SAGADA TRAVEL GUIDE

Sagada Travel Guide: Philippines Best Outdoor Travel Destination

Whether you are a nature lover or a motorbike enthusiast, you will definitely love to explore Sagada.The town is tucked in the heart of the Mountain Province.The municipality of Sagada lies over 1500 meters above sea level in the Mountain Province, in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). Sagada is a backpacker’s haven and is the perfect getaway for any adventure in the Cordilleras. It offers a wide range of activities such as hiking, trekking, and spelunking.

Learn more about the Sagada climate here.

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A Brief History of Sagada, Mountain Province

Sagada was founded by Biag, an Igorot in search for a new settlement far from headhunting enemies and destructive wild pigs in the mountains. He found himself in the lowlands of Candon, Ilocos Sur, which was already under Spanish rule.

Spaniards named the place ‘Sagada’ after Spanish soldiers met a man carrying a bamboo basket used for catching fish. The soldiers asked what the name of the next town was. The man, thinking he was being asked what was inside his bamboo basket, answered ‘sagada.’

 

At this point, you might be wondering what makes Sagada a must-visit destination. Sagada’s culture is known for its hanging coffins. The people of Sagada have actively preserved their culture despite modernization. They are very traditional and are known for their custom of burying the deceased in hanging coffins.

The deceased’s body is placed inside wooden coffins hung on mountains or cliffs. They believe that the higher the coffins are, the better chance the deceased have of reaching greater heights in their afterlife.

The locals of Sagada are naturally resilient and industrious. They are generally referred to as Igorots (a Tagalog word meaning “people of the mountains”), but they belong to the Kankana-ey indigenous group. Sagada is predominantly Protestant Episcopalian, the only town in the Philippines that is 95% baptized into the Episcopal Church.

What are the Languages Spoken in the Cordillera Region?

The name Kankana-ey came from the language they speak. The Kankana-ey language is widely spoken in the Cordillera Region. Kankana-ey speakers can be identified based on their intonation and use of certain words.

Locals of Sagada and the nearby town of Besao speak “hard Kankanaey.” Meanwhile, locals of the municipalities of Benguet and Sabangan speak the “soft Kankana-ey”.

As a popular tourist destination, English and Tagalog are widely understood by many locals. So, tourists can easily go around Sagada.

When is the Best Time to Travel to Sagada?

Planning to visit Sagada? Here’s a catch! The best time to travel to Sagada is from November to February, when the weather is cool and dry, with average temperatures of around 15 -17°C. Sagada is among the coldest places in the Philippines. The temperature can drop to as low as 4 degrees Celsius at night during December, January, and February. If you like hotter weather, March to May might be ideal for you.

Find out more about the weather in the Philippines as you plan your visit.

NOTE : Note that because of its location in the Cordilleras, Sagada has a climate different from other parts of the Philippines.

Why is Sagada a Popular Tourist Destination?

After being featured in several local Philippine movies and shows, Sagada’s popularity among local tourists has climbed up over the last few years. Thus, what used to be a serene, isolated community is now packed with tourists every long holiday weekend.

If you’re planning a trip to Sagada, especially during peak season (Christmas Season, New Year, and Holy Week), book your transportation, accommodation, and tour in advance! Check out our list of Philippine Holidays as you plan your trip to Sagada.

What are the Best Adventures in Sagada?

If trekking and nature hiking interest you, Sagada is what you are looking for. It is ideal for adventure-seekers who like exploring caves and waterfalls, spelunking, bonfires, picnics, and rappelling. Motorbike enthusiasts looking to explore the incredible Cordillera mountain ranges find it extremely interesting too. You’ll be amazed to know that your options for things to do in Sagada are limitless!

If you are keen enough to go on a motorbike tour of the Cordillera’s spectacular roads and scenery, get in touch with our team!

Note that Sagada is a farming community, and most people are up before dawn to go to the fields. This is the reason behind the 9 p.m. curfew in the place. But, there is no problem being out after 9 p.m. or past midnight, except that the place is just very quiet at this hour.

It is recommended to bring enough cash on hand. Although some establishments now accept credit cards, they might not be online all the time. ATMs near the Tourist Information Office only accept a few local banks and the line is always long, especially during local holidays! So, it’s best just to bring enough cash for your entire trip.

How to Get from Manila to Sagada?

The journey to Sagada may not be the most pleasant because it is long and tiring. It has numerous winding roads, and turns can be so sharp. Bring some meds with you if you’re not a fan of long travel on winding or curved roads. 

Going to Sagada takes some patience, but when you reach this town, everything will be worth it. The nature and the silence of Sagada will naturally give you that relaxing and peaceful feeling.

Whether you are coming from Manila, Clark, or Baguio, Sagada can be reached by private car, by bus, or by joining a group tour via a shared van.

How to Get from Manila to Sagada by Bus?

Manila to Sagada (Direct) -You will be happy to know that there is now a direct bus going from Manila to Sagada, via Banaue, which takes around 12 hours. Coda Lines now operates at least four trips daily to Sagada for a one-way fare starting at Php 760 or USD 15.

You can choose between Semi-Deluxe (without toilet) for Php 760 or USD 15 and Php 980 or USD 20 for Super Deluxe (with toilet), and a more comfortable seat, depending on the departure time you book. Coda Lines has their bus terminal in Cubao, Quezon City, where they share it with HM Transport. The trips are at 8 p.m., 9 p.m., 10 p.m., and 10:30 p.m. You can book your ticket online here.

Most buses get booked fast, as Sagada is one of the most in-demand tourist destinations for local travelers. Traveling around by bus in the Philippines is one of the country's important modes of public transport.

Note: It’s highly recommended to book your tickets in advance, especially if you are traveling during public holidays or peak season (such as Christmas, New Year, or Holy Week).

How to Get from Manila to Sagada by Car?

The distance from Manila to Sagada is around (390 km.), and it takes approximately 9 hours drive. If you bring a private car and hire a driver or drive yourself to Sagada from Manila, you can choose between two routes:

Manila/Clark-Baguio-Bontoc-Sagada - This route requires you to pass through Baguio City. It leads you to Halsema Highway, considered one of the highest and most breathtaking roads in the world. Discover the different types of transportation in the Philippines here.

Passing by Halsema is not recommended during the rainy season, and the best way to travel is during the day. This is the route to take if you are looking to pass by Atok, in the province of Benguet, famous for its flower farms.

Passing by Halsema is not recommended during the rainy season. This is the route to take if you want to pass by Atok, in the province of Benguet, famous for its flower farms. The best way to travel is during the day.

Manila/Clark-Banaue-Bontoc-Sagada - This route requires you to pass by Nueva Ecija and Nueva Vizcaya and then the world-famous Banaue Rice Terraces in Ifugao province. There are several viewpoints along the way for you to stop by and take pictures.

Renting a car with or without a driver in almost any major city in the Philippines is very easy. Learn more about the before and while driving safety tips to travel around by car in the Philippines.

How to Get from Manila to Sagada by Van?

IIf you are traveling in big groups, you can easily rent a private van from an accredited or reputable travel agency. A van for rent can take 10 to 15 passengers. One benefit of riding these privately operated vans is that they can drive you to Sagada quicker from Manila.

Renting a private van from Manila to Sagada ranges from PHP 4000 to PHP 5000 or USD 80 to USD 100, excluding fuel, toll fees, driver's food & accommodation, and tip. Please also note that all travelers are required to register for tours at the Sagada tourist information office.

Are you feeling generous? Our article on tipping in the Philippines gives you an overview of who you could give a tip for good service.

Note: Your van driver cannot tour you around Sagada. So, if you are traveling to Sagada by private van or car, it makes sense to find accommodation that has parking space. To avoid any inconvenience, park your van or car in designated areas only.

How to Get from Manila to Sagada by Arranged Tours?

There are also many arranged tours from Manila to Sagada by van. If you are a solo, couple, or small group traveler, the most affordable and convenient way to travel to Sagada is to join a group package tour with other travelers.

Typically, these tour packages already include tours around Sagada, accommodation for at least two nights, and a roundtrip transfer from Manila to Sagada and Sagada to Manila.

When joining tour packages, make sure that the tour operator has an official license from the Department of Tourism or their local government unit. Note, however, that vans often get uncomfortable especially along winding roads when it is full because the seat space and the legroom are limited.

How to Get from Manila to Sagada via Baguio by Bus?

It is also possible to go to Sagada via Baguio-Bontoc Road by bus. This route will pass through the spectacular Halsema highway with a beautiful scenic view. To go to Baguio in the Province of Benguet, you first need to choose between two bus companies:

Victory Liner and JoyBus. Both of these bus companies have terminals in Metro Manila.

Victory Liner Bus - It has three terminals in different cities in Metro Manila, namely Cubao, Pasay, and Sampaloc.

• Cubao Araneta Bus Port (Address: General Romulo Ave, Cubao, Quezon City)
• Pasay (Address: 712 Epifanio de Los Santos Ave, Pasay City)
• Sampaloc (Address: 551 Earnshaw St, Sampaloc, City of Manila)

JoyBus - It also has three terminals in different cities in Metro Manila.

• Cubao (Address: 704 Epifanio de Los Santos Ave, Quezon City)
• Pasay (Address:101 Epifanio de Los Santos Ave, Pasay City)
• Avenida (Address: Doroteo Jose St, Santa Cruz, City of Manila)

 

Both Victory and JoyBus offer premium air-conditioned buses with more legroom, better quality seats, a toilet, and fewer stops. They are more expensive than regular air-conditioned buses. But, they provide you more comfort as you travel to Baguio.

How to Get from Baguio City to Sagada by Bus?

Once you arrive at the Victory Liner bus terminal or the JoyBus bus terminal in Baguio City, you will need to change buses and terminals and ride the local bus going to Sagada . Two local bus companies operate the Baguio-Besao via the Sagada are GL Trans and Lizardo Trans.

If you ride the GL Trans Bus , go to the Baguio Dangwa Terminal.
If you opt for Lizardo Trans bus , go to the Lizardo Bus Terminal.

Note that the bus ride from Manila to Baguio takes about 6 hours (faster when you pass through all the expressways!) while the bus ride from Baguio to Sagada takes another 6 hours by traveling this route.

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The travel ride from Baguio to Sagada is extremely challenging. This route requires a bit more time, but it is absolutely the most adventurous route you can take. The bus will pass through the world-famous Halsema highway with a stretch of winding roads, sharp cliffs (just a few meters away from the main road), and breathtaking scenery.

Note that the local bus is very basic; don’t expect an air-conditioner or comfortable seats. It’s very interesting, however, as you can get in touch with the local people.

The bus has a lot of stops, so passengers come and go. It will give you an authentic local highland travel experience . So, just enjoy the view out of the open window and catch a good shot.

The bus fare from Baguio to Sagada starts at Php 220 or USD 5. The earliest trip is at 5:30 am, and the last trip is at 1:00 pm.

Tell the bus conductor to drop you off at Sagada, so you don’t miss your stop and end up in Besao , another neighboring municipality in the Mountain Province.

Want to spend some time in Baguio City? Check out our Baguio City travel guide.

How to Get from Manila to Sagada via Banaue by Bus?

Another way to reach Sagada is by riding a bus to Banaue in Ifugao Province, another Philippine tourist destination worth visiting! Combine these two destinations to maximize your visit to the Cordillera mountain ranges.

Air-conditioned buses from Manila to Banaue are operated by three bus companies, Ohayami Bus, Florida Bus Line, and Coda Lines. The travel time is about 8 hours and passes through the Pan-Pacific Hi-way and the Nueva Vizcaya-Ifugao-Mountain Province Road.

Here is more information about the three bus companies:

Ohayami Bus - The terminal is in P. Lacson corner Fajardo St. in Sampaloc, City of Manila. The daily bus from Manila to Banaue leaves every night at 9:00 p.m., 10:00 p.m., and 10:15 p.m.. The daily bus from Manila to Lagawe leaves every night at 9:30 p.m.
Florida Bus Line - Its terminal is in Earnshaw St. in Sampaloc, City Manila. The daily bus from Manila to Banaue leaves every 8:35 p.m.
Coda Lines - The terminal is in Immaculate Concepcion in Quezon City and is shared with HM transport, another provincial bus company. Daily buses from Manila to Banaue leave every night at 8:00 p.m., 9:00 p.m., and 10:30 p.m.

Fares start at PHP 680 or USD 14, and the trip takes approximately 10 hours.

Check out the public holidays in the Philippines before planning your next trip.

NOTE : It is highly recommended that you make advance reservations as bus seats can run out quickly during peak season and local holidays.

How to Get from Banaue to Sagada?

As you arrive at the Banaue bus terminal, ride a tricycle to the Banaue town proper and catch a jeepney going to Bontoc, the capital of the Mountain Province. The tricycle ride costs Php 30 or less than USD 1 per person, and the jeepney to Bontoc costs Php 150 or USD 3. It will take about 3 hours traveling along a fascinating route.

Want to travel more comfortably? Catch the Coda Lines bus. It stops over in Banaue and picks up passengers from Banaue en route to Sagada in the Mountain Province.

NOTE : This is a highly recommended journey for backpackers and adventurous people who want to experience a more authentic Cordillera travel adventure.

How to Get Around Sagada?

Given its climate and location, walking and hiking are among the great pleasures of going around Sagada. But jeepneys can bring you to the surrounding towns of Bontoc, the capital of Mountain Province, or Buscalan in Kalinga Province.

The journey around the mountains and the stunning views of the valleys will keep you on your feet. You can also rent a motorbike to explore the mountainous roads by yourself and go around the town. Feel Free to Contact Us .

If you are interested in going on an epic adventure by motorbike, we recommend you to choose a guided motorbike tour to explore the mountainside! Ask us for the best motorbike adventures in the Cordilleras and other areas of the Philippines..

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It is necessary that you first register at the Tourist Information Center (TIC) when you arrive in South Road, Sagada . The town wants to ensure that they limit the number of visitors to some tourist spots.

The Sagada Tourist Information Center (TIC) personnel can help arrange a tour for you in case you haven’t fixed them yet. Tag along a registered guide when you visit specific tourist sites. They are available at the Tourist Information Center in Sagada Town.

If you are looking for an incredible outdoor adventure in a lesser-known but beautiful place, don’t hesitate to contact us.

If you are looking for an incredible outdoor adventure in lesser-known but beautiful places that not everyone knows, don’t hesitate to get in contact with us.

What are the Best Hostels and Guesthouses in Sagada?

There are no resorts or luxury hotels in Sagada. Most places offer accommodations with basic amenities and shared bathrooms. That is the reason why many backpackers visit this place. The simplicity and peacefulness are just incredible. Here are some highly recommended Sagada hostels, guesthouses, and inns that you can pick from.

What are the Must-try Places to Eat in Sagada?

A trip to the scenic Sagada is never complete without dining in its must-try restaurants and café. You will surely appreciate the wide range of cuisines and foods served on your table. Whether you are a foodie or not, it is good to be familiar with the best places to eat during your stay in Sagada.

 

• Bana’s Restaurant

You’ll find Bana’s Restaurant in the Dantay section of Sagada Road. This restaurant offers Filipino food, café recipes, and vegetarian-friendly dishes to its customers.

One of Bana’s Restaurant’s claim-to-fame is its Alamid Coffee — a coffee that comes from dried excretions of wild civet cats found in certain regions of the Philippines.

(Address: South Rd, Sagada, 2619 Mountain Province)

• Gaia Cafe & Crafts

Gaia Café & Crafts, a restaurant that offers local and mostly vegetarian Filipino cuisine, is known for its incredible food and picturesque views. Although it is quite far from the town, the fresh food and the quality of service it offers to its customers are more than enough reasons to visit the place.

As a bonus, you’ll get to enjoy a selection of good books to read while you are in the café.

(Address: South Rd, Sagada, 2619 Mountain Province)

• Log Cabin

Log Cabin has been around since the 1990s. The place has transformed from a quaint home to a known multi-cuisine restaurant, with dishes that will surely ignite your appetite.

The restaurant is open from breakfast until dinner. They have a fusion of international and local cuisine and are famous for their Saturday dinner buffet.

(Address: Sagada - Besao Rd, Sagada, 2619 Mountain Province)

• Sagada Brew

Be it breakfast, lunch, dinner, or food tripping, you won’t get disappointed when you visit the Sagada Brew. Located on South Road, this café offers Filipino foods with incredible dessert selections. Aside from its set meal options, you should try ordering their lava cake and mocha latte.

(Address: End of Sagada Road, Sagada, Mountain Province)

• Sagada Cellar Door

Being the first and only craft brewery in town, Sagada Cellar Door is a real deal. Enjoy your craft beer in the outdoor set-up while enjoying music sessions around the bonfire. It is owned by an Igorot and an Ilonggo (one who hails from Iloilo in the Visayas) coupe.

Experience the Igorot and Ilonggo buffet, wine, and different varieties of freshly brewed craft beer made from local produce. If you find it interesting, set a reservation at least three hours in advance to reserve a seat.

(Address: Lallal-ay, Patay, Sagada, 2619 Mountain Province)

• Yoghurt House

The Yogurt House restaurant, located in Poblacion Sagada, is considered one of the best restaurants in the area. It offers a mesh of Filipino, Asian, and International food options. Are you a vegetarian? No worries! There are lots of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free cuisine choices on the menu.

Check out the all-time favorite yogurt recipe. Taste yogurt at its freshest state with optional fruit add-ons like bananas, strawberries, and the like.

(Address: South Rd, Sagada, 2619 Mountain Province)

What is the Best Food and Coffee in Sagada?

When it comes to food and coffee, count Sagada in. Not convinced? Well, listen up! While there are already foreign influences among the restaurants in the Philippines, Sagada is one of those places that serve authentic local foods- Igorot dishes in particular.

Sagada’s all-time favorites are the Sagada coffee (which is an Arabica coffee), Etag (the air-dried meat), and Pinikpikan (a chicken dish made in traditional cooking process and technique). Learn more here about the different kinds of coffee beans found in the Philippines.

What are the Best Places to Visit in Sagada?

Thanks to its location in the heart of the Cordilleras, the town boasts spectacular views and breathtaking natural wonders. If you are a backpacking enthusiast who loves outdoor adventures and if you are looking for some peace and mindful healing, you should not miss the best places to visit in Sagada.

Here are the must-see tourists’ spots in Sagada:

Bokong Small Falls – Just a few minutes from the Sagada town proper, this waterfall features two small waterfalls and a cool pool that’s nice for swimming, especially during the hot times of the day.

Bomod-Ok Falls – Getting to Bomod-Ok Falls takes about an hour trek, but it is definitely worth it. There are many climbs and descends, but the pathway is mostly concrete. On top of that, you get to walk through rice terraces and see the big quiet falls and even swim in its clear, cold waters. The best time to visit these falls is from November to February.
(Address : Aguid-Pide-FidelisanTrail, Sagada, 2619 Mountain Province)

Echo Valley – This place is famous for its hanging coffins and the view of lush forest and rock formation.

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Ganduyan Museum – Ganduyan is the traditional name for the Indigenous peoples, also known as Kankanaey (a name given by the Spaniards to Sagada). This small museum features old Kankan-ey artifacts, jewelry, and sculptures.
(Address: Dantay – Sagada Rd, Sagada, Mountain Province)

Hanging Coffins – Make your Sagada trip more memorable by visiting the hanging coffins. It shows the traditional way of burying the dead, which is still practiced these days.
(Address: Echo Valley, Sagada, Mountain Province)

Lake Danum – About a 30 minutes’ hike from the town proper, Lake Danum is a good place to watch the sunset.
(Address: Jose Abad Santos Dr, Baguio, 2600 Benguet)

Lumiang Cave – It is a burial cave. About 100 coffins are buried inside, and the oldest coffin is said to be 500 years old. Get ready to peep through Filipino culture by visiting it since it is made open to the public.
(Address: South Rd, Sagada, 2619 Mountain Province)

Marlboro Hill and Blue Soil Hills – A one hour trek uphill will bring you on top of Marlboro Hill, originally called Kamanbaneng Peak. Here, you’ll see either the sunrise or a sea of clouds, or both. Another hour of trek farther down will let you see the Blue Soil Hills, coloured blue copper-containing hills. )
NOTE: Marlboro Hill and Blue Soil only admit a maximum of 800 pax daily.
(Address: Marlboro Hills, Sagada, Mountain Province)

Mt. Kiltepan – When the weather is good, Mt. Kiltepan is the best place to see the sunrise in Sagad. It showcases panoramic rice terraces, mountains, and hills. However, that camping has already been strictly prohibited in the area!
(Address: Kiltepan Road, Sagada, Mountain Province)

Orange Picking at Rock Farm – Want to try something fun? Try orange picking at Rock Farm. It is an orchard that lets you pick oranges and eat all of them for Php 50 or USD 1 for 30 minutes. Of course, this activity can only be done from October to December when oranges are in season.
(Address: Staunton Rd, Sagada, Mountain Province)

Sagada Pottery – Although pottery may not be the most popular thing to do in Sagada, it is worth checking out. Collectors will have a blissful time looking at the traditional and unique indigenous style artisan pots.
(Address: Sagada-Besao Rd, Sagada)

Sagada Weaving – If you want to see how native weavers make clothes, linens, bags, and purses, this is a good place to visit. You can shop for native products and souvenirs here too.
(Address: Staunton Rd, Sagada, Mountain Province)

St. Mary’s Episcopal Church – Built-in 1904 by American missionaries, it is the main Episcopalian church in Sagada.
(Address: Staunton Rd, Sagada, Mountain Province)

Sumaguing Cave – Of the around 60 caves found in Sagada, Sumaguing is the biggest of all. To arrange for a spelunking trip in this cave, get in touch with the Tourist Information Office (TIO) as soon as you arrive in Sagada.
(Address: South Rd, Sagada, 2619 Mountain Province) Local and foreign tourists find Sagada worth a visit because of the many exciting activities to enjoy here. So, don’t miss the chance to try and discover the top things to do in Sagada.

SUMMARY: Best Outdoor Destination Sagada Travel Guide

Over the years, Sagada has recorded a growing number of tourists and has many new infrastructures around. However, to ensure the best tourist experience, the local government limits the number of visitors to popular tourist attractions.

Are you planning a trip to Sagada? Don’t forget to make a reservation for your chosen accommodation. Available rooms can run out during the weekend, local public holidays, and peak seasons like Holy Week and the Christmas Break. Check out our list of events in the Philippines and Philippine Holidays to better plan your trip.

Here’s another catch. When visiting Sagada, make sure to do your part in preserving the place’s cleanliness, beauty, and calmness. It is important to respect the traditional ways of the Indigenous people. Be worthy of their trust because the local people of Sagada are happy to welcome you into their land.

We are happy to help you plan your itinerary for your Sagada trip and the entire Cordilleras! Contact our team today, and we will send you recommendations based on your interests and budgets.

Looking to maximize your trip? Read about our travel guides on Banaue, Buscalan and Baguio today!

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