Marlboro Sea Of Clouds Sagada: A Complete Guide To The Epic Sunrise Hike
Marlboro Hill is the highest peak in Sagada mountain province and with panoramic views of the famous sea of clouds you do not want to miss this sunrise hike. After a relatively short hike you can experience sights that are usually only seen from the peaks of the highest mountains, the sea of clouds in Sagada is breath-taking and awe inspiring words can’t do it justice you’re going to have to go and see it for yourself.
Therefore, we have put together this complete guide on the Marlboro Sea Of Clouds and Hike in Sagada to help you plan your ultimate sunrise hike.
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Where Can You See The Marlboro Sea Of Clouds?
The Marlboro Sea Of Clouds is found in the mountain province of Sagada, Luzon. You can find the Viewpoint at the top of a short hike, however as Sagada Tourism Guidelines state you must hire a guide to go with you.
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.
Top Tip: We recommend hiring a car to explore Luzon if you’re a confident driver, there’s so much to see which by bus alone is hard to access.
How To Get To Marlboro Sea Of Clouds?
To the start of the hike you can get a shuttle bus; the Shuttle Fee is ₽650 for up to 10 people (we walked instead of the shuttle fee to save our budget!) The walk adds an extra 30 minutes to your hike each way but Sagada is a hiking town so this is a great way to save money.
Sagada Tourism Guidelines
Once in Sagada you need to register at the tourist information centre (₽100) then you can head to a tour guide organisation office to get a tour guide. You need a tour 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 use the tourism shuttle buses instead.
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.
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What To Expect From The Marlboro Hike And Sagada Sea Of Clouds
The start of the hike is before sunrise, we were woken up by our guide at 3:30am in preparation to leave. As we started, we were lit up by moonlight which made the ground shimmer adding to the mystical feeling of Sagada. The hike could be muddy if there had been recent rainfall so we recommend wearing trainers, the path is clear but uneven in places. You will also need to pack a head torch to light your way up the mountain, our guide had one but we found it easier to walk with our own individual light.
After a 40 minute hike uphill, it’s not too steep, we came to the summit. Wow! The site before our eyes was other worldly, fluffy white clouds lay at our feet and mountains towered all around us. When the sun rose we felt its warmth as it lit up surrounding rice terraces and we enjoyed a morning coffee as we admired the view. There is a small stall selling coffee and snacks so bring a little cash if you want breakfast with a view.
The Marlboro Sea Of Clouds was a highlight of our Sagada stay and we highly recommend it to anyone visiting the area. The early wake up call is worth it to see this natural phenomenon.
What Is The Sea Of Clouds?
Often seen from the peaks of mountains, cloud inversions create an illusion of an ocean of fluffy white clouds. They occur when a cold layer of air is trapped at lower ground to form a perfect sheet nestled between surrounding mountains, it truly is one of nature's bucket list adventures.
Marlboro Sea Of Clouds Common Questions
How Much Is The Marlboro Hike And Sea Of Clouds In Sagada?
The guide fee is ₽800 for up to 10 people. The Shuttle Fee is ₽650 for up to 10 people (we walked instead of the shuttle fee to save our budget!)
How Long Is The Marlboro Sea Of Clouds Hike?
The hike takes 45 minutes to 1 hour. If you add the hike to Blue Soil in Sagada afterwards the hike is 4-5 hours.
Will I Be Guaranteed To See The Sea Of Clouds?
The cloud inversions are weather dependent, for the clouds to form you need to have had recent rainfall, preferably the night before. This means the sea of clouds can’t be guaranteed but even if you go just for the sunrise it will be worth it in our opinion.
What Is The Best Month To See The Sea Of Clouds In Sagada?
The best time is between November and February due to the weather, you need rain the night before. However we visited in June and were still greeted with the Sea of Clouds and had stormy weather in the evenings.
Do I Need A Guide For The Marlboro Sea Of Clouds Hike?
Yes, you will need a guide which you can find at a tour guide organisation office and you will have to register as the tourist office before the hike. When you start the hike you need to show proof of your receipt so keep it safe and take a photo of it for extra measures.
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What To Pack For Marlboro Hike?
Water
Suncream (For The Hike down)
Sagada Registration Receipt
What To Wear For The Marlboro Hike?
Lightweight jacket (it may be cold in the morning)
Trainers
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:
Top Things To Do In Sagada
There’s so much to do in Sagada especially if you enjoy hiking. You could easily spend a week here exploring every nook and cranny and learning about the unique culture of the elders in the village. Here’s our top picks:
Top Pick: Marlboro Sea Of Clouds
Worth the early morning wake up, you can experience the famous sea of clouds on top of Marlboro Hill.
Can’t Miss: Sumaguing Cave
Go spelunking in one of The Philippines biggest caves, see different rock formations, subterranean rivers and explore the underground world of Sagada.
Best Waterfall: Bomod-ok Falls
Something still on our list as it was closed due to a burial ceremony when we visited. We were told this is the best waterfall in Sagada by our guide and host.
Off The Beaten Track: Bessang Pass
Fancy an adventure? Why not drive the Bessang Pass to or from Sagada. A winding mountain road with incredible views which is slightly nail-biting.
Other Things To Do In Sagada
Echo Valley Paytokan Walking Tour
Pongas Falls
Lumiang Cave
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
We love our DJI Mini for all of our drone shots!
Final Thoughts On The Sea Of Clouds In Sagada And The Marlboro Hike
A highlight of our Sagada adventures! Don't be put off by the early wake up call or 40 minute hike as the view of a white fluffy river with sun beams lighting it up is 100% worth it. Even if you don't catch the sea of clouds the sunrise is sure to be on of the best you'll ever see.
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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