t mean there aren’t delicious food destinations – Sagada is definitely one of them. For such a small town there is a ridiculously high number of eateries, and the crazy thing is – almost all of them serve incredible food.

Sagada is known for its lemon pie, but there are so many other delectable dishes that are done so well here – wood-fired pizza, Korean dishes, fried chicken that Colonel Sanders would be proud of, traditional Pinoy dishes such as chicken adobo, handmade Italian pasta dripping with cheese, and so much more.

You won’t go hungry in Sagada, in fact, you may come away with a few joyfully earned extra pounds. Check out the restaurant list further down this guide to start planning your meals now and make sure to include at least some of them when planning your Sagada itinerary.

6. Try the local coffee

As with its cuisine, the Philippines is also not generally known for having great coffee, but Sagada is definitely an exception. Due to the higher altitude and cooler mountain temperatures, coffee grows exceptionally well in this mountainous corner of the Philippines and a lot of the local cafes not only serve the premium local stuff, some even roast the beans themselves onsite. They also grow tea in the area so try to pull yourself away from the glorious coffee to try the mountain tea as well. They also grow tea in the area so try to pull yourself away from the glorious coffee to try the mountain tea as well.

If you have ever wanted to try the infamous civet coffee, a.k.a. Kopi Luwak, the most expensive coffee in the world – then you can find it here. However, the method of harvesting this coffee bean requires the s ystematic abuse of the endangered civet . Civets are kept in cage farms where they are fed and harvested for the half-digested coffee beans they excrete (yep – that’s the source of Kopi Luwak).

Think hard before you spend your dollaridoos: The Broke Backpacker doesn’t engage with animal tourism , and neither should you. (The other coffee is fine though.) 🙂

7. Go for a leisurely stroll around town

The surrounding mountains of Sagada offer gorgeous spots for hiking and adventure, but the town itself is beautiful and also definitely worth exploring. There are pine-covered mountains surrounding you everywhere you look, and once you head in any direction from the main street of town, you will very quickly come across the lush and verdant countryside with mountain views, rice terraces, and a whole lot of peace and quiet.

There are a few destinations that are worth visiting on the outskirts including the Sagada Weaving Cooperative where you can buy quality woven items and clothing while also seeing the talented weavers at work, Gaia Cafe – a crazy-looking hippie treehouse/vegetarian restaurant, and Misty Lodge – a painfully quaint wooden lodge with a restaurant serving the most amazing pizza. Make sure to add these to your Sagada itinerary.

8. Try your hand at rock climbing

If you have ever wanted to give rock climbing a try but have been put off by high prices, then now is your chance. Rock climbing in Sagada is relatively cheap and with a low difficulty level, it is the perfect place for beginners.

You can either just show up, it is located behind the cemetery in town and the attendant is usually there, or ask for more information at the Tourist Information Centre. All the gear is provided.

Wondering where you should stay in Sagada ? Sagada is the perfect destination for backpackers and home to some of the best accommodations in the Philippines!

There are plenty of budget options in and surrounding the town, but it’s almost impossible to book anything in advance, so you need to just rock up and see. If that isn’t your style, you can book a hotel…

You have to book at least one night online, but after that, feel free to search for much better and cheaper accommodation options. The Sagada tourism office wants you to spend money, but they also understand that backpackers are travelling on a shoestring.

Accommodation is usually more expensive during the peak tourist season. Try heading over between October and April when the tourists are away!

Remember that Sagada is still a little out of the way. You’re not going to find too many places that can offer the whole package. It is a perfect backpacker destination, however!

Best Places to Stay in Sagada

These are the top places to stay in Sagada, according to my EPIC Sagada travel guide:

If you want to be a little more off the beaten track, then look for somewhere to stay in Kilong. You’ll find mostly private Sagada accommodation options in this area as well as a wealth of natural features.

Ambasing is located south of the center of Sagada and close to the Lumiang and Sumaguing Caves. This makes it a great choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Sagada on a budget.

Patay is one of the largest neighborhoods in Sagada and is pretty much the center of the town. This is where you’ll find the tourist center where you can get information on the best activities and sites.

We should all have been gallivanting through the Philippines for long enough to know that 100PHP = $1.80. Or (a more useful approximation) $1 = 50PHP. Using this will keep your budget in line!

You generally don’t have to worry too much about costs, unless you are taking some seriously expensive tours, or staying at plush hotels. Most tours are worth it though!

Tour prices are generally set without regard to the group size. If you can get together with the right number of people, the prices are much lower individually. Sadly, every tour has a different bloke in charge, so having a flexible group will drop prices.

When you explore further afield, you are required to have a guide. Don’t be a dick and slip off alone, THEY WILL CATCH YOU. A workable daily budget is probably $10-$30 .

The town itself is walkable, and eating street food is a great way to slash costs. Water is weirdly expensive here too, so buy a big 10L thingy and refill your water bottle from there.

As always, the most expensive parts of your day should be tours and accommodation. You want to get out there, and you need a place to sleep! Public transport to Sagada is about $15 each way by bus.

A Daily Budget in Sagada

Need some more info? Here’s a breakdown of a stereotypical daily budget in Sagada…

Below I have listed a few key travel tips for visiting Sagada!  

• Register with the Tourist Information Centre when you arrive and pay the environmental fee, you will need the receipt to book any tours and to do any hiking in the area.
• You don’t generally need to book accommodation in advance (unless it’s a holiday period), just turn up and ask around until you find a place where the price is right. It is perfectly acceptable to haggle (if you know how) .
• The Internet is pretty spotty in Sagada and most cafes either don’t offer it or it is so bad that it’s not worth using. Try getting a guesthouse with internet or pay to use the internet at the internet cafe on the top floor of the shopping centre, next to the Tourist Information Centre.
• There is an ATM in the Tourist Information Centre
• If you want to travel during holidays such as over Christmas, New Year’s or Easter – make sure to book your buses in advance as they fill up quickly.
• Most importantly: be respectful of the local people and their culture.

Top Tips for Broke Backpackers

To keep your spending to an absolute minimum and travel cheaply whilst backpacking in Sagada I recommend sticking to the three basic rules of budget backpacking …

• Camp : With plenty of gorgeous natural places surrounding Sagada, why not carry a tent and camp to cut down on costs? If not camping then why not a local experience? Make sure to check out Airbnb or Couchsurfing for a local taste of Sagada.
• Cook your own food: To save money on food, carry a pocket rocket stove on your backpacking trip so you can cook meals on the fly. Another option is to make simple salads and sandwiches – no cooking required. It will save you a ton of money.
• Hitchhike : Thumb a ride! People in the Philippines are kind and generous so there’s no harm in giving hitching a shot. Getting around by hitchhiking is a great way to keep your transport costs in Sagada down.
• Pack a travel water bottle:  Ditch plastic – save money AND the planet every day!

Why You Should Travel to Sagada with a Water Bottle

Plastic washes up on even the most pristine beaches… so do your part and keep the Big Blue beautiful

You aren’t going to save the world overnight, but you might as well be part of the solution and not the problem. When you travel to some of the world’s most remote places, you come to realise the full extent of the plastic problem. And I hope you become more inspired to continue being a responsible traveller .

Plus, now you won’t be buying overpriced bottles of water from the supermarkets either! Travel with a filtered water bottle instead and never waste a cent nor a turtle’s life again.

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress  rigorously  from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

The best time to visit Sagada is generally considered to be between November and February. A lot of tourists go at this time, especially in January and December, which can make it more expensive than usual. Sagada is generally humid and hot and has two seasons; the dry season and the wet season.

The dry season runs from December until May, which means that you are less likely to be obliterated by a torrential downpour. Visiting June to November in the wet season will earn you some pretty epic rainstorms.

Average temperatures hover between 25-30 degrees Celsius and are pretty consistent within this range. Because of the humidity, it can feel hotter. However, when you head up the mountains for a glorious sunset, it can get pretty chilled. Take a coat?

What to Pack for Sagada

Here are a few essentials I wouldn’t miss when heading out on the trail. Add ’em to yo packing list man!!

Osprey Daylite Plus

Any city slicker needs a SLICK daypack. In general, you can never go wrong with an Osprey pack, but with its array of awesome organisation, durable materials, and a comfy build, the Daylite Plus will make your urban jaunts buttery smooth.

Grayl Geopress Filtered Bottle

Save $$$, save the planet, and save yourself the headache (or tummy ache). Instead of sticking to bottled plastic, buy a Grayl Geopress, drink water no matter the source, and be happy knowing the turtles and fishies thank you (and so do we!). 🙂

OCLU Action Camera

Wait, it’s cheaper than a GoPro and… better than a GoPro? The OCLU action cam is the cam for budget backpackers that want to immortalise all their wildest adventures – including that time you dropped it off a Himalayan mountain – WITHOUT breaking the bank.

Solgaard Solarbank

Resourceful travellers know how to find power outlets anywhere on the road; smart travellers just pack a solar power bank instead. With 4-5 phone cycles per charge and the ability to top up literally anywhere the sun is shining, there’s no reason to ever get lost again!

Petzl Actik Core Headlamp

ALL travellers need a headtorch – no exceptions! Even in the hostel dorm, this beauty can save you in a real pinch. If you haven’t got in on the headtorch game, DO. I promise you: you’ll never look back. Or at least if you do, you’ll be able to see what you’re looking at.

Sagada is generally super safe. Operating as a relatively isolated mountain town, everyone knows everyone and tourists are generally treated very well (for obvious reasons).

Crime is extremely rare, but you should stay on top of your possessions and not do silly stuff. Take normal precautions and you should have no trouble.

Sustaining injury from adventuring is a much more likely occurrence. There are a host of active occupations to take part in, and accidents do happen. However, the chances of this happening are still low.

Especially since you are accompanied on active tours by an experienced guide (e.g. caving, climbing, rafting, hiking), the extent of problems that may arise is relatively narrow. However, healthcare is not superb, so try not to puncture a lung 🙂

Sex, Drugs, and Rock ‘n’ Roll in Sagada

Like the rest of the Philippines, alcohol is as free-flowing as a mountain stream. You can pick up local brews, cheap shots, and even head to some pretty western bars.

However. Local rules and customs mean that most bars shut around 10 pm, which means there is no crazy wild nightlife. Your best bet is to make some friends and try and work out if anything is going down under the radar. Or have some beers around a fire and leave it at that.

This is definitely not the place for super wild partying!

There are two ways to reach Sagada from Manila: via the mountain city of Baguio, or via the smaller town of Banaue, which is a popular destination in itself (for its rice terraces).

There are several bus companies that run regular buses, usually hourly, between Manila and Baguio. You can also catch buses overnight. Victory Liner is one of the main companies and they run buses from Cubao, Pasay and Monumental Main Terminal in Caloocan City. The trip takes between 4-6 hours and you can choose a basic or deluxe bus service.

On arrival in Baguio, you will need to get from the main bus station to Dangwa Station, a short taxi ride away, to catch the GL Trans bus to Sagada. You can also choose to stay in Baguio if you’d prefer to explore the town before heading to Sagada.

Buses leave on the hour from 6 am to 1 pm and take about 5-6 hours to reach Sagada. These buses are basic, with tiny seats and no air-conditioning. A word of warning: prepare for a hot and bumpy ride!

For buses to Sagada from Manila via Banaue, you can take Autobus and Dangwa Tranco which both leave their respective terminals in Sampaloc at 10 pm for the nine-hour journey.

On arrival in Banaue, there are jeepneys, and sometimes minibusses or vans that can take you the last 3-4 hours to Sagada. Just ask at the Information Centre although it is likely you will have drivers waiting where the bus drops you off. Alternatively, take the 9 am jeepney to Bontoc and transfer there to the bus to Sagada.

Both ways take about the same amount of time and also cost approximately the same amount. You could break up the long journey with time in either Baguio or Banaue if you don’t want to bang it all out in one go.

The working and volunteering scene in Sagada is almost nonexistent unless you are somehow able to magic a project from your back pocket.

In general, for the Philippines, all foreign nationals are required to fill out a work visa if they intend to earn in the country. If you want to volunteer though, you won’t need a visa unless you plan on sticking around longer than six months! How cool is that!

In general, I am a massive fan of Worldpackers , which connects you to volunteering and work opportunities all over the globe. If you’re looking to travel for a while, this is one of the best ways of extending your stay , and contributing to local communities too!

Worldpackers opens the doors for the top work opportunities in hostels, homestays, NGOs, and eco-projects around the world.

Worldpackers: connecting travellers with  meaningful travel experiences.

As previously said, there is little to no nightlife, considering bars close at 10 pm. There is occasional live music though, and you can have a few beers in the daytime with no trouble. Don’t expect a big party scene, but you might be able to link up with some other travellers for a few beers.

Food in Sagada

As mentioned above, the options are almost endless for amazing food in Sagada. Sagada’s street food is delicious, but don’t take my word for it. Check out this awesome video guide to the best street food in Sagada .

Here are a few tried and tested favourites:

• Bana’s Cafe – One of my favourite spots, hanging over a leafy gorge. Bana’s serves awesome local coffee which they brew themselves onsite, including civet coffee, as well as some of the best-tasting food in Sagada. The breakfasts here are the best in town, their chicken curry is the best I have eaten in the Philippines and the honey and broccoli chicken is to die for. Don’t miss this place.
• Yogurt House – A cosy two-storied log cabin, Yoghurt House is famous for – you guessed it: Yoghurt. They have some killer yoghurt and fruit lassis here but the mains are also pretty good – try the pasta and chicken with potato rosti.
• Strawberry Cafe – Hidden away down an alley off the main street, Strawberry Cafe has simple but delicious breakfasts that are very budget-friendly, and their coffee is awesome.
• Gaia Cafe and Crafts – Gaia Cafe is a hippie spot serving organic vegetarian and vegan dishes along with local crafts. The unusual treehouse structure has the best views in town, overlooking a scenic valley of rice terraces. It’s about a ten-minute walk out of town and isn’t always open when it says it will be but it’s definitely worth trying your luck for.
• Misty Lodge Cafe – On the outskirts of town, Misty Lodge Cafe is a peaceful spot to enjoy some of the most amazing pizza in the Philippines, which is made from scratch. Misty Lodge is also well-known for its great breakfasts at affordable prices.
• Sagada Lemon Pie House – The best spot in town for the world-famous Sagada lemon pie. Seating is Japanese tea house style – on cushions on the floor around low tables. Make sure to try the iconic lemon pie or their equally as good egg (custard) pie, washed down with a steaming cup of mountain tea or local coffee.

Being a Responsible Backpacker in Sagada

Travelling is the best, however, travelling can be one of the most AMAZING opportunities for personal growth and development. Provided you travel well.

Backpacking in Sagada can be one hell of a crazy party at times. Take it from me, it can be easy to get carried away. It is important to keep in mind that you are an ambassador for your country, which is awesome. We can make a positive impact on people when we travel and get rid of any ugly stereotypes that may be associated with your country.

If you visit indigenous villages or small communities in the rural areas always ask before taking photos. The people who live in these villages are not exhibits in a museum. They are normal folks just living their lives.  Always show them the complete respect that they deserve.

I know it can be hard, but do your best to use the least amount of plastic water bottles that you can. Refill the ones that you do buy! Use a Grayl Geopress .  Refill at your hostel! There are plenty of ways to reduce plastic!!!

Show the world around you some gratitude and help to make a positive impact on it. Be a good traveller , smile, laugh, and show the world your best side. Most of all have the time of your life and spread the love!

I hope that this Sagada Travel Guide has been helpful to assist in planning where to stay, how to get there, what to eat and, the top things to add to your Sagada itinerary.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Sagada

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Here’s what people usually ask us about visiting Sagada, and what they wanted from my Sagada Travel Guide.

What are the Top Tourist Spots in Sagada?

The best tourist spots in Sagada are: 1. The Hanging Coffins 2. Sumaguing Cave 3. The Kapay-aw Rice Terraces 4. The Marlboro Hills 5. The Blue Soil Hill 6. Mount Ampacao 7. The Bomod-ok Falls 8. Mount Kiltepan Viewpoint (check if open) 9. Balangagan Cave 10. Cave Connection

How do you get to Sagada?

From Manila, find the HM Transport Cubao Terminal and jump on a Coda line bus. It’ll cost around 700PHP and take 12-13 hours. They are regularly scheduled in the morning. From Baguio, find the GL trans station at the Dangwa Terminal. The cost is around 200 PHP and it will take around 6 hours. From Bontoc, grab a jeep from in front of the Walter Clapp Hotel. Less than an hour, and 50PHP. Easy!

What are the Best Sagada Caves?

The most popular cave in Sagada is the Sumaguing Cave. There is a two-hour caving experience here that is very popular. With some extra time, you can travel between the Sumaguing and Lumiang caves via the cave connection tour. Balangagan Cave is best known for having the best geological formations in the region.

What are the Best Attractions in Sagada, Philippines?

There are a ton of great attractions in Sagada, but checking out the mountain dawn at the Marlboro Hills or on top of Mount Ampacao has got to take the crown. The hanging coffins are pretty spectacular too, and take the time to go caving in Sumaguing Cave! Checking out the Bomod-ok Falls is ok too I guess.

Sagada is a fantastic place to head to, especially if your Philippines trip has become too beachy. The rice paddies, mountain air and bizarre culture are all massive drivers of tourism in the region. However, that doesn’t mean that it has become overcrowded. Whilst you will undoubtedly meet other tourist groups, the Philippine travel authority keeps a sharp eye on tourism in the region. So don’t worry!

You’re going to need that adventurous spirit because Sagada is probably one of the strangest and most brilliant places you will ever go to. I hope you enjoyed my Sagada travel guide!

Abe out. 22/04/2023

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

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22 Comments

I am in Sagada now and am not impressed with the town it self and not with most of the food either. We have a budget hotel for 40 dollars a night. Its a dump. I agree with a lot about you wote but the tone is too idyllic for me. We booked for 7 days so we can relax in the mountains. Sagada is wonderful to be active but the town it self is very noisy. Traffic, building, sawing metal. The whole night dog barking dogs, and roosters going for it at all hours. We travel extensively so we have been in places like this so often. But based on all the positive vibe information we decided to stay longer than normal. That is why I also want to tell the other side of Sagada.

Cool!!! really great information! From Altadena, Ca – LAX to manila. Then driving straight to visit Vigan city on mid-Jan. 2024. Definitely, now we will add to visit Sagada and take the Haselman hi-way. Cheers!

How about drones? Do I need to ask for a permit or pay?

Flying drone can be problematic in some countries and could therefor land you in a spot of unintended trouble. There are a bunch of amazing sites out there such as droneregulations.info or drone-made.com that would be a great place to start research into this.

Sagada is literally so far away from the hustle and bustle of the city. I’m still thinking of the perfect date to file my leave at work and finally go there. I like these kind of places and I have hiked Indian Himalyas a few times and Sagada is giving me that kind of vibe ,see you soon echo valley.

Hi Keith,good for you,I dare you to visit that special place( I’m a proud sagadian-contact me if you need more information)

What time is the last trip of sagada to baguio?

This just confirmed that Sagada is our next destination. Been a road trip from Bataan to Iligan City, to Cebu, Bohol, Samar, Leyte, Iloilo, Baler, Pagudpod, Baguio, Alaminos and Bolinao. Can’t wait for our next family road trip!

Congrats! Let us know how Sagada goes for you!

Just came across this site and honestly I enjoy reading your posts especially about my hometown Sagada..??. Thank you for sharing.

Your ideas are very interesting and these places are also looking very cool. I loved your post. Keep updating!

Thanks, Mike!

Such a Wonderful information. I usually get some good information whenever i read your post. Thanks for the information. Am eagerly waiting for your next post.

Wow, so much information. After reading i think Sagada is best for travelling in nature. the houses are so nice. BTW the pictures are well too

I’ve been thinking of going to Sagada lately since I think Sagada is the best place to unwind. It’s literally so far away from the hustle and bustle of the city. I’m still thinking of the perfect date to file my leaves at work and finally go there!

I am super psyched about sagada thanks for the insights

Bravo..thats the magic of sagada that I know..thanks Katie for your post…pure blooded sagadian here..

Sagada is the perfect place for nature lover. Thanks, Katie for explaining everything in detailed. I would visit Philippines next year. This will help me a lot.

Definitely, Sagada is a must visit here in our country the Philippines. And so nice of you for sharing such an informative post about it. Can’t wait to go to Sagada again, it’s definitely worth it place to go to if I want to go out of the town. Amazing post!

Never heard of this place and that too in Philippines. It seems Sagada is full of new adventures to explore.

Wow, so much detailed from information here. I grew up in Zamboanga, Philippines and then lived in Cebu City until I got married and moved to the U.S. I would love to go on the Sagada adventure. I am on a budget so these will help me when I go back to visit my family if I can afford to go. Thanks 🙂

Wow… Ultimate indeed! Not a place that was on my radar until now, cheers!

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Joan's Footprints

Mermaid born with legs to travel the world

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2024 ULTIMATE GUIDE TO SAGADA WITH DIY ITINERARY & BUDGET: Everything You Need to Know

There’s no way you will not love the place and its people . I can’t remember how many times I’ve visited Sagada. As an adventure junkie myself, Sagada will always have a special place in my heart! So I created this Travel Guide to Sagada with DIY Itinerary & Budget which contains everything you need to know including where to stay in Sagada, where to eat, places to visit in Sagada, etc.

Sagada is a great place to try a lot of things including sea of clouds, trek to Marlboro Hills + Blue Soil , Sagada pottery and weaving, lemon pie, local food etag , spelunking, rice terraces, catching waterfalls, hanging coffins and immersing oneself in Sagada’s culture.

Table of Contents

HELPFUL LINKS

• BOOK BUS TICKET/S FROM MANILA TO SAGADA HERE
• SEARCH FOR TOP HOMESTAY DEALS
• INQUIRE PACKAGE TOURS

RELATED TRAVEL ARTICLES

• LIST OF TOP PLACES TO VISIT IN SAGADA
• BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO SUMAGUING CAVE
• TRAVEL GUIDE TO MARLBORO HILLS + BLUE SOIL
• TRAVEL GUIDE TO BOMOD-OK FALLS IN SAGADA

Getting to Know Sagada

The municipality of Sagada in the province of Mountain Province is popularly known for its rich culture, limestone caves, scenic rice terraces, refreshing waterfalls and sea of clouds.

Did you know? Sagada preserves its culture and destinations by not allowing foreign investors to their land. For instance, you won’t be able to see establishments like Jollibee or McDonald’s in Sagada. Our tour guide Kuya Rafy gladly shared this trivia to us.

• People & Language  – the local residents of Sagada are  Igorots/Kankana-eys  who speak a dialect called  Kankana-ey . Most people can also speak Tagalog and English so don’t worry if you need to ask for directions.
• Currency  – the currency accepted in Sagada is Philippine Peso (PHP). Some establishments like restaurants accept online payments like e-wallet, bank transfer and credit cards.
• Best month to visit  – the coldest month of the year in Sagada is January. Moreover, Sagada has 2 seasons – wet and dry. Hence, the best time to visit Sagada is during dry season from November – April and the lean season is during the rainy months of May – October.

How to get to Sagada DIY way?

I highly recommend P2P Bus from Cubao to Sagada. The time of departure is at 8:00PM and travel time is 12 hours.

• BUY P2P BUS TICKET FOR PHP1,240.00 HERE

Otherwise, you can follow the DIY steps below to get to Sagada.

Step 1:  Manila to Baguio by bus. Ride a bus in Cubao going to Baguio City. The fare is Php550.00 – 720.00 depending on which bus line you will choose. Travel time is 7-8 hours. If you are near PITX, you can also ride a Solid North bus to Baguio City.

Step 2:  Upon arriving in Baguio, take a taxi cab to GL Trans Terminal. Then ride a bus to Sagada for Php220.00 and travel time is about 6 hours. Take note that the earliest schedule is at 5:30am and latest schedule is 1pm. Make sure to be in Baguio before lunch time.

Step 3:  Proceed to the Tourism Office located in the town proper just beside the Police Station. Hire a local guide and pay the registration.

Where to Eat in Sagada?

I highly recommend trying the best lemon pie in town! The Lemon Pie House is located in the town proper of Sagada. Additionally, another favorite go-to restaurant is Sagada Brew which is about 2 minutes walking distance from Lemon Pie House.

For sea of clouds and sunrise viewing, there is no other place to go but the Reversed House . Wait for the sunrise while having a cup of coffee or choco of your choice.

Local food to try in Sagada

I also suggest local food etag and pinikpikan . These 2 local delicacies are famous in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). To give you a bit of information, etag is the native’s traditional way of preserving pork — a slice of pork cured in salt for weeks and then air-dried under the sun or smoked for weeks.

Moreover, pinikpikan is also a traditional soup dish wish is a combination of chicken and etag . You can also find this dish served in local karinderyas in Sagada.

We also tried the wild berry dirty ice cream ! Love this! It is sold in the streets, so when you see a vendor do not miss this out!

Where to Stay in Sagada?

If you are a DIY traveler like me, here are some of the best options to choose from on where to stay in Sagada.

• BOOK ROOMS AT REDDOORZ SUNRISE VIEW SAGADA FOR PHP1,300.00 GOOD FOR 2

2. BOOK ROOMS AT AJJAA’S PLACE FOR PHP850.00 GOOD FOR 2

3. BOOK ROOMS AT WAGAZ HOMESTAY AND CAFE FOR PHP1,000.00 GOOD FOR 2

If you have budget for accommodation, I recommend staying in Sagada Heritage Village.

4. BOOK ROOMS AT SAGADA HERITAGE VILLAGE

Best Places to Visit in Sagada

Tip : If it’s your first time in Sagada and you’re only staying for a limited time, my top 3 recommended places to visit in Sagada are (1) Echo Valley’s Hanging Coffins, (2) Sumaguing Cave and (3) Marlboro Hills + Blue Soil. And for food, do not miss out Lemon Pie House and sunrise at the Reversed House.

Try Spelunking at Sumaguing Cave

Also known as the The Big Cave in Sagada — Sumaguing Cave is a good place to try spelunking for beginners. The activity will last for 1.5-3 hours depending on your group’s pacing. Explore the limestone cave and check out the mysterious rock formations inside.

Read separate article here: Sumaguing Cave Travel Guide & Expenses

Chasing Waterfalls

Did I mention that Sagada is a complete package? For minor trekking, rice terraces and waterfalls adventure you might want to check out the biggest falls in Sagada which is Bomod-ok Falls. Bathe in its refreshing pool of water after 45 minutes of trekking down.

Read separate article here: Bomod-ok Falls Travel Guide & Expenses

Trek to Marlboro Hills + Blue Soil

One of my favorite destinations in Sagada are (1) Marlboro Hills and (2) Blue Soil. I’ve visited these places twice and I’ll gladly do it again! The trek to Marlboro Hills and Blue Soil is easy and good for beginners. Best time to trek to Marlboro Hills is early in the morning at 4AM so you’ll arrive just in time for sun rise and sea of clouds.

Read separate article here: Marlboro Hills + Blue Soil Travel Guide & Expenses

Check the Hanging Coffins of Echo Valley

You’ve never really been to Sagada if you didn’t see the hanging coffins of Echo Valley. One of the reasons why Sagada is a top visited destination is because of its unique and rich culture and traditions. For instance, the hanging coffins is their traditional way for their dead.

Echo Valley’s hanging coffins are placed high on cliffs while century-old coffins are stacked and piled up in burial sites like Lumiang Cave.

Sunrise and Sea of Clouds at Reversed House

If you’ll stay in Sagada for more than 2 days, I highly recommend breakfast at Reversed House. Like I’ve said earlier in this blog, this is also a good place for sunrise, coffee and sea of clouds.

Try Lemon Pie

If you are a foodie , the lemon pie of Sagada is one thing you should never miss out. I always grab a bite or buy a box of lemon pie whenever I visit Sagada. I just love this pie so much because it’s a combination of sweet and sour taste. Moreover, the Lemon Pie House is located in the town center so it’s easy to find.

Visit the Wrecked Bus

Literally a wrecked bus which every now and then the youngsters of Sagada paints it differently. I can describe it as very similar to a freedom wall where people can vandalize and paint whatever they want. It’s free access and the best time to go here is at 6-7am for better chances of a foggy and dreamy vibe like that of Taylor Swift’s Folklore.

Complete List of Sagada Activity Rates

Below are the updated destination list with entrance fee, guide fee and shuttle fee. Guide fee is good for 5-10 pax. (Updated as of January 2024)

Important note: an additional Php250.00 will be added to the shuttle fee with the accommodations far from the town center.

Sample Sagada with DIY Itinerary & Expenses

Below are sample Sagada DIY itineraries with budget for 2 person . Please take note that some expenses like accommodation and food are only estimated costs. It still depends on where you will choose to eat and stay for overnight. Extra pocket money and transportation within Sagada is not included in the total cost. Prepare Php30.00 each for jeepney transportations around Sagada.

Upon arriving in Sagada, proceed directly to the Tourism Office and pay the fees for the activities you are planning to do. If you are going to follow the suggested itinerary below, make sure to pay all the fees for the activities included on the itinerary.

Sample Day Tour Sagada with DIY Itinerary

TOTAL EXPENSES PER PERSON: PHP2,590.00 excluding other miscellaneous fees Note: expenses are divided into 2 (group of 2 travelers)

Sample 2 Days 1 Night Sagada with DIY Itinerary

TOTAL EXPENSES PER PERSON: PHP5,920.00 excluding other miscellaneous fees Note: expenses are divided into 2 (group of 2 travelers)

Sample 3 Days 2 Nights Sagada with DIY Itinerary

TOTAL EXPENSES PER PERSON: PHP6,810.00 excluding other miscellaneous fees Note: expenses are divided into 2 (group of 2 travelers)

Tips From Joan’s Footprints

• Travel with a group! This way you can minimize expenses because you can split the guide fees. Best to travel with 3-4 friends with you.
• Bring dri-fit clothes for trekking and spelunking.
• Bring flashlights.
• GCASH is widely accepted in many establishments but still bring enough cash with you.
• Bring a humble attitude, do not throw your garbage anywhere.

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Joana Paola Gutierrez

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6 thoughts on “ 2024 ultimate guide to sagada with diy itinerary & budget: everything you need to know ”.

Hi Joana, I do really love your guides and tips. Will be visiting sagada soon. Thank you for this.

Hi Hyacenth! I appreciate your kind words! Thank you. 🙂

Hi Joana. We are a group 10 and planning to visit Sagada for 2D1N. Based from the expenses you mentioned for a group of 2, is it safe if I will just double the rates in your sample rates? For example, Sumaguing Cave guide fee is 800, can I just double that for a group of 10?

Hello Albert! Yes it is possible.

Hello po! Is the shuttle fee listed in the table good charged individually? Like if it’s 650 per person?

Hello Inah! Yes individually. 🙂

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Sagada Travel Guide with DIY Itinerary and Budget 2024

It was 2019 when we decided to go on a North Luzon loop road trip . We were supposed to drive to Ilocos Norte from Cagayan but the road was impassable, so we took a detour. The next thing we know, we’re chilling as we walk down the streets of Sagada one evening in flowy, summer dresses that my mom and I was supposed to flaunt in a dinner by the beach. The next morning, we embarked on an adventure that made us fall in love with Sagada in a heartbeat that we swore to heavens, we’ll definitely come back for it. So I did . As I spend more days in it, the more that I realize that this (literally) cool, lovely town is more than what meets the naked eye. This Sagada travel guide will lead you to the exact same road that made me fall in love with it.

Welcome to Sagada .

About Sagada

Sagada is a landlocked, lone district in the Mountain Province. Nestled in the Cordilleras, this small, peaceful town has been known for its cool climate all year round and its people keeping its indigenous culture.

The language that is widely spoken by the Igorots of Sagada is Kankana-ey. Worry not though as they speak in English and Filipino/Tagalog fluently so you won’t really have a hard time asking around or conversing with them.

Best Time to Visit Sagada

While Sagada can be visited all year round, the most perfect time to visit it is during the last week of February where they celebrate their Etag Festival and/or dry season (December to May) . It may be lovely to visit it especially during the rainy days as it may get really cold but you may not be able to explore the tourist attractions as they would close it on some days for everyone’s safety (i.e. safe from landslide, flashfloods, etc.). Also, there may be landslides along the way going to Sagada.

Amazing Facts about Sagada

• Its real name is Ganduyan .
• The Igorots of Sagada do not allow people from outside their tribe to acquire a property nor start and establish a business in their land.
• The Igorots of Sagada are very much fluent in English (and they really have a good accent!) due to the American colonization.
• The people of Sagada are generally Igorots as they are mountain dwellers but they belong to the Applai-Kankanaey Tribe.
• They have two names as they are baptized twice: the Traditional Igorot way and the Christian way.

How Sagada Got its Name

Sagada is traditionaly named as Ganduyan . People only started calling it as Sagada around 1600s when this farmer who was carrying “sag-ad”, a farm tool, came across Spaniards on his way to the fields. The Spaniards asked him as to what was the place called. However, due to miscommunication, the farmer thought they were asking him as to what he was carrying. He then answered, “Sag-ad ah”. From then on, the place was called Sagada. Despite its new name, the Igorots of Sagada would still dearly regard to their home as Ganduyan.

Places to Visit in Sagada

The places that you can visit in Sagada guarantees a feast for the senses. They are truly stunning and would instantly ebb your weariness from the long walks away. The best thing about it is that, your knowledgeable local guide will tell you more about it that will make you understand the places and its people more. This Sagada Travel Guide includes both the usual and off-the-beaten places to visit in the town. Among those are the following:

• Ganduyan Museum
• Balangagan Cave
• Sagada Weaving
• Sagada Pottery
• Echo Valley and Hanging Coffins
• Bomod-Ok Falls
• Pongas Falls
• Marlboro Hills (locally known as Lamagan )
• Blue Soil (locally known as Kaman Utek )
• Lumiang-Sumaging Cave Connection
• Church of St. Mary the Virgin

For more details (fees, getting there and additional information about these places), read: Top Places to Visit in Sagada, Mountain Province

Things to Do in Sagada

Here are the top activities that this Sagada Travel Guide highly recommends to make the best out of your trip:

• Discovering the history of Sagada . You can learn more about the history and culture of the Applai-Kankana-ey tribe at Ganduyan Museum.
• Trekking to Lamagan (Marlboro Hills) and and Kaman Utek (Blue Soil) . Be amazed by the beauty of sunrise with a chance of sea of clouds and let the blue soil stun you with its beauty with a trek that starts at around 4:00 in the morning. The long trek is WORTH IT!
• Visiting the Hanging Coffins . Learn about their unique death and burial ceremony and tradition as you visit the echo valley and hanging coffins.
• Chasing Waterfalls . Be breathless (literally and figuratively) with a trek to Pongas and Bomod-Ok falls.
• Spelunking . Explore Sumaguing, Lumiang and Balangagan caves through a guided spelunking with the best guides!
• Going on a food trip . Yes, Sagada is also a place for gastronomic adventure! Make sure that you’ll have their etag , pinikpikan , chicken inatep , homemade yogurt, lemon pie and Ate Jane’s homemade wheat bread in your list!
• Joining the locals’ gathering and parties on weekends . Sing and dance with the Igorots at Langtiw and Kamangwit Eco Park on Friday and Saturday nights.
• Trying pottery . Experience pottery first-hand with the notable potters of the Applai-Kankanaey tribe at Sagada pottery.

Where to Eat in Sagada

If you are down for some gastronomic adventure, treat your palate with some Cordilleran meat dishes. Among the ones that you should not miss are their etag – indigenous, cured or preserved slab of meat and pinikpikan – a controversial dish made of chicken that was beaten alive prior to cooking to bring blood to the surface. You can try etag and pinikpikan , both traditionally prepared or with a twist in the following restaurants that this Sagada Travel Guide highly recommends:

• Ganduyan Inatep – a restaurant that will make you feel like you’re dining in a traditional Ganduyan house while enjoying a heart plate of Etag and Chicken yoghurt inatep
• The Shire of Sagada – best place to try the Etag pizza and Pinikpikan pasta
• Sagada Brew – a restaurant best known for the big serving of pasta, Callos and Herb Chicken with such a mouthwatering presentation.
• Dongdaemun Korean Restaurant – the first and only restaurant in Sagada offering authentic Korean food
• Lemon Pie House – best place to try the famous lemon pie
• Salt and Pepper – one of the well-known and oldest restaurant in town and the best place to try Chicken inutom and etag pizza
• Masferre – a place for steak and chicken dishes cooked to perfection
• Yogurt House – best place to try their home-made yogurt
• Gaia Sagada Cafe – best for vegetarians
• Happy House – among the best restaurants to try Pinikpikan
• IsangWow Cafe by the Clouds – the best breakfast place in town with an effortless view of the sunrise and sea of clouds

Read more about Sagada’s gastronomic culture and history: Top 10 Places to Eat in Sagada

Where to Stay in Sagada

There are no upscale hotels in Sagada . Most of the accommodation that the locals offer are cozy rustic homestays and lodging. What I personally love about these accommodations though is that, they don’t need air-conditioning anymore as this town is blessed with cool, fresh air brought by the altitude and the trees everywhere. Despite the cold, the locals are warm enough to welcome everyone visiting their homes. If you are looking for places to stay in Sagada, here are the ones that you may choose from:

• The Shire of Sagada – Check Availability and Book Here
• Inandako Bed and Breakfast
• Bilza Sagada Lodge
• Joan’s Homestay
• Happy House
• Agape Log Cabin – Check Availability and Book Here
• Banga-an BnB and Coffee House – Check Availability and Book Here
• Sagada Sunrise View Homestay – Check Availability and Book Here
• The L’Auberge – Check Availability and Book Here
• Andrew & Mary’s Lodging House – Check Availability and Book Here
• Dagdag Village Homestay – Sagada – Check Availability and Book Here
• Sagada Lodging Home – Check Availability and Book Here

Tips and Reminders when Visiting Sagada

• The local tourism office DO NOT allow DIY tours. They require a local guide and shuttle service for each attraction.
• It is cheaper if you can travel at least in groups so you can share and split expenses with others, too.
• Bring sets of comfortable clothes and footwear as you will be walking A LOT around the town and during your tours.
• Bring flashlights. This can be useful for treks that starts at dawn.
• Bring extra layers. It gets really cold especially at night.
• Bring enough cash especially on tours. They prefer cash in terms of mode of payment for goods and services though some accept GCash already. There are ATMs in Sagada but it only accept domestic cards.
• Respect their local traditions and house rules. They can be really strict as regards those.
• Respect the local community and the attractions that you’ll visit; most especially, refrain from touching the burial jars and coffins.
• Bring reusable bottle of water.
• If you are commuting and taking the bus, book your bus tickets in advance and take note of the bus schedules.
• If you are to bring your own car and your homestay doesn’t have enough parking space, there is a paid parking space past the Anglican church. The LGU doesn’t allow tourists driving their own cars around.

How to Get There

From Manila to Sagada

From Cubao, take a Coda Lines bus to Sagada. The first trip is at 8:00 PM and the last is at 11:30 PM. The land trip would take you around 13 hours and a ticket costs about Php 1,080.00 for per way a bus without a toilet and Php 1,200.00 if otherwise.

From Banaue to Sagada

Option 1 : From Banaue Bus Terminal, look for jeepneys, vans or minivans that travel to Sagada. The trip may take three hours. Take note though that there’s a minimum number of passengers for it to go. Fare may range from Php 250.00 to Php 300.00.

Option 2 : From Banaue, take a van going to Bontoc. From Bontoc, take a jeep going to Sagada.

From Baguio to Sagada

Make your way to Dangwa Terminal. From the terminal, take a bus going to Sagada. The trip may take 5 to 6 hours with the fare ranging from Php 220.00 to Php 250.00. The first trip is at around 8:00 AM and the last trip departs at 1:00 PM.

Sample 3 Days 2 Nights Sagada DIY Itinerary

Day 0 8:00 PM – Departure from Cubao

Day 1 9:00 AM – Arrival in Sagada/ Register at the Tourism Office 9:30 AM – Echo Valley and Hanging Coffins Tour 12:00 PM – Lunch at Ganduyan Inatep 1:30 PM – Ganduyan Museum 2:00 PM – Check in/ Prepare for Lumiang-Sumaguing Cave Connection 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM – Lumiang-Sumaguing Cave Connection 6:30 PM – Back to homestay/ freshen up 7:30 PM – Dinner at Sagada Brew/ Happy House

Day 2 4:00 AM – Rise and shine 4:20 AM – Arrival at the jump off 4:30 AM – Start trek to Marlboro Hills 5:30 AM – Wait for the sunrise at Marlboro Hills 6:00 AM – light breakfast (don’t forget to try their black rice champorado for only Php 80.00) 6:30 AM – Start trek to Blue Soil 8:30 AM – Arrival at Blue Soil 9:00 AM – Back to homestay for heavy breakfast and freshening up 10:00 AM – Sagada Pottery 11:00 AM – Sagada Weaving/ Buying of Pasalubong 12:00 PM – Lunch at Masferre/ Yogurt House 1:00 PM – Prepare for Balangagan Cave Spelunking 2:00 PM – 5:30 PM – Balangagan Cave Spelunking 6:00 PM – Back to homestay/ freshen up 7:00 PM – Dinner at the Shire of Sagada/ Lemon Pie House

5:30 AM – Rise and shine/ light breakfast 6:30 AM – 10:00 AM – Bomod-Ok Falls tour 10:30 AM – Back to homestay/ pack up 11:30 AM – Check out/ Lunch at Yogurt House 1:00 PM – Bus to Manila 1:00 AM – Expected Time of Arrival in Manila

NOTE: For a 2 Days and 1 Night Sagada DIY, you may consider Day 1 up to the first half of the itinerary on Day 2.

3 Days 2 Nights Sagada DIY Sample Budget

Note: the sample budget in this Sagada Travel Guide considers a small group of 4. You may be able to spend less if you’ll be joining a bigger group of tourists.

Day 1 – Php 2,760 (with bus fare from Manila)

Bus from Cubao to Sagada – Php 1,200.00 Tourist Registration fee – Php 100.00 Echo Valley + Hanging Coffins access fee – Php 10.00 Guide fee – Php 300.00/ 4 – Php 75.00 Lunch – Php 200.00 Ganduyan Museum Entrance fee – Php 100.00 Shuttle fee for Lumiang-Sumaguing Cave Connection – Php 400.00 (free if you’re staying at Bilza Lodge)/ 4 – Php 100.00 Lumiang-Sumaguing Guide fee – Php 1,500.00/ 4 – Php 375.00 Dinner – Php 250.00 Accommodation Day 1 – Php 350.00

Day 2 – Php 2,081.00

Marlboro Hills + Blue Soil Shuttle Fee – Php 1,350.00/ 4 – Php 338.00 Marlboro Hills + Blue Soil Guide Fee – Php 1,600.00/4 – Php 400.00 Champorado at Marlboro Hills – Php 80.00 Sagada Pottery (Showcase fee) – Php 200.00/4 – Php 50.00 Lunch – Php 200.00 Balangagan Cave Shuttle fee – Php 850.00/ 4 – Php 213.00 Balangagan Cave Guide fee – Php 800.00/ 4 – Php 200.00 Dinner – Php 250.00 Accommodation Day 2 – Php 350.00

Day 3 – Php 1,760.00

Bomod-Ok Falls Guide fee – Php 500/4 – Php 125.00 Bomod-Ok Falls Shuttle fee – Php 900.00/4 – Php 225.00 Access fee – Php 10.00 Lunch – Php 200.00 Bus fare to Manila – Php 1,200.00

Total Budget for 3 Days 2 Nights Sagada DIY trip – Php 6,061.00

NOTE: For a 2 Days and 1 Night Sagada DIY, you may consider Day 1 up to the first half of the Day 2 itinerary and spend a total of Php 4,978.00

Sagada Travel Guide, In a Nutshell

Anne Elizabeth Gumiran

Anne Elizabeth Gumiran, also known as Queenie, is a 20-something, full-time public school teacher, a part-time travel blogger and a freediver. She started putting her stories of adventures and misadventures into words and pictures in 2017 and continues to do so as she shares her advocacy, Sustainable Traveling.

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12 comments.

Christia Mae

Hello Mam! May I inquire which homestay/lodging among the list do you prefer? Thank you!

Hello! My top recommended homestays/lodging in Sagada are Inandako, Bilza Sagada Lodge and the Shire of Sagada 🙂

So, we cannot go to Blue Soil and Marlboro Hills without a guide?

Hi, Guida! The LGU of Sagada does not allow tourists to go without any guides in any attractions (except the Anglican Church).

ana mariela imus

what is the lowest stay-in in sagada? and do they have services that roaming around in sagada?

Hello, Ana! What do you mean by the lowest stay-in? If you’re referring to accommodation, you can stay for a night for as low as Php 600.00/ person in some homestays (shared). As for services, since DIY trips (i.e. going to the tourist attractions and exploring on your own without a guide) are not allowed, you can book your tours at the tourism office or Travel Now Asia. These tours usually include pick up and drop off already. However, if you wish to explore the town proper especially to go eat and buy souvenirs, I suggest you book an accommodation that is around the center so you won’t have to think much about the transfers.

Hi! I would like to inquire if solo traveler? Any tips or advise kung pwede ba mag join sa ibang groups or kung pwede po ba yun pag dating doon? Or kailangan talaga your own group and not allowed makijoin po? Salamat. Planning to go this February. Thank you!

We did this some time 2019! We did not join any groups from Manila. You can take a Coda Lines bus to Sagada then inquire at tourism office and makisabay nalang sa ibang tourists from there if they would be okay with others joining their circle.

Hi, mga anong oras po kayo nakauwi pa Manila? Thank you!

We arrived at around 2:00AM that’s because we went to Baguio city for dinner. If not, we could have been there at around 11:00 PM or 12:00 AM 🙂

Hi Queenie, Thank you for this guide! Super helpful. Just wanted to confirm bale need talaga ng tour package? We’re group of 5 and we’re planning to go to Sagada this summer. Wala bang option sa Tourism Office to book or rent a van with a driver and tour guide to get us to all the attractions doon sa sample itinerary mo? or need talaga namin maki tour with other people? We wanted sana na hawak namin oras namin e. I hope you can answer. Thank you again!

Hi, Michelle! While you can go to Sagada on your own (say through commuting or bringing your own car), renting of van from the tourism office for tours is not an option, unfortunately. They really have shuttle services that will pick you up and drop you off from accommodation to facilitate as well the traffic in the town. The good thing with your number is that, you may go on an exclusive tour (allowing you to utilize your own time on your own pace) since most of the tours usually go with 5 persons or more 🙂 Perhaps, you just need to coordinate it with them. You need to book your tours in the tourism office. Hope this helps!

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Sagada Travel Guide: A Peaceful Mountain Destination

Best Time to Go to Sagada

• How to Get to Sagada

By Private and Shared/Joiner Tours

By private car, where to stay in sagada, what to see and do in sagada, spelunking at sumaguing cave, see the view at kiltepan peak and marlboro hills, walk through history at lumiang burial cave, rise and shine at kapay-aw rice terraces, know the beginnings of sagada at ganduyan museum, forget the blues at blue soil hills, what to eat in sagada, practical information and tips, what to wear, what to bring, sample itinerary in sagada, day 0: travel to sagada, day 1: arrival + cultural tour, day 2: sightseeing + weaving + cave excursion, day 3: museum tour + nature appreciation + souvenir shopping, day 4: departure.

Explore the laidback town of Sagada in the Mountain Province known for its hanging coffins. Find out the best time to go, how to get there, the top attractions to visit and activities to try, what to eat, and how to plan your itinerary with this guide. 

If your idea of the perfect vacation is waking up to sunny yet chilly weather, with lush natural landscapes as your backdrop, Sagada is going to be your happy place.

• Find the best tours in Sagada  for your travel itinerary 
• Book this  1-week Ilocos Baguio Sagada tour package

Situated in the Mountain Province of Cordillera Administrative Region in North Luzon, around 415 km from Manila, Sagada offers a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. 

Famed for its mysterious and historic hanging coffins, these Sagada tourist attractions are a testament to 2,000 years of Igorot burial traditions that you can marvel at today.

Sagada is known for its scenic and calming mountain valleys, rice fields, limestone caves, refreshing waterfalls, and cliffs that come with a sea of clouds. 

See our popular Sagada Tours and Activities

Private sagada tour to cultural & nature attractions with snacks & transfers from baguio, ultimate 1-month philippine adventure tour package to boracay, palawan, siargao, bohol, cebu, baguio, sagada cave connection spelunking with transfers & guide | sumaguing cave & lumiang burial cave.

Add to that the friendly Igorot locals, fresh servings of food, coffee, and lemon pies. It’s a destination where you can find the peace and quiet you’ve been yearning for. 

Read on to know more about Sagada to plan your ultimate getaway. 

Sagada weather is similar to Baguio - chilly on both dry and wet seasons. Being in a mountainous region, it’s a haven away from the humidity in other Philippine cities, and where agriculture is a booming business of bountiful fresh vegetables and fruits.

The best time to go and discover Sagada is during the wet season (November to February) where you can expect temperatures that drop to as low as 4 degrees Celsius.

The wet season is also the harvest period for fruits and produce so you can taste the best of Sagada and participate in festivals. The only downside would be the crowds as this is also considered as the peak season for travelers.

In fact, specific festivals are held to celebrate the harvest season from October to early January. Rice is also celebrated through Begnas Festival, a sacred thanksgiving tradition that happens three to four times a year.

Panag-etag, a festival native to Sagada, is a tradition that locals do to preserve their ancient culture, encourage ecotourism, and improve the economy. It happens annually from January 30 to February 2 where every visitor can participate and partake in various ceremonies (parades, holy mass, rituals).

• Book this Sagada Buscalan tour package

If you want to avoid heavy crowds, you can go just in time before the rainy season starts (June to October). You can expect a colder climate than usual due to the rain showers so it’s important to bring raincoats and umbrellas to keep you warm.

The dry season (March to May) is also known as summertime in Sagada. Expect moderate crowds, and warm weather conditions so dress comfortably.

Depending on your vacation schedule, secure your trip by planning ahead and checking the weather conditions and calendar events to prepare against the weather and crowds.

How to Get to Sagada

What was once a challenging place to visit, is now made convenient with multiple ride options bound for Sagada.

Due to the popularity of the place, tour and bus companies have made it possible to enjoy a smooth and streamlined system despite the long hours of travel.

Here are the ways and some tips on how to best visit Sagada:

Bus trips are the easiest way to visit Sagada due to the amount of operating companies available in Pasay and Cubao. It’s also the most wallet-friendly way to travel, if you don’t mind the longer travel hours and stopovers.

From Manila via Baguio

If you’re coming from Manila, you can buy tickets at Victory Liner , one of the regular bus companies that operate daily to and from Manila to Baguio. They have terminals at Pasay, Cubao, and Caloocan and you can choose from a basic or deluxe riding experience.

Within 4 to 6 hours, you will arrive at Baguio City where you have to ride a taxi bound for Dangwa Station to ride the GL Trans Bus going to Sagada. Trips are from 6AM to 1PM, and will take you around 5 to 6 hours.

From Manila via Benguet

In Sampaloc, Manila you can ride Dangwa Tranco bound for Banaue. Buses leave at 10PM and takes around 9 hours. Upon arrival in Banaue, you can ride jeepneys to Sagada. There are mini buses and vans as well but only on rare occasions.

The entire trip will take 3 to 4 hours with the same road conditions as the Baguio route so prepare wisely to have a comfortable journey.

Non-Stop Bus from Manila 

Coda Lines operates non-stop trips from Quezon City to Sagada every 9PM, with a total of 10 to 15 hours trip (including stopovers). There are also additional trips in super deluxe, deluxe, and VIP service. Apart from the non-stop route from Manila to Sagada and back, Coda Lines also have routes on Bontoc, Banaue, Baguio, and Kiangan.

If you’re looking for a cost-efficient and time-efficient way to travel to and from Sagada, your best option would be to book tour operators.

A lot of tour operators offer both transportation, accommodation, entrance fees, activity itineraries, and food so you won’t have to plan other things and focus on experiencing Sagada to the fullest.

Make sure to find the right tour operator - do your research, check the comments, ratings, and reviews, compare tour packages and you’re all set!

If you plan to Do-It-Yourself your entire Sagada trip, you can approach it in two ways: renting a car with driver, or driving on your own.

If you want to go around most Sagada tourist spots at your own pacing, having your own car will be the best option to make. Sagada is a mobile data / Wi-Fi friendly place so you can Waze or Google Maps your itinerary away.

Here are some tips to help you prepare for the long and challenging ride ahead if you’re up for the task and the experience:

If renting a car/car driver to Sagada:

1. Social media is your friend. A lot of individuals are now offering rent-a-car / van services on different daily rates. Check previous user reviews and make sure to ask everything especially about gas, car limitations, driver rates (if renting one), etc.

2. Save the contact numbers and arrange schedules before your trip. Don’t let stress get in the way of your Sagada getaway.

3. Make sure the rented car is in the best condition and ready to face Sagada’s rough roads.

If driving on your own to Sagada:

1. The roads of Sagada are bumpy, twisty, and extremely challenging. It won’t be an easy ride especially once you arrive at the mountainous roads of Baguio to Sagada, particularly the Halsema Highway (the ‘Mountain Trail’, one of the Philippines’ deadliest highways).

If you’re a city driver, it might take time to adjust to the long ride + road condition so prepare ahead. If you’re not confident enough to face the road, renting a driver might be suitable.

2. With the construction of TPLEX (Tarlac - Pangasinan - La Union Expressway), the total ride to Sagada have been reduced to 8 to 12 hours depending on your driving speed and resting times.

To maximize time, you have to go for an overnight drive (around 10PM) to avoid traffic and rushing crowds especially during holidays or vacation season.

You have an option to rest at Baguio City and wait until dawn to continue driving to Sagada so you can better manage the road and see clearly. There are gas stations and food stores along the way so you can be rest assured you’ll be covered.

3. While there’s mobile signal and Wi-Fi in Sagada’s main town proper, you might get signal bumps prior to your arrival as you’ll be driving beside mountains where GPS / internet connectivity might get slow or lost.

To prevent this, you can download the offline version of the map to Sagada via Waze or Google Maps. You can also ask locals along the way but it might be a bit tricky especially if you’re driving at night.

4. Make sure to get your car checked and ready for the long ride. Experiencing engine failures will eat up your time and make you more tired to continue the journey. Ensure your car is in the best shape so you can have a continuous drive.

5. Take rests if you must! Have a shifting schedule if you have a fellow driver in your travel party. Never drive when you’re sleepy or tired.

Remember: You’re driving along the mountains so there are instances of falling rocks and cliffs. Avoid accidents by being in tiptop shape as well. Bring energy snacks and drinks, be patient, and drive carefully.

You can enjoy a variety of Sagada hotels and other accommodation styles. From Bed and Breakfasts (BNBs), private hotels, hostels, and homestays, you have a lot of options to choose from.

Budget Accommodation

As you’ve probably read and heard from fellow travelers, Sagada is a budget-friendly place - from food, activities, to accommodations. Whether you’re looking for a comfortable place to crash the night for a few days, or a luxurious stay, you’ve got lots to choose from:

Shamrock Tavern Inn

Located at Makingking, Demang, Shamrock Tavern Inn is a cozy room ideal for backpackers aiming for a short-term stay.

The inn comes with free internet and parking, dry cleaning and laundry service, room service, concierge, sun terrace, and a restaurant bar / lounge. The location is also near common spots such as GAIA Café & Crafts, Sagada Brew, and Hanging Coffins .

Isabelo’s Inn and Cafe

Isabelo’s Inn and Café provides a place for relaxation and rejuvenation at the heart of Poblacion, Sagada.

Famous for its family-friendly features as well as proximity to known spots, the inn also includes free internet and breakfast, non-smoking and family-friendly hotel rooms, and laundry service.

Agape Log Cabin and Restaurant

Somewhere at Dagdag, Sagada lies an enchanting cabin that’s made entirely of logs. If you’re looking for a rustic, yet moody stay Agape Log Cabin and Restaurant is the perfect pick for you.

What’s more, it comes with free parking and Wi-Fi, non-smoking hotel and family rooms, restaurant, and laundry service.

Mid-range Accommodations

If you have some budget to spare, you can level up your accommodation preference with these options:  

Coffee Heritage House & Hostel

If you’re a coffee lover, this pleasant hostel at Sitio Nadatngan, Brgy. Madongo, Sagada will pump you up. As the first coffee-themed destination in town, Coffee Heritage House & Hostel is more than just a bed and breakfast.

Here you will meet coffee enthusiasts and specialists as well as partake in coffee-related activities that help promote Philippine coffee.

Apart from the smell of coffee in the morning, there’s also free Wi-Fi and parking, non-smoking hotel and family rooms with multilingual staff, breakfast offering, laundry service, and a restaurant bar / lounge to get you settled.

Treasure Rock Inn

Great views, great atmosphere, great stay. The Treasure Rock Inn at Makingking, Demang, Sagada is a great valuable find when finding your second home at Sagada.

Warm, cozy, and welcoming, you can also find free Wi-Fi and parking, non-smoking hotel and family rooms, kitchenette, and a bar / lounge to complete your experience.

Inandako's BNB

A family-owned establishment, the Inandakos BNB situated at Kenlibed, Dagdag, Sagada provides a genuine hostel environment for all – cozy and comfy beds, social places, serene atmosphere, and energizing coffee.

Complete your stay with free Wi-Fi, non-smoking hotel and family rooms, and several breakfast offering.

Luxury Accommodations

While Sagada is not a place to seek exceptional luxury hotels, it still has its own share of high-quality quarters:

Martha’s Hearth

Sheltering travelers since the ‘70s, Martha’s Hearth is a guesthouse where you’ll always feel at home in Dokkos, Sagada. Here, guests are treated as family and will forever be treated as one.

Newly reopened and renovated, the inn provides a majestic experience with free parking and romantic hotel-style features. 

Nellies Chalet Sagada

A luxury inn found at the quiet streets of Nangonogan Road, Sagada. Aunt Nellie’s Chalet has four comfortable rooms you can call your own for the duration of your stay. Experience peace and quiet as you fully immerse in the surroundings. The chalet also comes with free Wi-Fi and parking.

Rock Inn is a mid-range and quaint hotel style at Batalao, Sagada that’s known for its fresh oranges and vegetables harvest.

Bask in nature and enjoy raw food from the gardens of the inn, as you relax your heart out at the Filipino-style rooms. Also available at the inn is free parking, non-smoking hotel and family rooms, shuttle bus service, and restaurant.

While the peace and quiet is an enchanting quality, Sagada offers a multitude of activities for the young at heart, adventurous at heart, and wanderers at heart.

Known as ‘The Big Cave’, Sumaguing Cave has the largest enclosure from the 60 caves found underneath Sagada. Spelunking in Sumaguing Cave is a popular activity when in Sagada as you will see countless rock formations - animals, food, and people shapes.

The entire trail is divided into three levels:

Level 1 - Going down the cliffs (caution: it’s slippery and full of bat wastes)

Level 2 - Rock formations (reminder: shoes and slippers will be removed)

Level 3 - Get wet in the tunnel (prepare: move through narrow openings and wash in stone-cold waters

Sagada is famous for its sea of clouds sighting at Kiltepan Peak and Marlboro Hills. You can either camp out to wake up to this majestic view or wake up before dawn breaks to rise in time with the sun and clouds.

Plan early, the sea of clouds viewing is one of the most popular things to do at Sagada and there will be lots of people waiting for the morning to rise. This is where people with broken or complete hearts go to.

Tip: ride the jeepney en route to Kiltepan or Marlboro Hills, topload version. It’s fun, thrilling, and you get to see marvelous sights as you breeze through!

A 30-minute walk from town will take you to Sagada’s ancient sites. This is where the oldest coffin is said to be 500 years old.

You know you’ve reached the cave when you see hundreds of stacked coffins at the entrance, with symbolic markings of life and fertility. The ‘Cave Connection’ challenge starts with the Lumiang Burial Cave.

Kapay-Aw rice terraces is Sagada’s own version of the rice terraces in Banaue. It’s not just a simple walk in the terraces, you can see the lush agriculture life cultivated by the locals to make time for harvest. As you climb and rise through the stairs you will see a majestic view that only the sunshine-y valleys of Sagada can provide.

Ganduyan, the Kankana-ey origin of Sagada’s name is a fitting name for this museum. Listen to Christina Aben (owner of the museum) as she narrates Sagada’s birth and the stories in between.

You can view sculptures, traditional clothes, and Sagada’s rich history inside, however picture-taking is not allowed.

This is an awe-inspiring natural wonder. Best viewed after the Marlboro Hills sunrise viewing or just before sunset, let yourself be transported to a fantasy land once you caught sight of Blue Soil Hills and the towering trees surrounding it.

While the trek to Blue Soil Hills is achievable even for beginners, wear appropriate trekking equipment to avoid injuries.

There are a lot of food and culinary trips you can do in the Philippines, which is why you should try out local food and restaurants during your trip to the beautiful province of Sagada.

Sagada Lemon Pie House

Lemons are an unusual sight in the Philippines. But in Sagada, it’s a different case. The famous lemon pie from Sagada Lemon Pie House is one of the most sought after treats that will complete your Sagada adventure.

In fact, the rustic feel and interior complement the food you will be consuming - warm, hearty, and memorable.

Apart from lemon pies, they also offer other breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals. If you plan to order boxes of lemon pies, make sure to order in advance as they tend to get sold out - quick!

GAIA Cafe & Crafts

An atmospheric place to be creative, relax, and be one with nature as you marvel at the lush forests of Ambasing, Namsung, Balugan / Bugang, Ankilang, and Suyo valleys. 

Best time to eat here is during brunch or merienda to savor their locally-grown delights and coffee and view the Kankana-ey fashion and crafts.

Yoghurt House

Yoghurt House has been voted as the #1 best food house in Sagada. While their yoghurt is a must-try (it’s a different experience than the ones available in the metro cities) their fresh and local menu leads to a good morning, indeed.

After eating, you may view the Sagada photo exhibit but taking pictures are prohibited.

Tip: the first floor gets crowded easily so best to find a place near the windows (if you don’t mind the jeepney fumes) or find a seat at the second floor or balcony - fast.

Currency 

There are ATMs near the tourism center for you to use. But it’s still best to bring enough cash in case of emergencies.

Pack lightly, but wisely. Depending on the season, make sure to bring comfortable and light clothes for layering to counter the cold and activewear for spelunking and trekking. Bring sandals, slippers, and first aid kit to help you with motion sickness and injuries.

Make sure to bring medicine. The way to Sagada contains lots of twists, turns, and bumps, so you have to arm yourself with remedies to counter motion and altitude sickness.  

Travel responsibly. Refuse single-use plastics and utensils. Bring your own tumblers, lunch boxes, and utensils to reduce trash. Sagada is an eco-friendly destination and every traveler is encouraged to practice and be a good steward of responsible traveling.

With so many activities and attractions to see in Sagada, how do you schedule them in your trip? We recommend at least 4 days in Sagada for the complete experience. Here’s a sample itinerary to guide you.

See our popular North Luzon Tour Packages

2-day adventure to buscalan kalinga tattoo village of apo whang-od from manila with homestay & meals, aureo hotel la union overnight package with breakfast, fascinating 7-day history, heritage & nature tour to laoag, pagudpud & vigan ilocos from manila.

09:00 PM - Departure from Manila

08:00 - 09:00 AM - Arrive in Sagada 

09:30 AM - Visit Sagada Tourism Center (registration, tour packages) 

12:00 NN - Lunch at Yoghurt House 

02:00 PM - Hotel check-in 

02:30 PM - Visit Echo Valley, Hanging Coffins, Church of St. Mary the Virgin, and more. It's included in a day tour in Sagada

04:00 AM - Visit Kiltepan Peak. Go sightseeing in Marlboro Hills 

08:00 AM - Visit Sagada Brew

0 9:00 AM - Try Sagada weaving and pottery 

10:00 AM - Cave connection experience. Lumiang and Sumaguing Caves are popular attractions included in Sagada tours

02:00 PM - Visit Sagada Lemon Pie House 

07:00 PM - Dinner 

06:00 AM - Blue Soil Hills 

10:00 AM - Brunch at GAIA Arts & Crafts 

11:00 AM - Ganduyan Museum 

12:00 NN - Lunch 

01:00 PM - Kapay-aw Rice Terraces 

02:00 PM - Sagada Cemetery 

03:00 PM - Sagada orchard (ideal for harvest season) 

04:00 PM - Souvenir shopping 

09:00 AM - Hotel check-out 

10:00 AM - Breakfast 

11:00 AM - Back to Manila

Start Planning Your Trip to Sagada Philippines

If you find yourself going to bed and dreaming of a calming fortress away from the busy concrete jungle, it’s a sign that you have to go to Sagada and explore its tourist spots, stat.

Gather your family, invite your friends, call your special someone, or go on your own - take this moment to collect your thoughts and reward yourself with a well-deserved break at Sagada.

Bookmark this guide to help you plan your ultimate Sagada getaway. The journey might be long, but it’s going to be worth more than what you see on the pictures and blogs. Look into Sagada tours and activities that you can add to your itinerary for a hassle-free adventure.

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SAGADA TRAVEL GUIDE 2024: DIY Itinerary, Things to do + How to get There and more

Everything you need to know about sagada, philippines.

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UPDATED 2024 DIY Budget Travel Guide to Sagada, Philippines

Table of Contents

S agada, Philippines — Sagada is definitely a place one cannot forget. Whether it is the long and challenging trip, the cold temperature and geography, or the close-to-nature way of life, Sagada is one place everybody should visit at least once in their lives.

Sagada is one of the ten municipalities of Mountain Province in the Cordillera Administrative Region. Sagada lies in a small valley at an elevation of 5,000 feet above sea level in the Cordillera mountain range of Northern Luzon, 415 km. from Manila via Baguio and 18 km. from Bontoc, which is situated in a larger valley beside the Chico River.

This beautiful, mountainous place is ultimately known for its natural tourist destinations, hanging coffins, and all-year-round cold climate, and knowing the following information will let you make the best out of your trip to Sagada:

Sagada Travel Guide for First-Timers

Best Time to Visit Sagada

Although much colder, Sagada has a subtropical highland climate, like Baguio City . This means that it is generally cool all year round, with a generally high frequency of precipitation.

The best time to visit Sagada is its coldest, which begins at the end of October until late February. Hiking, trekking, and other similar activities would be ideal.

If you plan to visit the hanging coffin and limestone caves, avoid the rainy season, which generally occurs from late May to September. The local government forbids visiting tourist hotspots like Samaguing Caves and Mt. Ampacao during this season for safety purposes.

How to Get to Sagada

From manila:.

Very few bus lines offer direct trips from Manila to Sagada. One of these is Coda Lines Bus in Cubao, Quezon City, which provides a daily trip starting at Php990 . Note that the schedule of all bus companies are subject to change, so make sure to inquire beforehand.

Buses leave from their terminal at Cubao, Quezon City at 9PM daily. The route passes through the provinces of Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, and Ifugao.

For bookings, you can contact:

• Coda Lines: Telephone – 0927-559-2197 or 0929-521-3229.

From Banaue:

If you cannot book the direct Manila-to-Sagada trip due to a conflicting schedule, you may take the Manila to Banaue to Sagada route. Many people visit Banaue first before heading off to Sagada, where there are relatively more trips to the former.

One Manila-based bus line that offers Banaue-bound trips is Ohayami. From Banaue, you can ride one of the many local vans that would take you to Sagada for as low as Php 300.

Ohayami Manila to Banaue Daily Bus Schedule (Bus Station located in Lacson Avenue near Espana)

• 21:00 MANILA – BANAUE *
• 21:30 MANILA – LAGAWE/KIANGAN
• 22:00 MANILA – BANAUE * peak days only Bus Fare: Php 490.00

Manila Office Address: Cor. Fajardo St., Lacson Ave, Sampaloc, Manila Telephone: 09276493055 (632) 5160501 Website: http://ohayamitrans.com/

From Baguio City:

You can also stop over at Baguio and then hop on a different bus to take you to Sagada from Manila. There is an abundance of Sagada-bound trips from Baguio, and each trip costs as low as Php 220. These buses can take you to Sagada as short as 5 to 6 hours from Baguio.

From Ilocos Sur:

If you are from or in Ilocos Sur, you can go to Sagada by traveling to Baguio. This is the best option because Baguio has many Sagada-bound bus lines, but it can be time-consuming, especially for those not living in central Vigan.

Alternatively, you can take a trip to Ilocos Sur municipality Cervantes, where vans can take you to barangay Abatan in Buguias. You can take a bus from there to Bontoc, where, like Baguio, has many Sagada-bound trips. This can cost up to Php 500 but is 3 hours shorter than the Ilocos Sur to Baguio to Sagada route.

Also Read: Travel Guide: How to Get to Sagada from Metro Manila

Getting Around Sagada

The main modes of transportation in Sagada are jeeps and vans, but these are limited and travel less frequently than typical jeepneys in Baguio. It is best to hire a tour guide to work on the transportation schedule and visit the most destinations in a day.

On the other hand, if you are a hiker or fitness enthusiast, you will love the generally rough terrain of Sagada. Some destinations are possible to reach by foot.

Language in Sagada

The People of Sagada speak a language called Kankana-ey. They are generally referred to as Igorots (people from the mountains). They are sturdy and industrious.

Learn a Few Kankana-ey Words

• Gawis ay agew mo [Good Day to you!]
• Gawis ay agsapa [Good Morning.]
• Gawis ay masdem [Good Afternoon]
• Gawis ay labi [Good Evening]
• Nalpuam [Where did you come from?]
• Umayam [Where are you going?]
• Entako. [Let’s Go.]

Source: Benguet Culture

Best Places to Stay In

Unlike most tourist destinations, Sagada is mostly unexploited. Its accessibility and geography contribute to the fact that there are no high-rise hotels in the municipality. Because of this, travelers have a variety of very cheap accommodation options. Interestingly, here, hostels are the more expensive options, as opposed to the fact that they are usually cheaper in more urbanized cities. The accommodation types that offer the lowest rates are lodges and inns.

Misty Lodge and Café

Location: Staunton Rd, Sagada, Mountain Province

This is one of the very few lodges that have an in-house restaurant. This place is located at a distance from the center of town, so mornings can get really cold and misty, which is perhaps why it is named this way!

Kanip-aw Pines Lodge

Kanip-aw Pines Lodge is ideal for both solo and group travelers. The rate includes complete access to the kitchen, where you can prepare your own meals. This is your home away from home.

Location: Kinlibed, Sagada, Mountain Province Price: Php 832 via Agoda.com

Coffee Heritage House and Hostel

Imagine being surrounded by pine trees, with the scent of Sagada coffee trees every morning. This is what it’s like in Coit’s Heritage House and Hostel.

Location: Sitio Nadatngan, Barangay Madongo, Mountain Province, Sagada, 2619 Price: Php 1,455 via Agoda.com

Isabelo’s Inn and Café

Isabelo’s Inn is just across from the local tourist information office and town center. Despite their ideal location in town, their room rates stay very affordable. The rooms are clean and chilly, and the accommodation includes breakfast.

Location: South Road, Sagada, Mountain Province Price: Php 999

• SAGADA VILLAGE BEDS Traditional House [ Check Rates and Availability ]
• Baey Bogan Homestay [ Check Rates and Availability ]
• Rusty Nail Inn [ Check Rates and Availability ]

Also See: St Joseph Resthouse in Sagada

Where to Eat in Sagada

Yoghurt House

Although this restaurant is named Yoghurt House, it is actually a restaurant that has a wide-ranging menu. Dishes include vegetarian meals, pasta, breakfast, and snacks.

Sagada Lemon Pie House

Owned by Joseph Daoas, this Lemon Pie House is famous for its Lemon pie and Sagada mountain tea. The recipe for its famous pie and tea was perfected through the years.

Gaia Café and Crafts

Gaia Café and Crafts serve muffins and cookies, sandwiches, vegetable salads, and lots and lots of tea. The good part? All ingredients are fresh and organic. The best part? The marvelous view out the terrace.

Bana’s Café

If Bana’s accommodation you chose does not offer complimentary breakfast, consider stopping by Bana’s RestauraBana’sey provides a really excellent, homely breakfast menu and the best Sagada coffee, which has earned them international recognition recently.

Experience Sagada Cuisine with a French twist. The dinner buffet is usually packed, so don’t forget to reserve. The buffet dinner costs P500 per person.

Internet Access in Sagada

Most lodges, hostels, and inns offer free Wi-Fi connections in common areas. However, do not expect super-fast upload or download speeds. The stability of the connection may also be an issue. Download maps, travel guides, and other information before arriving in Sagada.

Best Things to Do in Sagada

Buy Sagada fruits from the market.

The mild climate of Sagada makes it the perfect fruit, among others. Don’t miss your chance to buy Sagada oranges, strawberries, or blueberries to your heart’s content.

Have a picnic at Lake Danum.

This picturesque, small lake is a grassland often overlooked because of its neighboring Mt. Ampacao. Although typically used as a jump-off point, Lake Danum is just as much a must-see as Mt. Ampacao. The open skies, fresh air, and trees make it the perfect place to go on a picnic. Just make sure to leave no trash behind!

Visit St. Mary the Virgin Church

The Church of St. Mary the Virgin in Sagada Mountain Province is the main Episcopalian church in the area built in 1904 by American missionaries.

Visit the Echo Valley

An area in Sagada with lush greenery and trails leading to the famous Sagada hanging coffins. Definitely a must-visit and one of our favorite Sagada tourist spots.

Catch the sunrise at Kiltepan.

If you want to truly see the beauty of nature, catch the sunset (or sunrise) at the Kiltepan view deck. Marvel at the rice paddies below before seeing the clouds roll before you to unveil the sunset. This destination is so beautiful that it was featured in a famous Philippine movie.

Drink Sagada coffee.

Aside from its heavenly appeal, Sagada has the best coffee beans ever. This isn’t just popular in the Philippines. In fact, the coffee beans from here are so delicious that Sagada coffee beans are also sold in Paris!

Other Places of interest in Sagada

• Sumaguing and Lumiang Caves
• Bomod-ok and Bokong Falls
• Rice terraces
• Kiltepan Tower
• Underground River
• Hanging Coffins
• Pongas Falls
• Mount Ampacao
• Marlboro Mountain
• Fortune Express
• Latang and Matang Caves
• St. Mary the Virgin Church
• Top Things to do and See in Sagada for First-Time Travelers
• 3 Days Sagada Adventure Itinerary

Best Places to Shop in Sagada

Sagada Weaving

Locals from the region are extremely talented when it comes to weaving. This is very evident in Sagada Weaving. Do not be fooled by the shop’s old interior. Inside are the best-woven slippers, bags, and apparel.

Sagada Collections Souvenir and Gift Shop

Located just across Sagada Weaving, from a t-shirt to keychains, they have all Sagada Souvenir items.

Sagada Weekend Market 

Aside from buying fruits, take home mountain tea, etag or smoked pork, and coffee beans. This market only opens on Saturdays, thus the name.

Also Read: Sagada Weekend Market

Sagada Pottery 

This souvenir shop is also an attraction. Aside from selling clay pots, they also offer pottery lessons, which is a souvenir in itself.

Also Read:  Sagada Pottery – Craftsmanship at its Best

• Sagada Pottery
• Shopping in Sagada: Where to Buy Souvenirs in Sagada?

Sagada Travel Tips

• All tourists who arrive in Sagada must pay Php 70 for the tourism fee at the tourism office. They will issue a receipt, which you should keep with you to access tourist destinations like Samaguing Cave, which requires a guide.
• Bring your own pocket Wi-Fi. Internet access is not too stable, and sharing Wi-Fi with other people (i.e., in the lodge or hostel of your choice) further slows down the speed.
• If you are more of a card person, get used to bringing along paper money. All establishments here (souvenir shops, restaurants, accommodation) only accept cash for payment.
• Conserve water. Like Baguio, the water supply in mountainous Sagada is limited and expensive.
• Bring your own water bottle. Let’s help our Let’sonment by minimizing the consumption of beverages in plastic bottles.
• Do not go out too late at night. Some roads are not installed with lights, and the rocky terrain will make it difficult and very dangerous to walk around.

Did you like our Sagada Budget Travel Guide? Please follow #TeamOutofTown on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , and Pinterest for more travel ideas.

• Hanging Coffins of Sagada: A dying Igorot tradition
• Spending Holy Week in Sagada
• 5 Reasons why you should visit Sagada
• Sagada Travel Guide: 10 Things you should know about Sagada
• Besao Travel Guide

Do you have a Pinterest account? Please pin this Sagada Blog post.

Written by Melo Villareal

Melo Villareal is the Online Publisher of Outoftownblog.com. He is an Accountant by profession who left the corporate world at the age of 23 to explore his beautiful country and the rest of the world. Today, Melo works as a part-time Social Media Manager for local and international clients. His full-time work focuses on discovering interesting culture, explore different cuisines and take memorable photos from local and international destinations he's visiting.

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SAGADA TRAVEL GUIDE (Budget + Itinerary)

by thepinay solobackpacker | Mar 10, 2018 | Mountain Province , Philippines , Sagada , Travel Guide | 23 comments

Karst formations rise against deep green pine trees in Echo Valley, Sagada, overlooking a highland rich in culture, history and mesmerizing scenery.  The Cordillera Region has a special place in my heart.  When I first saw a slide film created by my classmates featuring Sagada’s cultural changes in one of our Anthropology subjects, I’ve dreamed of visiting this highland.  Here’s a Sagada travel guide blog to help you plan your trip this 2018.

TRAVEL BLOG CONTENTS

ABOUT SAGADA

The Cordillera Region is situated in Northern Philippines, the ancestral domain of the Igorots comprised of the six provinces of Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, and Mountain Province as well as Baguio City. The Igorots are grouped into 6 ethno-linguistic groups, the Ifugao, Bontoc, Isneg (or Apayao), the Kankana-ey, Ibaloi and Kalinga.  The Kankana-ey’s domain includes Sagada in Mountain Province. Unlike most parts of the Philippines, Sagada  was unfazed by Spanish rule.

According to the locals,   Sagada’s first resident is Biag.  He is believed to be the founder of Sagada who moved to Sagada from their settlement in Candon, Ilocos Sur to evade headhunting enemies and the Spanish colonizers, he brought with him a rich culture handed down to the next generation.

Today, the erstwhile sleepy town of Sagada situated about 5,000 feet above sea level has made its mark on the tourist map because of its people, its culture and jaw-dropping attractions. While most people here thrive on agriculture (most of them have their own land where they raise vegetables, corn and rice), tourism has motivated some residents to modify their houses into guesthouses, restaurants or souvenir shops.

LANGUAGE IN SAGADA

The people of Sagada are Igorots / Kankana-eys who speak a language called Kankana-ey.  Most residents can also speak Tagalog and English, you will not have a hard time asking for tips, recommendations and directions.   The Igorots  are generally  genuinely hospitable, kind, tourist-friendly and helpful.   Main reason why the Cordilleras remains one of my favorite places in the country.

BEST TIME TO VISIT SAGADA

Sagada has two climates, wet and dry season.  If you want to experience Sagada’s cool climate, best time to visit is from November to February (wet season) when temperatures can drop to as low as 4 degrees Celsius.  Dry season in Sagada is from March to May, so it can be hot and dusty.  The rainy season in the Philippines starts from June to October. Check the weather updates before proceeding especially during off-peak season.

SAGADA DIY TRAVEL GUIDE

How to go to sagada from manila, (direct trip).

From Manila head to HM Transport Cubao Terminal in Quezon City where you can ride a Coda Bus bound for Sagada.  Take note that there is only 1 trip daily at 9:00 PM.  Fare is PHP 720 (EURO 12/ USD 14/ SGD 19/ MYR 61) and travel time is roughly 12 hours.

CODA LINES BUS SCHEDULE

ADDITIONAL TRIPS

CODA LINES Terminal Quezon City

HM Transport, INC

Monte de Piedad corner Maryland Street, Cubao Quezon City

Contact #: +63 927 559 2197 / +63 929 521 3229

CODA LINES Terminal Sagada

Poblacion Sagada

Contact#: +63 929 5213 247 / +63 936 971 9216

CODA LINES Terminal Baguio

Otek Street, Burnham Park beside Rizal Monument, Baguio City

Contact#: +63 935 535 9114 / +63 998 444 8831

CODA LINES Terminal Banaue

Poblacion Banaue near Tourism Office

Contact#: +63 936 971 9240 / +63 920 651 9672

HOW TO GO TO SAGADA FROM MANILA VIA BANAUE

From Manila, ride the Ohayami Bus en route to Banaue.  They have daily trips at 9:00 PM, 10:00 PM and 10:15 PM. Fare is PHP 450 (EURO 7/ USD 9/ SGD 12/ MYR 38).  Be there early  to reserve a seat especially on holidays or weekends. Better buy your bus ticket in advance.

Schedule of Ohayami Bus Trips to Banaue

Ohayami trans.

Corner J. Fajardo A.H Lacson Sampaloc, Manila

Contact Number: 917- 506-0817 / 0927-6493-0355 or (02) 5160-501

MANILA TO BANAUE OHAYAMI BUS SCHEDULE

Banaue to manila ohayami bus schedule.

Once you get off the bus in Banaue, locals will approach you offering van ride transfers to Sagada that includes a quick stop over at Dyannara viewpoint in Banaue.  Passenger van fare is PHP 300 (EURO 5/ USD 6/ SGD 8/ MYR 25).  The van usually leaves at 09:00 AM, do ask the touts about the schedule, so you can have your breakfast first in Banaue.   The passenger vans are usually parked at the jeep terminal near the Banaue Tourism Office.

If you plan to drop by first in Bontoc. Van fare is PHP 150 (EURO 2/ USD 3/ SGD 4/ MYR 13) per person.  You can read my Maligcong Rice Terraces Travel Guide here.

At Bontoc town proper, there are jeepneys that leave for Sagada starting at 6:30 AM to 1:00 PM. Travel time is roughly 1 hour and fare is PHP 45 (EURO 0.75/ USD 0.88/ SGD 1/ MYR 4).   There is also a bus en route to Sagada from Bontoc town proper that leaves around 12:00 noon. Fare is about PHP 120 (EURO 2/ USD 2/ SGD 3/ MYR 10).

Going back to Manila from Bontoc, you can ride a Coda Lines bus bound for Cubao, Quezon City that leaves at 4:00 PM from Bontoc.

HOW TO GO TO SAGADA VIA BAGUIO

If you can’t catch the 9:00 PM and 10:00 PM bus for Banaue or the direct trip to Sagada, you can always go to Sagada via Baguio.  Several bus lines leave for Baguio from Sampaloc, Pasay, Caloocan and Cubao, Quezon City.  But I prefer riding Victory Liner bus as they have 24/7 trips to Baguio, buses leave from their station in Cubao, Pasay, Caloocan and Sampaloc, Manila.  Fare is PHP 445 (EURO 7/ USD 9/ SGD 12/ MYR 37) to PHP 750 (EURO 12/ USD 15/ SGD 20/ MYR 63) and travel time is 5-6 hours.  Make sure to arrive in Baguio before 12:00 Noon as the last trip to Sagada from Baguio is at 1:00 PM.

In Baguio, take a taxi or GRAB to Baguio Dangwa Terminal , taxi fare is roughly PHP 53 / USD 1.06  from Victory Liner Bus Station in Baguio.  Or if you want to commute, ride a jeep going to Center Mall and walk on the middle road (that divides the building into two wings) to get to the terminal at the back of the mall.  Ride a GL Trans Bus line (ordinary bus) that leaves at 5:30 AM, next trip is 6:30 AM with 30 minutes interval until 11:30 AM.  Last trip to Sagada is at 1:00 PM. Fare is PHP 220 (EURO 4/ USD 4/ SGD 6/ MYR 19).  Travel time is roughly 5-6 hours.

Alternatively, there are also ordinary buses bound for Sagada via Bontoc at the Slaughterhouse Terminal in Baguio that leaves early in the morning.  Lizardo Bus to Sagada leaves at 9:00 AM.  Fare is PHP 220 (EURO 4/ USD 4/ SGD 6/ MYR 19), travel time is 5-6 hours.

GOING BACK TO MANILA FROM SAGADA VIA BAGUIO

You can take a GL Trans Bus/Lizardo Bus from Sagada Town Proper to Baguio. Fare is PHP 220 (EURO 4/ USD 4/ SGD 6/ MYR 19)and travel time will take about 5 hour. Here’s the schedule of bus from Sagada to Baguio.

In Baguio, take a cab to the Victory Liner Terminal. Fare is about PHP 53 (EURO 0.88/ USD 1/ SGD 1/ MYR 4).  Board a bus bound for Manila, Cubao, Pasay or Caloocan. Fare is PHP 445 (EURO 7/ USD 9/ SGD 12/ MYR 37) to PHP 750 (EURO 12/ USD 15/ SGD 20/ MYR 63) and travel time is roughly 5-6 hours.

GOING BACK TO MANILA FROM SAGADA VIA BONTOC AND BANAUE

Alternatively, if you want to make a sidetrip to Bontoc, you can ride a jeep from Sagada to Bontoc.  At Bontoc, there are buses to Baguio or you may take a Coda Bus Line to Cubao, Quezon City that leaves at 4:00 PM.  Or take a jeepney to Banaue from Bontoc and at Banaue, ride the Ohayami Bus to Manila that leaves at 6:30 PM and 6:45 PM.

Here’s the jeepney schedule from Sagada to Bontoc.   Fare from Sagada to Bontoc is PHP 220 (EURO 4/ USD 4/ SGD 6/ MYR 19).  Travel time is 45 minutes.

And here’s the schedule of jeepney from Bontoc to Banaue.  Fare is PHP 150 (EURO 2/ USD 3/ SGD 4/ MYR 13) and travel time is 1.5 hours.

HOW TO GO TO SAGADA FROM VIGAN, ILOCOS SUR

If you notice on the map above, there is a road (Tagudin-Cervantes-Sabangan Road) connecting Ilocos Sur to Sagada.  While from Vigan you can also reach Baguio then transfer to a bus to Sagada.  You will save about 3 hours of travel time if you do the route below, but be warned that you need to transfer about 5 times to complete this route.

So from Vigan, ride a bus (Partas Bus or others) bound for Manila, tell the conductor that you are off to Sagada and you need to alight at Bitalag  UV Express van terminal for Cervantes. Marker is Bitalag Park.  Fare is PHP 150/ USD 3 and travel time is roughly 1.5 hours.

At Bitalag, ride a passenger van (UV Express) en route to Cervantes.  Van fare is PHP 150 (EURO 2/ USD 3/ SGD 4/ MYR 13)and travel time is about 1.5 hours.

Once you are in Cervantes, transfer to a van bound for Abatan.  Fare is PHP 70 (EURO 1/ USD 1/ SGD 2/ MYR 6)travel time is approximately 1 hour.

At Abatan, ride a passenger van to Bontoc.  Fare is PHP 70 (EURO 1/ USD 1/ SGD 2/ MYR 6) and travel time is about 1 hour.

At Bontoc, ride a jeep to Sagada. Fare is PHP 45 (EURO 0.75/ USD 0.88/ SGD 1/ MYR 4), travel time is about 45 minutes.

Total travel time for this route is roughly 5 hours and 45 minutes and total fare is PHP 485 (EURO 8/ USD 10/ SGD 13/ MYR 41)

GETTING AROUND SAGADA

Once you arrive in Sagada, you are required to register and pay the tourism fee of PHP 70 (EURO 0.58/ USD 0.69/ SGD 0.93/ MYR 3)  at the Sagada Tourism Office.  You cannot enter Sumaguing Cave without paying this as they might ask you for the receipt, always bring the receipt with you.

Most attractions in Sagada are walkable, some needs serious hiking so hiring a local guide in Sagada is recommended and required (Sumaguing Cave) to avoid accidents.

To get to Kiltepan for the iconic sunrise and sea of clouds made famous by “That Thig called Tadhana” movie, you can ride a van for PHP 500 (EURO / USD 10/ SGD 13/ MYR 42) per person round trip, just inquire at the Tourism Office or rent a vehicle at SAGGAS Tourist Information.  The vehicle will fetch you at your guesthouse at around 4:30 AM.

TOP ATTRACTIONS IN SAGADA

Here’s a list of the top attractions in Sagada and a map of tourist attractions from Sagada LGU.

Echo Valley

Hanging coffins

St.Mary’s Church

Dokiw Hanging Coffins

Lumiang Burial Cave

Sumaguing Cave

Bomod-ok Falls

(  Photo by Roslyn , Creative commons)

Kiltepan Sunrise

( Photo by Arlene , Creative Commons)

Sagada Rice Terraces

OTHER ATTRACTIONS:

Sagada Pottery

Marlboro Mountain

SAGADA TOUR GUIDE RATES

You will never run out of things to do in Sagada because of its wealth of attractions . For first-time visitors in Sagada, I recommend the Central Sagada Eco-Tour + Sumaguing Cave + Kiltepan Sunrise and if you want to see at least one falls, try Bomod-ok Falls.

Here is a list of the standard tour guide and transport rates in Sagada.  You can hire guides in Sagada at SAGGAS (highly recommended) or at Sagada Tourism Office (local guide will approach you near the tourism office).

WHERE TO EAT IN SAGADA

Sagada is sprinkled with restaurants, serving both local and foreign cuisines.  Many have their own specialty.   Food in Sagada is quite expensive,  prepare to spend at least PHP 150 / USD 3  per meal, for those who want to save, try the eateries at the public market.   Where to eat in Sagada? Here’s my handpicked list of restaurants to try in Sagada.

Gaia Cafe is a vegetarian restaurant made famous by the movie “That Thing Called Tadhana” .   The place is owned by my classmate back in college (nothing to disclose, not sponsored,we paid for our food).   I tried the food here together with blogger friends   Marcos  and Dave ,  we love their food and their coffee plus the view here is jaw-dropping!  If you want to see  Sagada Rice Terraces , this is a great spot for viewing. 

Sagada Log Cabin food is just superb.   We tried their pasta and salad when we first dined here and the huge serving of chicken with fries.  Reserve food and seats because this restaurant gets packed at night.

Strawberry Café

Strawberry Cafe’s  yogurt is  mouth-watering, we like it better than that of a rival resto known for serving yogurt (our friend had an issue with how the staff at  the rival cafe  seem to serve foreigners first before locals).

Masferre Restaurant

Serves really good dishes, quite expensive compared to other restaurants in town, but it’s bang for the buck.

Lemon Pie House 

As you might have surmised, tourists come here for their lemon pie.   Also try their mountain tea.  A nice place to chill after spelunking in Sumaguing Cave.

Sagada Public Market

For those wanting to stay on a budget, you can dine at the eateries inside Sagada Public Market .  Haven’t tried eating here but our foreigner friend Dave said the food here is okay.

WHERE TO STAY IN SAGADA

Sagada is dotted with affordable hotels and guesthouses.  Best to reserve a room during holidays or weekends when tourists flock here.

Isabelo’s Inn and Cafe

Poblacion, Sagada, Sagada

CHECK ROOM RATES HERE

Masferre Country Inn and Restaurant

Poblacion, Sagada

Kanip Aw Pines View Lodge

Atey, Dao-angan, Sagada

Shamrock Tavern Inn

Makingking, Demang, Sagada

Grandma’s Yellow House

Dagdag, Poblacion, Sagada

Sagada Igorot Inn

WHERE TO BUY SOUVENIRS

⊗  There are a handful of souvenir shops in town, some hotels and cafe have their own shop. I like buying at Gabay Wines,  they sell beautifully-crafted walking stick, fruit wines, Sagada coffee, shirts, key chains and ref magnets.   Gaia Cafe also have a nice collection of souvenirs.

⊗  Also visit Sagada Weaving to buy hand-weaved bags, textiles, wallets and purse.

⊗   Lemon Pie House for their lemon pie.

SAGADA TRIP ITINERARY

Here’s a sample Sagada 3 day/ 2 night trip itinerary.   You can adjust it depending on the activities that you want to try in Sagada.  Just refer to the tour guide rates above.   This itinerary is ideal for long weekends.

SAMPLE SAGADA TRIP BUDGET

Here’s my sample Sagada budget/ expenses for 3 day 2 night stay  for a solo traveler to give you an idea of around how much to spend for your Sagada trip.  But of course, our spending habits vary, your choices and expenses may be different from mine so you can make it lower or higher to fit your budget.  If you have travel buddies in your Sagada trip, you can save more on guide fees.

SAGADA TRAVEL TIPS

⊗  Avoid making too much noise, many of the attractions in Sagada are sacred to the locals. Please be respectful.

⊗  Do not leave trash anywhere.

⊗ Make sure you are back at Sagada town proper before nightfall. There are no lamp posts along the road.

⊗  Hire a local guide for your safety. And it is also a way of contributing to the local economy. You are helping create jobs in Sagada by doing so.

⊗  There is only one ATM in town, and it is unrealiable. So be sure to stack up cash (Philippine Peso) before proceeding to Sagada. Establishments and hotels here only accept cash.

⊗  Bring your tourism fee receipt when heading to Sumaguing Cave.  You will not be allowed to enter without paying the fee.  A guide is also required.  Avoid bringing your DSLR camera inside the cave, if you insist, wrap it with plastic or water-proof camera cover or place it inside a water-proof bag.  I recommend bringing a water-proof action camera instead.  Most parts of the cave are slippery, you will most likely be wet, be extra careful with your steps.  Wear shirts, shorts or leggings instead of jeans.  Put your cellphone, wallet and money inside a Ziploc.

⊗  Ask permission when photographing people especially the elderly.

⊗  Buy food in Sagada.  I know you want to stay on a budget by bringing your own snacks or food, but when you buy your meals from local restaurants or snacks from local stores, you are helping the local economy.   You are savoring the beauty of their hometown, just think of it as giving back to their community.

*Cover photo by Marcos Caratao.  

MALIGCONG BONTOC TRAVEL GUIDE

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23 comments.

Thank you soooo much! I amam just searching for the bus travel time to sagada for my April summer trip and then I landed here. All questions answered and with so much of what I was expecting to find! I’ll definitely be coming back here after my Sagada trip and be sharing my own experiences! Thank you, again and God bless Pinay Solo Backpacker! Let’s empower women by conquering the different places here in our beautiful country!

Thanks for dropping by Myra! Would love to hear your story, feel free to share it here. 🙂

Ask lang po, pwede naman siguro na dun na magpareserve ng tutuluyan kahit di muna pareserve now? Yun po bang tour packages meron naman siguro sa Tourism office na pagpipilian? Sensya po first time ko at balak ko this April. Thank you.

Wow. This is a comprehensive post. Thank you.

Do all their bus route pass by Banaue? Because I’m planning an itinerary to Sagada and this side trip would be a plus. Thanks.

Hello! Can i borrow your itinerary for Sagada Tour? Will be leaving here on April 28th 11:30 PM. THANKS IN ADVANCE!

Your blog really helps us a lot in making our itinerary for our upcoming trip this May 😀. We’re just a little bit confused on the price rate if it is per person or by group??😁

Sobrang detailed grabe! Last time na pumunta ako ng sagada, 5 years ago with a friend na maalam na talaga sa Lugar. Ngayon Lang talaga all nagresearch since I’m going there with an afam so dapat ako na ang may alam haha. Thank you for this! 🙂

Hi you never tell us about the road to sagada is it safe ? Is it rough road ? Is it dangerous?? I plan to go there on june 2017 can you advice me.?

Great infos! Will definitely refer to this as I wanted to experience Sagada in January when I get back to PH. More power and God Bless 😊

Hello maam i would like to ask if the rate of the tour guide is per person or per group? Thank you maam! More power!

Thank you for the info! Excited for my sagada trip! And hope i can conquer this challenge to travel my own and reach sagada without harm. Anyway is there any bus company you can recommend going to sagada?

HI! Your blog really helped us in planning for our vacay. 🙂 but how did you book for a tour guide?

This guide is very informative. Thank you. May I just ask where is the Sagada Tourism Office, so we can book a tour guide? Our trip is on the 20th of July this year. Hope you can let me know before then.

Thanks a bunch.

Sorry for the late reply. It’s in the town center. fronting the Municipal Hall

Wow! This is awesome☺️ Big help for us since we’re planning to go to Sagada. Thank you so much!😉👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

This is so detailed up to date information about Sagada. Thank you very much for sharing.

Hi actually the information is complete but kinda no time to read everything I just want to get a quoted budget for a package of place to stay, transpo and tours for atleast 3 days consists of 9 person 3 children and 6 adults. If you can suggests something with cheaper price. Your further assistance is very highly appreciated.

150 atleast po Pala. Huhu hnd po 120/meal??

Hi! Your itinerary was helpful! We’d like to ask if you have a list or contact details of the guides we could contact for activities on this trip. Thank you!

I listed his number above

Very informative po and dito ko nagbase ng itineraries namin for next month’s Sagada trip! Thank you so much po for this blog!

welcome. salamat din for dropping by. enjoy!

thanks for the info pinaysolobackpacker! got a good plan for my day tour in sadaga on saturady.

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2-Day Sagada Itinerary in a Blissful Sleepy Town in the Mountains of the Philippines

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What to do in Sagada? Don’t know yet? I’m absolutely obsessed with this sleepy little town in the middle of nowhere, and if I were pressed to recommend one place (ah! so hard!) to visit in North Luzon, Philippines, this is it.

While there, I experienced such a mix of crazy bizarre adventures and super chill vibes that I just had to share it all with you. So I’m metaphorically handing you my Sagada itinerary with all the things to do in Sagada if you only have two days to spare. I’m also including some handy dandy options to add on if you end up simply unable to leave, a scenario that really isn’t that farfetched.

Table of Contents

What to Do in Sagada: Take in the Charm

1. get lost: the perfect way to start your sagada itinerary, 2. things to do in sagada: hanging coffins in echo valley, sumaguing cave connection: choose the right cave, how to explore the sumaguing cave connection, kiltepan viewpoint, bomod-ok falls, pongas falls, where to eat and drink in sagada:, george’s guesthouse, agape log cabin and restaurant, kanip-aw pines lodge, tips for visiting sagada, a two-week philippines itinerary—beaches to mountains, the ultimate philippines travel packing checklist, el nido, philippines: island hopping in paradise, complete guide to cebu island, philippines, an incredible 5-day siargao itinerary (philippines), popular scams + advice and tips for the philippines.

A charming village virtually untouched by Spanish colonization, Sagada sits up high in the rolling green hills of North Luzon. Because of its relative removal from major metropolitan areas or transportation, it only has  one small road. Sure, it may seem boring and ordinary if you’re not in the know, but once you are, you’ll recognize Sagada as a place you will never be able to experience anywhere else.

The primary thing you will be doing as you go through the list of things to do in Sagada is enjoying the charm. There are viewpoints that feel mystical, people who feel like your best friends after the first hello, and depths of eeriness that make you feel like you’re having an otherworldly experience.

Sagada’s charm nearly lured me in for much longer, but I had a flight to catch. When I do return to the Philippines, Sagada is high up on my repeat list!

So without further ado, here’s what to do in Sagada with your two days.

The people! The people are super chill. Sagada gives off an airiness and freshness that is revitalizing, and most of all, it’s welcoming.

I wandered the streets with free roaming cows, said hello to everyone that passed me (that’s what everyone does!), and got a serious workout walking up and down the hills.

There’s not a whole lot around the town but that’s the beauty of it. It’s quiet, quaint, and has everything about a small town that makes you want to fall in love and never leave.

Friendly locals, opportunities to make friends easily, fab views, and that small community feel. I got as lost as I could in the humble town and met friends right away, two of my favorite things to do while traveling solo!

Echo Valley is a nice walk through a gorgeous, lush green valley that will lead you to a spot where you can shout out and hear your own echo come back to you. But that’s not all.

As you hike through Echo Valley, you might not even realize that you’re actually walking past one of the most surreal pit-stops along the way…

The ever so creepy Hanging Coffins. Yep, you read that right. Hanging coffins.

Coffins dangle off huge rock formations at the end of the valley. On our first hike out, we only saw them from up top. We somehow missed the trail that led down to them. We found it the next day and got an up-close view.

Note: you do not need a guide to hike this trail, don’t let anyone tell you differently. It’s totally DIY.

The hanging coffins are an ancient tradition and seen as an honor for the tribe and locals that inhabit Sagada. A person can actually still be hung here among the others. However, there are specific requirements that need to be met in order to be hung here. You must be:

• A native of Sagada.
• Old. Old is defined as having grandchildren.
• A good person.

You make a request to be hung, and if you meet the requirements, the townspeople get together to make the challenging hike through a forest with a coffin in tow, and then somehow (magically?) mount it to a rock.

If you notice, some of the coffins are super small. Crazy right? The first people buried here 200-250 years ago were just that small!

The Hanging Coffins certainly will be the weirdest thing to do on your Sagada itinerary.

3. Things To Do In Sagada: Sumaguing Cave Connection

While the hanging coffins may not qualify as a “fun” activity, it is interesting as hell.  If you’re up for something a bit more adventurous now, then you’ve got to add Sumaguing Cave to your Sagada itinerary.

If you’re bold enough to tackle the cave connection between the Sumaguing caves and Lumiang caves, you won’t regret it. It’s one of the coolest experiences I’ve had in the Philippines.

The cave entrance is surrounded by haunting (haunted?) stacked coffins.  Beware that in some cases you might be able to see the bones that have fallen out of the coffins after years of disrepair.

To add creepy to eerie, as you keep pushing forward through the cave, and the pelvic and elbow bones start disappearing, you become encompassed by the blackness of the cave. Soon you can only see the faint single oil lantern your guide holds.

Your guide will take you through pathways that you would never think to wiggle through.  We were squeezing through holes I’ve had nightmares of getting stuck in!

Sometimes along your path, you have to step on the guide’s shoulder to climb up to the next rock because it is so tall.

Other times you have to traverse through narrow walkways and then use a rope to climb up. We even swam through parts of the pathway. The water is simply amazing and refreshing. How many times in your life will you get to swim in a cave lake?!

At some points, we were trekking through slippery spots that involved mud and bat poop.

If you plan to add this excursion to your Sagada itinerary, just know that this will challenge you in ways you never thought possible.

Finishing the cave course will give you an experience that will leave you with a sense of accomplishment.

The long cave system is challenging, heart-pumping, and adventurous.  Just know that if you decide to add this experience to your Sagada itinerary, when you visit the caves in high season, the cave will be more crowded, which wouldn’t be as serene compared to going in the off-season like I did (we saw people once while caving).

This cave connection takes about 4-5 hours and is known as the “long cave”. Make sure you don’t go on the shorter cave tour as it’s not very adventurous and you’ll end up feeling a bit bummed because a guide will take you through a relatively easy route that you could have done yourself.

With that said, when you do the long cave connection, make sure you have a guide! Trust me, there’s nothing easy about finding your way around this cave. You will get lost in a pitch black nightmare. Not the good kind of lost.

The caving was 400 pesos each (3 people). We went with Saggas for our  tour company, not the tours from the tourist office which were pricer. The guys are super chill and cool, not pushy or greedy. I would recommend them. I asked them tons of questions throughout my time there and they were super nice and informative.

Add on Adventures to Your Sagada Itinerary

Here’s what to do in Sagada if you have more time…

While this viewpoint is epic either way, it’s best at sunrise if you can crawl out of bed early enough.

Straight after a sunrise at the viewpoint, you can hop over the Bomod-ok Falls. This won’t be a walk in the park. You’ll have the earn it through the tiring hike, but it will be worth it. The saving grace is being able to take a dip in the cool water.

Who doesn’t love waterfalls? If you want to add another one to your list, this one also comes with a hike.

There’s a lovely unexpected reggae bar in town called Kimichi.  It’s a cool and chill spot, and it has to be squeezed into the Sagada itinerary if reggae music, drinks, and super friendly people are your thing.

Yoghurt House

I ate here both days, it was SO good. The quality is top touch regardless if you order their breakfasts or their local lunch dishes.

Nab yourself a seat at the top balcony and bring a book! I was super happy to have some fresh food that involved vegetables, considering I had been deprived of them during my time in the Philippines. This stop is a must, it’s one of the most popular places to eat in town.

Where to Stay in Sagada:

Loved this spot. Super nice staff and a clean and comfy room. I got my own room and bathroom with hot water. What else could I possibly ask for?  The guest house was surrounded by that same mountain air, just like in Banaue and Batad.  Around the home were beautiful rice terraces, rolling hills, and small cafes.

CHECK PRICES

Private room, private bathroom, rustic feel, and fabulous breakfast. Do I really need to say more? This place gets top ranking among all its visitors. It’s a great little stopping point in between all of your things to do in Sagada, like cave spelunking and waterfall hiking.

On a super duper budget? Stay at Kanip-aw . It’s basically a big cozy house to share with other travelers. You’ll get a clean space, comfy beds, and a kitchen to cook up your own food. You can make this your base camp before you head off to swim under a waterfall or after you scream into echo valley at all the hanging coffins.

• Pay the tourist fee. Due to the high volume of tourists to the area and the impact that amount of traffic can have on a natural environment, Sagada collects a tourism or environmental fee of about 35.00PHP as of this publication. Pay it, because you’ll need to show your receipt for certain adventures.
• Have good shoes. Yes, your feet are going to be soooo sore if you’re an adventurous hiker/spelunker/wanderer like me. So bring comfy shoes, hiking sandals, hiking boots, whatever great shoes fit your style.
• Respect local life. Even if you are in town for only two days, respect the local people, food, culture. Don’t touch the coffins or bones or ruin the serene atmosphere with drunk yelling at night.

The chill vibes here are in full force, so if they take over, don’t feel guilty! It happened to me a bit too, but I found doing the few activities along with chilling was a good mix for me.

Transportation Tip for the Phillippines: While you can simply book at the pier, bus or train station, you may want to book ahead for certain legs of your journey to guarantee that you get a seat on the day you need to travel. 12go.asia is the best way to do this. Book your next trip ahead of time so you have one less thing to worry about. Click here to book a ticket through 12go.asia

More Around The Philippines

Where will you go after the Philippines?

Laos | Malaysia  |  Singapore  |  Indonesia | Thailand  |  Cambodia  |  Vietnam

So what things to do in Sagada are you definitely doing? Let me know in the comments!

>>> EVEN MORE ABOUT THE PHILIPPINES <<<

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• Mountain Province / Travel Guides / Travel Tips / WANDER - Travels

Sagada Travel Guide – DIY Itinerary and Expenses

by LoveEatWander · April 13, 2019

The Philippines, having known as an island country with more than 7,000 islands, is prominent for its white-sand beaches and clear salt waters. It is no wonder why a lot of Filipinos quickly offer places like Palawan or Boracay when asked of the best places to visit. If you are looking for a different kind of nature feast, there’s a perfect place for you – SAGADA.

Sagada doesn’t have cream sand or cool seawater. This place that lies at an elevation of 5,000 feet above sea level in the Cordillera mountain range of Northern Luzon offers diverse and distinct adrenaline rush as it provides the right mix of Filipino ethnic culture, nature, and adventure. Sagada boasts lush green hills and mountains, pine-scented air, very rich culture and tradition, unforgettable food options, picturesque rice terraces, refreshing waterfalls, and a lot more!

Use this helpful Sagada Travel Guide and prepare to enjoy the natural marvels of the place.

Table of Contents

HOW TO GET TO SAGADA

Direct bus from Manila (via Banaue)

The bus company Coda Lines Corporation offers an overnight trip direct to Sagada from Cubao Terminal in Quezon City. The night bus leaves daily at 8PM, 9PM, and 10PM. Regular bus fare is P760, travel time is 12 hours. For inquiry and reservation, contact them at +63 977 186 0548 and +63 939 467 7863 or you can directly book your bus tickets below for a minimal fee:

Sagada is also accessible via Baguio, Bontoc, Banaue, and Ilocos Sur. Bringing your own car is also possible. Roads to Sagada are mostly paved and smooth but are narrow once you enter Banaue area.

Going back to Manila

The return trip of Coda Lines from Sagada to Manila leaves at 2:30PM and 3PM daily. If you fail to catch those trips, you may ride the local buses bound for Baguio that leave hourly from 5AM to 5PM. Going back to Manila from Baguio should pose as a hassle as buses bound for Manila abound in the area.

WHERE TO STAY IN SAGADA

Most accommodations in Sagada are basic and non-luxurious. Many of them do not provide toiletries. Here are just a few of the best rated among them.

Built in 2012, Isabelo’s Inn and Cafe is a distinct addition to Sagada and a smart choice for travelers. With its convenient location, the hotel offers easy access to the city’s must-see destinations. At Isabelo’s Inn and Cafe, the excellent service and superior facilities make for an unforgettable stay. The hotel provides Wi-Fi in public areas, laundry service, a business center, shops, and restaurant to ensure guests the greatest comfort. LOWEST ROOM RATE: ₱800

Offering quality accommodations in the culture, sightseeing district of Sagada, Kanip Aw Pines View Lodge is a popular pick for both business and leisure travelers. The hotel lies 0.750 km from the city center and provides accessibility to important town facilities. With its convenient location, the hotel offers easy access to the city’s must-see destinations. Take advantage of a wealth of unrivaled services and amenities at this Sagada hotel. The hotel offers access to a vast array of services, including Wi-Fi in public areas, vending machine, shared lounge/TV area. LOWEST ROOM RATE: ₱650

Conveniently located in Sagada, Coffee Heritage House & Hostel is a great base from which to explore this vibrant city. The city center is merely 3.5 km away and the airport can be reached within minutes. With its convenient location, the hotel offers easy access to the city’s must-see destinations. LOWEST ROOM RATE : ₱1,400

Offering quality accommodations in the sightseeing, culture district of Sagada, Kenlibed Inn is a popular pick for both business and leisure travelers. Situated only from the city center, guests are well located to enjoy the town’s attractions and activities. With its convenient location, the property offers easy access to the city’s must-see destinations. The facilities and services provided by Kenlibed Inn ensure a pleasant stay for guests. Top features of the property include kitchen, Wi-Fi in public areas, car park, car hire, car park onsite. LOWEST ROOM RATE: ₱1,500

See the list of other SAGADA ACCOMMODATIONS HERE . 

If you prefer camping, you may set up a camp in Kiltepan Peak, Lake Danum, Mt. Ampacao, Marlboro Hills, and Calvary Hill is allowed.

LoveEatWander stayed at Casa Robina , a three-story lodge equipped with a kitchen and a common area per floor where guests can cook and interact. A room with a common toilet and bath only costs P300.00 per head per night, and P350.00 per head per night for a room with own toilet and bath. The place is a little far from the town proper, making it very ideal for those who want to stay away from the noise and busy streets. See the photos below to further appreciate Casa Robina.

WHERE TO GO IN SAGADA

Here are the top tourists’ destinations that you must visit.

• ECHO VALLEY – a valley that will echo your voice through the mountains after shouting.
• HANGING COFFINS – the coffins hanging on the limestone walls of the cliff. This is said to be an ethnic approach of burying the dead practiced by the upper-class Igorots. They hang the coffins of their departed loved ones so they will have an easier path to reach the great unknown.
• LAKE DANUM – a lake in the middle of the pine forest. A perfect spot to do sunset watching.
• SUMAGUING and LUMIANG BURIAL CAVES – these two are vast caves that require several hours to explore. At the entrance of Lumiang Burial Cave is a pile of coffins, some dated back 500 years ago. Both caves offer magnificent views of the underworld. If you are a sucker for adventure, try the cave connection – go spelunking for 3 to 4 hours in the massive cave system of Lumiang and Sumaguing caves.
• BOMOD-OK FALLS – this magnificent natural body of water is surrounded by boulders. Guests who can endure the chilling water can enjoy bathing in the deep catch basin of this waterfalls. An hour-long trek through green fields is required to reach this destination
• KILTEPAN VIEWPOINT – accessible also through an hour-long trek. This Sagada attraction offers the best sunrise view in the province.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Love. Eat. Wander. (@loveeatwander)

WHERE TO EAT IN SAGADA / WHAT TO EAT IN SAGADA

Food options in Sagada are almost endless. The only limitation of Sagada when it comes to food is that seafood is not readily available. Why? Because it’s in a far mountainous region. For some reason, the prices of meals are high, maybe due to the tourists’ demands.

Our personal favorite is Sagada Grill because they have the most delicious baby back ribs we have tasted our entire lives, not to mention their other specialties like the quesadilla, T-bone steak, and Shawarma Rice. The place is just quite away from the town proper, just beside Casa Robina, but it’s so worth the visit. Did I mention they have affordable rice meals, too?!

Other tried and tested favorites are Bana’s Cafe, Yogurt House, Strawberry Cafe, Gaia Cafe and Crafts, Misty Lodge Cafe, Sagada Lemon Pie House, Ramyun Restobar, Masferré Restaurant, and Log Cabin.

3D2N SAMPLE SAGADA ITINERARY

DIY Sagada trip is a good idea but it requires a lot of effort and planning. It can also be more expensive than joining arranged tour packages.

If you plan to explore Sagada on your own, here is a sample DIY itinerary you can follow. This is good for 3 days and 2 nights.

Day 0 – 9:30PM ETD Cubao

08:00AM ETA Sagada 08:30AM Breakfast 10:00AM Check-in at Casa Robina / Rest 12:00NN Lunch

01:00PM Bound for Bomod-ok Falls 01:30PM Briefing/Start Trekking 03:00PM ETA Bomod-ok Falls/ swimming, picture taking, etc. 04:00PM Trek back to jump-off 06:00PM End of 1st-day activities

Note: Bomod-of falls is a one and a half hours of trek downhill and 2 hours of trekking uphill with the amazing views of the rice terraces and Banga-an community.

04:00AM Wake-up Call / Bound for Marlboro Sunrise 05:30AM ETA at Marlboro View Point 07:00AM Breakfast 08:30AM Prepare for Cave Connection Activity 9:30AM ETA Lumiang Cave/ Jump-off for Cave Connection 10:00AM Start of Spelunking Adventure 02:00PM End of adventure/ Late lunch 03:00PM wash-up and prepare for a walking tour 04:00PM Eco-Valley Adventure Trail 05:30PM Sunset at Lake Danum 07:00PM Dinner

07:00AM Sagada Town Walking Tour – Sagada Weaving – Food trip – Photo ops 10:30AM Back to Manila via Coda Deluxe bus

If you follow the IT provided above, you can visit most of the best places that Sagada offers. If you are joining an arranged group tours, stay away from those that offer cheap packages P3,000 below as they only cover transportation and accommodation. Pagdating ninyo sa Sagada, NGANGA, not worth it. Mura nga wala naman kayo napuntahan . Join those that has activities included, they may be a little more expensive P4,500 above but you will be assured of the quality of tour they provide. We suggest you contact our travel partner Sole Adventours for Sagada Packages full of actions and adventures. 

SAGADA EXPENSES / RATES OF ACTIVITIES

Check the image below for the list and rates of different Sagada activities.

SAGADA TRAVEL TIPS

• Register with the Tourist Information Centre when you arrive and pay the P35.00 environmental fee. Be sure to keep the receipt because you will be presenting it in almost every site you want to visit. The tourist information center is located near the bus drop-off point when you travel via Bagiuo. When you travel via Banaue, you can ask the van driver to drop you there. The information center is open from 7:00AM to 6:00PM.
• WHEN TO VISIT SAGADA: Sagada observes its annual Bonfire Festival between Christmas and New Year. If you like being part of the tradition, you can take part in this celebration for a minimal fee of around P250 with food, drinks, and transportation to the venue included. Expect an influx of tourists during this time. Visiting top attractions would require lining up and wasting too much time. Sagada is in its coldest at the end of October until late February. Outdoor activities such as hiking and trekking would be ideal on these months. If you are planning to visit the hanging coffin and limestone caves, avoid the rainy season (late May to September)  as the local government forbids visiting some places like Samaguing & Lumiang Caves and Mt. Ampacao for safety reasons. The rice terraces in Cordillera are at their greenest during the months of March to April.
• There is no need to book accommodation in advance unless it’s peak season. There are myriad of hostels/inns in Sagada. 
• Smart and Globe cellular networks work fine, but mobile data and Wi-Fi connectivity may not be reliable.
• There are only 2 ATMs in Sagada, one inside the Tourist Information Centre and another on the 2nd floor of the next building. It is important to stack up some cash as these machines sometimes go out of service.
• Be respectful of the local people and their culture. Behave yourself when going to different attractions as these places are sacred to locals. If you will have to take a photo of properties and people, always ask permission.
• Trekking is the major activity in Sagada due to unavailability of taxis and tricycles. Make sure you have non-slippery sandals or trekking shoes. Local vans and jeepneys can be rented at standard rate to take you to far destinations (see the photo of activities & rates above).
• Bring a warmer. The temperature drops at night.
• Observe curfew — 9:00PM to 4:00AM.
• Conserve water. The supply of water in Sagada is limited and expensive. Bring your own water bottle and just refill in your homestay/accommodation. This practice is more affordable and environmentally advantageous.

LET’S GO VISUAL!

Here’s our Sagada Travel Vlog:

Get insured before heading to Sagada

“If you can’t afford travel insurance, you shouldn’t be traveling.” Heard this phrase before?

So yeah, even if you are only going on a short trip or investing on a long journey, you should always travel with insurance. It is easier to have fun if you know you are insured.

Love. Eat. Wander. highly recommends a local provider PhilCare   which offers affordable packages that cover travel insurance under Assist America.

If you have additional tips, comments and suggestions to make this Sagada Travel Guide more helpful to tourists, please contact us or leave a comment below.

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Sagada Travel Guide: An Excellent Guide to the World

• by traveledictorian
• October 27, 2022 April 21, 2024

This Sagada Travel Guide helps you make the most of your three days in Sagada. It features a well-thought-out travel itinerary and a detailed budget for the trip.

Disclaimer: Some information in this Sagada Guide changes too often. If you continue reading this article, you agree to cross-check information with concerned authorities. Please read the site’s full Terms .

Introduction

I face challenges and hardships like many other people do. Hence, I embraced early on that life may be difficult and demanding.

Our parents separate when I was six. My mother went to work abroad and my father moved out to start a new family. I was nine years old when I had a near-death experience and endured the endless bullying.

In addition, I spent a difficult year by myself when I was twelve years old and experienced severe migraine that lasted ten years. Moreover, I was unable to get into the university of my dreams and turn down numerous times by corporate. I was deeply in debt at thirty, with no savings, no assets, and a mountain of debt.

I sought solace in the mountains of Sagada, a secluded and relaxed village in the northern-central Philippines. This tranquil setting helped me rebuild and heal after I went through my life’s most challenging times.

Sagada Travel Guide Contents

Quick fact about sagada, visa in the philippines, standard time in sagada, climate in sagada, best time to visit sagada, language in sagada, currency in sagada, modes of payment in sagada, ways of getting to sagada, getting around sagada, areas to stay in sagada, internet in sagada, power adaptor in sagada, sagada travel guide itinerary, budget for sagada trip.

• Sagada Guidebook Resources

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. And I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you for the purchases made through these links. Thank you! Please read the site’s full Disclosure .

Sagada has a distinct burial practice where the corpse of their departed locals hung in coffins. They believe it brings the souls of the dead closer to heaven.

Holders of foreign passports intending to visit the Philippines should contact the Embassy of the Philippines regarding entry requirements. Otherwise, consult iVisa.com , a reputable and trusted visa service provider.

Travelers to the country must undergo stringent immigration procedures. Please read the article, ‘How to Avoid Getting Offloaded at Philippine Immigration?’

The Coordinated Universal Time, or UTC, in the mountains of Sagada is UTC +08:00.

Thus, Sagada is four hours ahead of Dubai, six hours ahead of Paris, and seven hours ahead of London. Also, Sagada is twelve hours ahead of New York City. Conversely, Sagada is an hour behind Tokyo and three hours behind Sydney.

The Philippines has a tropical climate, which is warm, wet, and humid throughout the year. However, mountainous areas like Sagada have a more temperate climate than the rest of the country. 

Sagada, much like Batanes , is a perfect escape to avoid the scorching heat of the summer. It has a milder temperature that is best suited for outdoor activities.

March to May

The summer season begins in March and lasts until May. These months may experience a pleasantly warm climate, thus, one of the ideal times to visit Sagada. 

June to October

The months from June until October mark the start of the wet season in Sagada. It is prone to downpours and typhoons that may likely result in landslips. Nevertheless, visiting Sagada during the rainy season is still good since rainfalls and typhoons don’t persistently occur.

November to February

The best time of the year to visit Sagada is from November to February. Visitors may experience a drier and colder atmosphere during this season. Thus, wearing outerwear is advised to keep you warm from the cold weather.

Kankana-ey is the language spoken in Sagada. Aside from their native tongue, the ‘Igorots or Kankana-eys also converse in Ilocano, Tagalog, and English.

Here are the essential Kankana-ey words and phrases to learn before your trip to Sagada, Mountain Province.

• Gawis ay agsapa – Good morning
• Kas-ano ka? – How are you?
• Gawis ay masdem – Good afternoon
• Sino di ngadan mo? – What is your name?
• Gawis ay labi – Good evening
• Nalpuam? – Where are you?
• Pakada – Goodbye
• Umayam? – Where are you going?
• Entako – Let’s go
• Awni kod – Please wait
• Danan – Way
• Salodsod – Question

The Philippine peso, abbreviated as PHP, is the official currency in the Philippines. Exchange rate as of October 28, 2022: PHP 57.86 or USD 1.

Sagada remains a cash-centered economy where most transactions are in cash. For withdrawals, Sagada Information Center has a cash dispensing machine found inside their office.

Sagada Travel Guide Tip: Bring enough money to cover the entire length of your trip. The only ATM in Sagada will likely run out of cash and is sometimes offline.

Roughly 400 kilometers from Metro Manila, the remote town of Sagada is only accessible via inland travel. This long drive will take around eleven hours from Metro Manila. Otherwise, spend some time in Baguio or Banaue before heading to Sagada.

Metro Manila to Sagada via Baguio

Provincial buses like Victory Liner, Joy Bus, and Solid North have daily trips from Pasay, Manila , Cubao, and Caloocan Terminals to Baguio. The travel length from Metro Manila to Baguio is about 4-6 hours.

From the bus station in Baguio, hail a taxi to Dangwa Bus Terminal and pay around PHP 100.00 or USD 1.73. Embark to Besao bound buses like GL Liner or Lizardo Bus, which collect PHP 220.00 or USD 3.80 per way. It will take around six hours to reach Sagada from Baguio.

Sagada Travel Guide Reminder:  The final bus call from Baguio to Sagada is 1:00 pm. To catch the last departing bus to Sagada, take an evening trip to Baguio. 

Metro Manila to Sagada via Banaue

Ohayami Trans and Coda Lines are provincial buses that operate the Metro Manila to Banaue route. From their bus stations in Sampaloc and Cubao, it will take roughly nine hours to reach Banaue.

Moreover, spend around one hour on the road from Poblacion, Banaue to Bontoc, and another 45 minutes to Sagada. Transports like jeepneys and vans bring you toward these destinations. 

Metro Manila to Sagada

Coda Lines Bus in Cubao has direct trips from Metro Manila to Sagada . The entire travel will take about eleven hours, but there are journey breaks on the way.

Sagada Travel Guide Tip: Alternatively, reserve an organized Sagada tour with Banaue and Baguio side trips. It covers van transfers, lodgings, entrance fees, and meals.

While some areas within Patay (Poblacion) are walkable, Sagada has a few transportation options like jeeps and multicabs. Moreover, ride a tricycle or motorcycle for close distances if you don’t have the stamina to match Sagada’s sloppy terrain.

Jeepneys and Multicabs

These multi-seater transports are for outside the Sagada town proper, such as the Lamagan and Blue Soil Hills. For adventure seekers, opt for a top-load ride. Riding on a moving jeep while firmly seated on its roof racks offers a thrilling Sagada experience.

Sagada is a laidback community nestled in a valley. This sleepy locale offers many decent accommodations found along Sagada’s main thoroughfares. Although no high-end hotels are in Sagada, there are wide-range guesthouses, hostels, and inns to stay in for a multi-day vacation.

Alongside the South Road heading towards Lumiang and Sumaguing Caves are multi-story sleeping accommodations, restaurants, and retail. South Road is a well-liked area famous for its diners and cafés. Some are the Yoghurt House, Salt & Pepper Diner,  Sagada Brew, and Sagada Lemon Pie House. 

Sagada-Besao Road

To get nearer to the Sagada Pottery, spend the nights at homestays and hostels along Sagada-Besao Road or West Road. Like South Road, accommodations are multi-story buildings with attached restaurants and bars.

Staunton Road

This sprawling section of Sagada, the Staunton Road, has lodges and is home to the Sagada Weaving. It also serves as a service road to remote spots such as Kiltepan Viewpoint and Bomod-Ok Falls.

Despite being a mountain town, the internet connection in Sagada is relatively good due to its improved cell site infrastructures.

Sagada operates on a 220 V supply voltage with a frequency of 60 Hz and has one type of power adaptor:

• A or has two flat parallel pins

Day 1 - Central Sagada

09:30 pm – 08:30 am Travel to Sagada

08:30 am – 08:32 am Arrival in Sagada

• From Sagada Bus Stop
• Walk toward Tourist Information Center

08:32 am – 09:00 am Register and pay a tourism fee of PHP 100.00 or USD 1.73 (keep tickets), and book tour packages.

Below are the arranged tours offered at the Tourist Information Center as of September 2022:

Mission Compound with Echo Valley PHP 320.00 or 5.53 Maximum of 4 pax Inclusion: a tour guide

Paytokan Walk: Mission Compound with Echo Valley and Bokong Falls PHP 1,000.00 or USD 17.28 Maximum of 7 pax Inclusion: a tour guide

Sumaguing Cave PHP 1,200.00 or USD 20.74 Maximum of 5 pax Inclusion: a tour guide and shuttle service

Bomod-Ok Falls PHP 1,400.00 or USD 24.20 Maximum of 7 pax Inclusion: a tour guide and shuttle service

Lumiang – Sumaguing Cave Connection PHP 1,900.00 or USD 32.84 Maximum of 3 pax Inclusion: a tour guide and shuttle service

Nabas Ang Ampucao PHP 2,000.00 or USD 34.57 Maximum of 7 pax Inclusion: a tour guide and shuttle service

Lamagan and Blue Soil Hills PHP 2,950.00 or USD 50.99 Maximum of 7 pax Inclusion: a tour guide and shuttle service

Sagada Travel Guide Reminder: The cost for each head relies on the number of participants joining a specific tour.

09:00 am – 01:00 pm Confirm reservation and check-in at Kanip Aw Pines View Lodge , have breakfast and lunch, and nap

Yoghurt House

The Yoghurt House is one of Sagada’s well-known casual dining restaurants along South Road. It is a two-story building with an upstairs balcony serving buttermilks, breakfast meals, drinks, and sandwiches.

Yoghurt House is open, from Monday through Sunday, from 08:30 a.m. to 08:30 p.m.

01:00 pm – 03:00 pm Walking tour at Patay (Poblacion)

• From Sagada Tourism Office
• Walk to the Church of Saint Mary the Virgin

St. Mary the Virgin Church

The Church of Saint Mary the Virgin is an Episcopal church built under the headship of Reverend John Staunton. Constructed in the early 1900s, it is considered the oldest church in the Cordilleras and the center of American missionary works.

Sagada Travel Guide Reminder: There is an access fee to the Mission Compound amounting to PHP 10.00 or USD 0.17 per head. This amount is payable at the site entrance.

Echo Valley

A few meters from St. Mary, the Virgin Church is a spot with a view of limestones covered in lush greeneries. It produces reverberating sounds when someone screams.

Sagada Hanging Coffins

A visit to Sagada would not be complete without seeing the hanging Coffins. These coffins hung on the surfaces of cliffs are ancient practice that has existed for over 2,000 years.

According to the locals, it is a belief that the upraised caskets with corpses will bring their spirits nearer to heaven. Or may prevent the remains from wild animals.

03:00 pm – 03:45 pm Visit the Sagada Weaving

• From the Echo Valley
• Hike back to the town proper
• Walk toward Sagada Weaving

Sagada Weaving

Established in 1968, the Sagada Weaving is a workshop and store that produces and sells Sagada’s finest woven fabrics. It has a collection of hand-made products like apparel, bags, and other souvenir items.

There is no entrance fee.

03:45 pm – 08:00 pm Head back to lodging, take some rest, freshen up, and have dinner 08:00 pm Sleep

Day 2 - East and West Sagada

03:30 am – 04:30 am Wake up, take a bath, and prepare

04:30 am – 05:45 am Head to Lamagan for the sunrise viewing

• From the lodge
• Take the shuttle service
• Alight at the drop-off point in Gimpeng, Eastern Sagada
• Hike toward Lamagan

Sagada Travel Guide Tip: The entire trail entails around 4-5 hours. So, bring energy bars and your drinking water to keep you hydrated. Also, don’t forget to bring your headlamps and flashlights. 

05:45 am – 10:45 am Trek at Lamagan and Blue Soil Hills

Sunrise chasing is one of the most popular things to do in Sagada. To catch the rising sun, climb to Lamagan or Marlboro Hills – one of Sagada’s incredible sunrise viewing spots.

Perfect weather allows spectators to witness the peeping sun over the Cordillera mountains and the ocean of clouds.

• From Lamagan
• Trek downhill to Blue Soil Hills

Blue Soil Hills

Trek about three kilometers from Marlboro Hills to reach Sagada’s Blue Soil Hills, locally called ‘Kaman-utek.’ It has a distinct pale-bluish color due to the high amount of copper sulfate in this area enclosed with Pine trees.

10:45 am – 11:05 am Head to Poblacion

• From the exit point in Madoto, South Sagada
• Alight at Poblacion

11:05 am – 02:00 pm Take some rest and have breakfast and lunch 02:00 pm – 05:00 pm Explore the West Road

Ganduyan Museum

Situated closer to Sagada Town Hall, Ganduyan Museum is a privately-owned museum that exhibits indigenous artifacts like weapons, wares, textiles, etc. The local behind this gallery, Christina Aben, aims to preserve the town’s cultural heritage through these valuable pieces of Sagada.

There is no entrance fee at Ganduyan Museum, but a donation is accepted.

Sagada Travel Guide Fact: Ganduyan is the former name of Sagada.

Sagada Pottery

Located alongside Sagada-Besao Road, Sagada Pottery is a workshop with a gallery displaying various types of earthen crafts. There is a demonstration about the basics of pottery for PHP 100.00 or USD 1.73 per session. Moreover, resident artisans offer guided actual pot-making for PHP 100.00 or USD 1.73.

The Sagada Pottery is open from Monday until Sunday, from 10:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m.

05:00 pm – 08:30 pm Head back to the lodge, take some rest, and have dinner

08:30 pm Sleep

Day 3 - South and North Sagada

05:00 am – 07:15 am Wake up, prepare, have breakfast, and head to Lumiang Cave

• Alight at the Lumiang Burial Cave

Sagada Travel Guide Reminder: Activities like the cave connection are not advisable for children, seniors, and those with health problems.

07:15 am – 11:15 am Caving at Lumiang and Sumaguing

Lumiang Cave

The 4-5 hour spelunking through the cave connection usually begins at the Lumiang Cave. From the cave entrance, visitors will notice stacks of wooden coffins, including Sagada’s oldest casket, about 500 age-old.

Sumaguing Cave

From Lumiang Cave, enter Sagada’s enormous cavern – the Sumaguing Cave. This underneath cave network offers adrenaline-fueled activities that will test one’s stamina, like rappelling.

Inside the Sagada’s ‘Big Cave’ are striking rock formations resembling an elephant, a pregnant woman, and even a cake.

11:15 am – 11:30 am Head to Poblacion

• From Sumaguing Cave

11:30 am – 01:30 pm Take a rest and have lunch

01:30 pm – 05:00 pm Explore Bomod-Ok Falls

• From Poblacion
• Alight at the drop-off point in Bangaan
• Trek downhill towards Bomod-Ok Falls

Sagada Travel Guide Reminder: There is access fee to Bomod-Ok Falls amounting to PHP 10.00 or USD 0.17 per head. This amount is payable at Barangay Fidelisan.

Bomod-Ok Falls

The Bomod-Ok Falls are perhaps Sagada’s most striking waterfalls. The ‘Big Falls’ is the highest among the falls in Sagada, the Pongas, and Bokong.

Visitors must surpass the uneven terrains to reach these 200 feet falls in Sagada’s northernmost village. You will pass through rice paddies and rivers for an hour before reaching the town’s tallest falls. 

• From Bomod-Ok Falls
• Trek to the pick-up point in Barangay Pide

05:00 pm – 08:30 pm Head to the lodge, take some rest, and have dinner

Sagada Lemon Pie House

Located alongside South Road, Sagada Lemon Pie House is a specialty restaurant known for its signature recipe, the lemon pie. This food house also serves meals that are best with homemade lemonade.

The Lemon Pie House is open from Monday to Sunday, from 06:00 a.m. until 08:00 p.m.

Day 4 - Banaue

05:00 am – 07:00 am Wake up, take a bath, have breakfast, lodge check out 07:00 am – 07:15 am Walk toward Sagada bus station 07:15 am – 08:30 am Travel to Bontoc, Mt. Province 08:30 am – 09:45 am Head to Banaue, Ifugao

In 2022, I spent P 6,010.00 for three days and three nights in Sagada. However, costs may still vary based on your travel lifestyle. Please read ’ 35 Excellent Tips to Save Money on Travel .’

Below is the Sagada Travel Guide budget for your reference. 

Pre-Departure

• Bus fare, from Metro Manila to Sagada, PHP 960.00
• 3D3N lodging, PHP 3,780.00/2, PHP 1,890.00
• Sagada Tourism Fee, PHP 100.00
• Breakfast and lunch, P 210.00
• Mission Compound with Echo Valley Tour, P 320.00/2, PHP 160.00
• Lamagan to Blue Soul Tour, PHP 2,950.00/5, PHP 590.00
• Cave Connection Tour – from Lumiang Cave to Sumaguing Cave, PHP 1,900.00/3, PHP 640.00
• Bomod-Ok Falls Tour, PHP 1,400.00/5, PHP 280.00
• Mission Compound Access Fee, PHP 10.00
• Dinner, PHP 160.00
• Breakfast and Lunch, PHP 160.00
• Ganduyan Museum, PHP 50.00
• Pottery demonstration, PHP 100.00
• Breakfast, PHP 160.00
• Lunch, PHP 160.00
• Bomod-Ok Falls Access Fee, PHP 10.00
• Dinner, PHP 210.00

Sagada Travel Guide Resources

To help you with your travel plans, I’ve gathered a checklist of carefully chosen travel resources. These are the trusted online marketplaces that I highly endorse because of their excellent deals.

Looking for an easy-peasy solution to process your visa application and other travel documents? Consult iVisa !

SafetyWing is your safeguard for travel medical and health insurance while away from home. 

The sky is the limit with Skyscanner if you are looking for better and cheaper flight options for your next trip.

Reserve a room on one of the largest online hotel booking platforms, Agoda . It offers unbeatable hotel deals!

Explore the world with HostelWorld ! Make a reservation and share a space with newfound buddies. 

Drive your way to undiscovered places! Book a car via Discover Cars and experience hassle-free road trips. 

Would you like to visit your favorite museum and theme park? For discounted attraction tickets and tours, look for Klook !

For transfers from point A to point B, go for 12Go ! It has an extensive coverage of ground transports and ferries, too.

Sagada Travel Guide Question : What is the former name of Sagada? Please drop your answers or messages in the comment section. Thank you, and see you on the road!

About the Author

J. Sac is the author of ‘Sagada Travel Guide: An Excellent Guide to the World.’ He is also the founder of Traveledictorian – a travel blog that publishes well-thought-out travel content.

His passion for writing, photography, and travel fueled him to explore Asia and the rest of the world. He also plans to undertake humanitarian work in his travels. Read his inspiring story and follow him on social media!

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A GLIMPSE OF SAGADA

Spending two days in Sagada was well worth it. I was tad unfamiliar with Sagada until that hit movie ‘That Thing Called Tadhana’ showed its beauty on the big screen. After then, a lot of my friends invited me on a trip to Sagada, and of course KKB (kanya-kanyang baon). I certain that the movie has a great impact on why Sagada has become a popular destination. Not that it didn’t charm travelers before, but after that movie, I think travelers to Sagada increased significantly.

I was one of those bewitched of its beauty. I told myself that one day, I’d get there and see it myself. By the way, the movie was released in Feb 2015, and it took me almost four years to go there! Lol! I wondered just what was I doing the whole time? I honestly didn’t know!

After my trip to Baguio in December (which was my first stop in the north), you can check my Baguio escapade here. I didn’t want to miss the opportunity of visiting Sagada since it’s just a few hours away from Baguio. You can do this too.

After I concluded my trip in Baguio, I went to the bus terminal bound to Sagada… and voila! After roughly six hours, I found myself in front of the tourism office in Sagada! *evil grin* (The bus stops near the tourism office by the way). There is an information desk where you can ask for tour packages or a place to stay in.

SAGADA TIP:

Sagada is a small town in the north. It’s a remote place suspended five thousand feet above sea level. It was a bit cold there, at least for me, who’s not used to living several feet above the ground. My advice? Cover up, especially at night!

It’s an ideal place to reconnect with nature and experience traditional culture.  If you’re up to some hiking and spelunking, then you’d definitely get it here!

HOW TO GET FROM BAGUIO TO SAGADA?

From Dangwa bus terminal in Baguio (near the public market), catch a GL Liner bus which will take you to Sagada.

GL Liner has daily trips to Sagada in the morning until 11:30 AM.

I took the 09:30 AM bus because I wanted to arrive early. I didn’t book any accommodation so I intended to get there as early as possible to look for one. However, soon as I arrived, I realized that looking for a hostel wasn’t really a problem. There were lots there, and they’re affordable. I got mine for Php 350 for one night at Isabelo’s right across the tourism office.

Once you reach Sagada, the drill is the same. Register at the tourism office and pay for the environmental fee.

TIP : If you are a solo traveler, it’s best to find accommodation near the tourism office. You see, it’s the meeting place of tourists who have prearranged tours. They’d normally be there early morning. What does that mean? You can join a group who have prearranged a tour so you can split the fee for a lesser amount. In short, you’ll be able to save money. What’s the takeaway? You should be there early and meet with the other tourists. Be sociable.

We were in front of the office as early as 04:30 AM because our itinerary was the sunrise at Marlboro peak.

You’ll pay less if you join a group than booking a tour and paying a guide all by yourself.

I arrived in Sagada late afternoon. I proceeded to register at the tourism office just like the other tourists. There were quite a number of tourists at that time. After registration, I went to join a group of two young girls and a boy to a short tour to St. Mary’s and Echo Valley.

SAGADA DAY 1: AFTERNOON

1. st. mary’s.

St. Mary is the main and said to be the oldest Episcopalian church in Sagada. As we entered the church, I was asked by our tour guide to go inside a fenced area with a life-sized statue of Jesus. What’s interesting was that one foot of the statue has six toes. The guide then explained something about it. I wasn’t actually listening properly as I was busy observing the place.

2. ECHO VALLEY HANGING COFFINS

Burying the dead in hanging coffins is an ancient practice of the Igorot Tribes of Mountain Province. I’m amazed that Igorot Tribes have been able to continue this tradition for over a thousand years. Though Sagada isn’t the only place to have these hanging coffins, as it can be found in other Asian countries too like China and Indonesia, it’s still impressive to see our own version of it.

It was starting to get dark after we visited the Hanging coffins so we (me and the other 3 youngers I met) decided to go back to our hostel and take a rest. We settled and had a little chit-chat and getting to know part.

SAGADA DAY 2:

1. sunrise at marlboro peak.

From the point where our guide dropped us off (we got down the jeep because it could no longer go up the hill), we hiked thirty minutes to see this spectacular sunrise. It’s by far the most beautiful sunrise I’ve ever seen.

There were vendors at the hilltop so we had our early breakfast there under the misty and cold morning. A hot porridge and coffee while chatting with the other tourists made the waiting fun.

We were at the peak of a hill and waited patiently for the sun to come and show up to us. And it didn’t disappoint us.

2. SPELUNKING AT SUMAGUING CAVE

That’s US! With an additional youngster from Germany who is a solo traveler. Soon as we entered the renowned cave, our excitement riled up to the roof. Why not? For most of us, it’s our first time spelunking. We all explored the cave cheerfully while laughing on the way. It’s all thanks to our tour guide who loved to make us laugh. It was a bit slippery but everything went well. We were all amazed by what we saw inside that all we got to say was a big “Wow”.

This is definitely a must-try in Sagada. There were other tourists in big groups who entered the cave the same time we did so expect the same if you go there. After all, Sumaguing is one of the highlights in Sagada.

Overall, I had a great time in Sagada. It was indeed a very beautiful place. I’d say I enjoyed more on spelunking. And what’s more fun? It’s doing all those things with people you barely know but turned out to be friends.

There are still so much to see in this paradise in the north. I dare you to visit it and see as many places as you can in Sagada. Nobody has ever regretted traveling, so go and see it with your own eyes.

P.S. After my trip to Sagada, I went on a spontaneous trip to Banaue . You can check it to learn more about my day trip there. My trip basically went from Baguio to Sagada and on to Banaue .

Until the next adventures! Cheers!

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• Travel activities

Sagada Travel Guide: Getting There, Sample Itinerary and Budget

2011 • 10 • 15

“Let’s go to Sagada.”

More than five years ago, just before our college graduation, my friend Tonet invited me to go to Sagada. “I don’t think that’s possible given that we’re too busy working on our theses. Perhaps after graduation?” I suggested.

After graduating, while we were walking in Makati looking for a job, she brought it up again. “I think we should find a job first. And then let’s plan a Sagada getaway,” I dodged. She agreed.

When we finally landed a job, the desire to travel to Sagada was still there. But neither tried to bring it up because we knew there was no way we could squeeze a 3-day trip into our totally toxic schedules. It wasn’t until our company-sponsored outing in 2009 when I finally set foot on Sagada.

When Tonet found out that I had been there already, she made me promise that I should take her with me the next time. Fortunately, Sagada is one of those places anyone would love returning to. A year later, I decided to go back to Sagada. The perfect time glimmered in between Christmas and New Year. I gave Tonet a call.

“You asked me to call you the moment I decided to go to Sagada. The moment has come. You still up for it?”

Tonet’s response was a loud and happy “Of course.”

After 5 years of wanting, it finally happened.

When our friends found out about this trip to Sagada, they decided to join. After all, because the trip was scheduled on December 27-29, they already had filed a leave of absence from office. Before we knew it, we became a group of 10, composed of college friends and some colleagues.

Planning a Trip to Sagada

Since my friends and I wanted to visit Sagada during the Christmas break, between Christmas and New Year, we knew we would be in for a difficult planning stage. December is considered a peak season in Sagada so finding accommodations can be a lot less easy within this period. Why did we choose to go in December? Because we wanted to feel the cold and we wanted to join the annual Bonfire Fest, which happens usually on December 27 or 28. Here are the things we had to settle prior to our trip:

1. Transportation . You can reach Sagada on public transportation via any of the following routes.

• Via Baguio City

Since we were a group 0f 10, we decided it would be more convenient and comfortable to just rent a van and split the cost. This way, we could make the most of our time as we would travel in the evening and reach Sagada in the morning rather than spend a full day on the road if we take the bus. (There are no evening trips to Sagada from Baguio.) The cost of van rental for 3 days and 2 nights inclusive of everything (from driver’s fee to gas to toll fees) was PhP 17,000, which meant each of us would shell out P1,700 for transportation. Not bad.

2. Accommodation. We started planning this trip a little too late, which we realized when all the hotels we called were all fully-booked. Luckily for us, blogger friend Benj of VisitSagada.com, who was already in Sagada that time, helped us find a guesthouse which could accommodate us. We ended up occupying a room at Ligaya’s Guest House and Cottages. Read my review here .

3. Itinerary. Creating a Sagada itinerary wasn’t that difficult for us because I, having been there before, was able to estimate how much time it took to complete each tour we wanted to take. Here’s our initial itinerary:

Day 0: DEPARTURE 07:00 pm – Meet up (Manila)

Day 1: ARRIVAL, LUMIANG BURIAL CAVE, SUMAGUING CAVE 07:00 am – Arrival in Sagada 07:20 am – Breakfast at Salt and Pepper 08:30 am – Check in at Ligaya’s Guest House 09:30 am – Lumiang Burial Cave 10:15 am – Sumaguing Cave 01:30 pm – Lunch 03:00 pm – Echo Valley, Sagada Weaving, Mission Compound 06:00 pm – Dinner 07:00 pm – Rest

Day 2: BOMOD-OK FALLS, ROCK INN, BONFIRE 06:00 am – Wake up call 07:00 am – Bomod-Ok Falls 12:00 pm – Rock Inn and Cafe, Orange picking 03:00 pm – Change clothes, rest 05:00 pm – Prepare for Bonfire 12:00 am – Return to Hostel

Day 3: DEPARTURE, KILTEPAN SUNRISE 04:30 am – Wake up call 05: 10 am – Watch sunrise at Kiltepan Viewpoint 06:30 am – ETD Sagada, 08:00 pm – ETA Manila

Of course, we were not able to follow it strictly but what actually happened was pretty close!

Top Inns and Guesthouses in Sagada

Based on Agoda customer reviews.

Isabelo’s Inn and Cafe. Check Rates & Availability! ✅

Kanip Aw Pines View Lodge. Check Rates & Availability! ✅

Kenlibed Inn. Check Rates & Availability! ✅

Sagada Heritage Village. Check Rates & Availability! ✅

Treasure Rock Inn. Check Rates & Availability! ✅

Search for more Sagada Inns!

Day 0 – meet-up and departure.

A couple of days before the trip, four of our friends flaked out, leaving only six people. While it sucked that they backed out just like that, the six of us decided to still push through with the trip despite knowing that the cost of transportation would increase dramatically.

The group met at Trinoma in Quezon City, where the van was waiting for us. At 7pm, we hit the road. Our first stopover was at a gasoline station at NLEX, where we grabbed quick dinner and some toiletries. Our driver made a few stops after that but I was asleep the whole time. When I woke up, the sun was already shining and we were already in Sagada.

Day 1 – Arrival in Sagada, Sumaguing Cave Spelunking Tour

Had we arrived while it was still dark, we could’ve prioritized catching the famous Kiltepan Sunrise on our first morning in Sagada. Unfortunately, we were a few minutes too late. We decided to just stick to our original itinerary. We had breakfast at Salt and Pepper Diner (which we loved), booked tour guides at the SaGGAs Office (Sagada Genuine Guides Association) and then checked in at Ligaya’s Guesthouse and Cottages .

After an hour of rest, we went back to the town proper and started the Sumaguing Cave Tour , with a quick sight-seeing stop at Lumiang Burial Cave . (We actually had a brief discussion about whether doing the Cave Connection Tour instead.) After three and a half grueling hours of spelunking inside the cave, we had lunch at Masferre Country Inn and Restaurant and went back to the hotel to freshen up. Unfortunately, our beds were magnetizing us that we decided to not get out of it until dinner.

Here are the detailed accounts of what happened on our first day! Check out these posts:

• Salt and Pepper Diner
• Ligaya’s Guest House and Cottages
• Lumiang Cave
• Sumaguing Cave
• Yoghurt House

Day 2 – Bomod-ok Falls, Orange Picking, and Echo Valley

We started our second day at the Lemon Pie House , where I had the first lemon pie that I actually liked and loved. After that, we immediately drove to the access point to Bomod-ok Falls . We climbed up and down the terraced hills for what seemed like forever until we reached the mighty Bomod-ok and get drenched in all its cold, cold glory. Haha. It was a great experience albeit exhausting.

We then headed to Rock Inn and Cafe for lunch and for a quick visit to their orange orchard for some picking session. I always enjoyed orange-picking perhaps because it’s not every day that I get to see orange trees. When we were done, we were glad to see our lunch served, which we finished in no time since we were all pretty starved.

We then went our way back to the town proper. On the way there we made a stop at Sagada Weaving and at a small pottery shop near Mapiya-aw Pensione. We were then dropped off at the Church of St. Mary the Virgin, from which we would start walking to the Echo Valley. We passed through the more modern Mission Compound Cemetery , where we spent several minutes looking at tombstones and reflecting. We then traversed a cliff to the Echo Valley (which was a short, pretty easy walk) but we didn’t stay that long. Later in the evening, we joined most of the tourists in Sagada at the Bonfire Fest!

Here are the more detailed chronicles of our Day 2 experiences:

• The Lemon Pie House
• Bomod-Ok Falls
• Orange Picking at Rock Farm
• Sagada Weaving
• Mission Compound Cemetery
• Echo Valley and the Hanging Coffins
• Bonfire Fest

Day 3 – Kiltepan Sunrise and Sidetrip to Banaue Rice Terraces

The sun had yet to rise when we started our third day. As early as 5am, we were already in the van on our way to Kiltepan Viewpoint to catch the famous Sagada sunrise. It was still dark when we arrived and we had to walk through a thick blanket of fog covering red soft muddy ground. We climbed up the hill and waited at the viewpoint for the heavenly spectacle! The sunrise was beyond breathtaking!

After that, we went back to the town proper for breakfast and then to our guesthouse to fetch our belongings. Our driver offered that we take the Bontoc-Banaue route on our way back so we could see the rice terraces in Banaue and Bay-yo. We agreed, even though we knew it would take more time. It was a good decision. We were able to admire these two sites (although from afar) and it was worth the travel time.

After several more stopovers (including late lunch in Nueva Vizcaya), we finally arrived in Manila at around midnight!

Check out these posts as I narrated here in detail what happened to us per stop.

• Kiltepan Sunrise
• Bay-yo Rice Terraces, Bontoc, Mountain Province
• Banaue Rice Terraces, Ifugao

Even before the trip started, we knew the biggest chunk of our budget would go to transportation expenses. Again, we were supposed to be a group of 10 renting a private van for P17,000 (3days, 2nights inclusive of driver’s fee, gas, and toll fees) but then some of us started dropping like flies until we were trimmed down to a group of 6. What was supposed to be P1,700 per head became P2,834 per person.

Anyway, here’s the breakdown of our expenses in Sagada.

• P2,834 – Van Rental per person
• P1,400 – Total Food
• P500 – Ligaya’s Guest House, 2 nights
• P133 – Sumaguing Cave Tour (P800/6 pax)
• P33 – Echo Valley Tour (P200/6 pax)
• P100 – Bomod-ok Falls Tour (P600/6 pax)
• P250 – Bonfire Fest ticket (inclusive of transportation, buffet dinner, and drinks)
• P50 – Rock Farm Orange Picking Entrance Fee
• P150 – Oranges (P50/kilo)
• P20 – Shower Fee (Sumaguing Cave)
• P200 – Incidentals (bottled water, junk food, etc)
• P5,670 – TOTAL

Hmmm. Pretty expensive, huh? Please note that this was due to our friends’ backing out at the last minute, which forced us to cover their transportation fee as well. Had they gone with us as they committed, there would have been more people dividing the cost. Had we known that we would only be a group of 6, we would have taken public transportation instead, too! Hay, I hate flakers!

Anyway, flakers or no flakers, Sagada will always be one of the most unforgettable destinations for me. I’m just in love with the highlands, the weather, the food, and the places to visit in Sagada!

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I’d love to hike in the mountains of Sagada. So many beautiful sights to behold and there;s no way that I’ll tire up easily.

Haha, you should go Nestor! Sagada will blow you away. :)

Sagada is worth the 12-hour road trip. Beautiful. Very rich in culture.

did you travel to sagada via banaue or baguio?

via Baguio to Sagada, but we took the Banaue route to Manila. :)

Hi Poor Traveler,

We are planning to go to Sagada this June. Can you give me the possible accomodations there? Is St. Joseph bed n breakfast okay?

Hi Jess, I have tried Ligaya’s Cottages and Residential Lodge, and both are excellent. :)

Ligaya’s might be too far, though.

Hi! How much would it cost me to go there? Thanks!

This place will make you beg to stay in this hell-like season. ;)

Hell yeah! haha

kung sino man po ang gusto pumunta sa Sagada this summer vacation. just to make sure na puntahan ang bana’s cafe…..siguradong sigurado po….sa lamig ng klima ng sagada ay mapapawi ang inyong mga stress…sa bawat higop ng arabica coffee nila…and higit sa lahat matatagpuan ninyo po sa kanila(bana’s cafe) ang “the most expensive coffee in the whole world”. I promise… its more fun to drink coffee in Sagada bana’s cafe.(^_^)

Woot! Thanks for the recommendation Francis. I’ll try that this December when I return to Sagada! :)

nice,let’s go to Sagada! how much the budget travel cost?????

Hi Cyre, I broke down the expenses on this post: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2012/08/sagada-trip-summary-and-expenses-philippines/

how much they you guys spent for the whole tour? Thanks :)

Hi Marianne. all my expenses on this trip are detailed here: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2012/08/sagada-trip-summary-and-expenses-philippines/

still cant get over Sagada been there 2x and still wanting to go back its a wonderful place

Same here Jan. It’s officially an addiction! Haha

What a wonderful place. Me and my 2 friends are planning to visit Sagada this May 25-27. Excited na ako! Sana may makasama pa kaming tatlo. :) nice post!

Thanks for dropping by my humble blog! Enjoy Sagada!

We are planning to go to Sagada this July. whats the latest schedule from manila-banaue-sagada and vice versa? :-) thank you.

Hi Kim! I’m not so sure. Have you checked http://www.visitsagada.com for info? :)

how much would it cost for a trip to sagada per person?

Hi SoulSearcher, please check out this post: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2012/08/sagada-trip-summary-and-expenses-philippines/

wow ang ganda

Thank you for the link! It’s great that you enjoyed your time in Sagada. :)

No prob, Benj. After all, you’re the unofficial Mayor of Sagada. Hahaha

Hello po :) kailangan pa po ba namin ng guide pag nasa sagada na? we’re palnning to go there on Oct27-29 :)

Hi Cie! Yes. You can drop by the office of SAGGAS (Sagada Genuine Guides Association) at the town proper. Just ask around. Everyone there knows where it is located. It’s along the main road, between Salt & Pepper and Yoghurt House.

Is it really required to have a tour guide with you when touring sagada. Or i can tour the place alone. Cos it’s like, more exciting when you do it alone. Or are there some view points, like hunging coffins where you can just explore or track your way down there alone? Your reply is appreciated :D

I’m not sure if it’s really REQUIRED but it will be wise to hire one. :) Anyway, it’s not expensive.

‘oh i see, i’ve been researching about the place as well. And it’s like each spot is needing a tour guide, jeez, not cool. haha, anyway, Thank you! :)

There’s a reason why you need a guide. For example, for the Sumaguing Cave tour, that’d be really, really, really difficult to do without a guide.

Hi! poor traveller! we’ll be at sagada on saturday. 2 pax lang kami. balak namin maki ‘hitch’ sa ibang group para makamura kami ng gastos. hehe. possible kaya yun?

Go go. I think posible naman. :)

can you recommend me a van rental for sagada and tour guide. Do you think makakaya ng 60 yrs old person yon mga activity sa sagada? For example were 8 persons in a group, pero during the tour bigla hindi nakaya noon ibang kasama namin, is there a place where they can stay while waiting for us in exploring the cave or falls o better huwag na lang sila sumama, kasi baka naman may mga lugar na puede ang elderly. please enlighted me kung magsasama ako nang elderly.Thanks

Hi Dang! This is the contact number of the van rental I hired: 09155197077. His name is Jojo.

The activities in Sagada are a little bit too physical. Baka di kaya ng elderly.

Hello, me and my friends are planning to go to sagada hi april, so for a group of three-how much kaya ang budget namin for a 3d/2n stay din?(yung mga fees sa tour guides, do we need them?)thanks!:)

Hi Jen! I published a breakdown of my expenses here: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2012/08/sagada-trip-summary-and-expenses-philippines/

hi! i really love ur posts, we are planning to go to sagada on november, is it ok to bring our vehicle or is it wiser to commute na lang? we are from nueva ecija and I can’t find a bus trip that will take us to sagada.

Hi Lanie, bringing your own vehicle would be comfy. But see to it that your driver is familiar to the terrain, otherwise you will find yourself in deep ravine. If via Baguio, there are buses to Sagada. There are also available commercial vehicles.

hi poor traveler,

me and my co-teachers were just done visiting Sagada! (April 2013) The Sumaguing Cave adventure was really great! but our stay at George Guest House was so disappointing! We weren’t told by the owner beforehand that our reservation was limited up to 11am only of the next day even if we arrived there at 5pm, meaning they don’t offer a 24-hour stay, you have to pay extra charge if you plan to stay after 11 am. I made the reservation i think 1 month earlier and i’ve been texting the owner since then just to inquire and to ask about their services because we were so excited. infact i still have my conversations with the owner (thru text) on my phone including my inquiry about the 24-hour stay but she was so unreasonable when i tried to show her our past conversations from my phone and i find it so unfair. We had no choice but to leave for Baguio earlier than we had planned. We actually planned to extend our stay in Sagada but everyone was really disappointed.

Awesome post! Have you check Misty Lodge in Sagada? Panalo! hehe bigla ko tuloy namisssss ang sagada. :)

hi! me and my friends are planning to go to Sagada this august.. we are looking for some agencies who can accommodate us. kaya lang sinasabi nila na hindi daw safe magpunta doon ng month of july to october.. and hindi sila nag aaccept ng booking during that month.. meron po ba makakapag sasabi na totoo ito? please hel us! thanks

Rainy season at kalimitan maraming bagyo kaya siguro inadvice nila na hindi safe pero you can do it yourself since kayo naman ay group. Search nalang kayo ng mga itinerary ninyo at mga suggestions ng mga bloggers for Sagada tour :)

Hi! You can do it yourself instead. You don’t need a travel agency to thoroughly enjoy Sagada anyway. :)

Good day, I would like to ask about the van rental. How do you know the driver?

I love that you add some sample itineraries. It’s amazing how fast a place can change – but so many things stay the same. I loved visiting Sagada and going to the Lemon Pie shop just a few years ago. I’m happy to hear it’s still there too! It looks like you went to some cool places I didn’t get the chance – if you want to see my itinerary, here were some of my discoveries in Sagada: http://wheresidewalksend.com/city-guide-sagada-philippines/

Manuel Gasco ito sinasabi ko sau.. yan din naging guide ko nung 1st time ko magsagada

Kristine Joy ayan, tinag kita! Khit masama loob kong mauuna ka. Bwiset!

Ayen Yu Mariano worth the read if u have time

Carolyn Castillo this May na tayo mag Sagada! Ang iniiiiiiiiit!

Maricris Pucio Cruzpe Mariel Malinis eto oh ,travel guide

Beautiful place gusto kong bumalik :)

Bane Ayado di ba ito gusto mo? Hahaha

Ganda naman yan

Love that place… Super nkakagaan sa pakiramdam..

wow..!tinitingnan m palng nilalamig ka na.hahaha

Jenine Alla Dito daw gusto ni Hanna without H

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1-Day Sagada Itinerary

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• Sagada in 1 day
• 2-Day Sagada Itinerary
• 3-Day Sagada Itinerary

Table of contents

1-day itinerary, marlboro hill.

Kiltepan Road

Lumiang Cave

Sumaguing cave, hanging coffins of sagada, echo valley, where to eat, sagada strawberry cafe, isangwow cafe by the clouds.

Track your travel spending and split costs with friends

Plan your trip. Keep your budget organized. Split the cost between tripmates. Wanderlog does it all.

Popular road trips from Sagada

What's the weather like in sagada.

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Sagada for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Sagada in January
• Weather in Sagada in February
• Weather in Sagada in March
• Weather in Sagada in April
• Weather in Sagada in May
• Weather in Sagada in June
• Weather in Sagada in July
• Weather in Sagada in August
• Weather in Sagada in September
• Weather in Sagada in October
• Weather in Sagada in November
• Weather in Sagada in December

All road trips from Sagada

• Sagada to Manila drive
• Sagada to Baguio drive
• Sagada to Malay drive
• Sagada to Vigan drive
• Sagada to Angeles City drive
• Sagada to Baler drive
• Sagada to Makati drive
• Sagada to Laoag drive
• Sagada to Pagudpud drive
• Sagada to Quezon City drive
• Sagada to Taguig City drive
• Sagada to Pasay drive
• Sagada to Pasig drive
• Sagada to San Juan drive

Explore nearby places

• Candon City
• Santa Maria
• San Esteban
• Lagangilang
• San Gabriel

All related maps of Sagada

• Map of Sagada
• Map of Bontoc
• Map of Bauko
• Map of Tadian
• Map of Banaue
• Map of Hungduan
• Map of Tinglayan
• Map of Mayoyao
• Map of Lagawe
• Map of Kiangan
• Map of Lubuagan
• Map of Bakun
• Map of Tanudan
• Map of Pilar
• Map of Kabayan
• Map of Candon City
• Map of Balbalan
• Map of Santa Maria
• Map of San Esteban
• Map of Bangar
• Map of Narvacan
• Map of Atok
• Map of Balaoan
• Map of Lagangilang
• Map of Luna
• Map of Asibanglan
• Map of San Gabriel
• Map of Bangued
• Map of Kapangan
• Map of Dolores
• Map of Diadi

Sagada throughout the year

• Sagada in January
• Sagada in February
• Sagada in March
• Sagada in April
• Sagada in May
• Sagada in June
• Sagada in July
• Sagada in August
• Sagada in September
• Sagada in October
• Sagada in November
• Sagada in December

Looking for other day-by-day itineraries in Sagada?

Check out our other curated itineraries that are also filled with jam-packed days:

Day itineraries for nearby cities

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Ultimate Travel Guide: Sagada-Baguio for 2D1N

This post was most recently updated on May 1st, 2018

Are you eager to go to a vacation but your leave credit won’t allow you to? Or you can’t wait for another holiday to come? This 2-days-1-night Sagada-Baguio itinerary will guide you with what these places have to offer, and you will keep wanting to come back. What are you waiting for? Get over there and have that “That Thing Called Tadhana” feels.

For this exact reason I decided to write a travel guide to Sagada that includes a sample itinerary and some tips to enjoy your short yet meaningful vacation more. With only two days spent in both Sagada and Baguio, we were able to cover a lot of ground. From the popular destinations: Echo Valley, Sumaguing Cave, Sagada Weaving, up to the best dining and souvenir shops.

Sagada is situated in Mountain Province, 275 kilometers north of Manila roughly 10-12 hours of land travel, depending on the route that you will take. At 83.32 sq. km and with only a few residents, Sagada is the perfect relaxing getaway with its pine trees, cold weather and breathtaking sceneries; it’s definitely worth a visit. The best time to visit would be from November to February. The weather is cool and dry but you can still go during the summer from March to May to run away from the heat of Manila, although Sagada and Baguio can get a little busy during this peak season. Rainy season usually starts in June and lasts until the end of the year, so you may not consider these months as weather in the north is really unpredictable.

SUMMARY OF SAGADA-BAGUIO ITINERARY

22:00 Assembly 00:00 ETD Manila to Sagada

04:00 Stop over in Baguio 06:30 Highest Point in Atok, Benguet 09:00 Breakfast at Gia’s Restaurant (Property of the family of the late Marky Cielo) 11:00 ETA to Sagada 12:30 Lunch at Salt and Pepper 13:30 Visit Sagada weaving 14:00 Echo valley 15:00 Hanging coffins 15:30 St Mary’s Church 16:00 Sumaguing cave 18:00 Back in the lodge 19:00 Dinner

04:30 Wake up call 05:30 Watch sunrise at Guesthouse’s balcony. 08:00 Breakfast at Yoghurt House 09:00 ETD to Baguio 11:00 Buy fresh vegetables in Benguet 13:00 Lunch along the highway 15:00 The Mansion Baguio 15:30 Mines View, buy pasalubong 17:00 ETD to Manila 20:00 ETA in Manila

DAY 0: PREPARATIONS

A lot of us believe that trips would not push through if we planned it ahead of time. It is SOMETIMES true, but I think we need to get rid of this belief. Though it’s fun and exciting to be spontaneous, it is a lot better to be more prepared.

First, pick a travel and tour company to help with the planning and itinerary if you’re not feeling spontaneous. Some tourists, like me, who do not like a very long ride, choose this method for the convenience of transportation from one location to another. These companies can be easily found on Facebook. They offer a range of choices of packages you can choose from, and other add-ons such as side trip to Banaue or Baguio, or to other places of interest within the region. Make sure to review the itinerary before you book.

For a two-day trip, I recommend Thorita Travel and Tours for their services. They offer an arranged itinerary which you can customize, and they provide a knowledgeable driver for your trip.

The package also includes:

• 1 Night Accommodation in Sagada in Mayor’s Guesthouse
• Tour Guide Fees in Sagada (except for caving activities)
• Fuel, toll fees
• Driver’s meals
• Entrance fees and permits

DAY 1: AMAZING VIEWS OF SAGADA

The included basic lodging is peaceful since there are only a few people inside. We occupied a huge room with 2 single beds, and 4 double beds. While an air conditioning unit is not necessary, you have to close the windows especially at night as there are lots of insects flying around. Check room rates and book via here.

The Sagada Weaving is one of the most popular souvenir shops in the area. You can buy wallets, bags, clothes, caps, etc. that are handmade with colorful threads. You’ll also get the chance to watch the actual making of those souvenirs.

Today we start our food tripping in Sagada. As much as possible we want to try all the “must try” restos here. The food at Salt and Pepper looks very simple. The name itself best describes the taste of their food – salty with some spice. The price is a little high for what we had though.

This was not the first time that I had been into a cave but I was really amazed and challenged at the same time because this was by far the largest, from its name “Big Cave”, and most exhausting spelunking experience I’ve had. It is required to get one tour guide for a group of 4 people. Tour guide fee is 500 Php. With their big lamps, they will lead while sharing fun facts about the history of the cave and where the interesting stalactites, stalagmites and columns are. It took us about 2 hours to complete the course, although from a group of 8, only two of us made it to the end. I suggest that you bring your slip-resistant shoes as it gets very slippery inside, though you have the option to just walk barefoot.

In addition, there’s a part there where everyone is required to leave their slippers/shoes. There are actually stages – first part is the slippery part which requires balance and for you to grip the rocks to not fall; in the second part, which is pretty easy, the guides will just show you the rock formations; and the third part requires you upper body strength as you will need rope to climb and pass through some rocks. If you’re looking for something more adventurous, try the cave connection which includes Sumaguing and Lumiang caves and will take you roughly 3-4 hours.

DAY 2: SIDE-TRIPPING TO BAGUIO

Lemon Pie House is best known for its … drum rolls… none other than range of fruit pies, including seasonal fruit pies, lemon pies and they also have egg pies. Each box of lemon pie starts from 180 pesos to 260 for lemon/egg to seasonal fruit respectively. The shop is both clean and tidy, despite having limited space. They encourage also taking off your shoes and slippers when entering the store. Other included in their menus are very Filipino dishes; chicken adobo, chicken curry, pinikpikan, etc. I suggest that you place your order of pies the night before you leave Sagada.

From all of the restaurants we’ve been into Sagada, Yoghurt House is actually my favorite, from the breakfast meal up to the desserts.

I recommend Filipino Morning treat as it’s a complete morning meal package. Fruits are really fresh.

I recommend Banana, Granola and strawberry preserves.

BAGUIO ON A QUICKIE

We chose to go to Baguio instead of Banaue since we considered the time left for us to get home. But if you choose to go to Banaue, it will take you 3 hour drive from Sagada. Baguio City is called the “City of Pines.” Of course aside from a lot of pine trees there it’s also the go-to place of most of the Filipinos during summer because of its cool weather. We went to The Mansion then to Mines View; these are just a few of the popular places to visit in Baguio.

The Mansion is the official summer residence of the president of the Philippines. It was built in year 1908 but was devastated during the war. It was rehabilitated in 1947. It’s near other attractions like Wright Park, which you can actually walk to from there, and Camp John Hay. Mines View Park, on the other hand, gives you the overlooking view of some parts of Baguio. It will also let you experience wearing the traditional Igorot clothing for only 20 pesos.

This is also the place where we bought our pasalubongs. Of course, we did not forget to buy famous Baguio goodies like ube and snowballs from Good Shepherds, strawberry jams, lengua de gato, peanut brittle, and crinkles to bring home to our families and friends.

Other attractions in Baguio includes the famous Lourdes Grotto where you have to climb several flights of stairs to get to the grotto. Another is Burnham Park where there are several activities to do. If you get to Baguio during the early morning, you will see a lot of Baguio residents, jogging and exercising around the Park. Once the establishments have opened, you have the option of renting a bike or a boat in the manmade lake.

If you have time and feel like adding a little color to your wandering, I would definitely head to strawberry farm but since most of us have already been there we opted not to.

TRIVIA ABOUT SAGADA

• Did you know that wedding in Sagada is expensive? It requires you to have 500k to 1million on hand. Cause it has been the tradition of the Igorot to mass celebrate the wedding as they need to prepare a feast for the whole town. You’re so lucky if you go there when there’s a wedding ceremony, just fall in line and you’ll get your free food.

TIPS ON YOUR SAGADA-BAGUIO ITINERARY

• Buy fresh vegetables in Benguet along the highway, for less than 200 pesos I have 1kg of carrots, 1 kg of broccoli, 1 kg of lettuce, 1 kg of eggplant, 1 kg of potatoes, and 4 pcs of cucumbers. Plus the vendors are willingly to add some veggies in your basket.

OTHER WAY OPTIONS

• Manila to Sagada via Banaue (Ohayami Trans)- one daily trip to Banaue bus leaves to Banaue at 10pm but they have a 9pm schedule during Fridays or when the 10pm bus is full. Ticket costs 470 pesos. Then from Banaue, take a mini-bus or van to Sagada. Fare ranges from 200-300 and from Banaue it will take you 3-4 hours to Sagada.
• Manila to Sagada direct (Coda Lines Corp.)- 45-seater bus which has a scheduled trip from Quezon City to Sagada: 9:00PM Sagada to Quezon City: 3:00PM. One way ticket each costs 720 pesos.

Kevin del Prado

Kevin is currently working as a Business Analyst. Interests also include traveling, watching movies, outdoor activities, and photography. He graduated from the University of Santo Tomas with a degree in Electronics and Communications Engineering.

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23 comments.

“A lot of us believe that trips would not push through if we planned it ahead of time. It is SOMETIMES true” — what are you talking about? For us, it’s always NOT true HAHAHAHA!

BTW, I nominated you for a Liebster Award. You can check it out here ! I hope you accept it! 🙂

Hahaha! Yes, I’ll respond to the questions ASAP.

These mountains are amazing! Do you want to be friends with me on bloglovin? If yes, just follow my blog there, I’ll follow your blog back!!! https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/anna-alina-3947784

Hello Alina! Thank you! I’m already following you on Bloglovin. 🙂

Wow! Thanks for the info, although I tried an overnight stay in Sagada. IT WAS SUCH A SHORT TRIP. huhuhuhuhuhu 🙁

Oh pls give me that Filipino morning treat haha. Foodie here! 🙂

Love how you suggested an itinerary! That makes things easier to plan and this looks like a fun place to go!

I never had a chance to go to sagada after my travel to Batad. Wouldve been nice

A wedding ceremony that includes the whole town….. what a party!

The itinerary and the tips at the end are great, also love the photos

This is what I exactly need right now. Go somewhere really high and slightly cold. Never been to where the hanging coffins are.

A lemon pie house?! Sign me up! 🙂 Thanks for sharing your experience.

Really great info loved the guide but what I loved most was your gorgeous photos!! Looks so beautiful

Looks lovely!

Looks like my kind of trip. I love hiking – will have to check this place out!

My kind of weekend trip, offbeat, quaint and abundance of natural beauty . Will definitely do this when I get to hop on a flight and visit Manila.

STUNNING PHOTOGRAPHY!!! Feels like i was there!

Looks likes such an amazing trip! Thanks for sharing 🙂

wahh still want to climb and try sagada. so far in my province

Love camping and hiking.. looks wonderful a place!

This place is truly picturesque and jaw-dropping! Climbing it is so astonishing! When’s the best time of the year to go there?

[…] And adding to that list is my most recent trip to the beautiful town of Sagada! […]

[…] Sagada is one of the best places to visit in the Philippines. It is home to the Northern Kankana-ey ethnolinguistic group or commonly known as Igorots which means “people of the mountains”. It’s great to see that these people still preserve their culture and tradition that can definitely be felt as you make your way around the place. One of these is the Hanging Coffins, a popular spot for the tourists, showcases the Igorots’ burial tradition wherein dead people are placed inside a rectangular wood assumed to be in a fetal position and are hung from the cliffs depending on the ranking of the deceased. […]