Sagada - Discovering Philippines

Travelling to Sagada

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Sagada, a pretty good destination in Philippines (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Sagada and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Sagada, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Philippines, here's everything to know about Sagada for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Sagada

Sagada is a small town located in the mountain province of the Philippines. It is known for its breathtaking natural scenery, including rice terraces, caves, waterfalls, and mountains. Sagada is also known for its rich culture and history, with the town being home to the Igorot people who have preserved their traditional way of life. Tourists flock to Sagada to experience its numerous outdoor activities, such as hiking, spelunking, and mountain climbing. The town is also popular for its unique burial rituals, which involve hanging coffins on cliffsides. Overall, Sagada is a must-visit destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those interested in immersing themselves in Filipino culture.

What to visit in Sagada

1. Hanging Coffins - These are wooden coffins that are hung on the side of a cliff. The local Igorot people believe that by doing so, the deceased will be closer to their ancestral spirits. It is a popular tourist attraction in Sagada and a unique way of honoring their ancestors.
2. Sumaguing Cave - This is a natural wonder of Sagada, with underground rivers and magnificent rock formations. Visitors can go spelunking, which is the guided exploration of caves. It's a thrilling but exciting activity! 3. Kiltepan Viewpoint - Famous for its stunning sunrise views, make sure to trek there early to catch the sunrise and light mists. It is panoramic to see the layered mountains and clouds.
4. Echo Valley - This is a gorgeous trek that showcases the local culture of Sagada. Visitors will see the Hanging Coffins, ancient rock formations, and be able to shout into the valley to hear the echoes. This is a perfect activity to bond and marvel the scenery with friends or family.
5. Bomod-ok Falls - This waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery, making it an idyllic destination for nature lovers. Visitors will need to trek to get there but the trek is totally worth it! 6. Sagada Pottery - A place to buy handcrafted wooden souvenirs, or even better make your own souvenir pottery! Sagada Pottery is a famous place enough to create quality pottery and attract tourists from all over the world.
Sagada has a lot more to offer! From the natural rock formations and underground waterfalls to the rich Igorot Culture demonstrated in the hanging coffins and traditional weaving, Sagada is a must-visit for every tourist in the Philippines.
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in Philippines, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.


You can find more information in this page dedicated to the top 10 attractions to visit in Sagada.

When to go on holiday to Sagada

The best time to visit Sagada in the Philippines would be between November and February when the weather is cooler and drier. This is also the peak season so expect more crowds and higher prices. From March to May is also a good time to visit as the weather is still mostly dry, however, temperatures can be quite hot. From June to October is the rainy season in Sagada and some tourist attractions may be closed due to bad weather.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Sagada

To get to Sagada, Philippines, you can take a bus from Manila to Banaue, then transfer to a jeepney or van that will take you to Sagada. Here's a step-by-step guide: 1. Take a bus from Manila to Banaue. Several bus companies offer direct trips to Banaue but the most recommended are Ohayami Trans and Coda Lines. Travel time is around 9-10 hours.
2. Once you arrive in Banaue, take a jeepney or van to Sagada. These are available at the Banaue bus station, and the journey takes around 3-5 hours.
Alternatively, there are also direct buses from Manila to Sagada operated by Cable Tours, but the trips are less frequent and have limited schedules.
Make sure to book your tickets in advance, especially during peak season around December to February, as transportation options may be limited.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Sagada, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Sagada

Sure, here are some typical foods of Sagada in the Philippines along with a short description for each: 1. Pinikpikan - Pinikpikan is a local delicacy made from a chicken that has been beaten with a stick to tenderize the meat. The chicken is then stewed with ginger, onions, and other spices.
2. Etag - Etag is a type of cured meat that is made from pork or beef and is typically smoked and hung to dry. It is usually eaten as a side dish or used to flavor other dishes.
3. Pakbet - Pakbet is a vegetable dish that is made with various local vegetables such as eggplant, bitter melon, okra, and string beans. The vegetables are stir-fried with shrimp paste and garlic.
4. Pinuneg - Pinuneg is a type of sausage that is made from pork blood and mixed with other ingredients such as garlic and onion. It is usually served grilled or fried.
5. Lemon pie - Lemon pie is a popular dessert in Sagada and is made with fresh lemons or calamansi, condensed milk, and a buttery crust. It is tart and sweet and perfect for a post-meal treat.
6. Coffee - Sagada is known for its rich and flavorful coffee, which is grown locally. The beans are roasted to perfection and the resulting coffee is smooth and delicious.
These are some of the typical foods of Sagada that you should definitely try when you visit the Philippines.
You can find general info about typical foods in Philippines here.

Is Sagada an expensive destination for tourists?

Compared to other tourist destinations in the Philippines, Sagada can be considered a bit more expensive. However, it still offers budget-friendly options for accommodations, transportation, and food. The prices for tourist activities such as cave explorations and waterfalls hikes may vary depending on the season and the number of people joining, so it's best to inquire locally when you arrive. Additionally, prices for souvenirs and local specialties may be slightly higher than in other parts of the country due to Sagada's remote location. It's always recommended to plan and budget accordingly, but don't let its reputation as an expensive destination discourage you from exploring the beauty of Sagada.

Where to find accomodation in Sagada

The best areas to find accommodation when visiting Sagada in the Philippines are: 1. Poblacion: This is the main town area where most of the tourist facilities, restaurants, and accommodations are located.
2. Kiltepan: This area is known for its stunning sunrise views over the rice terraces and is a popular spot for tourists.
3. Ambasing: This is a quieter area located a bit outside of the town center, but it offers a beautiful setting surrounded by pine trees and rice fields.
4. Demang: This area is also outside of the town center and offers a more secluded experience, with accommodations that are situated amid farms and mountainous terrain.
Overall, it's important to note that Sagada is a small town, so no matter where you stay, it's likely that you'll be within walking distance of the town's main attractions.
You can check hotel prices at Sagada here:
Booking.com

Is Sagada a safe destination for tourists?

Yes, Sagada is generally considered safe for tourists. It is a popular destination known for its stunning scenic views, adventurous activities, and deep-rooted culture. However, as with any tourist destination, it is important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings to avoid any potential dangers. It is also advisable to be cautious when venturing alone at night and to avoid sketchy areas. Overall, as long as you exercise common sense and take the necessary precautions, you should have a safe and enjoyable trip to Sagada.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Philippines here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Sagada.

What type of travelers will enjoy Sagada the most?

Sagada is a beautiful mountain town in the Philippines that offers a lot of outdoor adventure activities such as trekking, caving, and sightseeing. The place is a unique destination that offers a complete package for different kinds of travelers.
Nature lovers, thrill-seekers, and outdoor enthusiasts are the ones who will enjoy the most in Sagada. Couples who love adventure, peace, and quiet can completely unwind in this place. Young people looking for fun and adventure can indulge in trekking, caving, rock climbing, and swimming on the cliff or waterfalls.
Families can also enjoy the place as it is a perfect destination for bonding. Sagada has a unique culture that everyone can learn and appreciate. They can visit the hanging coffins and explore the caves together. The cool air, lush greens, and natural surroundings are perfect for unplugging from the busy city life.
Overall, Sagada in the Philippines is excellent for all types of travelers, irrespective of age or status.

How to get around Sagada

To move around Sagada, you can use a mixture of transportation methods such as walking, hiring a tricycle or jeepney, and renting a motorbike or mountain bike. Many of the popular attractions in Sagada are within walking distance of each other. However, for those places that are farther away, hiring a tricycle or jeepney is the most convenient mode of transportation. Renting a motorbike or mountain bike is also an option for those who prefer to explore on their own and at their own pace.

What to see around Sagada

Certainly! Here are some great options for day trips from Sagada: 1. Banaue Rice Terraces: This UNESCO World Heritage site is a stunning masterpiece of engineering and agricultural traditions that's worth a visit for its natural beauty alone.
2. Batad Rice Terraces: Another impressive set of rice terraces, Batad is a bit smaller than Banaue, but equally breathtaking.
3. Mt. Ampacao: This mountain offers a rewarding hike with stunning views over Sagada's lush green landscape. It's a great way to experience the region's natural beauty up close.
4. Sumaguing Cave: Part of the Lumasing Cave System, Sumaguing is a labyrinthine cave full of stunning rock formations and underground water pools.
5. Kiltepan Viewpoint: This famous viewing spot offers incredible panoramas of Sagada's misty, mountainous landscape, especially at sunrise.
6. Bomod-ok Falls: A beautiful waterfall found in the town of Barangay Fidelisan, Bomod-ok is a refreshing spot for a swim and a picnic on a hot day.
7. Lake Danum: This peaceful lake, surrounded by lush greenery, is a great spot for some quiet reflection or a leisurely paddleboat ride.
For every travel information about Philippines you can click here.

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