Sagada, a tranquil mountain town nestled in the Cordillera Mountains of the Philippines. Known for its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and adventurous spirit, this town offers a unique travel experience for those seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Thus, this place has been one of the top choices to visit in Luzon! Not to mention, Sagada served as a filming location for the hit rom-com movie “That Thing Called Tadhana,” which further increased its popularity among tourists.
I’ve met a lot of friends and frequent travelers, and they would always tell me that Sagada is their healing destination! They’d always tell me that there’s something about this place that makes them heal every time they step on it.
Interesting insights and stories, indeed! But Sagada has always been on my list; I just couldn’t find the right time to visit this wonderful town. I’ve always wanted to go here because I love being in nature and reconnecting with it. Finally, my high school best friend and I decided to visit Sagada (though he has been to Sagada a few times already). But this time, we planned on joining Baguio-Sagada tours so it wouldn’t be a little hassle for us! Thus, if you’re planning to visit Sagada, here’s an ultimate travel guide to Sagada for 3 days and 2 nights. Find out the things to do in this beautiful town in Mountain Province, Philippines.
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About Sagada, Mountain Province
Sagada is located in the northern part of the Philippines, in the province of Mountain Province. It is a fifth-class city with a generally chilly climate all year, much colder than Baguio, which attracts domestic tourists. In addition to serving as the filming location for “That Thing Called Tadhana” (as previously mentioned), the city is renowned for its hanging coffins, waterfalls, caves, and mountains surrounded by seas of clouds.
How to get to Sagada, Mountain Province?
From Manila
- By Bus: The most common way to reach Sagada from Manila is by bus. There are several bus companies that operate daily trips from Manila to Sagada. The journey typically takes around 12 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. Buses depart from various terminals in Manila, such as the Victory Liner Terminal in Cubao or the Ohayami Trans Terminal in Sampaloc.
From Baguio City
- By Bus: If you’re starting your journey from Baguio City, you can take a bus bound for Sagada from the Dangwa Terminal. Several bus companies operate daily trips between Baguio and Sagada, with departures throughout the day. The trip takes around 6-7 hours, passing through scenic mountain roads and picturesque landscapes.
- Private Vehicle: Another option is to hire a private vehicle or join a shared van or jeepney service from Baguio to Sagada. This option provides more flexibility in terms of departure times and allows you to enjoy the journey at your own pace.
From Banaue
If you’re visiting Sagada from Banaue in Ifugao Province, you can take a jeepney or van to Bontoc, the capital town of Mountain Province. From Bontoc, you can then catch a jeepney or van to Sagada, which takes approximately 1-2 hours.
Via Private and Shared/Joiner Tours
A tour operator can arrange your trip to and from Sagada quickly, cheaply, and easily. Several tour providers provide transportation, lodging, entrance fees, activity schedules, and meals.
In our case, we booked our Baguio-Sagada private tours with Collect Beautiful Moments Travelites PH. They offer different tour packages to Baguio, Sagada, and Ifugao!
Essential Travel Guides & Tips
- Sagada has a cool climate year-round, but it can get chilly, especially at night. Make sure to bring your warm clothing, such as jackets or coats.
- Learn to respect local customs and traditions. Always ask for permission before taking photos, especially at sacred or cultural sites.
- When hiking or trekking, make sure to wear comfortable clothes.
- If you’re traveling from Baguio to Sagada, you make a quick side trip to Baguio or Atok, Benguet before finally heading to Sagada. But you have to note that this may require a lot of time travel.
Where to Stay in Sagada?
Sagada offers a range of accommodation options to suit every traveler’s budget and preferences. From cozy guesthouses and homestays to boutique hotels and mountain lodges, you’ll find plenty of choices for your stay. You may be able to find some good deals from booking.com or agoda.com.
On the other hand, if you have booked your tours via a travel agency, they will be the ones arranging the accommodation for you.
Best Things to Do in Sagada
Whether it’s your first time in Sagada or not, here are some of the best things that you can do when in Sagada:
Explore the Caves
In Sagada, there are two well-known caves: Sumaguing Cave and Lumiang Cave. Inside these caves, you’ll find stunning rock formations, underground rivers, and unique rock formations. A tour guide is necessary for a safe and informative experience.
Based on our experience, our group did the Sumaguing Cave Tour, where we were able to get inside the cave and learn some things about it with the help of our guide. Personally, it was my first time spelunking. I won’t deny that it was quite difficult to do this activity, but it was fun after all.
Hike to Bomod-Ok Falls
Bomod-Ok Falls is one of Sagada’s most breathtaking natural attractions. The trek takes you through verdant rice terraces and lush mountainside scenery, culminating in a stunning waterfall where you can cool off with a refreshing swim. The trek takes about 2 hours, depending on your pace.
Trekking to Bomod-Ok Falls was definitely one of the most challenging activities I’ve done in Sagada. Reaching the waterfalls may not be as easy as you think. But the scenery at Bomod-Ok Falls is undeniably stunning!
Catch the Sunrise at Kiltepan Viewpoint
You can witness a spectacular sunrise over the mist-covered mountains at Mt. Kiltepan Viewpoint. Don’t miss this magical experience, and don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the breathtaking scenery.
On the other hand, we weren’t able to visit the Mt. Kiltepan Viewpoint due to a lack of time. Nonetheless, we were able to hike another mountain that offers the same breathtaking views of the sea of clouds and the town. Our local tour guide recommended we hike to Mt. Polis, which is another beautiful mountain near Sagada!
Visit Hanging Coffins
Learn about Sagada’s unique burial traditions by visiting the hanging coffins, which are wooden coffins suspended from the cliffs. In fact, the indigenous people of Sagada still observe this ancient practice, offering a fascinating glimpse into the local culture and beliefs.
The story behind the hanging coffins and Sagada’s culture left me mesmerized!
Try Some Local Cuisines
When in Sagada, make sure to try some of their delicious local cuisines, either in eateries or restaurants. Try the famous Sagada oranges, known for their sweet and tangy flavor, and the traditional Cordilleran dish pinikpikan, made with chicken.
Hike up Mt. Polis
Aside from Marlboro Country and Mt. Kiltepan Viewpoint, Mt. Polis could also be one of your options for catching the sunrise and the sea of clouds! Mt. Polis also offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Cordillera Mountains!
Explore Echo Valley
You can hike through Echo Valley, named for its unique acoustics that allow sounds to echo off the surrounding cliffs. Along the way, you’ll encounter scenic viewpoints, ancient burial sites, and lush greenery.
Experience the sea of clouds at Marlboro Country
With a 360-degree view of the sea of clouds and an overview of Sagada, Bontoc, and Sabangan, Marlboro offers you an alternative to Kiltepan.
Trek to Blue Soil Hills
This is one of the most unique tourist spots to visit in Sagada! Surrounded by the tranquility of nature, Blue Soil Hills offers a stunning view of the mountain itself. Blue Soil Hills offers a unique experience due to its one-of-a-kind attribute, which is that the soil has some shade of blue.
According to our local tour guide, the unique blue-green color of the Blue Soil Hills is due to the soil’s high copper sulfate content. Its color even gets brighter when it’s wet or rainy!
Ride on top of a jeepney.
One of the most exhilarating rides I’ve ever done in my life so far! Riding on top of a jeepney is definitely a must-try when in Sagada. As you go top loading, you’ll get to enjoy the scenic views of Sagada. However, you must be aware of the risk of riding on top of the jeepney, as you will have to pass through the steep and narrow roads.
If you’re adventurous enough, you can go top loading because this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience! I’ve had a great time doing this with friends!
Other Things to Do & Places to Visit in Sagada
- Fidelisan Rice Terraces
- Ganduyan Museum
- Waving Industry
- Mt. Ampacao
- Pongas Falls
- Danum Lake
- St. Mary the Virgin Church
- Visiting Pottery Shops
- Canyoneering
- Witnessing Panag-apoy
Sample 3D2N Sagada Itinerary
Whether it’s your first time visiting Sagada or not, here’s a sample itinerary to Sagada for 3 days and 2 nights.
Day 1
- Check In / Rest
- Free Time to Explore the Town
- Orientation for Sagada Adventures
Day 2
- Blue Soil Hills
- Sumaguing Cave
- Bomod-Ok Falls
Day 3
- Mt. Polis
- Hanging Coffins
- Check Out / Back to Manila
Sagada is a place of natural beauty, cultural richness, and adventurous spirit. Whether you’re exploring the caves, trekking through the mountains, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Sagada is definitely one of the best places to visit in Northern Luzon!
Hey, my name is Ara Patria—a solo female traveler who is in her quest of traveling the world. I write and learn about life through the lenses of my camera, personal experiences, and adventures. Join me as I unravel the mystery of life through exploring the wanders of the world.
