Sagada, which is located in the mountains of the Philippines has more than 60 caves and is home to some of the best cave systems found in the country. It’s a great destination for beginners and enthusiasts to go Spelunking in deep underground caverns. You can explore the largest cave, Sumaguing and lesser known Sagada caves that have a rich Igorot history such as Balangagan Cave and crystal cave. Read on and clamber deep into the different caves you can explore and find out which one was our favourite Sagada Cave.
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Sumaguing Cave Sagada: Biggest & Best Sagada Cave
Sumaguing Cave is one of the largest and deepest cave systems that you can explore in the whole of the Philippines. Taking the top spot as our favourite Sagada Cave for spelunking, Sumaguing is unique in the fact you take your shoes and socks off for most of the tour. You walk barefoot on the rock allowing you to connect with the features that have been carved over millions of years, wade through underground pools and squeeze your body under and over tiny gaps in the rock.
To complete this tour you need to be in good physical shape as you will be clambering down steep areas of jagged rock. Once you reach the bottom of the first climb and you take off your shoes the tour gets easier. Therefore we recommend you come prepared to go Spelunking in Sagada.
You also get the chance to admire stalactites, stalagmites and quartz before heading back to the opening of the cave. Location 📌
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Read more about Sumaguing Cave
Lumiang Cave Sagada: Good For Spelunking In Sagada
Lumiang Cave is home to 100 ancient coffins that are precariously stacked on top of each other at the cave entrance. Again the course will involve a lot of manoeuvring and clambering so you need to be in good physical shape.
You can do Lumiang Cave on its own or when you book your Sagada Spelunking Tour you can choose a long or short course. If you choose the long course you enter through Lumiang Cave and exit out of Sumaguing Cave doing the Sagada cave connection giving you 3-4 hours exploration. If you choose to do the long tour be prepared to squeeze through some tight spaces, not a tour if you are claustrophobic. Location 📌
Balangagan Cave Sagada: Smaller Cave In Sagada
Balangagan Cave is less popular than the other two caves mentioned above but that makes it less busy when visiting. Balangagan Cave holds importance as it’s an ancestral burial site for the ancient Igorots who are the native people of Sagada.
As you make your way through the cave you’ll pass several coffins as well as unique rock formations. These rock formations are often likened to a palace for kings and queens and in the dim light you’ll let your imagination run wild, visualising these shapes coming to life. Location 📌
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Sagada Crystal Cave: Hidden Cave In Sagada
A cave that is now closed to tourists to protect the stalactites and stalagmites. You are not able to explore this cave but it adds to the mystical feel of the mountain province to imagine what lies beneath your feet.
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Best Time To Visit Sagada
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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Bus 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.
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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.
Spacing
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.
