The Best Caves To Go Spelunking In Sagada 2024
Sagada, which is located in the mountains of the Philippines has more than 60 caves and is home to some of the best cave systems found in the country. It’s a great destination for beginners and enthusiasts to go Spelunking in deep underground caverns. You can explore the largest cave, Sumaguing and lesser known caves that have a rich Igorot history such as Balangagan Cave. Read on and clamber deep into the different caves you can explore and find out which one was our favourite Sagada Cave.
Contents
Sumaguing Cave is one of the largest and deepest cave systems that you can explore in the whole of the Philippines. Taking the top spot as our favourite Sagada Cave, Sumaguing is unique in the fact you take your shoes and socks off for most of the tour. You walk barefoot on the rock allowing you to connect with the features that have been carved over millions of years, wade through underground pools and squeeze your body under and over tiny gaps in the rock.
To complete this tour you need to be in good physical shape as you will be clambering down steep areas of jagged rock. Once you reach the bottom of the first climb and you take off your shoes the tour gets easier.
You also get the chance to admire stalactites, stalagmites and quartz before heading back to the opening of the cave. Location 📌
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Lumiang Cave Sagada
Lumiang Cave is home to 100 ancient coffins that are precariously stacked on top of each other at the cave entrance. Again the course will involve a lot of manoeuvring and clambering so you need to be in good physical shape.
You can do Lumiang Cave on its own or when you book your Sagada Spelunking Tour you can choose a long or short course. If you choose the long course you enter through Lumiang Cave and exit out of Sumaguing Cave doing the Sagada cave connection giving you 3-4 hours exploration. If you choose to do the long tour be prepared to squeeze through some tight spaces, not a tour if you are claustrophobic. Location 📌
Balangagan Cave Sagada
Balangagan Cave is less popular than the other two caves mentioned above but that makes it less busy when visiting. Balangagan Cave holds importance as it’s an ancestral burial site for the ancient Igorots who are the native people of Sagada.
As you make your way through the cave you’ll pass several coffins as well as unique rock formations. These rock formations are often likened to a palace for kings and queens and in the dim light you’ll let your imagination run wild, visualising these shapes coming to life. Location 📌
Sagada Crystal Cave
A cave that is now closed to tourists to protect the stalactites and stalagmites. You are not able to explore this cave but it adds to the mystical feel of the mountain province to imagine what lies beneath your feet.
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Best Time To Visit Sagada
Sagada Tourism Guidelines For Sagada Activities
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.
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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 where you’ll register and sort tours. One of Sagada’s rules is you have to use their local transport to get to the attractions meaning a local hotel or hostel is vital.
We use Booking.com and HostelWorld for all of our stays around the world!
Below is a list of top accommodations we recommend for Sagada Mountain Province:
Essential Travel Items You Need
 | Lifestraw - Filtered Water Bottle Allowing you to fill up water whenever and wherever with peace of mind plus you’re helping the environment! |
 | Jungle Formula - High Deet Mosquito Spray The weak sprays will not work! Make sure to bring a high deet percentage spray made for the tropics. We also use Mosquito Wipes. |
 | Water Shoes - Lightweight with Protection Stay protected from Sea Urchins with these, also useful for snorkelling, waterfall hikes and more. We also love our Microfibre Towels and Dry Bag. |
 | Universal Travel Adaptor With Multiple USBs Life while travelling will never be the same again! Charge multiple devices all at once in any country... game changer. |
Top Tips For Travelling The Philippines
If you’re visiting the Philippines here are our top travel tips:
Book flights in advance - they can become expensive if you leave it last minute… oh and check your luggage allowance to skip expensive check in fees at the airport. Don't forget your Apple Airtags to track your bags
Agree on taxi prices upfront - when getting into a tuk-tuk, tricycle or taxi, make sure you agree on a price or they have a meter, so many tourists get ripped off with a huge price tag at the end of the ride.
Take it slow - don't feel the need to see all the islands, we recommend picking a few and doing them properly. See the island in full, find some locals and sing Karaoke..
Embrace the chaos and get stuck in, the locals are friendly and love to help and share information about their home!
For a checklist of what's needed to pack for your trip, read: How to Pack for Backpacking to South East Asia: Backpacking Essentials and Accessories
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Travel Tools To Help You Plan
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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
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