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.
| SPELUNKING (CAVING) | Cave Connection - 40 minutes walk to Lumiang Cave passing by Dokiw Hanging Coffins emerging at Sumaguing Cave. Duration: 3-4 hours Guide Fee: P800 for 2 pax and P400 for each additional heads Optional 2-way Transpo: P400 Sumaguing Cave (Short Course) - An hour walk from the town center passing by Dokiw Hanging Coffins and Lumiang Cave. Duration: 1 1/2 hours Guide Fee: P500 for 4 | P600 for 5 | P1000 up to 9 Optional 2-way Transpo: P350 |
| WATERFALLS | Bomod-Ok Falls - 3 hour hike to and from from Banga-an Guide Fee: P500 up to 10 pax 2-Way Transpo: P650 Pongas Falls - 1 hour hike from Brgy. Suyo Guide Fee: P600 up to 10 pax 2-Way Transpo: P650 Bokong Falls - 30 minutes hike from town center but is part of the Echo Valley Tour. Guide Fee: P200 up to 10 pax Optional 2-Way Transpo: P250 |
| ECHO VALLEY WALKING TOUR | Echo Tour - 3 hour loop hike to Echo Valley Hanging Coffins passing by the church of St. Mary, Sagada Underground River entrace continuing to the rice paddies with a trail leading to Bokong Falls. Guide Fee: P500 up to 10 pax Adventure Trail - 3-hour trek to Echo Valley Hanging Coffins passing by the church of St. Mary, entering Sagada Underground River and arriving at Bokong Falls. Include river crossing and forest trails Guide Fee: P1000 up to 10 pax Echo Valley Hanging Coffins - A short walk to see the Hanging Coffins Guide Fee: P200 up to 10 pax |
| KILTEPAN SUNRISE | Less than 15 minute drive from the town center and is priced at P500. You can also walk from the town center which doesn't require a guide and may take more than an hour. |
| LAKE DANUM SUNSET | Lake Danum is a 30 minute hike from the town center with a viewing deck where you can view the sunset. A 2-way transpo to Lake Danum is priced at P500 for up to 10 pax. |
| MOUNTAIN TREKKING | Mt. Ampacao - 3-hour loop hike from the town center to Lake Danum view point then to Mt. Ampaca down to the local villages. Guide Fee: P800 up to 10 pax Marlboro Country - 2-3 hours trek where you can camp overnight and witness the sunrise in the morning. Guide Fee: P600 up to 10 pax Shuttle Service: P650 Langsayan Danum Traverse - more than 3 hours hike along pine and mossy forest. Guide Fee: P1000 up to 3 pax Mt Polis - Situated in between Mt. Ampacao and Marlboro Country with a beautiful view of Sagada. Guide Fee: P1500 up to 3 pax Marlboro Country - Blue Soil Hills Traverse - 2-3 hours trek passing by rice terraces and limestone formations Guide Fee: P1800 up to 3 pax Transport: P1350 |
| MAINIT HOTSPRING | a trek or a travel by jeep to Bontoc to experience the soothing natural pool of Mainit Hotspring with a visit to Maligcong Rice Terraces. Fee: P2500 per pax |
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.
| SUMMARY OF EXPENSES & SAMPLE ITINERARY | DAY 0 1300 ETD Baguio-Sagada >P220 1900 ETA Sagada. Check in Hotel (2 nights) @ P700/night >P700 1930 Dinner @ some random eatery >P120 2200 Sleep TOTAL >>> P1040 DAY 1 0600 Wake up 0700 Breakfast & Orange Picking @ Rock Inn Cafe >P350 1100 Light Snacks >P50 1300 Echo Valley Tour @ P500 shared by 4 > P125 1700 Lake Danum Sunset @ P500 shared by 4 >P125 1800 Dinner @ Log Cabin >P340 2200 Sleep TOTAL >>> P990 DAY 2 0400 Wake Up 0500 Kiltepan Sunrise via rented van P500 shared by 4 >125 0700 Breakfast @ Lemon Pie House >P150 0800 Back to Hotel. Rest. 1000 Check Out 1100 ETD Bontoc >P45 TOTAL >>> P320 |
| CONTACT NUMBERS | Municipal Tourism Office - 0999 991 1801 |
| BUS, JEEP AND SCHEDULES | Manila - Sagada Coda Lines Fare: P750 Schedule: 9PM Additional Trips: Via Ifugao Mon-Sun 4AM and 9PM Via Baguio Mon-Sun 12AM Baguio - Sagada Bus at Dangwa Market/Terminal Fare: P220 Schedule: 5AM - 1AM Bontoc - Sagada Local Passenger Jeeps Fare: P45 Schedule: 6AM - 4PM Sagada - Manila Coda Lines Sagada to Quezon City – 3PM Bontoc to Quezon City – 4PM Banaue to Quezon City – 6:30PM to 7PM Additional Trips: Via Ifugao Daily 6AM & 3PM Via Baguio Daily 12NN |
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! 🙂
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2 Comments
Hello!
It’s fun reading your Sagada Exp. So, my question is…
How is internet in Sagada? I plan to do my “Work from Home” there #Freelancing (US Client) -say 7 days, I guess.
What is you recommended internet provider?
Hi. The last time I was there was in 2020 and I observed that internet signal is weak even in places with wired connection. I’m not sure what’s the status now. Could have improved due to the emergence of Starlink. I see lots of places with weak coverage opting for it so maybe Sagada has done the same.