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.
We have put together this guide on the Marlboro Hike & Sea Of Clouds 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.
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 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:
There’s so much to do in the area especially if you enjoy hiking, Sagada is home to some amazing hikes. 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:
Can’t Miss: Sumaguing Cave
Go spelunking in one of Sagada's best 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 one of the best falls 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
Pongas Falls
Lumiang Cave
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.
Final Thoughts On The Sea Of Clouds In Sagada & Marlboro Hike
The Sagada Sea of Clouds and early morning Marlboro hike was definitely a highlight of our 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.
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