17 Best Things To Do In Sagada: Sagada Tourist Spots And Activities
A must visit destination in The Philippines, Sagada is home to some of the top tourist spots such as The Hanging Coffins of Echo Valley as well as lesser known activities such as the Marlboro Hill. Nestled in the Cordillera mountains, the area has a much cooler climate than the rest of the Philippines, making hiking a top tourist attraction in the Sagada mountain province. Throughout this Sagada adventure blog we share the best time to visit, how to get there and explore the best things to do in Sagada!
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The Paytokan Walking Tour encompasses lots of attractions Sagada has to offer. It also includes one of the most popular sights, the Hanging Coffins and Eco Valley. As Sagada Tourism Rules state, you have to have a guide to explore these sights, meaning the Paytokan Walking Tour is a great way to see more of Sagada.
Apart from the Hanging Coffins other highlights include learning about how the local coffee is grown and made, St Mary’s Episcopal Church as well as Bokong Falls, a waterfall where you can take a refreshing dip at the end of the 3 hour hike. Location 📌
One of my favourite Sagada activities is to stop off at Lemon Pie House to try Sagada’s famous dessert. We ordered a slice each plus a pot of Sagada mountain tea which was great, a little smoky and warming to the insides. The pie was delicious, tangy and sweet and should definitely be something you don’t miss during your time in the mountains. Location 📌
Hanging Coffins Of Sagada and Echo Valley Tour
The most popular tourist spot in Sagada! 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 Eco Valley Tour and head to see coffins from hundreds of years ago hung high up on the cliff face by the indigenous Igorots. Location 📌
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. Location 📌
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. Location 📌
Other Hikes In Sagada
Ampacao Sunrise or Sunset Hike Location 📌
Nabas-ang To Ampacao Location 📌
Langsayan
Shop At Sagada Weaving
Sagada is also known for their weaving, along the main road you can find the Sagada Weaving Center where they sell locally made items including bags, purses and clothes. Location 📌
Sumaguing Cave is one of the largest and deepest cave systems that you can explore in the whole of the Philippines. Sumaguing Cave Tour will have you clambering over rocks, squeezing through rock formations and walking barefoot through enormous caverns. Location 📌
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Lumiang Cave
If you choose this course you enter through Lumiang Cave and exit out of Sumaguing Cave giving you 3-4 hours exploration. Lumiang Cave is home to 100 ancient coffins that are precariously stacked on top of each other at the cave entrance. The course will involve a lot of maneuvering and clambering so you need to be in good physical shape. Location 📌
Balangagan Cave
Perhaps a lesser known cave, Balangagan Cave is also an ancestral burial site for the Igorots. While you’re making your way through the unique rock formations you’ll see several coffins by your path. There are numerous rock formations to discover which your guide will describe in detail, helping you visualise the many strange likenesses that come to life in the dim light. Location 📌
Orange Pick at Sagada Rock Inn & Café
For ₽50 entrance you can enjoy lunch in an orange grove and pick your own sweet, juicy fruit. Using a pair of provided snips and with information on the different varieties from the waiter you can harvest your own fruit. Location 📌
Bomod-ok Falls
Our hotel host told us we could not leave Sagada without seeing Bomod-ok Falls, unfortunately during our stay the site was closed due to a traditional burial taking place in the town. This means we were unable to make the 3 hour hiking round trip to the waterfall. We were told the views on the hike make the journey worth it and the 200ft waterfall with its cold refreshing spray is a reward most welcomed. Location 📌
Bokong Falls in the mountain province of Sagada is the perfect place to cool off after the steep Paytokan Walking Tour. Smaller than Bomod-ok falls but easier to reach, the little waterfall with a deep pool has that Sagada mountain and magical charm. We spent a good hour relaxing in the refreshing water and watching the locals jump off the rock above. Location 📌
Pongas Falls
The hike to Pongas Falls starts from Ankileng village, a 1 hour walk will bring you past rice terraces and through towering mountains. The falls are small but the water tumbles over rocks and boulders into a pool below where you can cool off. Location 📌
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You’ll be winding through the mountain pass high above the clouds with views of the Bessang Natural Park, driving through remote mountain villages and wincing at the amount of rock falls you pass… this is the epic Bessang pass road trip between Sagada and La Union. Location 📌
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.
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