SAGADA: Travel Guide, Budget, Itinerary & Useful Tips

Sagada is probably on everybody’s bucket list. This sleepy little town in the middle of the Cordilleras has been a travelers’ magnet even before we Filipinos ourselves learned of its existence. It may not seem a lot in plain sight but it truly is a magical place. From the warmth of its people to the limestone cliffs, captivating sunrise and breathtaking sunsets, burial caves, hanging coffins, to its mountains towering in the distance, and to the rich culture its people have upheld through the challenges of time, there is something about Sagada that makes it simply irresistible. Its charm is otherworldly so as the hospitality of its people. Its cool temperature along with the locals’ usual wardrobe consists of trench coat and fleece jackets completed with bonnets and gloves are not something usual to a tropical country such as the Philippines which is notable for hot summer days and beaches but yes such place exists up in the mountains. So the next time you’ll crave a taste of winter, look no further, Sagada is where you should be.

During recent years, Sagada has become one of the go-to places of people from Metro Manila who are looking for a quick respite out of the hustle. I have seen a rapid growth of tourists in this once quaint little town. Some travel at their own pace but a Sagada Tour Package is what most travelers are looking for especially if they barely have the luxury to do the planning themselves. Nevertheless, this post aims to help anyone learn all there is to Sagada and how they could make the most of their trip.

HOW TO GET THERE

• From Manila Direct – Ride a Coda Lines bus from Manila to Sagada (P750). They only have 1 nightly schedule which is at 9PM. Kindly check their website for reservation or text these mobile numbers: Globe: 0927 559 2197 & Smart: 0929 521 3229. 
• From Manila Via Baguio – Ride a bus in Cubao to Baguio (P455). In Baguio, ride a cab going to Dangwa then a bus going to Sagada (P220). Travel takes 7 hours with trips starting as early as 5AM departing every hour until 1PM. Coda Lines also has trips via this route. Kindly check their website for updated schedule.
• From Bontoc – The easiest access to Sagada is Bontoc whenever you are coming from places further north. From Bontoc, simply ride a jeep to Sagada. Travel time is 45 minutes and fare is P45.
• From Banaue – Ride a bus or a van going to Bontoc (P120). From Bontoc, ride a jeep going to Sagada (P45). You can also take this route from Manila riding an Oyahami Bus in Sampaloc (P450). Coda Lines also has trips via this route. Kindly check their website for updated schedule.

WHERE TO STAY

Accommodation in Sagada are well regulated so hotel prices are pretty much the same with little to no difference at all. Here are some mid-range to budget hostels/inns which are recommended by frequent travelers.

Isabelo’s Inn and Cafe
Address: South Road, Sagada, Mountain Province
Phone: 0928 951 7153
Book now at a discounted rate with Agoda

Kanip Aw Pines View Lodge
Address: Kinlibed, Sagada, Mountain Province
Phone: 0926 609 2960
Book now at a discounted rate with Agoda

Shamrock Tavern Inn
Address: Makingking, Demang, Sagada, Mountain Province
Phone: 0908-6114-683 | 0999-5534-847
Book now at a discounted rate with Agoda

Misty Lodge and Cafe
Address: Staunton Rd, Sagada, Mountain Province
Phone: 0926 123 5240
Book now at a discounted rate with Agoda

WHAT TO SEE AND DO

The town of Sagada is a perfect avenue for bringing out the adventurer in you that a day or two is not enough to explore all there is to this enthralling place. From caves to waterfalls, beautiful terrains and scenic sunsets, name it, Sagada has it all covered. So here are the things you shouldn’t miss while you are there.

• Shout your heart out in Echo Valley – Let out all your “hugots” and laugh at the amazing echos in Echo Valley.
• Go see the sacred burial caves and hanging coffins – Burying the dead in caves or hidden places is one of the most sacred practices in Sagada. Be in awe and wonder how a small wooden casket was placed on an entry of a cave several meters above the ground.
• Go spelunking in Sumaguing and Lumiang Caves – If you think you are fit enough then explore the beautiful rock formations in 2 of Sagada’s famous caves.
• Chase Bokong, Bomod-Ok and Pongga Falls – A hike to Bokong Falls is one perfect ender to your adventure but if you prefer more challenging terrains then go extreme and see Bomod-Ok and Pongas Falls.
• Witness the sunset in Lake Danum – Our country has one of the most panoramic sunsets and among these, some are found in Sagada.
• Hike Mt. Ampacao, Marlboro Country and Blue Soil Hills – Conquer the town’s highest peaks and reward yourself with a remarkable view at their summits.
• Spend the night drinking ice cold beer over a bonfire and music session – Nights in Sagada are never old that you wouldn’t want to just sleep through them until morning. One way to enjoy them is to sing over a bonfire with a bottle of beer in tow..
• Go orange picking in Rock Inn Cafe – Have as much orange as you want when you go pick your own oranges in this wonderful farm few kilometers away from the town.
• Marvel at the spectacular sunrise in Kiltepan Peak – Kick off your day with a memorable view of the sunrise atop dreamy white clouds.
• Taste the flavors of Sagada on a food hunt – There is no better way to know a place than to taste its flavors. Don’t miss the local specialty, Pinikpikan.

WHAT ARE THE TOURS AND RATES

Whenever you are in Sagada, the first thing you should do is pay a visit to their local tourism office where you will need to pay a 1-time environmental fee of P35. This is also the only place where you can have your tours arranged. So here are the list of tours they offer and the corresponding costs.

SUMMARY OF EXPENSES & SAMPLE ITINERARY FOR 2D2N VIA BAGUIO

This trip to Sagada was part of our 5-Day Baguio-Sagada-Batad Adventure wherein we spent a total of P8365 per person for everything. If you wish to follow our itinerary then check out my post thru this link.

SNAPS FROM THE “LAND OF HUGOTS”

Our visit to Sagada may have been brief but it certainly gave us reasons to see it once again.

There you have it lovelies. If you have questions, feel free to drop them on the comments box below and I promise to get back to you the soonest. Be super awesome and share this post too. Ciao! 🙂