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.
Unsure if dark tourism is for you or want to know more, read on and explore our complete guide to the Sagada hanging coffins.
Chapters
No time to read now?
Save this guide on Pinterest
Where Are The Sagada Hanging Coffins?
Sagada is a mountain province located in North Luzon, Philippines. There are many sites across Sagada but only one is open to tourists. The hanging coffins in Sagada are located in Echo Valley which is only accessible with a tour guide on the Paytokan Walk or Eco Valley Tour.
For a stress-free organised Sagada tour, check out this 4-Day Sagada & Banaue Rice Terraces Tour From Manila on GetYourGuide.
How To Get To The Hanging Coffins Sagada?
When you arrive in Sagada you must register with the Sagada tourism office. Once you have done this you can head to a tour provider who will organize your walk and guide. They will lead the way to the famous hanging coffins site.
How To Get To Sagada From Manila
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.
Top Tip: We recommend hiring a car to explore Luzon if you’re a confident driver, there’s so much to see which by bus alone is hard to access.
Our 150+ page Philippines Travel Guide has everything you need to plan the trip of a lifetime!
Sagada Hanging Coffins History and Tradition
Why Are The Coffins Hung On The Cliff?
The main reason the coffins are perched so high on the cliff face is due to the belief that this would bring them closer to their ancestors and closer to heaven. The corpse is also considered to be safer away from animals and the famous head-hunters who would hunt for heads from different provinces and take them home as trophies.
🗺️ 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!
Traditions Of The Hanging Coffins
The coffins are carved from tree trunks by the elderly themselves or by their family members. Once they have died the ceremony of their death will take place which includes different rituals and practices that are unique to the Igorot people.
The dead will be placed on a wooden chair (a sangadil) and covered while friends and family pay respect and mourne. During this time the cadaver is smoked to mask any smells. You can still see some of the chairs placed next to the coffins on the cliff. To bring good luck the dead are carried to their coffin, mourners try to touch the corpse as it is believed the blood of the deceased will transfer success and skills.
They are placed in the fetal position as it is believed they should depart the wrath the same way they entered. This is why some coffins are very small, their bones may even be broken to fit inside the coffin.
How Long Has The Tradition Of Hanging Coffins Been Going On For?
It is believed the tradition is over 2000 years old with the coffins seen today over a century old. The last burial occurred in 2010.
As Spain colonized the Philippines they brought over Christianity and now many people of Sagada choose to be buried at the church which you can also visit. The tombs have open sections ready for partners and relatives to be buried together.
Common Questions About Visiting Echo Valley
How Much Is Entrance Fee For Sagada’s Hanging Coffins?
The cost for the Echo Valley Tour is ₽300 for 10 people and the cost for the Paytokan tour is ₽1000 for 10 people
How Long Is The Walk To The Hanging Coffins?
The Eco Valley Tour is a 30 minute walk with some steep sections and steps.
The Paytokan Walk takes 2-3 hours but you get to experience lots of what Sagada has to offer including coffee farms, Bokong Falls and Latang Underground River.
How Did Eco Valley Get Its Name?
Echo Valley earned its name from the remarkable sound that would bounce back at you after a shout. However you are no longer allowed to hear the echo out of respect of the Hanging Coffins placed here.
Explore our complete Sagada Travel Guide, packed with everything you need to plan the perfect trip
Best Accommodation In Sagada
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
Sagada’s Best Attractions
There’s so much to do in the area especially if you enjoy hiking, Sagada is home to some amazing hikes. You could easily spend a week here exploring every nook and cranny and learning about the unique culture of the elders in the village. Here’s our top picks:
Top Pick: Marlboro Sea Of Clouds
Worth the early morning wake up, you can experience the famous sea of clouds on top of Marlboro Hill.
Can’t Miss: Sumaguing Cave
Go spelunking in one of Sagada’s best caves, see different rock formations, subterranean rivers and explore the underground world of Sagada.
Best Waterfall: Bomod-ok Falls
Something still on our list as it was closed due to a burial ceremony when we visited. We were told this is one of the best falls in Sagada by our guide and host.
Off The Beaten Track: Bessang Pass
Fancy an adventure? Why not drive the Bessang Pass to or from Sagada. A winding mountain road with incredible views which is slightly nail-biting.
Other Things To Do In Sagada
- Hanging Coffins
- Echo Valley Paytokan Walking Tour
- Bokong Falls
- Pongas Falls
- Lumiang Cave
Best Sagada Tours
Tips For Visiting 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.
Final Thoughts on Sagada’s Hanging Coffins
For us this insight into the cultural history of Sagada was fascinating and really connected us to the place and people we had met during our time here. Seeing the coffins hung precariously on the cliff face is thought provoking and being surrounded by mountains and nature grounds you in the moment.
We would recommend visiting the Hanging Coffins and Sagada was one of our favourite places we went to in the Philippines.
Read more about The Best Caves in Sagada
