Sagada had always been in my bucket list since I decided to become a travel blogger. Even when the only thing I knew about Sagada was the Hanging Coffins, I already wanted to visit the place and get lost in its nurturing charm. There was just something about Sagada that was fascinating to me. Or maybe I just really loved the highlands.
Kiltepan Viewpoint, Sagada
The first time I set foot on Sagada was during our company trip in 2009. Even before we hopped out of our rented vehicle, I already fell in love. The sights that welcomed us as I peeked through our van’s window were all captivating and breathtaking. Within a minute since we entered the town, I had decided that I must return. And return I did. The next time I visited, I was with my closest friends, all of whom had been dying to be here. It was one of our barkada’s best trip ever.
How to Get to Sagada
There are three routes that you can take to get to Sagada from Manila via public transportation: via Baguio City, Bontoc or Banaue. For more information on these routes, please click the links below. They will lead you to a friend’s blog, Visit Sagada, the most useful guide on traveling to and around Sagada that you will find online.
- Via Baguio City
Manila to Baguio — Victory Liner (Cubao), P445, 6 hours
Baguio to Manila — Lizardo Transit, P220, 5 hours - Via Banaue
Manila to Banaue — Autobus (Sampaloc, Manila), P462, 9 hours
Banaue to Town Proper — Tricycle, P20
Banaue to Bontoc — Immanuel Bus, P100, 2 hours
Bontoc to Sagada — Jeepney, P35 - Via Bontoc
Manila to Bontoc — Cable Tours (E. Rodriguez, Quezon City), P650, 12 hours
Bontoc to Sagada — Jeepney, P40, 45 minutes
You may also hire a van for 3D/2N. There are many vans for rent for Sagada trips out there and the most common rate we encountered when we asked around was P17,000 for the van rental inclusive of driver’s fee, toll fees, gas and driver’s accommodations. The van and the driver will be with you for the entire trip. This is a good option if you’re a group of 10 or more.
Where to Stay in Sagada
Sagada is a small town. There are no fancy hotels or luxury resorts here. But the town’s main street is flanked with guesthouses, lodges, and inns. Still, during peak season (November to January, March-May), it is best to book in advance. The usual cost of a stay here per head is P250 during peak, and P200 during offpeak. Here are some of my recommendations:
 Residential Lodge |
 Ligaya’s Guesthouse |
- Residential Lodge – town proper, +63 919 672 8744
- George Guesthouse – town proper, +63 918 548 0406
- Ligaya’s Guesthouse and cottages - far from the highway, +63 918 343 8415, +63 920 7849633
There are many others but the three above are those that I have tried. Again, please make a reservation in advance!
What to Do in Sagada: Tours
First things first, you need a guide. You don’t want to be exploring the caves or meandering to the falls alone. The Sagada landscape is rugged and treacherous. One slip and Sagada might just be the last place you’re gonna see. So yes, you need a guide. And it’s also your way of helping the community earn.
Sumaguing Cave
To hire one, just visit the SAGGAS Office (Sagada Genuine Guides Association) at the town proper. The office is just beside Salt and Pepper Diner, along the main road of the town. Like I have said, Sagada is a small town. Everyone there knows where the SaGGas office is. Once there, you will be asked to choose the tour you want. Here are the crowd favorites:
- Sumaguing Cave
Spelunking is the name of the game in Sagada and Sumaguing is perfect for beginners! You’ll see fantastic rock formations inside the cave. You’ll getwetsoaked because you’ll be dipping in cold, cold water at one point. There’ll be a lot of climbing and crawling and rock hugging! You’ll also be astonished by the strength, balance, and flexibility of the tour guides, trust me. It usually includes a short stop at Lumiang Burial Cave.
Rates: 1-4 persons (1 guide) – PhP 500, 6-9 persons (2 guides) – PhP 800 - Cave Connection: Lumiang Cave to Sumaguing Cave
While the Sumaguing Cave Tour makes a sidetrip to the mouth of Lumiang Cave, the Cave Connection allows visitors to enter the burial cave and come out of Sumaguing Cave on the other side of the mountain. Of course, it’s not easy. I’m shocked that I was able to survive it.
Rates: 1-2 persons (1 guide) – P800, 3 persons – P1200, 4 above – P400/pax - Bomod-ok Falls
The Big Falls. You’ll walk across mountains to reach it. The getting there is quite a challenge but this 200-ft cascade will deliver. You’ll be balancing on the edge of the terraces while wallowing in the gorgeous scenery. You may also opt to take a dip at the pool at the base of the waterfall. You might find yourself doing something new — vomit air — so bring lots of water and energy.
Rates: 1-10 pax (1 guide) – P600
There are many other sites that are well-worth a visit including Kiltepan Viewpoint, Echo Valley (Hanging Coffins), Lake Danum, and Bokong Falls. Choose three and a guide will take you there for only P400 for up to 10 guests.
Note that the rates here are lifted off of the SaGGAs website in 2011. To make sure you have the updated rates, please get in touch with them.
Places to Visit in Sagada
The photos below will lead you to more details about the destination. These are the places that I have already visited in Sagada. Allow me to share my experiences and reviews.
 Sumaguing Cave |
 Cave Connection |
 Lumiang Burial Cave |
 Mission Compound Cemetery |
 Bomod-ok Falls |
 Echo Valley and Hanging Coffins |
 Kiltepan Viewpoint |
 Bonfire Festival |
 Orange Picking at Rock Inn |
 Sagada Weaving |
Where to Eat in Sagada
I have tried many restaurants in Sagada but the four most memorable were the following. Click on the name of the restaurant to read my full reviews.
The famous Lemon Pie of the Lemon Pie House
- Cafe Bodega, Rock Inn: Cafe Bodega serves mostly Filipino food including some local favorites. Every serving is big enough for group sharing. But what I like best about this place isn’t what’s on the table but in the backyard. Visitors may go orange-picking (ponkan na ponkan) here for P50 per kilo.
- Salt and Pepper Diner. This is my usual breakfast spot. While it offers a variety of dishes, they usually just serve longganisa and tapa when there are too many customers. Don’t worry because both dishes taste good especially when paired with coffee or chocolate.
- The Lemon Pie House. Of course, the Lemon Pie House offers other appetizing dishes aside from lemon pie. Like many restaurants in Sagada offering home-cooked meals, there are only a few items on their menu, categorized into breakfast dishes, lunch and dinner, beverages, and desserts. Their egg pie was also a best-seller.
- The Yoghurt House. Favorite among tourists for their homemade yoghurt (d’oh!). They also serve rice meals and pasta dishes among others. But yep, don’t leave Sagada without having a cup of yoghurt!
Preparing a 3D/2N Sagada Itinerary
Before you build your itinerary, here are some things you might want to consider to make the most out of your trip.
- If there’s one thing you shouldn’t miss in Sagada, it is spelunking! Choose between Sumaguing Cave Tour and Cave Connection. Bear in mind that Cave Connection is a lot more difficult and requires more strength, endurance, and time. If it’s your first time inside a cave, choose Sumaguing. Don’t do both on the same trip because the Cave Connection also passes through Sumaguing Cave. If you have a knack for adventure and the muscle power to match, pick Cave Connection.
- The Sumaguing/Cave Connection, and Bomod-ok Tours are the most popular activities here in Sagada. And they are very physical activities. Emphasis on very. It is best to do them on separate days because they can drain all your energy and sanity, too. (LOL.)
- If you can, visit Sagada during the period between Christmas and New Year so you could join the Bonfire Festival, an annual event hosted by the Sagada Genuine Guides Association (SaGGAs). Tourists get to party Sagada-style at the Kiltepan Viewpoint (top of a hill) and enjoy good food and music.
- You may also choose to visit Sagada during the Halloween Season so you can witness the Panag-apoy, a unique observance of the All Saints’ Day.
- On your way back to Manila, make a side trip to Banaue Rice Terraces, Bontoc, La Trinidad, or Baguio (depending on your chosen route).
With these in consideration, here’s our initial itinerary. Note that we were a group of 10 so we decided to rent a van instead. If you’re taking public transportation,
Day 0: DEPARTURE
07:00 pm – Meet up (Manila)
Day 1: ARRIVAL, LUMIANG BURIAL CAVE, SUMAGUING CAVE
07:00 am – Arrival in Sagada
07:20 am – Breakfast at Salt and Pepper
08:30 am – Check in at Ligaya’s Guest House
09:30 am – Lumiang Burial Cave
10:15 am – Sumaguing Cave/Cave Connection Tour
01:30 pm – Lunch
03:00 pm – Echo Valley, Sagada Weaving, Mission Compound
06:00 pm – Dinner
07:00 pm – Rest
Day 2: BOMOD-OK FALLS, ROCK INN, BONFIRE
06:00 am – Wake up call
07:00 am – Bomod-Ok Falls
12:00 pm – Rock Inn and Cafe, Orange picking
03:00 pm – Change clothes, rest
05:00 pm – Prepare for Bonfire
12:00 am – Return to Hostel
Day 3: DEPARTURE, BANAUE SIDETRIP
04:30 am – Wake up call
05: 10 am – Watch sunrise at Kiltepan Viewpoint
06:30 am – ETD Sagada, Sidetrip to Banaue
08:00 pm – ETA Manila
That’s about it! And oh, don’t forget to bring a jacket and a scarf. You’ll love the chilly climate!
The Budget Travel Guide to Sagada - Mountain Province, Philippines,
I’d love to hike in the mountains of Sagada. So many beautiful sights to behold and there;s no way that I’ll tire up easily.
Haha, you should go Nestor! Sagada will blow you away.
Sagada is worth the 12-hour road trip. Beautiful. Very rich in culture.
did you travel to sagada via banaue or baguio?
via Baguio to Sagada, but we took the Banaue route to Manila.
Hi Poor Traveler,
We are planning to go to Sagada this June. Can you give me the possible accomodations there? Is St. Joseph bed n breakfast okay?
Hi Jess, I have tried Ligaya’s Cottages and Residential Lodge, and both are excellent.
Ligaya’s might be too far, though.
Hi! How much would it cost me to go there? Thanks!
This place will make you beg to stay in this hell-like season.
Hell yeah! haha
kung sino man po ang gusto pumunta sa Sagada this summer vacation.
just to make sure na puntahan ang bana’s cafe…..siguradong sigurado po….sa lamig ng klima ng sagada ay mapapawi ang inyong mga stress…sa bawat higop ng arabica coffee nila…and higit sa lahat matatagpuan ninyo po sa kanila(bana’s cafe) ang “the most expensive coffee in the whole world”. I promise… its more fun to drink coffee in Sagada bana’s cafe.(^_^)
Woot! Thanks for the recommendation Francis. I’ll try that this December when I return to Sagada!
nice,let’s go to Sagada! how much the budget travel cost?????
Hi Cyre, I broke down the expenses on this post: http://www.thepoortraveler.net/2012/08/sagada-trip-summary-and-expenses-philippines/
how much they you guys spent for the whole tour? Thanks
Hi Marianne. all my expenses on this trip are detailed here: http://www.thepoortraveler.net/2012/08/sagada-trip-summary-and-expenses-philippines/
still cant get over Sagada been there 2x and still wanting to go back its a wonderful place
Same here Jan. It’s officially an addiction! Haha
What a wonderful place. Me and my 2 friends are planning to visit Sagada this May 25-27. Excited na ako! Sana may makasama pa kaming tatlo.
nice post!
Thanks for dropping by my humble blog! Enjoy Sagada!
Hi Poor Traveler,
We are planning to go to Sagada this July. whats the latest schedule from manila-banaue-sagada and vice versa?
thank you.
Hi Kim! I’m not so sure. Have you checked http://www.visitsagada.com for info?
how much would it cost for a trip to sagada per person?
Hi SoulSearcher, please check out this post: http://www.thepoortraveler.net/2012/08/sagada-trip-summary-and-expenses-philippines/
wow ang ganda
Thank you for the link! It’s great that you enjoyed your time in Sagada.
No prob, Benj. After all, you’re the unofficial Mayor of Sagada. Hahaha
Hello po
kailangan pa po ba namin ng guide pag nasa sagada na? we’re palnning to go there on Oct27-29 
Hi Cie! Yes. You can drop by the office of SAGGAS (Sagada Genuine Guides Association) at the town proper. Just ask around. Everyone there knows where it is located. It’s along the main road, between Salt & Pepper and Yoghurt House.
Is it really required to have a tour guide with you when touring sagada. Or i can tour the place alone. Cos it’s like, more exciting when you do it alone. Or are there some view points, like hunging coffins where you can just explore or track your way down there alone? Your reply is appreciated
I’m not sure if it’s really REQUIRED but it will be wise to hire one.
Anyway, it’s not expensive.
‘oh i see, i’ve been researching about the place as well. And it’s like each spot is needing a tour guide, jeez, not cool. haha, anyway, Thank you!
There’s a reason why you need a guide. For example, for the Sumaguing Cave tour, that’d be really, really, really difficult to do without a guide.
Hi! poor traveller! we’ll be at sagada on saturday. 2 pax lang kami. balak namin maki ‘hitch’ sa ibang group para makamura kami ng gastos. hehe. possible kaya yun?
Go go. I think posible naman.
can you recommend me a van rental for sagada and tour guide. Do you think makakaya ng 60 yrs old person yon mga activity sa sagada? For example were 8 persons in a group, pero during the tour bigla hindi nakaya noon ibang kasama namin, is there a place where they can stay while waiting for us in exploring the cave or falls o better huwag na lang sila sumama, kasi baka naman may mga lugar na puede ang elderly. please enlighted me kung magsasama ako nang elderly.Thanks
Hi Dang! This is the contact number of the van rental I hired: 09155197077. His name is Jojo.
The activities in Sagada are a little bit too physical. Baka di kaya ng elderly.
Hello, me and my friends are planning to go to sagada hi april, so for a group of three-how much kaya ang budget namin for a 3d/2n stay din?(yung mga fees sa tour guides, do we need them?)thanks!:)
Hi Jen! I published a breakdown of my expenses here: http://www.thepoortraveler.net/2012/08/sagada-trip-summary-and-expenses-philippines/
hi! i really love ur posts, we are planning to go to sagada on november, is it ok to bring our vehicle or is it wiser to commute na lang? we are from nueva ecija and I can’t find a bus trip that will take us to sagada.
Hi Lanie, bringing your own vehicle would be comfy. But see to it that your driver is familiar to the terrain, otherwise you will find yourself in deep ravine.
If via Baguio, there are buses to Sagada. There are also available commercial vehicles.
hi poor traveler,
me and my co-teachers were just done visiting Sagada! (April 2013) The Sumaguing Cave adventure was really great! but our stay at George Guest House was so disappointing! We weren’t told by the owner beforehand that our reservation was limited up to 11am only of the next day even if we arrived there at 5pm, meaning they don’t offer a 24-hour stay, you have to pay extra charge if you plan to stay after 11 am. I made the reservation i think 1 month earlier and i’ve been texting the owner since then just to inquire and to ask about their services because we were so excited. infact i still have my conversations with the owner (thru text) on my phone including my inquiry about the 24-hour stay but she was so unreasonable when i tried to show her our past conversations from my phone and i find it so unfair. We had no choice but to leave for Baguio earlier than we had planned. We actually planned to extend our stay in Sagada but everyone was really disappointed.
melanie