sagada falls tour

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Top 20+ Best Sagada Tourist Spots: Sea of Clouds, Caves, & Waterfalls

Here is a complete list of Sagada tourist spots you should not miss especially if you’re an adrenaline junkie! Aside from eco wonders, I also included the best cultural places to visit in Sagada.

Sagada in Mountain Province easily ranks as one of the top ecotourism destinations in the Philippines.

Cascading waterfalls, stunning caves, limestone rock formations, rustic mountain views, and authentic cultural heritage are among the tourist spots in Sagada. Indeed, it’s a paradise of amazing natural, cultural, and historical wonders rolled into one.

A whole month of a break from work allowed me to visit Sagada’s tourist spots. I’ve conquered almost all of them, even the off-beaten tracks and I would like to share them on this travel guide.

Without further ado, let me now walk you through the different tourist spots in Sagada!

Behold Must-See Sagada Tourist Spots

1. mt. ampacao.

Mt. Ampacao towers to more than 1,889 MASL, making it the highest peak in Sagada.

Getting here is quite easy as the trails are well-established and do not run across steep terrains. Expect to walk on grassy terrains and on some parts, trail on secondary forests.

While atop, you can see a panoramic view of Sagada town and its surrounding mountains and pine forests. Kapay-aw rice terraces are also visible from here.

During the early morning, a sea of clouds usually forms. Mt Ampacao is one of the most popular of Sagada’s tourist spots.

• Location/Jump-off: Ambasing Elementary School, Brgy Ambasing
• Trekking Time: 40 minutes
• Guide Fee: Php 1,700 for 10 visitors or less

2. Bumayeng Falls

Located on the remote mountains, Bumayeng falls is one of the least known tourist spots in Sagada.

To get here, you’ll have to cross streams, jump across boulders, and wade on pools. Thus, it is only recommended for ardent adventurers and extreme hikers.

Bumayeng is a multi-layered fall, each with a beautiful catchbasin. If you prefer a more rustic setting, away from social bustles and hustles, then you should brave the trail to this wonder. An experienced guide is also required to ensure your safety and convenience.

Many locals especially youngsters love coming here during summer months to have a picnic and enjoy the sceneries. Mossy forests upstream feed the river leading to the waterfall.

• Location/Jump-off: Brgy. Bangaan
• Fee: Php 2500 for 5 visitors or less (inclusive of guide fee and packed meal)
• Trekking Time: 3 hours (one-way)
• Transportation: Php 650 (one-way)

3. Kiltepan Viewpoint

Made famous by the movie, “That Thing called Tadhana,” Kiltepan Viewpoint offers a spectacular view of the sunrise and an occasional sea of clouds including the scenic Kiltepan Rice Terraces.

That is why it is best to come here during the early morning or late afternoon to catch sight of a beautiful sunset.

Some trek to the viewpoint from the town center for more or less one hour. Others arrange a van with the Sagada Tourist Information and this usually departs at 4:30 a.m. You can also camp here during the night if you want.

Kiltepan Viewpoint is among the iconic tourist spots in Sagada.

• Location/Jump-off: Sagada town center/Poblacion
• Trekking Time: 30 minutes – 1 hour
• Camping fee: Php 100 per person

4. Bomod-ok Falls

Considered the highest cascade in Sagada, Bomod-ok falls has a height of more than 50 meters. It has a naturally-built pool with icy-cold and crystal-clear waters. Thus, you can often see small fishes swimming around. One local told me that they also caught a giant eel from the pool.

Beautiful rock formations surround the catch basin and from these, you can jump or dive for an invigorating swim. If not, you can just sit on one of the boulders and let the mists of the waterfall caress you.

To get here, you’ll hike for more or less an hour, passing by barangay Fidelisan and their beautiful rice terraces. It’s a downhill hike towards Bomod-ok falls and obviously, an uphill trek back to the road. Bomod-ok falls is one of the tourist spots in Sagada you should not miss.

• Entrance Fee/Barangay Fee: Php 10
• Tour Guide Fee: Php 500 for a group with a maximum of 10 pax
• Location: Barangay Fidelisan/Brgy Bangaan
• Trekking Time: 1 hour

5. Bokong Falls

Want a natural treat near the Sagada proper? Check out Bokong Falls , one of the most accessible tourist spots in Sagada. It is just a 30-minutes of easy walk from the town center.

The falls is relatively small compared to the rest. But it has its own unique features to offer. It has a small catchbasin. But don’t be fooled by its miniature size. It is actually very deep and you must know how to swim before taking a plunge.

Whenever I come here, I would jump from the top of Bokong Falls towards the deep pool. Oh, what a soothing way to relieve me from the daily hustles and bustles.

• Entrance Fee: None
• Jump-Off: Poblacion, Sagada
• Trekking Time: 30 minutes
• Guide: Optional

6. Pongas Falls

Located on a remote outskirt, this towering twin beauty is one of the less-known tourist spots in Sagada. It is best to come here just after the rainy months to catch sight of Pongas falls’ full force.

Huge boulders surround the small and shallow basin of Pongas Falls . To enjoy it, you can position yourself on its base while the cascading waters give you a caressing massage.

There are more waterfalls to see upstream and downstream. If you have more time and energy, ask your guides to take you to some of these.

• Entrance Fee: Php 10
• Location: Barangay Ankileng
• Trekking Time: 30 minutes- 1 hour
• Guide Fee: Php 600 for a group with a maximum of 10 persons

7. Sumaguing Cave

If you’re seeking to explore the underneath, check out Sumaguing cave, arguably the most popular tourist spot in Sagada. It contains fascinating stalactite and stalagmite formations resembling different figures such as an elephant’s trunk.

Spelunking here is quite challenging and can often be dangerous if safety procedures are not properly followed. It is considered the deepest cave system in the Philippines.

• Two-way Transportation: Php 350 (Optional)
• Tip: Best to come here with a group for a more budget-friendly experience
• Guide Fee: Php 800 for 4 pax
• Caving Time: 2 hours

8. Echo Valley and Hanging Coffins

They don’t call it the echo valley for no reason. While you’re there, do create echoes and you’ll see why. Interestingly, this is also where you can find the iconic hanging coffins, one of the cultural tourist spots in Sagada. You could just wonder how the locals of the past were able to place the coffins high up on the ground.

To know more about the folklore associated with the Hanging Coffins , you can ask your guide. It’s one of the tourist spots in Sagada which are just some minutes of walk from the Tourist Information Center.

There is also a spot nearby for rappelling or rock climbing.

• Guide Fee: Php 300
• Trekking Time: 20-30 minutes
• Extra Sights to See: Pine forests, Limestone Rock Formations, Burial Caves
• Local’s Tip: You can try rock climbing near Hanging Coffins.

9. St. Mary the Virgin Church

This is one of the historical tourist spots in Sagada. It is a stone-walled structure catering to the spiritual needs of the locals who are mostly Anglicans.

What I find interesting about this church is the fact that it was built during the American period. It’s more than a century-old heritage! Regular masses are conducted here. The church is one of the sights to see when going to the Echo Valley and Hanging Coffins.

• Location/Jump-off: Poblacion, Sagada
• Trekking Time: 5 minutes from the Tourist Information Center
• Reminder: It’s a sacred place so do respect it.

10. Marlboro Hill

If you are looking for challenging and at the same time, rewarding hiking experience, Marlboro Hill should be added to your list. It is one of the rising tourist spots in Sagada.

Hiking there will lead you across lush pine forests, scenic rice terraces, and limestone rock formations. You will also pass by the so-called Blue Soil or Blue Hill which turns bluish-green especially just after the rains. There are also good points here for viewing sunrise and sea of clouds, making it a good alternative for the Kiltepan viewpoint.

To save on budget, it’s best to come here as a group.

If you’re lucky, you’ll glimpse of horses running around. But they are not wild. They were just released years ago to give the place a feature of the cowboy’s range in the United States.

• Guide Fee: Php 1800 for 3 pax
• Trekking Time: 3-4 hours
• Transport Fare: Php 1350 (roundtrip)
• Tip: Best to come here during early morning to chance on sunrise and sea of clouds.

11. Gaia Cafe

This is one of my recommended Sagada tourist spots. Aside from the magnificent views of the rice terraces from here, they serve organic vegan meals. It’s a paradise for health-conscious travelers, environmentalists, and vegan advocates. They have coffee, drinks, and snacks that can help nourish your mind, body, and soul.

The cafe advocates for sustainable living in harmony with nature and God. It’s just minutes of walk from the Sumaguing Cave. If you happen to chance on Dr. Penelope Domogo, you can ask her to share some tips on how to develop habits for an eco-living. She’ll be more than happy to share with you her knowledge and experience.

Plus, she’s a good friend and mentor of mine (hehe).

• Location/Jump-off: Ambasing, Sagada, Philippines (near Sumaguing Cave)
• Trekking Time: 20 minutes from Tourist Information Center
• Contact: +63 949 137 6777 (Smart) +63 915 727 6831 (Globe)
• Operating Time: Mondays to Saturdays (11.00 am to 7 pm)

12. Blue Soil

If you’re up for a thrilling trek to a bizarre destination, check out the so-called Blue Soil . It features mounds of limestone rock formations that turn blue when wet. Those hiking to Marbolo Hills usually follow the trail all the way to the Blue Soil.

Barangay Balili of Bontoc also claims the site and call it Kaman-Utek because it resembles the brain. This is one of my favorite Sagada tourist spots.

To reach it, expect a long trek from the town center. Although tiring, the views you’ll see on the way will surely gratify your quest for adventure. Add to that the stunning view of Blue Soil itself.

• Location/Jump-off: Sagada town center
• Trekking Time: 4-5 hours
• Extra Sights to See: Pine forests, mountain views, wildflowers, rock formations, cliffs, grasslands

13. Sagada Underground River

If you’re coming from Bokong Falls or the Hanging Coffins, you can actually follow a trail leading to Sagada’s Underground River . It’s around 300 meters in length. Inside, you’ll find natural pools and different limestone rock formations. You’ll also glimpse of bluish pools when you follow the brook to Sagada Underground River.

• Trekking Time: 2-3 hours

14. Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Mission

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Mission is a newly-constructed church catering to the Catholic faithful. You can see this along the highway when trekking to Kiltepan Viewpoint or Bokong Falls. The church is among the best places to visit in Sagada.

If you’re after a place for a tranquil spiritual escape, you should come here.

• Trekking Time: 15-20 minutes from Tourist Information Center
• Reminder: It’s a sacred place.

15. Fidelisan Rice Terraces

You’ll catch sight of these when trekking to Bomd-ok Falls. These stone-walled structures signify the industry of the locals and their communion with nature. Interestingly, the locals’ ancestors built these using only wooden tools and stones.

If you want, you can join the locals in planting or harvesting rice. In that way, you’ll learn to appreciate farming and its importance to our society. Surely, you’ll also find it more enjoyable and fulfilling sharing casual stories with the locals.

You bet. They’ll love you for that.

• Location/Jump-off: Brgy Fidelisan, Sagada
• Trekking Time: 20-30 minutes from the highway
• Tip: You can join the locals when planting and harvesting rice.

16. Lumiang Cave

Lumiang Cave is known for its piles of burial coffins. It is connected with the Sumaguing Cave and there is a tour package that covers both caves. Along the way going here, you can also glimpse of limestone mountains and hanging coffins. It is one of the best places to visit in Sagada.

• Location/Jump-off: Brgy Ambasing, Sagada
• Trekking Time: 25 minutes from the tourism center

17. Lake Danum

Lake Danum is claimed by both Sagada and Besao. Because of this, the lake is currently closed for tourism. It’s just along the highway so you can actually view it when going to and from Besao.

18. Balangagan Cave

Balangagan Cave is one of the newly-discovered tourist spots in Sagada. It is a bit far from the town center and you need to ride a vehicle to reach it. Inside, you’ll also find stalactite and stalagmite rock formations.

• Location/Jump-off: Between Taccong and Suyo

19. Sagada Blue Lagoon/ Obwa Falls

Sagada Blue Lagoon is a series of mini-waterfalls with circular pools that reflect the blue sky. It is one of Sagada’s remotest tourist spots. Thus, getting here is recommended for extreme hikers and adventurers. Plunge into one of the pools to give you instant relief. It is one of the rustic places to see in Sagada.

• Location/Jump-off: Brgy Suyo
• Trekking Time: 25 minutes from the highway

20. Sagada Pottery House

Sagada Pottery House is one of the cultural Sagada tourist spots, advocating for the preservation of pot making in the said town. Here, you can experience and see for yourself how the pots are made.

To get here, ride a jeep bound to Besao and tell the driver to drop you by the pottery house. If not, take the one hour walk to reach the place.

Every time you come here, you help promote the preservation of this ancient culture. You can buy one or two of these pots for a souvenir.

How to Get to Sagada

Manila to Sagada . If you want a direct trip to Sagada, ride Coda lines bus, stationed at HM Transport Cubao Terminal. This is located along EDSA at Cubao, Quezon City. Regular trip schedules are 8:00 pm, 9:00 pm, 10:00 pm, and 10:30 pm.

Fare is 720 pesos and travel takes around 12-13 hours. Take note. If you cannot do online booking, be at the station at least an hour before your preferred time of departure.

Baguio to Sagada . First, ride either Victory Liner or North Genesis buses going to Baguio. Both have stations at Pasay and Cubao, Quezon City and both have hourly departures. Travel time takes around five to six hours and fare ranges from 450 pesos to 485 pesos.

Upon reaching Baguio city, ride a taxi or Grab towards GL Trans station at Dangwa Terminal (back of Center Mall). GL Trans buses that are bound to or passes along Sagada depart by 6:30 am, 8:00 am, 9:00 am, 10:00 am, 11:00 am, and 1:00 pm. Travel time is more or less six hours and the regular fare is 220.

Bontoc to Sagada . If you are coming from Bontoc, there are jeeps there bound to Sagada. These are stationed in front of the Walter Clapp Hotel. A jeep departs once filled to capacity. Travel time takes less than an hour and fare is 50 pesos.

Try Speaking Local Utterances

As goes a popular adage, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” In the same way, you can also try conversing with the locals using their language. This is especially helpful in building rapport with the community.

Kankanaey is the main language in Sagada. Take note, this is different from the Kankanaey language of some communities in Benguet. I get it. You don’t need to be well-versed. But you can at least try common utterances such as the following. Have fun learning and using them:)

Sagada Tour Packages

Here are the tours in Sagada you can avail of. Take note. There are new tours you might want to try. Inquire from the Sagada Tourist Information Center about these.

Sagada Caves Tour

1. Cave Connection

• Lumiang Burial Cave to Sumaguing Cave
• Time Required: 3-4 hours
• Guide Fee: Php 1000 for 2 visitors, Add Php 500 for every extra
• Transportation Fee: Php 400 (two-way)
• Tip: You can walk all the way to the cave to cut on transportation costs.

2. Sumaguing Cave/Short Course Caving

• Time Required: 1 hour and 30 minutes
• Php 800 for 4 persons or less
• Php 900 for 5 persons
• P 1,600 for 6-9 persons
• Php 1,800 for 10 persons
• P 2,400 for 11-12 persons
• P 200 per person for a group of 13 or more
• Transportation Fee: Php 250 (Two-Way)

3. Balangaan Cave

• Time Required: 2 hours
• Php 650 for 4 visitors or less
• Php 800 for 5 visitors
• P 1,300 for 6-9 visitors
• Php 150 each for a group of 10 or more
• Transportation Fee: Php 650 (two-way)

Sagada Waterfalls Tour

1. Bomod-ok Falls

• Trekking Time: 3 hours back and forth
• Guide Fee: Php 500 for 1-7 persons
• Barangay Fee: Php 10 per person

2. Pongas Falls

• Trekking Time: 1 hour to the falls
• Guide Fee: Php 600 for 1-10 visitors

3. Bokong Falls

• Trekking Time: 10 minutes
• Guide Fee: Php 300 for 1-10 visitors
• Transportation Fee: Php 250 (two-way)

Walking Tours

1. Eco-Tour

• Time Required: 3 hours of a loop hike
• Attractions: Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Echo Valley, Hanging Coffins, Sagada Underground River Entrance
• Php 800 for 10 persons or less
• Php 1,600 for 11-20 persons
• P 2,400 for 23-30 persons

2. Adventure Trail

• Time Required: 3 hours of trek
• Attractions: St Mary Church, Echo Valley, Hanging Coffins, Latang River, Underground River, Bokong Falls
• Php 3000 for 10 visitors or less

3. Echo Valley Hanging Coffins

• Trekking Time: 30 minutes from the tourist info center
• Php 300 for 1-10 persons
• Php 400 for 11 persons
• P 600 for 12-20 persons
• Php 700 for 21 persons
• Php 900 for 22-30 persons
• P 1000 for 31 persons
• Php 1,300 for 32-40 persons
• Php 30 per head for a group of 41 and above

Sagada Mountain Trekking Tour

1. Mt Ampacao Traverse

• Trekking Time: 3 hours
• Guide Fee: Php 1,200 for 10 persons or less
• Shuttle Fee: Php 800 (two-way)

2. Marlboro Country/Hills

• Guide Fee: Php 800 for 10 persons
• Shuttle Fee: Php 650 (two-way)

3. Langsayan Danum Traverse

• Trekking Time: 3 hours hike
• Guide Fee: Php 1000 for 3 visitors or less

4. Marlboro Hills to Blue Soil Traverse

• Guide Fee: Php 1600 for 1-5 persons
• Shuttle Fee: Php 1350

Sagada Weather and Temperature

Sagada’s weather and the temperature are much like that of Baguio City. If you’re after the sunny months, then it’s best to visit Sagada from January to April. Most rainy days are during the months of August to October, coinciding with the occurrence of typhoons.

During March to April, the temperature in Sagada becomes warmer but that does not mean, it loses its hinterland feels. The coldest months are typically starts from November to February. So you’ve got to bring thick jackets during these times.

With the changing climate, however, there have also been inconsistent weather intervals in Sagada and elsewhere.

Thus, it’s best to keep in touch with the Sagada Tourist Information Center or with the locals for them to provide updates regarding the weather and temperature in Sagada.

Where to Stay in Sagada?

There are numerous accommodation amenities where you can stay in Sagada. Most of these are homestay setups as well as inns. There are no hotels in Sagada as per the standard of the Department of Tourism. But that’s what makes your stay here unique as you’ll get to experience simple living, not luxuries.

We’ll provide a comprehensive list of these soon! Keep touch.

Where to Eat in Sagada?

Eating in Sagada is one of the most memorable experiences you’ll have during your visit. That is because you’ll get to experience local cuisines and treats. The most popular are the Lemon Pie Cake and the Etag (meat salted the traditional way). The price of a meal in Sagada ranges from Php 50 to Php 200.

We’ll also provide a comprehensive list of these soon!

For More Info on Sagada Tourist Spot:

If you need more information that may help in setting up your itinerary to the tourist spots in Sagada, contact the following:

• Sagada Tourist Information Center: 0917 134 5353
• Sagada PNP: 0908 2258115

Note: Sagada Tourist Information Center opens from 7 AM to 5:30 PM. You can also refer to the following brochure for more info about Sagada tourist spots’ package rates.

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Hi there fellow traveler! My name is Daniel although you can call me Kumafor. That's my indigenous name. I grew on a remote village called Lias in Barlig, Mountain Province.

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Home » Southeast Asia » Philippines » Sagada

The ULTIMATE Sagada Travel Guide (2024 • updated)

Exactly like a mangy stray after a bath, a pedicure and a long visit to the veterinarian, Sagada is currently getting a lot more love than it used to.

And it is DESERVING!

It is a welcome break from the infallible exhaustion of gorgeous sandy beaches, offering clear mountain air , fascinating cave systems, and, of course, the echo valley hanging coffins.

In my top tier S agada travel guide , I’m going to be exposing all the info you need to ensure an action-packed and mostly problem free visit. I might even tell you how to save a bit of money too…

Let’s get into it!

Why Visit Sagada?

A sample 3-day itinerary for sagada, top things to do in sagada, backpacker accommodation in sagada, sagada backpacking costs, sagada travel guide budget travel tips, the best time to visit sagada, staying safe in sagada, sagada travel guide to getting around, working and volunteering in sagada, nightlife according to my sagada travel guide, faqs about travelling to sagada, final thoughts.

If my spectacular introduction has not yet convinced you that my Sagada Travel Guide holds some crucial (and juicy) knowledge, you and I are going to have some serious words later ( ED : or more likely, you and me).

Anyway, Sagada is an awesome location to add to any Philippines trip ! Especially if you are one of those beautiful people who loves varying their experiences and getting off the beaten path. Mountains? Caves? Limestone cliffs decorated by coffins? Legendary …

Why else should you visit Sagada (and utilise my epic Sagada travel guide)?

It is seriously cheap. The cost of living in the Philippines is low, and this means that you can send it up a mountain, explore the tastiest places and stay at surprisingly lush accommodations for pennies on the dollar.

The people (as with most places in the Philippines), are super friendly and generous, making Sagada a fantastic place for better exploring local culture. Beaches are cool, but they can sap the exoticism from a place, in the form of multiple little stars…

So what does a trip here look like? For starters, you have to remember to register online and book a single night’s accommodation at a trusted location. You need this to get through the border!

There are increasing amounts of red tape to account for the number of tourists. It’s worth double-checking what is and isn’t allowed. However, I do know that you must stay for at least one night! So why not try 3…?

Day 1: The Tourist Office, Sumaguing Cave, Lake Danum

There’s no way anyone is taking part in a sunset hike on day 1. But that doesn’t mean that things won’t get done! Head to the Sagada Tourism office to book your tours (and the mountain sunrise on day 2). Yes, you may part with a significant cash sum, but there is an ATM in the town, and this will be one of your biggest expenses.

The Ganduyan Museum is worth an hour, and grab a delicious breakfast at any of the local cafes nearby.

Next, we’re going to get stuck into the Sumaguing Cave , one of the most popular tourist attractions in the area. It is a caving experience, so get ready to climb through some tight spaces and see weird cave stuff. The whole activity takes 2 hours, with transport either way.

You’re likely to be pretty tired after caving, so we’ll head to Lake Danum for gorgeous sunset views, and maybe a picnic if you’re pragmatic enough. You’ve got an early start tomorrow, so don’t overdo it at the local bar…

Day 2: Mountain Sunrise, Blue Soil Hill and Hanging Coffins

4:30 am start to catch some stunning views. Head to the Marlboro Hills (incl. Kamanbaneng) to stick your head above the clouds and experience the magic of the morning. There are various vendors in the area, so you can grab a snack and a drink if for some reason you are awake enough to eat.

Next, we’re going to embark on a hike to Blue Soil Hill . It takes around 2 hours to trek there but is predominantly downhill, and there is a range of other awesome viewpoints to take advantage of. The blue soil is pretty amazing too.

When you get back, grab a super tasty/amazing brunch and chill out in the city centre. You could take the time to hike to the cemetery at Calvary Hill if you want something free and local to do. That is a top Sagada travel guide recommendation right there.

Next up are the Hanging Coffins . The whole tour takes about an hour, but it is super interesting. Head for dinner at Log Cabin for a super tasty dinner. You can have a beer or five tonight.

Day 3: Bomod-ok Falls, Balangagan Cave

Heading to the Bomod-ok Falls is a top thing to do in Sagada. The largest of the three local waterfalls, touring here involves a mountain trek, followed by some sensational photo opportunities and the chance to swim in the pool at the base. There might even be a little surprise for you when you get there.

Head back to town for lunch, as you will be starving!

For your second caving experience of the trip, jump into Balangagan Cave . It is less visited than Sumaguing and is a little less user-friendly. If you back your caving skills, then challenging yourself here can be fun and rewarding. It has the prettiest cave formations in Sagada.

If that’s not enough for you, head to Demang to experience another side of the local culture. Sometimes, wild celebrations and activities are conducted, so count yourself lucky if you manage to see them!

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Being one of the most beautiful areas of the Philippines , there is a boatload of cool stuff to do in Sagada. My Sagada travel guide has got all the best ones, including intricate cultural oddities, paradisical nature, and some saucy bonuses!

1. Marvel at the Unique Hanging Coffins

One of the main reasons a lot of people make the trek up to Sagada is to see the iconic hanging coffins. The Igorot people of Sagada have traditionally ‘buried’ their dead in colourfully painted coffins clinging to the sides of limestone cliffs, or piled up at the entrance of caves.

They believe these methods of burial provide an easier path for the spirits to reach the great beyond, as well as keep wild animals from their remains. These days it is more common for locals to bury their dead in cemeteries – although there are still a few locals who choose to be buried in the traditional way.

You can reach some of the coffins independently or a visit can be included in an Echo Valley tour booked through the Tourist Information Centre. This is a must-see on any Sagada itinerary.

2. Go Spelunking in Massive Cave Systems

If adventure is your middle name, and you’re backpacking the Philippines, then spelunking may very well be the perfect activity for you. The most popular spelunking adventure is the Cave Connection tour, which takes you from Lumiang Cave through to Sumaguing Cave .

Exploring the underground cave system involves wading through chilly rivers, rappelling down waterfalls, and squeezing yourself through tiny openings.

It is like being birthed again, except this time you are old enough to be aware of it. Definitely not for the claustrophobic! There are also stacks of wooden coffins located at the mouth of Lumiang Cave, which is always an interesting sight.

Tour Guides are required for this 3-4 hour adrenaline rush of an activity, and you can pick them up from the Tourist Information Centre. If this sounds too extreme, you can do a shorter caving course in Sumaguing Cave. There is also an option to explore Balangagan Cave which is a 4-hour adventure and has some of the most beautiful rock formations of all the caves.

3. Hike in the Lush Mountainous Surroundings

There are many hikes on offer in the mountains around Sagada, some that can be done independently and a larger number that require a guide (all very affordable) Echo Valley is one of the most popular hikes in a Sagada itinerary, and on half-day hiking, you will see rice terraces, an underground river, hanging coffins, and a waterfall, along with lots of gorgeous scenery.

If you feel like a challenge, you could climb the highest peak in Sagada – Mt Ampacao – or hike to one of the waterfalls mentioned below. There are a large number of hikes available with local guides from the Tourist Information Centre, where you can pick up a free map and guide with the hikes listed.

4. Swim under a waterfall

It can get pretty hot during the day up in the mountains and what better way to cool off than in a deep, cool pool under a cascading waterfall? I can’t think of any!

There are numerous waterfalls around Sagada that can be visited independently or as part of a tour. Visit Bokong Falls for its deep, perfectly shaped rock pool close to town, Bomod-Ok Falls for its impressively high falls surrounded by rice terraces, and Pongas Falls for an adventure, with a challenging trek of slippery trails, and a sheer drop-off to reach it.

5. Try all the excellent eateries

The Philippines is not known for its cuisine but it doesn’t mean there aren’t delicious food destinations – Sagada is definitely one of them. For such a small town there is a ridiculously high number of eateries, and the crazy thing is – almost all of them serve incredible food.

Sagada is known for its lemon pie, but there are so many other delectable dishes that are done so well here – wood-fired pizza, Korean dishes, fried chicken that Colonel Sanders would be proud of, traditional Pinoy dishes such as chicken adobo, handmade Italian pasta dripping with cheese, and so much more.

You won’t go hungry in Sagada, in fact, you may come away with a few joyfully earned extra pounds. Check out the restaurant list further down this guide to start planning your meals now and make sure to include at least some of them when planning your Sagada itinerary.

6. Try the local coffee

As with its cuisine, the Philippines is also not generally known for having great coffee, but Sagada is definitely an exception. Due to the higher altitude and cooler mountain temperatures, coffee grows exceptionally well in this mountainous corner of the Philippines and a lot of the local cafes not only serve the premium local stuff, some even roast the beans themselves onsite. They also grow tea in the area so try to pull yourself away from the glorious coffee to try the mountain tea as well. They also grow tea in the area so try to pull yourself away from the glorious coffee to try the mountain tea as well.

If you have ever wanted to try the infamous civet coffee, a.k.a. Kopi Luwak, the most expensive coffee in the world – then you can find it here. However, the method of harvesting this coffee bean requires the s ystematic abuse of the endangered civet . Civets are kept in cage farms where they are fed and harvested for the half-digested coffee beans they excrete (yep – that’s the source of Kopi Luwak).

Think hard before you spend your dollaridoos: The Broke Backpacker doesn’t engage with animal tourism , and neither should you. (The other coffee is fine though.) 🙂

7. Go for a leisurely stroll around town

The surrounding mountains of Sagada offer gorgeous spots for hiking and adventure, but the town itself is beautiful and also definitely worth exploring. There are pine-covered mountains surrounding you everywhere you look, and once you head in any direction from the main street of town, you will very quickly come across the lush and verdant countryside with mountain views, rice terraces, and a whole lot of peace and quiet.

There are a few destinations that are worth visiting on the outskirts including the Sagada Weaving Cooperative where you can buy quality woven items and clothing while also seeing the talented weavers at work, Gaia Cafe – a crazy-looking hippie treehouse/vegetarian restaurant, and Misty Lodge – a painfully quaint wooden lodge with a restaurant serving the most amazing pizza. Make sure to add these to your Sagada itinerary.

8. Try your hand at rock climbing

If you have ever wanted to give rock climbing a try but have been put off by high prices, then now is your chance. Rock climbing in Sagada is relatively cheap and with a low difficulty level, it is the perfect place for beginners.

You can either just show up, it is located behind the cemetery in town and the attendant is usually there, or ask for more information at the Tourist Information Centre. All the gear is provided.

Wondering where you should stay in Sagada ? Sagada is the perfect destination for backpackers and home to some of the best accommodations in the Philippines!

There are plenty of budget options in and surrounding the town, but it’s almost impossible to book anything in advance, so you need to just rock up and see. If that isn’t your style, you can book a hotel…

You have to book at least one night online, but after that, feel free to search for much better and cheaper accommodation options. The Sagada tourism office wants you to spend money, but they also understand that backpackers are travelling on a shoestring.

Accommodation is usually more expensive during the peak tourist season. Try heading over between October and April when the tourists are away!

Remember that Sagada is still a little out of the way. You’re not going to find too many places that can offer the whole package. It is a perfect backpacker destination, however!

Best Places to Stay in Sagada

These are the top places to stay in Sagada, according to my EPIC Sagada travel guide:

If you want to be a little more off the beaten track, then look for somewhere to stay in Kilong. You’ll find mostly private Sagada accommodation options in this area as well as a wealth of natural features.

Ambasing is located south of the center of Sagada and close to the Lumiang and Sumaguing Caves. This makes it a great choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Sagada on a budget.

Patay is one of the largest neighborhoods in Sagada and is pretty much the center of the town. This is where you’ll find the tourist center where you can get information on the best activities and sites.

We should all have been gallivanting through the Philippines for long enough to know that 100PHP = $1.80. Or (a more useful approximation) $1 = 50PHP. Using this will keep your budget in line!

You generally don’t have to worry too much about costs, unless you are taking some seriously expensive tours, or staying at plush hotels. Most tours are worth it though!

Tour prices are generally set without regard to the group size. If you can get together with the right number of people, the prices are much lower individually. Sadly, every tour has a different bloke in charge, so having a flexible group will drop prices.

When you explore further afield, you are required to have a guide. Don’t be a dick and slip off alone, THEY WILL CATCH YOU. A workable daily budget is probably $10-$30 .

The town itself is walkable, and eating street food is a great way to slash costs. Water is weirdly expensive here too, so buy a big 10L thingy and refill your water bottle from there.

As always, the most expensive parts of your day should be tours and accommodation. You want to get out there, and you need a place to sleep! Public transport to Sagada is about $15 each way by bus.

A Daily Budget in Sagada

Need some more info? Here’s a breakdown of a stereotypical daily budget in Sagada…

Below I have listed a few key travel tips for visiting Sagada!  

• Register with the Tourist Information Centre when you arrive and pay the environmental fee, you will need the receipt to book any tours and to do any hiking in the area.
• You don’t generally need to book accommodation in advance (unless it’s a holiday period), just turn up and ask around until you find a place where the price is right. It is perfectly acceptable to haggle (if you know how) .
• The Internet is pretty spotty in Sagada and most cafes either don’t offer it or it is so bad that it’s not worth using. Try getting a guesthouse with internet or pay to use the internet at the internet cafe on the top floor of the shopping centre, next to the Tourist Information Centre.
• There is an ATM in the Tourist Information Centre
• If you want to travel during holidays such as over Christmas, New Year’s or Easter – make sure to book your buses in advance as they fill up quickly.
• Most importantly: be respectful of the local people and their culture.

Top Tips for Broke Backpackers

To keep your spending to an absolute minimum and travel cheaply whilst backpacking in Sagada I recommend sticking to the three basic rules of budget backpacking …

• Camp : With plenty of gorgeous natural places surrounding Sagada, why not carry a tent and camp to cut down on costs? If not camping then why not a local experience? Make sure to check out Airbnb or Couchsurfing for a local taste of Sagada.
• Cook your own food: To save money on food, carry a pocket rocket stove on your backpacking trip so you can cook meals on the fly. Another option is to make simple salads and sandwiches – no cooking required. It will save you a ton of money.
• Hitchhike : Thumb a ride! People in the Philippines are kind and generous so there’s no harm in giving hitching a shot. Getting around by hitchhiking is a great way to keep your transport costs in Sagada down.
• Pack a travel water bottle:  Ditch plastic – save money AND the planet every day!

Why You Should Travel to Sagada with a Water Bottle

Plastic washes up on even the most pristine beaches… so do your part and keep the Big Blue beautiful

You aren’t going to save the world overnight, but you might as well be part of the solution and not the problem. When you travel to some of the world’s most remote places, you come to realise the full extent of the plastic problem. And I hope you become more inspired to continue being a responsible traveller .

Plus, now you won’t be buying overpriced bottles of water from the supermarkets either! Travel with a filtered water bottle instead and never waste a cent nor a turtle’s life again.

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress  rigorously  from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

The best time to visit Sagada is generally considered to be between November and February. A lot of tourists go at this time, especially in January and December, which can make it more expensive than usual. Sagada is generally humid and hot and has two seasons; the dry season and the wet season.

The dry season runs from December until May, which means that you are less likely to be obliterated by a torrential downpour. Visiting June to November in the wet season will earn you some pretty epic rainstorms.

Average temperatures hover between 25-30 degrees Celsius and are pretty consistent within this range. Because of the humidity, it can feel hotter. However, when you head up the mountains for a glorious sunset, it can get pretty chilled. Take a coat?

What to Pack for Sagada

Here are a few essentials I wouldn’t miss when heading out on the trail. Add ’em to yo packing list man!!

Osprey Daylite Plus

Any city slicker needs a SLICK daypack. In general, you can never go wrong with an Osprey pack, but with its array of awesome organisation, durable materials, and a comfy build, the Daylite Plus will make your urban jaunts buttery smooth.

Grayl Geopress Filtered Bottle

Save $$$, save the planet, and save yourself the headache (or tummy ache). Instead of sticking to bottled plastic, buy a Grayl Geopress, drink water no matter the source, and be happy knowing the turtles and fishies thank you (and so do we!). 🙂

OCLU Action Camera

Wait, it’s cheaper than a GoPro and… better than a GoPro? The OCLU action cam is the cam for budget backpackers that want to immortalise all their wildest adventures – including that time you dropped it off a Himalayan mountain – WITHOUT breaking the bank.

Solgaard Solarbank

Resourceful travellers know how to find power outlets anywhere on the road; smart travellers just pack a solar power bank instead. With 4-5 phone cycles per charge and the ability to top up literally anywhere the sun is shining, there’s no reason to ever get lost again!

Petzl Actik Core Headlamp

ALL travellers need a headtorch – no exceptions! Even in the hostel dorm, this beauty can save you in a real pinch. If you haven’t got in on the headtorch game, DO. I promise you: you’ll never look back. Or at least if you do, you’ll be able to see what you’re looking at.

Sagada is generally super safe. Operating as a relatively isolated mountain town, everyone knows everyone and tourists are generally treated very well (for obvious reasons).

Crime is extremely rare, but you should stay on top of your possessions and not do silly stuff. Take normal precautions and you should have no trouble.

Sustaining injury from adventuring is a much more likely occurrence. There are a host of active occupations to take part in, and accidents do happen. However, the chances of this happening are still low.

Especially since you are accompanied on active tours by an experienced guide (e.g. caving, climbing, rafting, hiking), the extent of problems that may arise is relatively narrow. However, healthcare is not superb, so try not to puncture a lung 🙂

Sex, Drugs, and Rock ‘n’ Roll in Sagada

Like the rest of the Philippines, alcohol is as free-flowing as a mountain stream. You can pick up local brews, cheap shots, and even head to some pretty western bars.

However. Local rules and customs mean that most bars shut around 10 pm, which means there is no crazy wild nightlife. Your best bet is to make some friends and try and work out if anything is going down under the radar. Or have some beers around a fire and leave it at that.

This is definitely not the place for super wild partying!

There are two ways to reach Sagada from Manila: via the mountain city of Baguio, or via the smaller town of Banaue, which is a popular destination in itself (for its rice terraces).

There are several bus companies that run regular buses, usually hourly, between Manila and Baguio. You can also catch buses overnight. Victory Liner is one of the main companies and they run buses from Cubao, Pasay and Monumental Main Terminal in Caloocan City. The trip takes between 4-6 hours and you can choose a basic or deluxe bus service.

On arrival in Baguio, you will need to get from the main bus station to Dangwa Station, a short taxi ride away, to catch the GL Trans bus to Sagada. You can also choose to stay in Baguio if you’d prefer to explore the town before heading to Sagada.

Buses leave on the hour from 6 am to 1 pm and take about 5-6 hours to reach Sagada. These buses are basic, with tiny seats and no air-conditioning. A word of warning: prepare for a hot and bumpy ride!

For buses to Sagada from Manila via Banaue, you can take Autobus and Dangwa Tranco which both leave their respective terminals in Sampaloc at 10 pm for the nine-hour journey.

On arrival in Banaue, there are jeepneys, and sometimes minibusses or vans that can take you the last 3-4 hours to Sagada. Just ask at the Information Centre although it is likely you will have drivers waiting where the bus drops you off. Alternatively, take the 9 am jeepney to Bontoc and transfer there to the bus to Sagada.

Both ways take about the same amount of time and also cost approximately the same amount. You could break up the long journey with time in either Baguio or Banaue if you don’t want to bang it all out in one go.

The working and volunteering scene in Sagada is almost nonexistent unless you are somehow able to magic a project from your back pocket.

In general, for the Philippines, all foreign nationals are required to fill out a work visa if they intend to earn in the country. If you want to volunteer though, you won’t need a visa unless you plan on sticking around longer than six months! How cool is that!

In general, I am a massive fan of Worldpackers , which connects you to volunteering and work opportunities all over the globe. If you’re looking to travel for a while, this is one of the best ways of extending your stay , and contributing to local communities too!

Worldpackers opens the doors for the top work opportunities in hostels, homestays, NGOs, and eco-projects around the world.

Worldpackers: connecting travellers with  meaningful travel experiences.

As previously said, there is little to no nightlife, considering bars close at 10 pm. There is occasional live music though, and you can have a few beers in the daytime with no trouble. Don’t expect a big party scene, but you might be able to link up with some other travellers for a few beers.

Food in Sagada

As mentioned above, the options are almost endless for amazing food in Sagada. Sagada’s street food is delicious, but don’t take my word for it. Check out this awesome video guide to the best street food in Sagada .

Here are a few tried and tested favourites:

• Bana’s Cafe – One of my favourite spots, hanging over a leafy gorge. Bana’s serves awesome local coffee which they brew themselves onsite, including civet coffee, as well as some of the best-tasting food in Sagada. The breakfasts here are the best in town, their chicken curry is the best I have eaten in the Philippines and the honey and broccoli chicken is to die for. Don’t miss this place.
• Yogurt House – A cosy two-storied log cabin, Yoghurt House is famous for – you guessed it: Yoghurt. They have some killer yoghurt and fruit lassis here but the mains are also pretty good – try the pasta and chicken with potato rosti.
• Strawberry Cafe – Hidden away down an alley off the main street, Strawberry Cafe has simple but delicious breakfasts that are very budget-friendly, and their coffee is awesome.
• Gaia Cafe and Crafts – Gaia Cafe is a hippie spot serving organic vegetarian and vegan dishes along with local crafts. The unusual treehouse structure has the best views in town, overlooking a scenic valley of rice terraces. It’s about a ten-minute walk out of town and isn’t always open when it says it will be but it’s definitely worth trying your luck for.
• Misty Lodge Cafe – On the outskirts of town, Misty Lodge Cafe is a peaceful spot to enjoy some of the most amazing pizza in the Philippines, which is made from scratch. Misty Lodge is also well-known for its great breakfasts at affordable prices.
• Sagada Lemon Pie House – The best spot in town for the world-famous Sagada lemon pie. Seating is Japanese tea house style – on cushions on the floor around low tables. Make sure to try the iconic lemon pie or their equally as good egg (custard) pie, washed down with a steaming cup of mountain tea or local coffee.

Being a Responsible Backpacker in Sagada

Travelling is the best, however, travelling can be one of the most AMAZING opportunities for personal growth and development. Provided you travel well.

Backpacking in Sagada can be one hell of a crazy party at times. Take it from me, it can be easy to get carried away. It is important to keep in mind that you are an ambassador for your country, which is awesome. We can make a positive impact on people when we travel and get rid of any ugly stereotypes that may be associated with your country.

If you visit indigenous villages or small communities in the rural areas always ask before taking photos. The people who live in these villages are not exhibits in a museum. They are normal folks just living their lives.  Always show them the complete respect that they deserve.

I know it can be hard, but do your best to use the least amount of plastic water bottles that you can. Refill the ones that you do buy! Use a Grayl Geopress .  Refill at your hostel! There are plenty of ways to reduce plastic!!!

Show the world around you some gratitude and help to make a positive impact on it. Be a good traveller , smile, laugh, and show the world your best side. Most of all have the time of your life and spread the love!

I hope that this Sagada Travel Guide has been helpful to assist in planning where to stay, how to get there, what to eat and, the top things to add to your Sagada itinerary.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Sagada

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Here’s what people usually ask us about visiting Sagada, and what they wanted from my Sagada Travel Guide.

What are the Top Tourist Spots in Sagada?

The best tourist spots in Sagada are: 1. The Hanging Coffins 2. Sumaguing Cave 3. The Kapay-aw Rice Terraces 4. The Marlboro Hills 5. The Blue Soil Hill 6. Mount Ampacao 7. The Bomod-ok Falls 8. Mount Kiltepan Viewpoint (check if open) 9. Balangagan Cave 10. Cave Connection

How do you get to Sagada?

From Manila, find the HM Transport Cubao Terminal and jump on a Coda line bus. It’ll cost around 700PHP and take 12-13 hours. They are regularly scheduled in the morning. From Baguio, find the GL trans station at the Dangwa Terminal. The cost is around 200 PHP and it will take around 6 hours. From Bontoc, grab a jeep from in front of the Walter Clapp Hotel. Less than an hour, and 50PHP. Easy!

What are the Best Sagada Caves?

The most popular cave in Sagada is the Sumaguing Cave. There is a two-hour caving experience here that is very popular. With some extra time, you can travel between the Sumaguing and Lumiang caves via the cave connection tour. Balangagan Cave is best known for having the best geological formations in the region.

What are the Best Attractions in Sagada, Philippines?

There are a ton of great attractions in Sagada, but checking out the mountain dawn at the Marlboro Hills or on top of Mount Ampacao has got to take the crown. The hanging coffins are pretty spectacular too, and take the time to go caving in Sumaguing Cave! Checking out the Bomod-ok Falls is ok too I guess.

Sagada is a fantastic place to head to, especially if your Philippines trip has become too beachy. The rice paddies, mountain air and bizarre culture are all massive drivers of tourism in the region. However, that doesn’t mean that it has become overcrowded. Whilst you will undoubtedly meet other tourist groups, the Philippine travel authority keeps a sharp eye on tourism in the region. So don’t worry!

You’re going to need that adventurous spirit because Sagada is probably one of the strangest and most brilliant places you will ever go to. I hope you enjoyed my Sagada travel guide!

Abe out. 22/04/2023

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

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22 Comments

I am in Sagada now and am not impressed with the town it self and not with most of the food either. We have a budget hotel for 40 dollars a night. Its a dump. I agree with a lot about you wote but the tone is too idyllic for me. We booked for 7 days so we can relax in the mountains. Sagada is wonderful to be active but the town it self is very noisy. Traffic, building, sawing metal. The whole night dog barking dogs, and roosters going for it at all hours. We travel extensively so we have been in places like this so often. But based on all the positive vibe information we decided to stay longer than normal. That is why I also want to tell the other side of Sagada.

Cool!!! really great information! From Altadena, Ca – LAX to manila. Then driving straight to visit Vigan city on mid-Jan. 2024. Definitely, now we will add to visit Sagada and take the Haselman hi-way. Cheers!

How about drones? Do I need to ask for a permit or pay?

Flying drone can be problematic in some countries and could therefor land you in a spot of unintended trouble. There are a bunch of amazing sites out there such as droneregulations.info or drone-made.com that would be a great place to start research into this.

Sagada is literally so far away from the hustle and bustle of the city. I’m still thinking of the perfect date to file my leave at work and finally go there. I like these kind of places and I have hiked Indian Himalyas a few times and Sagada is giving me that kind of vibe ,see you soon echo valley.

Hi Keith,good for you,I dare you to visit that special place( I’m a proud sagadian-contact me if you need more information)

What time is the last trip of sagada to baguio?

This just confirmed that Sagada is our next destination. Been a road trip from Bataan to Iligan City, to Cebu, Bohol, Samar, Leyte, Iloilo, Baler, Pagudpod, Baguio, Alaminos and Bolinao. Can’t wait for our next family road trip!

Congrats! Let us know how Sagada goes for you!

Just came across this site and honestly I enjoy reading your posts especially about my hometown Sagada..??. Thank you for sharing.

Your ideas are very interesting and these places are also looking very cool. I loved your post. Keep updating!

Thanks, Mike!

Such a Wonderful information. I usually get some good information whenever i read your post. Thanks for the information. Am eagerly waiting for your next post.

Wow, so much information. After reading i think Sagada is best for travelling in nature. the houses are so nice. BTW the pictures are well too

I’ve been thinking of going to Sagada lately since I think Sagada is the best place to unwind. It’s literally so far away from the hustle and bustle of the city. I’m still thinking of the perfect date to file my leaves at work and finally go there!

I am super psyched about sagada thanks for the insights

Bravo..thats the magic of sagada that I know..thanks Katie for your post…pure blooded sagadian here..

Sagada is the perfect place for nature lover. Thanks, Katie for explaining everything in detailed. I would visit Philippines next year. This will help me a lot.

Definitely, Sagada is a must visit here in our country the Philippines. And so nice of you for sharing such an informative post about it. Can’t wait to go to Sagada again, it’s definitely worth it place to go to if I want to go out of the town. Amazing post!

Never heard of this place and that too in Philippines. It seems Sagada is full of new adventures to explore.

Wow, so much detailed from information here. I grew up in Zamboanga, Philippines and then lived in Cebu City until I got married and moved to the U.S. I would love to go on the Sagada adventure. I am on a budget so these will help me when I go back to visit my family if I can afford to go. Thanks 🙂

Wow… Ultimate indeed! Not a place that was on my radar until now, cheers!

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Joan's Footprints

Mermaid born with legs to travel the world

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2024 ULTIMATE GUIDE TO SAGADA WITH DIY ITINERARY & BUDGET: Everything You Need to Know

There’s no way you will not love the place and its people . I can’t remember how many times I’ve visited Sagada. As an adventure junkie myself, Sagada will always have a special place in my heart! So I created this Travel Guide to Sagada with DIY Itinerary & Budget which contains everything you need to know including where to stay in Sagada, where to eat, places to visit in Sagada, etc.

Sagada is a great place to try a lot of things including sea of clouds, trek to Marlboro Hills + Blue Soil , Sagada pottery and weaving, lemon pie, local food etag , spelunking, rice terraces, catching waterfalls, hanging coffins and immersing oneself in Sagada’s culture.

Table of Contents

HELPFUL LINKS

• BOOK BUS TICKET/S FROM MANILA TO SAGADA HERE
• SEARCH FOR TOP HOMESTAY DEALS
• INQUIRE PACKAGE TOURS

RELATED TRAVEL ARTICLES

• LIST OF TOP PLACES TO VISIT IN SAGADA
• BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO SUMAGUING CAVE
• TRAVEL GUIDE TO MARLBORO HILLS + BLUE SOIL
• TRAVEL GUIDE TO BOMOD-OK FALLS IN SAGADA

Getting to Know Sagada

The municipality of Sagada in the province of Mountain Province is popularly known for its rich culture, limestone caves, scenic rice terraces, refreshing waterfalls and sea of clouds.

Did you know? Sagada preserves its culture and destinations by not allowing foreign investors to their land. For instance, you won’t be able to see establishments like Jollibee or McDonald’s in Sagada. Our tour guide Kuya Rafy gladly shared this trivia to us.

• People & Language  – the local residents of Sagada are  Igorots/Kankana-eys  who speak a dialect called  Kankana-ey . Most people can also speak Tagalog and English so don’t worry if you need to ask for directions.
• Currency  – the currency accepted in Sagada is Philippine Peso (PHP). Some establishments like restaurants accept online payments like e-wallet, bank transfer and credit cards.
• Best month to visit  – the coldest month of the year in Sagada is January. Moreover, Sagada has 2 seasons – wet and dry. Hence, the best time to visit Sagada is during dry season from November – April and the lean season is during the rainy months of May – October.

How to get to Sagada DIY way?

I highly recommend P2P Bus from Cubao to Sagada. The time of departure is at 8:00PM and travel time is 12 hours.

• BUY P2P BUS TICKET FOR PHP1,240.00 HERE

Otherwise, you can follow the DIY steps below to get to Sagada.

Step 1:  Manila to Baguio by bus. Ride a bus in Cubao going to Baguio City. The fare is Php550.00 – 720.00 depending on which bus line you will choose. Travel time is 7-8 hours. If you are near PITX, you can also ride a Solid North bus to Baguio City.

Step 2:  Upon arriving in Baguio, take a taxi cab to GL Trans Terminal. Then ride a bus to Sagada for Php220.00 and travel time is about 6 hours. Take note that the earliest schedule is at 5:30am and latest schedule is 1pm. Make sure to be in Baguio before lunch time.

Step 3:  Proceed to the Tourism Office located in the town proper just beside the Police Station. Hire a local guide and pay the registration.

Where to Eat in Sagada?

I highly recommend trying the best lemon pie in town! The Lemon Pie House is located in the town proper of Sagada. Additionally, another favorite go-to restaurant is Sagada Brew which is about 2 minutes walking distance from Lemon Pie House.

For sea of clouds and sunrise viewing, there is no other place to go but the Reversed House . Wait for the sunrise while having a cup of coffee or choco of your choice.

Local food to try in Sagada

I also suggest local food etag and pinikpikan . These 2 local delicacies are famous in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). To give you a bit of information, etag is the native’s traditional way of preserving pork — a slice of pork cured in salt for weeks and then air-dried under the sun or smoked for weeks.

Moreover, pinikpikan is also a traditional soup dish wish is a combination of chicken and etag . You can also find this dish served in local karinderyas in Sagada.

We also tried the wild berry dirty ice cream ! Love this! It is sold in the streets, so when you see a vendor do not miss this out!

Where to Stay in Sagada?

If you are a DIY traveler like me, here are some of the best options to choose from on where to stay in Sagada.

• BOOK ROOMS AT REDDOORZ SUNRISE VIEW SAGADA FOR PHP1,300.00 GOOD FOR 2

2. BOOK ROOMS AT AJJAA’S PLACE FOR PHP850.00 GOOD FOR 2

3. BOOK ROOMS AT WAGAZ HOMESTAY AND CAFE FOR PHP1,000.00 GOOD FOR 2

If you have budget for accommodation, I recommend staying in Sagada Heritage Village.

4. BOOK ROOMS AT SAGADA HERITAGE VILLAGE

Best Places to Visit in Sagada

Tip : If it’s your first time in Sagada and you’re only staying for a limited time, my top 3 recommended places to visit in Sagada are (1) Echo Valley’s Hanging Coffins, (2) Sumaguing Cave and (3) Marlboro Hills + Blue Soil. And for food, do not miss out Lemon Pie House and sunrise at the Reversed House.

Try Spelunking at Sumaguing Cave

Also known as the The Big Cave in Sagada — Sumaguing Cave is a good place to try spelunking for beginners. The activity will last for 1.5-3 hours depending on your group’s pacing. Explore the limestone cave and check out the mysterious rock formations inside.

Read separate article here: Sumaguing Cave Travel Guide & Expenses

Chasing Waterfalls

Did I mention that Sagada is a complete package? For minor trekking, rice terraces and waterfalls adventure you might want to check out the biggest falls in Sagada which is Bomod-ok Falls. Bathe in its refreshing pool of water after 45 minutes of trekking down.

Read separate article here: Bomod-ok Falls Travel Guide & Expenses

Trek to Marlboro Hills + Blue Soil

One of my favorite destinations in Sagada are (1) Marlboro Hills and (2) Blue Soil. I’ve visited these places twice and I’ll gladly do it again! The trek to Marlboro Hills and Blue Soil is easy and good for beginners. Best time to trek to Marlboro Hills is early in the morning at 4AM so you’ll arrive just in time for sun rise and sea of clouds.

Read separate article here: Marlboro Hills + Blue Soil Travel Guide & Expenses

Check the Hanging Coffins of Echo Valley

You’ve never really been to Sagada if you didn’t see the hanging coffins of Echo Valley. One of the reasons why Sagada is a top visited destination is because of its unique and rich culture and traditions. For instance, the hanging coffins is their traditional way for their dead.

Echo Valley’s hanging coffins are placed high on cliffs while century-old coffins are stacked and piled up in burial sites like Lumiang Cave.

Sunrise and Sea of Clouds at Reversed House

If you’ll stay in Sagada for more than 2 days, I highly recommend breakfast at Reversed House. Like I’ve said earlier in this blog, this is also a good place for sunrise, coffee and sea of clouds.

Try Lemon Pie

If you are a foodie , the lemon pie of Sagada is one thing you should never miss out. I always grab a bite or buy a box of lemon pie whenever I visit Sagada. I just love this pie so much because it’s a combination of sweet and sour taste. Moreover, the Lemon Pie House is located in the town center so it’s easy to find.

Visit the Wrecked Bus

Literally a wrecked bus which every now and then the youngsters of Sagada paints it differently. I can describe it as very similar to a freedom wall where people can vandalize and paint whatever they want. It’s free access and the best time to go here is at 6-7am for better chances of a foggy and dreamy vibe like that of Taylor Swift’s Folklore.

Complete List of Sagada Activity Rates

Below are the updated destination list with entrance fee, guide fee and shuttle fee. Guide fee is good for 5-10 pax. (Updated as of January 2024)

Important note: an additional Php250.00 will be added to the shuttle fee with the accommodations far from the town center.

Sample Sagada with DIY Itinerary & Expenses

Below are sample Sagada DIY itineraries with budget for 2 person . Please take note that some expenses like accommodation and food are only estimated costs. It still depends on where you will choose to eat and stay for overnight. Extra pocket money and transportation within Sagada is not included in the total cost. Prepare Php30.00 each for jeepney transportations around Sagada.

Upon arriving in Sagada, proceed directly to the Tourism Office and pay the fees for the activities you are planning to do. If you are going to follow the suggested itinerary below, make sure to pay all the fees for the activities included on the itinerary.

Sample Day Tour Sagada with DIY Itinerary

TOTAL EXPENSES PER PERSON: PHP2,590.00 excluding other miscellaneous fees Note: expenses are divided into 2 (group of 2 travelers)

Sample 2 Days 1 Night Sagada with DIY Itinerary

TOTAL EXPENSES PER PERSON: PHP5,920.00 excluding other miscellaneous fees Note: expenses are divided into 2 (group of 2 travelers)

Sample 3 Days 2 Nights Sagada with DIY Itinerary

TOTAL EXPENSES PER PERSON: PHP6,810.00 excluding other miscellaneous fees Note: expenses are divided into 2 (group of 2 travelers)

Tips From Joan’s Footprints

• Travel with a group! This way you can minimize expenses because you can split the guide fees. Best to travel with 3-4 friends with you.
• Bring dri-fit clothes for trekking and spelunking.
• Bring flashlights.
• GCASH is widely accepted in many establishments but still bring enough cash with you.
• Bring a humble attitude, do not throw your garbage anywhere.

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Joana Paola Gutierrez

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6 thoughts on “ 2024 ultimate guide to sagada with diy itinerary & budget: everything you need to know ”.

Hi Joana, I do really love your guides and tips. Will be visiting sagada soon. Thank you for this.

Hi Hyacenth! I appreciate your kind words! Thank you. 🙂

Hi Joana. We are a group 10 and planning to visit Sagada for 2D1N. Based from the expenses you mentioned for a group of 2, is it safe if I will just double the rates in your sample rates? For example, Sumaguing Cave guide fee is 800, can I just double that for a group of 10?

Hello Albert! Yes it is possible.

Hello po! Is the shuttle fee listed in the table good charged individually? Like if it’s 650 per person?

Hello Inah! Yes individually. 🙂

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MARLBORO HILLS: Travel Guide To The Heavenly Hills Of Sagada

Sagada for the longest time was only known to a few travelers who are fond of exploring offbeat destinations and it didn’t gain popularity among the growing travel community until a few years ago when the movie “That Thing Called Tadhana” went as a box office hit. In an instant Sagada was on the spotlight and everyone seems to be eyeing Kiltepan Peak, the place where the most iconic scene in the movie was shot. Fast forward 2018, Sagada is now known as the “Land Of Hugots” to many with a flourishing tourism in its name as the number of tourists continues to grow. In fact, it keeps on growing that what seemed to be a quaint little town several years back is now in danger of succumbing to the negative impacts of capitalism but I hope not. This place has so much promise that I can’t blame people for falling in love with its irresistible charm.

This is my second in Sagada and knowing that Kiltepan Peak would be too crowded denying us of an unobstructed view of the marvelous sunrise over the dreamy sea of clouds, we opted for Marlboro Hills instead. And I gotta say, we were surely not disappointed.

OUR MARLBORO HILLS STORY

We only had the weekend to see as much of what Sagada has to offer. I’m no Sagada newbie but I had with me three of my friends whom were first timers. As much as I wanna skip the basics such as the Echo Valley Tour in favor of the more adventurous Bomod Ok Falls and Sumaguing Cave, I just can’t. It is a must for any newbie to familiarize him/herself first to the rich culture of the Kankanaeys before exploring the treasures lying beneath the thick pine forest of their land.

We were not too lucky to reserve us a seat to Sagada via Coda Lines that we were left with no other choice but to take the longer route via Baguio. Coming from work on a Friday afternoon, we immediately went to Victory Liner Terminal in Cubao. At exactly 7PM, our journey started. It was a Friday and the heavy traffic was something we had always expected. We later arrived in Baguio past midnight and spent an hour in Jollibee. We were much in a hurry that afternoon that we forgot we haven’t had dinner yet.

At exactly 2AM of Saturday, we hailed a cab to take us to Lizardo Lines. We knew full well that their earliest trip to Sagada is 5AM but we wanna still take our chances and I was just glad we did. We caught us a 3AM bus to Sagada. The tickets were almost sold that we were given the aisle seats. Cramped and uncomfortable, we decided to sleep all the way to our destination. At 8AM, we arrived to a busy little town with too many vendors crowding the streets. We decided not to take part of the ruckus no matter how much the shopaholic in me was screaming to take a peek at the goodies since breakfast was already calling.

We headed straight to Yoghurt House but it was quite busy for our taste that we just ordered ourselves yoghurts then went to Salt & Pepper instead. I wouldn’t delve into the details of how satisfying that breakfast was. Sagada has always lived up to its name and it keeps on getting better throughout the years. After breakfast, next was finding us a place to leave our bags. Getting an accommodation was not part of the plan since we intend to spend the night in Marlboro Hills but we wouldn’t wanna go on roaming around with our heavy packs in tow.

We found us a nice attic in Villa Familia Inn for a reasonable price. There we left our bags while we went to tour around. Since we have already paid the registration fee at the Tourism Office, we didn’t bother to get us a guide as we were very familiar with the Echo Valley even the way beyond the Hanging Coffins leading to the Underground River all the way to Bokong Falls. That’s why it caught us by surprise when on the way to the Public Cemetery, we were mandated to get a guide and pay an access fee of P10 each. While the fees were only minimal (Guide P300/10Pax), I couldn’t help but be upset about the new regulation. Getting a guide to tour Echo Valley is just so absurd given how easy it is to get to but maybe there’s a reason behind it that encompasses accessibility.

We finished the Echo Valley Tour at around 1PM and spent another hour outside St. Mary The Virgin Church sharing our thoughts of how greatly Sagada has changed over the years. Talking probably used all our energy that shortly after, our tummies called for another meal. We went to check out Sagada Brew this time. We felt like the coming drizzle will be well spent with some hot chocolate and lava cakes. While we cupped a cup of hot choco, we marveled at the misty rain as it engulfed the entire village while “Mundo” of IV of Spades played in repeat.

As soon as the drizzle stopped, we hurriedly ran back to Villa Familia Inn to get our stuff and prep for the hike to Marlboro Hills. While we looked forward for a sea of clouds at sunrise, a stunning sunset atop Sagada’s highest peak was something we didn’t wanna miss. However the heavens seemed to have other plans for as soon as we got things done and we’re ready to go, the rain poured down relentlessly that it didn’t stop until it was passed 6PM giving us no other choice but to leave the quest to Marlboro Hills for the next morning.

The following morning, we woke up at 3:30AM. We quickly prep up and headed straight in front of Tourism Office to meet with our driver. We didn’t start with the 4×4 ride until it was about 4:30AM. At 4:45 the sun was already peeking at the horizon and beyond the tall pine forest, the foamy sea of clouds were visible. It didn’t help that the 4×4 truck we were on was almost stuck in the muddy terrain and was having it rough in getting us to the jumpoff. I just got to thank our driver for being so good at what he does that fifteen minutes before the expected sunrise, we finally arrived to our destination.

As soon as the truck halted, I ran as fast as I can trying to bypass other hikers on the way. I wanted to get a glimpse of that beautiful transition of the night to morning but I was not much of a trail runner that barely five minutes of running along uphills, I was already running out of breath. I continued to walk my way up. Fifteen minutes later, I arrived in Marlboro Hills, just seconds before the sun finally showed up.

The dramatic moment of the sun rising up the horizon with its crimson and orange colors engulfing everything in sight while the clouds spread like a sea of soft and foamy bubbles was so surreal. It was something out of this world. Some scene typical to the movies but not in the real world. It was absolutely enchanting, breathtaking and every beautiful adjective I could think of. It was beyond perfect. One of the two times I got butterflies in my stomach, the other was during my first kiss. It was a wonder worth falling in love a thousand times over and it pained me to see it slowly vanish as the sun rose up the sky but it’s one of those precious but fleeting moments I won’t regret getting hurt for. If only I could freeze time even for a fraction of a second but I could only wish to see it again another time. (Sighs)

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MARLBORO HILLS

• This tour is not for the budget conscious travelers. Transportation alone will cost P1300/4×4 one-way. The more budget friendly option is Kiltepan Peak which costs only P500 for a roundtrip transfer.
• Marlboro Hills is not easy to get to. If you would omit the 4×4 transfer from your tour, Marlboro Hills is a 3-4-hour trek from the town center. If you have P1300 to spare for the transfer however, the peak from the jumpoff point is still a 20-minute uphill trek.
• Note that even on a 4×4 truck, the ride is a struggle and is proven to be difficult especially when it rains so making room for the possibility of getting stuck and getting off the 4×4 truck and walking your way up instead is a must.
• Blue Soil Hills is an optional destination after witnessing the sea of clouds in Marlboro Hills. It is a 2-hour trek from Marlboro Hills along a rugged terrain and this needs you to arrange a transfer back to the town center for another P700/truck.
• The 4×4 truck could fit 10-12 people. Five (5) people inside the truck and the other five (5) or seven (7) at the back.
• Transportation is not the only expensive things about this tour. Guide is MANDATORY. For this tour, guide costs P1800/3 people.
• Considering the cost and hassle of getting to this offbeat destination in Sagada, is it worth it? DEFINITELY.
• Not only that Marlboro Hills promises an unobstructed 360-view of the sunrise over a sea of cloud but it is also a great spot to view the sunset and shoot for a milky way. Hence, camping overnight is strongly advised.
• If you are travelling over the weekend and work awaits you come Monday, make sure to reserve first your return bus tickets before anything else once you arrive in Sagada as they get sold pretty quickly.

HOW TO GO TO SAGADA

• From Manila – Ride a Coda Lines bus in Cubao directly to Sagada. They have limited daily trips and seats sell out quickly so make sure to book in advance. Alternatively, you can ride a bus to Baguio. In Baguio, the earliest bus leaves at 3AM via Lizardo Lines allowing you to arrive in Sagada at 8 or 9AM.
• From Baguio – Ride a bus to Sagada (6Hrs ; P210) via Lizardo Lines or GL Liner. Daily trips available from 3AM – 1PM.
• From Banaue – Ride a bus or a van to Bontoc (2Hrs ; P150). In Bontoc, ride a jeep to Sagada (45Min ; P50).
• From Buscalan – After seeing Apo Whang Od, you can spare a day or two to visit Sagada. In Tinglayan, ride a bus to Bontoc (2Hrs ; P150). In Bontoc, ride a jeep to Sagada (45Min ; P50).

WHERE TO STAY IN SAGADA

Check Rates & Availability

BUDGET, ITINERARY & OTHER ESSENTIALS

I’ve been to Sagada more than a year ago and I have written a more comprehensive travel guide which pretty much cover what a newbie could do over a short period of time. For specifics about this tour alone, refer to the table below.

There you have it lovelies. There are a few places in this world which you can consider heaven itself and Marlboro Hills is definitely one of them. If you require further info, just drop them on the comments along with your suggestions and violent reactions. If you find this post interesting or may have helped you out in any way, let me know on the comments. Show me some love and share this post. Until next time. Ciao!

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Thanks for all the detailed info. you answered all the questions i need to know before i get a ticket to Sagada..

Great! Have a safe trip!

Hi. Thanku for such a detailed information. I have always wanted to visit sagada. What do you advise for a solo travel about the cost. And budget. As I am alone

Hi Tabu. If you’re a solo traveler, it’s better to join organized tours to save on cost.

Hello po. First of all, thnak you for sharing this with us especially to me who I really wanted to visit Sagada. Sagada was indeed a GOD’s creation. Just want to ask if it is possible to have a camp assemble in the Marlboro Hills or we can put our own tent to have an overnight at scene?? Thank you.

Hello Jan, the last time I was there, I was told by the Tourism Office that camping in Marlboro is temporarily stopped. That was January this year. Prior to that setting up camp was allowed. I’m just not sure now since Sagada has yet to reopen to the public yet.

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Bomod-ok Falls in Sagada: Updated Travel Guide 2023

Bomod-ok Falls is one of the most wonderful tourist spots to visit in Sagada . Visiting this waterfall requires a downward hike to the villages of Pide and Fidelisan, which can be difficult for some tourists. Despite the challenging trail, you will be rewarded with its amazing scenery and breathtaking landscape. In this article, we will share the updated travel guide and tips for visiting Bomod-ok Falls.

Post Updated: October 9, 2023: We updated the instructions for visiting Bomod-Ok Falls. We also added information for the appropriate travel guides’ association that you must contact before visiting this tourist spot in Sagada. Please follow the new rules of Sagada’s local tourism government for a seamless travel experience.

Bomod-Ok Falls Description

How to go to bomod-ok falls, reaching bangaan, the breathtaking view of pide and fidelisan.

• Arriving at Pide and Fidelisan
• Fidelisan Rice Terraces
• Bomod-Ok Falls
• Hike Back to Aguid Road

Travel Tips

Bomod-ok Falls is located in the Mountain Province within the municipality of Sagada. The locals consider it the Mother Falls of Sagada because of its life-giving water to the rice terraces of Pide and Fidelisan. The falls came from the Amlusong Tributary, with mountain waters diving into its plunge pool filled with rocks and boulders. The plunge pool’s depth changes depending on the season. Amid its treacherous hike and winding trails, tourists from all over the country still visit this waterfall to witness its glory and wonder.

As of October 9, 2023, all tour operations going to Bomod-ok Falls are run by travel agencies accredited by the local tourism government. You must follow these steps before visiting Sagada:

• Book at least a one-night stay at a DOT or LGU-accredited accommodation online. You can find the list of accredited establishments here. We recommend staying at Bosaing’s Place , located within Central Sagada, and it is accessible to other establishments around town. You can contact Cecilia Bosaing at +63-915-492-2193.
• After securing your booking, your accommodation will provide an access code for registration through Umali Kayo Tourist Registration Portal. Sign up and follow the instructions on the website.
• After successful registration, you must print and bring your registration summary with a QR code and present it at the Sagada Border.
• You must contact Bangaan Fidelisan Tanulong Aguid Madongo Pide Guides Association (BFTAMPGA) for tour arrangements at Bomod-ok Falls.

Bangaan Fidelisan Tanulong Aguid Madongo Pide Guides Association (BFTAMPGA) Contact Details: 935-3538-169 or 905-8832-870.

Additionally, this association will also provide shuttle services and tour guides for your hike to Bomod-ok Falls. The hike will take around 4 hours, and the cost is around PHP 1150 for 7 persons.

Our Hiking Experience to Bomod-Ok Falls

We departed from our homestay at 7:45 AM and headed to Barangay Bangaan to meet our tour guides. Upon arrival, our guides provided us with an orientation about what to anticipate during the hike, along with valuable safety tips. We were informed that the hike would take approximately one hour, and they assured us that the rewards at the end would justify our efforts.

As we embarked on our hike, we were greeted by a breathtaking landscape. Approximately 200 meters into the trek, the picturesque mountain villages of Pide and Fidelisan came into view. Our tour guide, Alice, shared a captivating story with us during the journey. She recounted an inspiring tale of a pregnant local resident who, despite facing a challenging climb from her home to the nearest maternity clinic, managed to give birth effortlessly after ascending thousands of steps along the trail. As I listened to this remarkable account, my eyes widened. The people of Sagada are renowned for their remarkable strength and endurance, qualities that are undoubtedly essential for those who inhabit high-altitude regions like this.

Arriving at Barangay Pide and Fidelisan

We decided to take a short break upon reaching the charming villages of Pide and Fidelisan. The entire community is nestled amidst lush rice fields and surrounded by majestic mountain ridges and verdant forests. Despite the various influences of past colonizers, the residents of this area maintain a simple and steadfast lifestyle, diligently preserving their age-old traditions. Even today, their norms and values continue to be rooted in their indigenous belief system, and their reverence for the elderly remains of paramount importance.

In addition to the stunning scenery, there is also a nearby gold mine in the vicinity. While the majority of the indigenous people in Cordillera earn their livelihood through farming, here in Fidelisan, you’ll also find a small-scale mine managed by the people of Sagada themselves. Gold was first discovered in Sagada in 1974, and remarkably, no large mining corporations have been able to penetrate these small-scale mines.

Crossing the Fidelisan Rice Terraces

Part of the journey to reach the Bomod-ok Falls entails traversing the terraced rice fields of Fidelisan, resembling a series of stair-like formations. As we walked through these intricate rice fields, we had to navigate through net structures, and the trail could become quite slippery when covered in mud. While making our way across the vibrant green fields, our guide Alice shared an intriguing observation about the farmers of Sagada. Traditionally, farmers in the region rely on carabaos to prepare and cultivate their fields. However, in Fidelisan, carabaos are a rarity, and the local farmers rely on their own physical strength and hard work to till the soil. This resilient practice truly embodies the essence of a Filipino folk saying, ‘Mas malakas pa sa kalabaw,’ which translates to ‘We are stronger than carabaos.’

Arriving at the Bomod-ok Falls

After an hour of strenuous hiking, we finally arrived at the majestic Mother Falls of Sagada. This waterfall stands tall and imposing, its cascading waters breathing life into the nearby farms of Pide and Fidelisan. The cold, refreshing water offered welcome relief to the fatigue that had settled in during our long walk, and the view was nothing short of breathtaking.

Alice explained that the volume of water flowing from the falls swells during the rainy season, sometimes flooding the entire Amlusong tributary to even greater depths. However, as we were visiting during the dry summer months, the water levels in the tributary were lower, although the plunge pool at the base remained deep. The landscape was adorned with an array of rocks and boulders, a testament to the raw power of nature in shaping this awe-inspiring waterfall.

Words almost fail to capture the sheer beauty of Bomod-ok Falls. It’s simply stunning! I found myself standing in awe before it. The sound of the water crashing against the hard rock creates a mesmerizing melody and the cool breeze whistles in harmony. After a few moments of soaking in the magnificence of the place, I couldn’t resist the temptation any longer and decided to strip off my clothes and take a refreshing dip in the deep plunge pool. The water was remarkably cold but worked wonders in rejuvenating my tired body.

The Hike Back to Aguid Road

As noon approached, we embarked on our return hike to Bangaan. The sun was high in the sky, casting down sweltering heat. Instead of retracing our previous trail, we opted for a different route that led us up to Aguid Road, where a jeepney awaited us. Along this new path, we traversed the captivating rice terraces of Pide, and the scenery remained just as breathtaking. Hiking back was notably easier, thanks to the well-paved concrete pathway. We took several breaks during the return journey, savoring the awe-inspiring vistas of Pide and Fidelisan. Upon reaching Aguid Road, my friends and I made the spontaneous decision to ride atop the jeepney, allowing us to relish the panoramic views of Pide and Fidelisan to the fullest.

Here are some travel tips you need to know before visiting Bomod-Ok Falls:

• Part of the hike is seeing the majestic rice terraces of Pide and Fidelisan, and make sure to bring your water bottles for hydration during the hike.
• There are a lot of rocks and boulders in the Amlusong tributary, so be careful in crossing this path going to Bomod-ok.
• The hike back to Bangaan is more taxing than the previous trail, so be sure to bring some snacks with you during the hike for energy.
• To enhance your Sagada experience, ride a top-load jeep if you have a chance. This will let you see the panoramic view of Pide and Fidelisan.
• Of course, bring your cameras, take photos, and share them!

Summary: Bomod-Ok Falls

In the heart of Sagada , our journey to the Bomod-ok Falls was a remarkable adventure filled with breathtaking landscapes, tales of resilience, and moments of pure serenity. From traversing terraced rice fields to standing in awe before the towering Mother Falls, each step brought us closer to the heart of nature and the spirit of the people of Sagada. As we made our way back under the scorching sun, taking in the beauty of Pide and Fidelisan once more, we were reminded that nature’s wonders and the indomitable human spirit are truly treasures worth preserving and cherishing. Sagada had gifted us not only with its majestic waterfalls but with a deeper appreciation for the simple yet profound beauty of life in this serene mountainous haven.

Our Complete Sagada Travel Guide:

• Exploring the Deepest Cave in the Philippines: Sumaguing Cave
• Kiltepan View: Sunrise View and Sea of Clouds
• Hanging Coffins Sagada: Travel Guide and Experience
• Bosaing’s Place: Your Home in Sagada
• Sagada Tourist Spots: Complete Travel Guide

This post was originally published on July 21, 2017, and updated on October 9, 2023.

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18 comments . leave new.

[…] our memorable hike to Bomod-ok falls, we went south of the municipality and visited the deepest cave in the Philippines, Sumaguing […]

Cool! That photo with the blue sky is what has taken my eye. I remember the views of some of the mountains I climbed. It was exhilarating but the moment you see what you came after, everything will be fresh. Stunning photos btw 🙂 You got great eye!

Thank you so much! Our country is such a beautiful place and there are so many things to explore and capture with our cameras. 🙂

The views while hiking are beautiful and so is your destination Bomod Ok Falls. There is something crazy about these falls. I too love them. And hats off to that pregnant lady! Wow, they are actually stronger.

Thank you for your time reading this post. The whole place is truly beautiful and heavenly and I admire the strength of the people in this mountainous province 🙂

Wow! This is beautiful! Another place to add to my bucketlist! 😀 😀

I saw your friends and thought that they aren’t dressed appropriately for the hike, but then again, who am I say what other people can or cannot wear haha…

Anyway the scenery is absolutely breathtaking. Never been to Bomok-Od because it was not included in our itinerary, but given a chance to go back to Sagada I will make some time for it.

Haha I think they are comfortable with it and had no problems in anyway during the hike. I will surely react if someone would wear high heels for a hike like this HAHA.

Wow. I cant wait to go back to Sagada. I visited Sagada way back 2004. It was so serene. It is really interesting to see what are the changes.

Wow! That was really a very long time haha. Yep, you should visit them again. For sure you’ll notice the changes they have.

Gorgeous views! Add to that your guide’s stories. This is indeed a trek worth doing! Trying to imagine the bravery of the pregnant woman!

Haha yeah! I was also amazed on that story which makes me love my mom even more 🙂

The views are really stunning. Particularly those of the rice fields with the staircase pattern. Your description is making me want to head to such a fresh air location right away

Thanks Neha! I also want to go back in this place and have a break. The scenery is so good and relaxing! 😀

What a beautiful journey that you have experienced here. I haven’t been to Bomod-Ok Falls, but I heard a lot of good stories abut this place. I find it so interesting to get yourself into nature and just embrace its innate beauty. Your photos are really stunning as well. I’ll surely pen this on my bucket list and use your blog for a future reference. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.

Thank you! I highly recommend this place, it offers stunning scenery and the hike to that waterfalls is truly eye-catching! You’ll surely enjoy and love this place 🙂

that story about the pregnant woman taking that walk to the maternity village is incredible. my eyes popped too as I was reading your post. I think we forget how strong we can be when faced with the only choice. Stunning scenery too.

Thanks Brenda, I love hearing incredible stories like this from different places I visited. Yes, we sometimes discover that we are capable of doing something if we were only left with a single choice.

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13 Best Sagada Tourist Spots

When you hear the word Sagada, what first comes to your mind? Is it the cool weather, the picturesque views, or the kiwi-like locals? If you haven’t been to this lovely mountain town yet, then now is the perfect time to plan your trip to this spectacular and jaw-dropping destination.

Sagada is at the heart of the Cordillera Mountains and is known for its breathtaking views. It has plenty of spots to explore and enjoy, from caves to waterfalls and natural springs. Thanks to its mesmerizing beauty, many movies have already featured the place, serving as a go-to spot for soul-searching and adventure.

You know what we mean if you have seen the movie “That Thing Called Tadhana”! The movie showed just how gorgeous that place is, but it is never enough actually to experience it. To help you get started on your Sagada trip, here is a list of the best spots you should visit when in town.

Table of Contents

Sumaguing Cave

The Sumaguing Cave is actually connected to another cave called the Lumian Cave. This place is a popular tourist spot due to its wide range of attractions. Sumaguing Cave has an underground river, waterfalls, and large chambers, while Lumian Cave has a wide variety of rock formations. You’ll be in awe at the grandeur and beauty of this place.

Make sure to bring a flashlight to explore the cave deeper. Experienced guides are also available to ensure your safety while exploring these splendid caves. The average person can explore the entire cave system in about three hours. Water is ice-cold, and a mushroom-like stone formation inside will make you want to take tons of pictures.

Sagada Rice Terraces

The intricate rice terraces are one of the most stunning sights in the province of Mountain Province. The architecture and design of the Sagada Rice Terraces are beautiful, featuring the stunning stone work of locals who lived there centuries ago. This is a must-see for every tourist.

The locals needed a way to farm on the mountainous terrain, so they carved out large steps and implemented sustainable irrigation. The breathtaking view is always a sight to behold and is definitely one of the best spots in Sagada.

Hanging Coffins

Another popular spot in Sagada is the Hanging Coffins, which is an important part of the culture of the locals in the area. It is a burial practice still observed today by some locals as part of their funeral rituals. Many people believe the wooden coffins to be more than a thousand years old.

The idea behind this practice is that it will bring the dead closer to heaven and closer to their ancestors. This has been a tradition since the time of their ancestors, with some locals still observing the ritual. It makes for a very interesting sight and definitely something that you should not miss when visiting Sagada.

Bokong Falls

If you want to experience a thrill-seeking adventure, head to Bokong Falls. This stunning waterfall is 60 meters high and one of the most picturesque spots in Sagada. There are no roads leading to this place, so you have to walk for about 40 minutes from the town center before reaching Bokong Falls.

The trek can be challenging and tiring, but the view is worth it. You’ll be able to relax and feel the mist from the waterfall. Plus, there are other nearby attractions that you can explore, such as Echo Valley and Bomod-ok Falls.

Mount Ampacao

Mount Ampacao is the highest peak in Sagada, at 2,407 meters. This is not for the faint-hearted due to its steep terrain and difficult trails. But if you’re up for the challenge, then it’s worth noting that you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of both Echo Valley and Bokong Falls.

The entire trek will take around 9-10 hours, and it is recommended that you bring a guide when attempting to conquer Mount Ampacao. It’s one of the most challenging yet fulfilling hikes in Sagada! Remember to bring your sunscreen, snacks, and plenty of water for the journey ahead.

Echo Valley

Echo Valley is the perfect place to view Sagada’s remarkable rice terraces and limestone formations. This is a great spot for tourists who want to explore more of the area and take tons of photos they can share with friends back home. Echo Valley has an amazing echo effect, which makes it even more special and fun.

Here, many tourists would shout till the sound echoed around the valley. It’s a great way to interact with nature and bond with friends or family. You can also do other activities like trekking, birdwatching, and camping in Echo Valley to make your Sagada getaway even more unforgettable.

For those who want an even more relaxed adventure, head on over to Lake Danum. This is the largest natural body of water in Sagada and a popular spot for swimming, fishing, and boating activities. The lake is surrounded by stunning flora and fauna that will capture your attention.

Fun fact: Danum is a Kankana-ey word that means water. 

Another fun fact: Danum also meant water in Kapampangan.

Bomod-Ok Falls

Bomod-ok Falls is a hidden gem in the mountains of Sagada. This beautiful cascade is only accessible by a steep stairway that’s surrounded by lush greenery. It’s definitely worth the effort because at the bottom, and you’ll find an enchanting swimming area in which visitors can enjoy a refreshing dip and soak up some sun.

Bomod-ok Falls is also known for its therapeutic properties, with many locals believing that the waters are blessed and have healing powers. If you get tired of swimming, you can simply sit beside the waterfalls and watch the cascading water flow. It’s definitely a wonderful sight to behold!

Church of St. Mary the Virgin

This is a famous landmark in Sagada that has been around since the 1800s. The Church of St. Mary the Virgin is a majestic brick Gothic structure that stands proudly in the center of town. It’s one of the oldest churches in the Philippines and remains a popular destination for tourists who want to explore its rich history.

You’ll find plenty of religious artifacts and artworks that tell stories about Sagada’s past inside. It’s a great place to learn more about the region and take amazing photographs of the intricate architecture.

Lumiang Burial Caves

Another unique attraction in Sagada is the Lumiang Burial Caves. Unlike the Hanging Coffins, the burial caves are on a limestone cliff and usually contain smaller coffins. Locals believed that those buried in these caves were the most loved ones of their families.

The burial cave is still open to visitors, but they must be respectful when exploring it as it is considered sacred by many locals. The caves are a wonderful reminder of the town’s culture and history, so make sure to snap some photos or videos!

Ganduyan Museum

The Ganduyan Museum is probably the best place to learn about Sagada’s heritage and culture. This museum houses artifacts, photos, and other memorabilia about the town’s history. There are also interactive activities that visitors can do, such as weaving traditional fabrics, pottery-making, and tasting samples of local delicacies.

Marlboro Hill

Marlboro hill is a great sunrise spot and one of the best hiking spots in Sagada. To get there, you’ll pass a forest of pine trees, rock formations, rice terraces, and even the famous Blue Soil. It’s a good alternative to Kiltepan Peak.

Kiltepan Peak

Lastly, no trip to Sagada is complete without visiting Kiltepan Peak. This provides an unobstructed view of the sun as it rises above the mountains. The view is especially breathtaking during sunrise, so you definitely won’t want to miss it!

You can go to Kiltepan Peak by taking a short hike from the main road of Sagada. Be sure to dress warmly and bring snacks when attempting this trek, as it may take up to an hour. The picturesque mountains and rice terraces of Sagada along with the grandeur of sunrises and sunsets will leave you in awe of your surroundings.

One thing is for sure: if you choose to explore Sagada, it will be an unforgettable experience! From stunning waterfalls to impressive limestone formations, Sagada has something for everyone. Whether you’re a hiker looking for an adrenaline-pumping adventure or a family seeking a peaceful getaway, you’ll surely find something to love about this unique and beautiful place. So why not visit Sagada today? You won’t regret it!

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BOMOD-OK FALLS, SAGADA: What to Expect

“ This waterfall better be worth it ,” said my friend Tonet in between gasps and pants. We had not walked even a quarter of the distance yet our legs and lungs were already complaining hard. It was exhausting, to say the least. But the view on the way there was highly encouraging. There we were, in the middle of the terraced hillside, planted with all sorts of vegetables. The view was nothing short of spectacular.

Bomod-ok Falls is also called the Big Falls because, well, it is definitely bigger than Bokong Falls, another popular waterfall in Sagada. Hidden deep in a valley, it takes an hour to two to get here by foot from the main road (and that’s just one-way). Bomod-ok’s cold, cold water cascades from the top of a beautiful naturally contoured cliff to a pool below, forming a 200-ft column of water and wonder.

The start of the trek was easy. The concrete path that leads to the falls is actually easy to walk on. It also provides visitors spectacular views of the terraces, the hills, the valley. It also allows a quick glimpse into the lifestyle of the community. On the way there, we realized how difficult it must be to live here — walking long distances. Yet, we came across locals, men and women, who effortlessly trod in between rice paddies while carrying sacks (yes, plural) of produce on their back. We even met a man balancing a stack of timber on his shoulders as he made his way up. (Nahiya naman kami kay manong.) We saw children planting crops, playing along the terraces, and singing while watching tourists pass by.

It was exhausting, yes, but none of it mattered. It was the kind of “exhausting” that still kept us going, all the while knowing that a paradise was waiting for us at the end of the trail.

The trail cuts across a small village. There are restrooms there and stores selling food and drinks. It also provides temporary shade and plenty of opportunities to exchange stories about things encountered along the first half of the trail.

After a drink and a few minutes of rest, we moved on and made our way further down the hill. From here the trail was steeper, and the thought of climbing back up was a little bit terrifying. Still, we walked on and on, across more terraces, over a small stream, along the side of a cliff. Though it got more and more tiring, the view got better and better. The sound of water cascading to the pool was both exciting and encouraging.

Soon, we had our first glimpse of the mighty waterfall. We wanted to get a better view of the falls so we hopped from one boulder to another and let ourselves get drenched in the water that splashed when the water dove to the basin. Tiny droplets of water got blown to my face and gathered on my eyelashes as I sat on one big rock near the falls. I did not plan on swimming at the pool but it was so inviting. Though the water was extremely cold, I knew that soaking in it would be the most refreshing part of the trip.

After over an hour of soaking, we agreed it was time to go. All we had to do was trace back our steps to the basketball court. Like I said, the going down to the falls was the easy part. The trek back up made me do something I had never done before — vomit air.

If from every tired gasp, a gold coin would pop out of my throat then I would have been a millionaire by the time I reached our van. But I’d surely give away all that gold anytime if it’s for Bomod-ok Falls to keep all its wondrous beauty. Worth it? You bet .

Written on: 2012 • 6 • 12

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what got me interested to follow your blog was the adjective ‘poor’. Im a mother who loves to travel but that’s just it…. i love to travel, but hardly have a chance to anymore, its just hard to put the finances together when you have three kids, mortgage, bills along side what ever emergency that comes my way, so when i came across your blog, i instantly browsed through it and loved that you pen down every detail (even kuya drivers cell). it makes me able to plan a trip on just an idea from your blog then put it into action. anyway, keep up the good work and more safe journeys for you ahead. ^_^

Thanks, Faye! I started out just like you — NOT a mother but almost desperately trying to find funds for travel amidst the sea of bills and other stuff. But when I just jumped into the whole travel thing, I realized it was not as expensive as I initially thought. Thanks for visiting!

[…] we didn’t haven’t prepared an itinerary, we just decided to visit Bomod-Ok Falls and the caves on our second day there. Apparently, many new and seasoned tourists don’t mix […]

[…] Images of Bomod-Ok Falls in Sagada […]

I’ve been to Sagada, but never went to Bomod-Ok falls. I’ll surely come back there. Thanks for the blog…. :-) I hope you include the expenses per pax or couple on every activities, just like Itinerary.

hi How much did you spend for going to Bomod ok falls? Is there tour guide fees/environmental fees that we should be aware of before we go to bomod? Thank you. :)

What time of the year did you visit the falls?

I read your other article, the Cave Connection spelunking. I am wondering what fitness level is needed for both the Cave Connection spelunking and Bomod-ok falls. Also, is the pool deep water? I dont know how to swim. Thanks!

Hi Cheryl, Cave Connection is a lot more challenging than Sumaguing Cave alone. When I did Cave Connection, I wasn’t athletic by any measure, but I was able to do it naman without issue. Yung friend ko na obese was able to finish it, too, pero nahirapan. Ang nakakapagod is matagal kasi talaga sya. If it’s your first time spelunking, do Sumaguing Cave na lang muna.

Bomod-ok naman, it’s a long trek. Getting there, pababa so it’s easier. But the return journey was tough. If you have mobility issues or if mabilis kang hingalin, mahihirapan.

Not sure if may malalim na part pero nagdip ako dun lang sa mababaw na part, malapit lang sa mga boulders. Didn’t try going further so I don’t know how deep it runs.

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Registration Fee

All tourists entering the Municipality of Sagada must each pay the registration fee of Php 100.

Registered tourists will each be provided a tourist kit which includes informative documents that may aid them in their stay in Sagada. A tourist ID will also be provided for identification purposes, and it will also serve as their pass when entering tour sites in provided tour packages.

Tour Package Ratio

Each tour package offered has a ratio of 1 tour package : 10 pax : 1 guide; except for the spelunking/caving tours.

This would mean that each tour package may accommodate a maximum of 10 pax and this includes a certified tour guide. Groups exceeding 10 in number must book an extra tour package.

Scroll below for currently offered tours.

Paytokan Walk

Inclusions: Accredited tour guide

Duration: 2-4 hours

This walking tour starts at the center of town and would take guests through the Mission Compound (MC) and continues further to Baw-eng Creek popularly known to tourists as Echo Valley. Here guests would be able to see cathedral rock formations and the pine-covered grounds of Mt. Kanip-aw. Guests would then walk further down the valley to have a close-up view of Sagada’s age-old hanging coffins.

The Mission Compound is a significant element in the history of Sagada’s early days. It is a fruit of the i-Sagada’s interaction with the American missionaries who set the early foundations of what the town is at present. Guests would be acquainted with some historical structures such as the Church of Saint Mary the Virgin, the First Bell, the Hydro-dam wheels among others. This part of the tour would give guests an idea on how Sagada was one of the industrial centers in the northern Philippine mountains during the early 1900s before it was once again sent to the background of modern development.

Matangkib EXIT

Note: An additional access fee of Php 10 per pax shall be charged by the Mission Compound in Sagada.

This route exits at Matangkib, a cavern where a small river flows into underground channels that cross Sagada’s famous caves.

Rock Climbing (Optional)

Php 500 per pax

Inclusions: Harness and safety equipment use, personal belayer, unlimited ascent and descent

Enhance your adventure experience in Sagada by climbing the Paytokan Rock Wall. Test your endurance, agility, balance, and mental fortitude as you ascend to the top and be blessed by a different view of the surrounding valley.

Nabas-ang to Ampacao Trail

Inclusions: Accredited tour guide and shuttle service

Duration: 4-5 hours

This sunset tour would jump-off at Atoanan, Sagada and pass by two grassland clearings through an old pineforest trail. The setting sun can be viewed in the company of occassional grazing animals or on a vantage point at the peak of Mount Ampacao with a view of the western mountain ranges. A great way to freshen your soul while immersing in nature.

Note: Shuttle service is optional and guests may prefer to walk to the destination. The tour rate shall be adjusted accordingly.

Pongas Falls

Inclusions: Accredited tour guide, shuttle service

This tour brings you towards the southern Barangay of Ankileng, passing by their bountiful rice terraces and flowing rivers up to the mountainside canyons. The trek ends with a view of two cascading waterfalls which transforms to four raging waterfalls during the rainy season.

Balangagan Cave

Php 1150 (up to 5 pax)

This is one of the easier caving tours in Sagada which brings guests down to Balangagan — the traditional burial ground of the people of Barangays Suyo and Taccong in Southern Sagada. The cave has its own well developed rock formations in its surface and subsurface with a water basin at its mouth.

Lamagan to Blue Soil Trail

This hiking tour brings guests to pine covered trails that open to a clearing of the rocky grasslands of Lamagan, popularly known as Marlboro Hills.

Sunrise Trek

With this option, you can witness a breathtaking sea of clouds cradled by surrounding mountain ranges, or find solace as you are enveloped by thick fog from the mountaintops. After watching the rising sun, the tour passes by vibrant blue-colored hills before exiting through the southern part of Sagada.

Here, one can view the vibrant colors of the different flora surrounding the area and marvel at the rocky hills, the deep valleys, and the rice terraces down below.

The tour then passes by blue-colored hills on the way to the southern part of Sagada.

Bomod-ok Falls

Duration: 3-4 hours

Note: An additional access fee of Php 10 per pax shall be charged by the barangay of Fidelisan in Sagada.

This tour would bring you to the northernmost barangays of Sagada beneath Cordilleran mountain ranges that serve as provincial boundaries. The tour starts in Barangay Bangaan going through the rice terraces of Fidelisan, passing by a small mining town and ending in the towering Bomod-ok Falls.

Spelunking Tours

Part of the popular spelunking experience in Sagada is the viewing of numerous limestone rock formations, stalactites and stalagmites, walking on flow stones and stepping on the inevitable bat guano.

Cave Connection

Duration: 3-5 hours

Php 1900 (up to 3 pax )

This tour passes through two of the most popular among the caves of Sagada. It starts by entering the Lumiang Burial Cave — its entrance filled with age-old coffins — and tunnels through several chambers before exiting through Sumaguing Cave.

Sumaguing Cave

Duration: 2-3 hours

Php 1200 (up to 5 pax )

This is the shorter of the the two caving tours which enters and exits at Sumaguing Cave. Despite being a shorter trip, it still offers an exciting spelunking experience.

Note: The Shuttle service (Php 400) included in the spelunking tours is optional and guests may prefer to walk to the destination. The tour rate shall be adjusted accordingly.

Kapay-aw Farms

This experience tour is currently suspended until further notice.

Duration: 4 hours; –

The lands of Sagada to the south are full of bountiful agriculture which provide sustenance to the people of the community. This tour would take you through a learning experience in the production of local coffee from planting to brewing, and the cultivation of citrus trees – among them lemon trees which provide the source of the ingredients used in popular lemon pies served around Sagada.

T ourists visiting Sagada only for staycation may do so by selecting the holistay option during their registration.

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The top three waterfalls of Sagada

Ready to go chasing waterfalls on your Sagada tour? Of course you are! That's why we’ve curated this list of the top three waterfalls in the area so whether you’re a seasoned trekker or a light stroller, you've got a road map to your next waterfall adventure.

Bomod-ok falls

If you're visiting the rice terraces, you can't miss the Bomod-ok Falls. These falls, also called the Big Falls since it's larger than Bokong Falls is a breathtaking sight. With water rippling down a steep cliff, many visitors like to stand directly under the outpour to catch a refreshing spray of the cool, crisp water.

For those interested in visiting , it's best to hire out a private van with your tour guide as the trailhead is about an hour on foot from Sagada's city centre. But once you start on your 1-1.5 hour trek down, this won't matter because you'll be getting the best views of the rice terraces, other vegetable gardens and of course the natural vegetation and locals along the way. In fact, don't be in such a hurry to rush down or else you'll miss out on one of the best parts of getting to the falls – the journey.

And after you take a dip in the refreshing pool , you'll be taking this same trek upwards towards the trailhead. So if you're wanting to prepare for your adventure, make sure to practice your endurance so that you can visit one of Sagada's hidden treasures. And most importantly, make sure to get a great guide to take you down the right, most efficient paths.

Pongas falls

If you've graduated from the Bomod-ok falls, then the Pongas Falls is your next trek to conquer. Visitors will start off their trek in Ankileng village where they will need to get to via private hire van. From there, there's two options to reach the Pongas Falls. You can either trek via land or river. Like the Bomod-ok Falls, expect to spend one to two hours reaching your destination.

But don't let this deter you as the views along the way are absolutely breathtaking. During your trek you will spy rice terraces, animals, mountains and much more. And if you have a knowledgeable guide he can tell you all about life in the area.

Once you get to the falls, you'll see water gushing down a series of boulders and rocks diverting the refreshing crisp water downward. And once you're ready, you can stand on one of the sturdier boulders and feel the sensation of the clear water rushing through your toes before heading down to the pool.

Bokong falls

If the other treks sound a bit too involved, don't fear because there's still a falls for you! The Bokong Falls, also known as the Little Falls, is also very enjoyable. What it lacks in height, it makes up for with it's naturally forming pool of water. It's also a bit warmer than both the Bomod-ok and Pongas Falls and it's a lot more accessible with only a light trek required from the city centre.

So if you're visiting Sagada, remember to ask your Philippine tour guide to take you to one of these falls so that you can grab the ultimate selfie and have an experience of a lifetime. Oh yeah, you'll also see some waterfalls too.

2-Day Sagada Adventure Shared Tour from Manila with Hotel & Trip to Banaue & Baguio Highlands

Description

Visit the breathtaking highlands of the Philippines with this 2-day getaway to Sagada with side trips to Banaue and Baguio. Since this is only available on the weekends, it's a perfect trip for anyone craving a quick escape from the city. It also includes roundtrip transfers from Metro Manila, accommodations at a standard-level lodging in Sagada, and the service of a tour coordinator. 

However, it does not come with the service of a guide and shuttle in Sagada, meals, and entrance fees.

To make the most of your weekend getaway, your adventure will start on the Friday evening before your selected date, so you won't have to spend too much time in transit. You can be fetched from the Mall of Asia in Pasay City, Greenfields District in Mandaluyong City, or Eton Centris in Quezon City from 7 PM or later . You can then spend the rest of the trip up to the highlands sleeping so that you're refreshed when you arrive in Banaue at around 6 AM . 

In Banaue, you'll drop by the Banaue Arc and the world-famous Banaue Rice Terraces . Afterward, you'll continue onto Sagada. The iconic Hanging Coffins and Old Cemetery will be your first stop in Sagada. From there, you'll visit the Sumaguing Cave before heading into the town proper and checking in at your lodging. After settling in, you will end the day's tour at the Bomod-Ok Falls . You can then spend the rest of the evening however you like. 

The next day, you'll leave the lodging at 5 AM to catch the sunrise over a breathtaking sea of clouds at Marlboro Hills . Aside from this morning scenery, the hills are known for their iconic blue soil. Following your morning adventure, you'll head back to the town proper for a quick tour before checking out of your accommodations. You will then pass by Baguio's Strawberry Farm and Pasalubong Center on your way back to Metro Manila. 

Spend your weekend exploring the Philippine highlands by booking this 2-day tour to Sagada, Banaue, and Baguio. Check the availability by choosing a date.

Attractions

Daily itinerary

Day 1 - Day 1: Side trip to Banaue + Arrival in Sagada

Your adventure will begin around 8 PM on the Friday before your selected date to minimize your travel time to Banaue. For a hassle-free trip, the assigned driver can pick you up from three locations in Metro Manila: Mall of Asia in Pasay City, Greenfields District in Mandaluyong City, or Eton Centris in Quezon City. Once you're comfortably settled in the air-conditioned vehicle, you can rest while you are driven to the scenic Luzon highlands.

When you reach Banaue in the early morning the day after, you will start your tour with visits to the Banaue Arc and the iconic Banaue Rice Terraces. From there, you'll keep traveling to Sagada. As you enter the municipality, you'll first drop by the popular Hanging Coffins and the Old Cemetery. 

Next, you'll explore Sumaguing Cave before heading into the town proper to check in at your lodging. Afterward, you'll head back out to visit the Bomod-Ok Falls. 

Day 2 - Day 2: Side trip to Baguio + Departure

On Sunday, you'll start your day at 5 AM to travel to the Marlboro Hills in time for the sunrise over the sea of clouds that form in the area. After watching the breathtaking morning scenery, you will then pass by the hills' famed blue soil before going on a tour of Sagada's town proper. 

Following your tour of the town, you'll check out and travel to Baguio. You will then pass by the municipality's Strawberry Farm and Pasalubong Center before making your way back to Metro Manila. 

What to bring

Good to know.

Tour Information: This shared tour is available daily from Saturday to Sunday only (pick up on Fridays).

Meet-up Information: Guide to the Philippines will send tour reminders at least (1) day before the tour date through your registered email address. Make sure to have the electronic copy of your confirmed tour voucher ready. On the day of the tour, your assigned Tour Guide will meet you at Mall of Asia (MOA) by 7:00 PM/Greenfields at Wendys by 8:00 PM/ Eton Centris (McDonalds) at 8:30PM. Strictly no latecomers or tour reservation might be forfeited. To arrange for a private hotel pick-up and drop-off, please email [email protected]. Additional transportation fees apply.

Tour Proper: Please be reminded also to dress appropriately. All guests are expected to do their share in ensuring their safety and security as well as that of their personal belongings. Guide to the Philippines and Tour Operators are not liable for the loss or damage to any personal belongings left unattended during the tour.

Children Friendly: Yes! Children are allowed to join the tour with parental supervision.

Pet Friendly: No. Please understand that this is for your fur baby's safety.

Senior Citizen/PWD Friendly: Yes as long as they are physically fit to join.

Cancellation Policy: The operator may cancel the activity in case of force majeure or unforeseen circumstances like weather conditions. In this case, you will be given the option to reschedule or request a full refund. Schedule cancellation requests must be made 48 hours before your original subject to approval. No shows are not entitled to reschedule and refund.

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Scottie Scheffler misses 5-foot putt to force playoff in Houston, falls short of third straight TOUR win

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It is said that good things come in threes. Wins do not, apparently.

Scottie Scheffler fell one shot short of his third consecutive PGA TOUR victory on Sunday at the Texas Children’s Houston Open, missing birdie putts of 11 and 5 feet on the final two holes to lose to Stephan Jaeger by one at Memorial Park Golf Course.

Scheffler, the runaway world No. 1, spent much of the afternoon in prime position to make it three in a row. Given how he closed the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard and THE PLAYERS Championship, it was almost expected that Scheffler would find a way to outlast a crowded leaderboard filled with players without a PGA TOUR win.

Scottie Scheffler sticks tee shot to set up birdie at Houston Open

But the timely putt or approach shot Scheffler converted en route to his previous two wins didn’t materialize. Scheffler, who entered the day with a share of the lead at 10-under alongside Jaeger, played the final nine in even par to shoot 68. Jaeger played the same stretch in even par, but four birdies on his front nine powered him to a final-round 67 to claim his maiden PGA TOUR title at 12-under.

The putter, which drove Scheffler’s recent success, cost him during the closing holes. He missed three birdie putts inside 20 feet on the back nine and didn’t make a putt longer than 11 feet all day. He lost strokes on the green for just the fourth time in his last 12 rounds.

Despite those mistakes, Scheffler still had a chance to win on the 72nd hole, a testament to his incredibly high floor. He stuffed his approach shot to 5 feet, 5 inches on the closing par 4, seemingly a sign that he was ready to take a stranglehold of a tournament one more time. When Jaeger missed his lengthy birdie putt, Scheffler had the chance to send the event to extra holes. But a putt Scheffler expected to stay straight broke hard to the right: a misread and a missed opportunity.

“I feel like I made the putt, and I looked up, and it was breaking off,” said Scheffler, whose lead in the FedExCup ballooned to over 900 points with the runner-up. Wyndham Clark is the only player within 1200 points. Scheffler has finished in the top 10 in seven of his eight starts this season, including five top fives.

Scheffler could blame any number of shots for leaving Houston empty-handed. His post-round media session mostly focused on the short birdie putt on 18. But the actual reason may have come with Scheffler’s last sentence before he walked off.

“I'm pretty beat now from another long week,” he said.

For the third time in four weeks, Scheffler walked up to the 72nd green with a chance to win. It’s physically taxing, but more so mentally. It’s the part of the game Scheffler loves most but also what takes the most out of him. He captured the moment on the 72nd hole in his previous two times.

On Sunday, he didn’t. He’s onto the next. There will be more opportunities for an undeniable talent like Scheffler. He's won twice this season and eight times in less than three years. The next one will likely come soon.

Scheffler will take a week to rest before returning to action at Augusta National, where he will undoubtedly enter as the favorite, searching for his second Masters title and the start of another win streak.