Sagada Hiking: The 10 Best Hikes In The Philippines Mountains
If you’re wondering, Is Sagada good for hiking? Then you’ve come to the right place. Sagada mountain province is probably the best place for hiking in the whole of the Philippines. The cooler climate and mountainous landscape makes for some stunning hikes, as well as the formation of the famous sea of clouds.
Sagada is an adventure that will take you underground to Sumaguing Cave, through vibrant rice terraces and to the peak of mountains that look down on a sea of clouds below. There is a hike for everyone in Sagada, if you’re a seasoned hiker or just a beginner you’re sure to enjoy the adventure waiting for you.
The terrain in Sagada varies but it’s often steep and can be slippery after rain, we recommend your Sagada hiking outfit includes robust hiking boots or at least trainers for most of the hikes. So lace up your boots and get ready to walk between the fir trees, through quaint villages and down to Echo Valley to see the popular Hanging Coffins.
Contents
Explore hidden gems, top spots, restaurants and more - instantly available in Google Maps. Download over 300 pins for FREE!
A popular tour in Sagada as it includes sites such as the Hanging Coffins and Bokong Falls. A 3 hour walk with your guide will take you to each corner of Sagada allowing you to get an insight into the traditional ways of life and the importance of the natural world for the people who live there. Other highlights on the Sagada Hiking Tour include learning about how the local coffee is grown and made and St Mary’s Episcopal Church. Location 📌
Sagada Town
One of our most enjoyable walks was just through Sagada town itself, exploring the market and making a stop in the famous Lemon Pie House, which you must try! The town is built on a hill making one way more enjoyable than the other! Location 📌
Hanging Coffins Of Sagada and Echo Valley Tour
One of the most popular reasons to go to Sagada is to see the famous Hanging Coffins! If you’re looking to discover the ancient traditions and beliefs of the mountain province Sagada, the famous hanging coffins is a great way to start. Join the Paytokan Walking Tour or Echo Valley tour and head to see coffins from hundreds of years ago hung high up on the cliff face by the indigenous Igorots. Location 📌
Ampacao Sunrise or Sunset Hike
Another sunrise hike but this time after a moderately steep hike you’ll have views over the town. You can choose to walk an extra hour down from Ampacao peak to reach the lake below. The hike is less popular than Marlboro hill but you still get a chance to see the sea of clouds at sunrise, the terrain is very similar including pine forests and ferns. Location 📌
Waking up at 3am to hike up Marlboro Hill to experience the Sagada sea of clouds is a must do activity and one of the best Sagada hikes. This early morning walk to the highest peak in Sagada rewards you with panoramic views over rolling hills and rice terraces. The walk takes 40 minutes and is manageable for beginner hikers. Location 📌
Marlboro To Blue Soil
If you’re looking for a more challenging but rewarding hike you can do the Marlboro to Blue Soil Mountain Traverse. A 4-5 hour hike that takes you to blue soil, an area that gets its name due to the high copper sulphate contained in Sagada’s hills. You can also choose to just visit blue soil which is a 45 minute walk. Location 📌
Kapay-aw Rice Terraces
You can spend your day walking round the Kapay-aw rice terraces in Sagada enjoying the lush green colours that you only get in Asian climates. Although not as grand as the Banaue rice terraces of Ifugao, they are still worth a visit during your time in Sagada. Location 📌
Hike to Bomod-ok Falls or Bokong Falls
A hike with a refreshing reward, trek 3 hours to Bomod-ok Falls where a column of water drops 200ft into a cooling pool below. The hike will take you through the unique landscape of Sagada which contrasts other popular destinations in the Philippines. Location 📌
Pog-o Viewpoint
It is also worth mentioning the Pog-o Viewpoint which we got told about from our local guide, it’s a sunrise hike with views over Sagada Rice terraces. Location 📌
Langsayan Ridge
A 3 hour hike that starts from the town centre and takes you up Langsayan Ridge. A more rugged walk that gives views across Sagada’s landscape.
Sagada Hiking Outfit
Hat and Gloves (For Sunrise Hikes)
Explore hidden gems, top spots, restaurants and more - instantly available in Google Maps. Download over 300 pins for FREE!
Once in Sagada you need to register at the Sagada Municipal tourist information center (₽100) then you can head to any one of the many tour guide organisation offices to get a tour. Some examples are SEGA or SAGGAS however the most up to date information will be given to you at the tourism office.
You need a tour guide for each activity. It goes without saying but never engage services of children for tours. We were also told all tourist vehicles are required to park at their accommodation during their stay and instead tourists need to use the tourism shuttle buses.
There is a focus on the environment in Sagada, they encourage the use of reusable water bottles and bags and of course no littering.
Finally, respect all sacred grounds, refrain from making loud noises and wearing scarce clothing. Refrain from taking photos of elders without permission.
How To Get To Sagada?
There are two ways to get to Sagada , the first a direct bus and the second includes a stop in Baguio, known for its cooler climate.
The most convenient is the direct Coda Line Corporation overnight bus, which can take you from Quezon City in Manila, directly to Sagada. You can choose between semi deluxe, no toilet (₽760) and super deluxe buses, with a toilet (₽980), both make stops along the way. The buses all leave in the evening, the timings are 8pm, 9pm, 10pm and 10:30pm. We recommend booking your bus with 12Go.
Sagada is also accessible by bus from the city of Baguio (4 hours). If you’re arriving in Manila you will need to get a Victory Liner bus up to Baguio first. Then get a taxi (₽80) to the GL Trans Terminal where you can catch a bus to Sagada (₽220). Please note the last bus of the day leaves at 1pm.
Best Places To Eat In Sagada
Yoghurt House - Famous for its homemade yogurt and cosy vibe, this spot offers a mix of local and Western dishes.
Gaia Cafe & Crafts - Located on a hill with stunning views, Gaia Cafe is known for its vegetarian and organic menu.
Sagada Brew - This cafe is popular for its coffee and comfort food. You can enjoy their breakfast meals, pastas, and sweet treats like cakes and pastries. Their brewed coffee, made from Sagada's Arabica beans, is a highlight.
Best Places To Stay Sagada
Sagada Mountain Province holds a special place in our hearts. We truly found a home away from home here and loved our time spent in the mountains and above the clouds. There are lots of accommodation options and we recommend you find somewhere that is walkable to the tourist information centre in Sagada Town where you’ll register and sort tours. One of the rules is you have to use their local transport to get to Sagada's attractions meaning a local hotel or hostel is vital.
We use Booking.com, Agoda and HostelWorld for all of our stays in The Philippines!
Below is a list of top accommodations we recommend for Sagada Mountain Province:
Best Sagada Tours
Tips For Visiting Sagada
Below we share our favourite tips for travelling to Sagada:
Pack for the weather, Sagada is located in the mountains making it cooler than other parts of the Philippines. Bring a lightweight raincoat and fleece.
Respect local customs. Sagada has a rich culture and the community has deep respect for the traditions, make sure to follow their tourism guidelines.
Don't miss the sunrise! Make the effort to get up early and hike Marlboro Hill to experience the sea of clouds.
Use an E-sim like Airalo to stay connected and remove the hassle of a physical SIM, but remember mobile phone signal can be spotty in Sagada making it the perfect time to unplug.
Travel Tools To Help You Plan
These are some of the travel tools we love and use daily, by booking through our links you support our blog and help us grow, thank you.
Thank you for reading and enjoy your Philippine adventure. Reach out to us over on Instagram @KateandMikesTravels. We always love to hear from people who read our blogs!
For our Filipino friends: Maraming salamat sa pag babasa, hangang sa susunod nating pag kikita, mamimiss namin kayo, mabuhay ang pilipinas! Salamat
*Some links in this article are affiliate meaning we may earn a small commission with no extra cost to you! It helps grow the blog so thank you for supporting us.
.png)