If you’re wondering, Is it worth going Hiking in Sagada? Then you’ve come to the right place. Sagada mountain province is probably the best place for hiking in the whole of the Philippines. The cooler climate and mountainous landscape makes for some stunning hikes, as well as the formation of the famous sea of clouds.
Sagada is an adventure that will take you underground to Sumaguing Cave, through vibrant rice terraces and to the peak of mountains that look down on a sea of clouds below. There is a Sagada hike for everyone, if you’re a seasoned hiker looking for a mountain trek or just a beginner you’re sure to enjoy the adventure waiting for you.
The terrain in Sagada varies but it’s often steep and can be slippery after rain, we recommend your Sagada hiking outfit includes robust hiking boots or at least trainers for most of the hikes. So lace up your boots and get ready to walk between the fir trees, through quaint villages and down to Echo Valley to see the popular Hanging Coffins.
Read on to find our about our favourite Sagada Hikes and our experience of trekking in the mountain province.
Visiting Sagada? Read the top 17 things to do
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Paytokan Walking Tour: Best Sagada Hike For Culture
A popular tour in Sagada as it includes sites such as the Hanging Coffins and Bokong Falls. A 3 hour walk with your guide will take you to each corner of Sagada allowing you to get an insight into the traditional ways of life and the importance of the natural world for the people who live there. Other highlights on the Sagada Hiking Tour include learning about how the local coffee is grown and made and St Mary’s Episcopal Church. This would be our top choice of hike in Sagada if you only choose one. Location 📌
Read more about The Paytokan Walking Tour
Sagada Town: Best Gentle Walk
One of our most enjoyable walks was just through Sagada town itself, exploring the market and making a stop in the famous Lemon Pie House, which you must try! The town is built on a hill making one way more enjoyable than the other! Although this isn’t a mountain hike it is a great way to explore the tiny town. Location 📌
Hanging Coffins Of Sagada and Echo Valley Tour
One of the most popular reasons to go to Sagada is to see the famous Hanging Coffins! If you’re looking to discover the ancient traditions and beliefs of the mountain province Sagada, the famous hanging coffins is a great way to start. Join the Paytokan Walking Tour or Echo Valley tour and head to see coffins from hundreds of years ago hung high up on the cliff face by the indigenous Igorots. This is one of the most famous Sagada hiking spots, just remember you will need a guide Location 📌
Read more about The Sagada Hanging Coffins
Ampacao Sunrise or Sunset Hike
A Sagada sunrise hike, after a moderately steep hike you’ll have views over the town. You can choose to walk an extra hour down from Ampacao peak to reach the lake below. This Sagada mountain hike is less popular than Marlboro hill but you still get a chance to see the sea of clouds at sunrise, the terrain is very similar including pine forests and ferns. Location 📌
Marlboro Sea Of Clouds: Best Sagada Mountain Hike
Waking up at 3am to hike up Marlboro Hill to experience the Sagada sea of clouds is a must do activity and one of the best Sagada hikes. This early morning walk to the highest mountain peak in Sagada rewards you with panoramic views over rolling hills and rice terraces. The walk takes 40 minutes and is manageable for beginner hikers. Location 📌
Read more about The Marlboro Sea of Clouds
Marlboro To Blue Soil: Longest Sagada Trekking Trail
If you’re looking for a more challenging but rewarding hike in Sagada you can do the Marlboro to Blue Soil Mountain Traverse. A 4-5 hour hike that takes you to blue soil, an area that gets its name due to the high copper sulphate contained in Sagada’s hills. You can also choose to just visit blue soil which is a 45 minute walk. Location 📌
Kapay-aw Rice Terraces
You can spend your day walking round the Kapay-aw rice terraces in Sagada enjoying the lush green colours that you only get in Asian climates. Although not as grand as the Banaue rice terraces of Ifugao, they are still worth a visit during your time in Sagada. Location 📌
Hike to Bomod-ok Falls or Bokong Falls: Best Waterfall Hikes In Sagada
A hike with a refreshing reward, trek 3 hours to Bomod-ok Falls where a column of water drops 200ft into a cooling pool below. The hike will take you through the unique landscape of Sagada which contrasts other popular destinations in the Philippines. Location 📌
Pog-o Viewpoint
It is also worth mentioning the Pog-o Viewpoint which we got told about from our local guide, it’s a sunrise hike with views over Sagada Rice terraces. Location 📌
Langsayan Ridge
A 3 hour hike that starts from the town centre and takes you up Langsayan Ridge. A more rugged walk that gives views across Sagada’s landscape.
Sagada Hiking Outfit
- Hiking Boots
- Head Torch
- Rain Coat
- Hat and Gloves (For Sunrise Hikes)
- Fleece
Check out our full Sagada Travel Guide & Itinerary to help you plan an unforgettable trip.
Best Time To Visit Sagada
Tourism Guidelines For Sagada Activities including Spelunking
Once in Sagada you need to register at the Sagada Municipal tourist information center (₽100) then you can head to any one of the many tour guide organisation offices to get a tour. Some examples are SEGA or SAGGAS however the most up to date information will be given to you at the tourism office.
You need a tour guide for each activity. It goes without saying but never engage services of children for tours. We were also told all tourist vehicles are required to park at their accommodation during their stay and instead tourists need to use the tourism shuttle buses.
There is a focus on the environment in Sagada, they encourage the use of reusable water bottles and bags and of course no littering.
Finally, respect all sacred grounds, refrain from making loud noises and wearing scarce clothing. Refrain from taking photos of elders without permission.
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Easiest Way To Sagada
There are two ways to get to Sagada , the first a direct bus and the second includes a stop in Baguio, known for its cooler climate.
- The most convenient is the direct Coda Line Corporation overnight bus, which can take you from Quezon City in Manila, directly to Sagada. You can choose between semi deluxe, no toilet (₽760) and super deluxe buses, with a toilet (₽980), both make stops along the way. The buses all leave in the evening, the timings are 8pm, 9pm, 10pm and 10:30pm. We recommend booking your bus with 12Go.
- Sagada is also accessible by bus from the city of Baguio (4 hours). If you’re arriving in Manila you will need to get a Victory Liner bus up to Baguio first. Then get a taxi (₽80) to the GL Trans Terminal where you can catch a bus to Sagada (₽220). Please note the last bus of the day leaves at 1pm.
🗺️ Your Ultimate Philippines Map
On our way, we created a Google Pinned Map with all the places we visited in The Philippines. Grab your Pinned Map today and start planning your adventure!
Best Places To Eat In Sagada
- Yoghurt House – Famous for its homemade yogurt and cosy vibe, this spot offers a mix of local and Western dishes.
- Gaia Cafe & Crafts – Located on a hill with stunning views, Gaia Cafe is known for its vegetarian and organic menu.
- Sagada Brew – This cafe is popular for its coffee and comfort food. You can enjoy their breakfast meals, pastas, and sweet treats like cakes and pastries. Their brewed coffee, made from Sagada’s Arabica beans, is a highlight.
Where To Stay In Sagada Mountain Province?
Sagada Mountain Province holds a special place in our hearts. We truly found a home away from home here and loved our time spent in the mountains and above the clouds. There are lots of accommodation options and we recommend you find somewhere that is walkable to the tourist information centre in Sagada Town where you’ll register and sort tours. One of the rules is you have to use their local transport to get to Sagada’s attractions meaning a local hotel or hostel is vital.
Best Places To Stay In Sagada
$ Budget
Mhapiya-aw Pensione Inn
Nestled in the pine trees at the top of the hill you can find Mhapiya-aw Pensione Inn. With a roaring fire, great hosts and delicious food we can not recommend this place enough.
$$ Mid-Range
Agape Log Cabin
A rustic cabin with mountain views. Transport yourself to the likes of Canada or Scandinavia with this accommodation. Within walking distance from the town but away from the main street.
$$$ High-End
The Shire Sagada
Set in the countryside just outside of the main town this place is straight out of lord of the rings. There’s a restaurant onsite which serves delicious food and it’s perfect if you’re looking for peace and quiet.
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Top Tips For Travelling To Sagada
Below we share our favourite tips for travelling to Sagada:
- Pack for the weather, Sagada is located in the mountains making it cooler than other parts of the Philippines. Bring a lightweight raincoat and fleece.
- Respect local customs. Sagada has a rich culture and the community has deep respect for the traditions, make sure to follow their tourism guidelines.
- Don’t miss the sunrise! Make the effort to get up early and hike Marlboro Hill to experience the sea of clouds.
- Use an E-sim like Airalo to stay connected and remove the hassle of a physical SIM, but remember mobile phone signal can be spotty in Sagada making it the perfect time to unplug.
