Welcome to the Sagada Adventure Blog where we share everything you need to know before visiting the mountain province in Northern Luzon.
Sagada is one of our top destinations in the Philippines, although it’s poles apart from the white sand beaches of El Nido and island life of Siquijor, it has its own charm, one that draws hikers, historians and adventurers.
With lots to explore in the pine tree topped mountains from waterfalls, ancient hanging coffins and deep underground caves we’re here to help you plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for a Sagada 2 days 1 night itinerary or have a little bit longer we share what you need to know.
Throughout this Sagada adventure blog we share the best time to visit, how to get there and explore the best things to do in Sagada!
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Why Visit Sagada?
As self-confessed pine tree and mountain lovers, Sagada quickly became one of our favourite towns in the Philippines.
To us it felt like we had been transported to the scandi north with roaring open fires, wooden furnishings and cosy mountain huts. During our stay we woke early to visit the Godly sea of clouds, spent a morning discovering the underworld through Sumaguing Cave and the evenings were filled with Sagada’s famous Lemon Pie, friends and laughter.
Not only is there the draw of pine scented hikes, in fact Sagada is the perfect budget friendly destination. The cost of living in the Philippines is low meaning your pennies will stretch further and you can even stay in some unique accommodation to make your trip that extra bit special.
Now, as I include in any Philippines guide, my Sagada Travel Guide is no different—the people of Sagada are extremely friendly, welcoming, and enjoy nothing more than sharing their rich historical culture, which has been passed down for generations by the Igorots.
How To Get To Sagada: Travel Guide
There are two ways with public transport to get to Sagada, the first a direct bus and the second includes a stop in the city of Baguio.
- 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.
- Finally you could book onto a Sagada tour package which provides transport from Manila or hire a car.
For a detailed guide on how to reach Sagada, be sure to check out our blog that covers all the steps on how to get there!
Suggested Sagada Itineraries
Personally, we feel that one night in Sagada is a bit too short. You’ve already made the journey into the mountain province, so we believe it deserves a few more nights. We stayed for three nights, but we easily could have spent more time exploring this historic town.
Sagada 2 Days 1 Night Itinerary
Day 1: Visit The Tourist Office, Sumaguing Cave & Lemon Pie House
Day 1 is going to be busy! The first thing any tourist must do in Sagada is register at the Sagada Municipal Tourist Information Center to get a receipt (don’t lose this) that you’ll need for all tours. Registration costs ₽100 and once you have your receipt 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.
With your tour provider, book Sumaguing Cave for the afternoon and while you’re there book your sunrise hike for the next day!
Sumaguing Cave is the most popular spelunking spot in Sagada, where you’ll be clambering over rocks, squeezing through tight spaces, and marveling at some rather suggestively named rock formations!
You’re going to be tired after the cave so in the evening we have two options for you! Head to Lemon Pie House to relax and enjoy some mountain tea or head down to Lake Danum to watch the sunset.
Tip: All transactions need cash, there is an ATM in town but we also recommend you bring some peso with you from Manila.
Day 2: Marlboro Sunrise Hike & Paytokan Walking Tour
We were travelling with friends who decided the 3:30 AM wake-up call was too early… oh, how wrong they were! Yes, it is an early morning, but that only adds to the magic. As we walked up the path with our guide, the floor shimmered in the moonlight, and the morning dew began to form, creating an ethereal feeling. At the top of Marlboro Hill, the highest peak in Sagada, we were greeted by a sea of clouds. Below our feet, a blanket of clouds had formed in the valley, creating one of the best views of the trip!
After returning from the hike, fuel yourself with some local Sagada coffee and breakfast before heading on the Paytokan Walking Tour.
The Paytokan Walking Tour is the best way to immerse yourself in the history of Sagada. The 2-hour walk takes you to some of the most notable sites including the hanging coffins, Church of Saint Mary the Virgin, Bokong Falls and Baw-eng Local Coffee Farm.
After this you will be shattered, head to dinner at Yogurt House then retire back to your accommodation to relax by a roaring fire.
Tip: At Kate & Mike’s Travels we disagree with unethical tourism. The expensive and famous Luwak coffee uses civets kept in cages for the coffee process! Skip the Luwak coffee and instead try a mountain tea or one of the other coffees on sale.
Sagada 3 Day Itinerary
Keep the first two days the same as above then add day 3!
Day 3: Bomod-ok Falls & Orange Picking
Our hotel host told us we could not leave Sagada without seeing Bomod-ok Falls, unfortunately during our stay the site was closed due to a traditional burial taking place in the town. This means we were unable to make the 3 hour hiking round trip to the waterfall. We were told the views on the hike make the journey worth it and the 200ft waterfall with its cold refreshing spray is a reward most welcomed.
Once you return back to Sagada town you’ll need lunch so we suggest heading to Sagada Rock Inn & Café where you can pick your own oranges.
Spend the rest of the day exploring or choose one of the top things to do in Sagada below to finish off your 3-day Sagada itinerary!
Sagada Top Things To Do Map
Top Things To Do In Sagada
Paytokan Walking Tour – This tour takes you through some of Sagada’s best attractions, including the Hanging Coffins, Echo Valley, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, and Bokong Falls, where you can take a refreshing dip at the end of the hike.
Try Sagada’s Famous Lemon Pie – A visit to Lemon Pie House is a must! The tangy yet sweet lemon pie, paired with a pot of smoky Sagada mountain tea, is a treat you shouldn’t miss in the mountains.
Hanging Coffins of Sagada & Echo Valley Tour – Sagada’s most famous tourist spot! Learn about the ancient burial traditions of the Igorots and see coffins hanging on a cliff face, some of which have been there for hundreds of years. This is one of the best hikes in Sagada!
Marlboro Hill Sea of Clouds – Hike to the highest peak in Sagada and witness the breathtaking sea of clouds at sunrise, a view usually reserved for mountain summits.
Marlboro to Blue Soil Hike – A more challenging 4–5 hour trek that takes you to Blue Soil Mountain, where the ground has a striking blue tint due to its high copper sulfate content.
Shop at Sagada Weaving – Visit the Sagada Weaving Center to buy beautifully handcrafted bags, purses, and clothes made using traditional weaving techniques.
Sumaguing Cave Exploration – The largest cave system in Sagada, where you’ll scramble over rocks, squeeze through tight spaces, and navigate enormous caverns—come prepared for an adventure!
If you love Spelunking check out our blog sharing the top caves to explore in Sagada!
Orange Picking at Rock Inn & Café – Enjoy a peaceful lunch in an orange grove and pick fresh, juicy fruit straight from the trees.
Bomod-ok Falls – Known as the “Big Falls,” this 200-foot waterfall is a rewarding sight after a scenic 3-hour round-trip hike through the rice terraces. Explore all of Sagada’s top waterfalls here!
Bokong Falls – A smaller but easily accessible waterfall perfect for a quick swim after the Paytokan Walking Tour. Locals love to jump from the rocks into the deep pool below!
Pongas Falls – A lesser-visited waterfall that requires a one-hour trek through rice terraces and mountains, but the secluded, refreshing pool at the base makes it worth it.
Bessang Pass Road Trip – Drive through this epic mountain pass, where you’ll wind high above the clouds, pass through remote villages, and witness landslides and rockfalls along the way.
Convinced to visit Sagada? Find Sagada’s hidden gems with 17 Best Things To Do In Sagada: Sagada Tourist Spots And Activities
🗺️ 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!
Where To Stay In Sagada
There’s lots to consider when choosing where to stay in Sagada, the first thing that stands out to us is that you want to feel like you’re in the mountain province. Places with wooden furnishes, log cabins and real fires immerse you into the culture and landscape that is around you. Second, if you have a car, look for an accommodation or hotel with free parking. Finally, WiFi can be unreliable in the mountains so if it’s imperative for you then check ahead before you go.
Budget Backpacker Accommodation In Sagada
Agape Log Cabin
Fitting into the rustic mountain theme of the mountain province. Agape Log Cabin is a budget option in Sagada. The guest house is simple but includes hot water and WiFi making it perfect for people on a budget. The accommodation is located in the centre of town meaning it’s only a short walk to restaurants and tour operators.
Unique Accommodation In Sagada
The Shire of Sagada
Here you will receive a room with a view, set in the mountain province this serene resort will surely not disappoint. This is one of the most unique places to stay in Sagada with a Lord of the Rings inspired theme. The hotel is not far from the centre of the town and has breakfast included. This accommodation is frequently stated as the best hotel in Sagada. It also features private parking, free WiFi and private bathroom.
Still looking for accommodation? Read our complete guide on where to stay in Sagada.
Best Places To Eat In Sagada
- Lemon Pie House – The best place to try a Lemon Pie 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 café 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.
Nightlife in Sagada?
Sagada isn’t a party town… think more hiking & history! Most bars & restaurants close at 10pm and there isn’t a large backpacker scene although the travellers you do meet are bound to be adventurous and just genuinely cool people.
Best Time To Visit Sagada
Sagada has two seasons: the wet season (June to November) and the dry season (December to May). The best time to visit is during the dry season when the cave systems are accessible.
Sagada is especially popular over New Year’s in December and January, leading to higher accommodation prices. For better deals and fewer tourists, we recommend visiting during the shoulder season. We visited in May and enjoyed warm days with atmospheric thunderstorms at night.
Although temperatures sit around 25-30℃ it can get chilly up in the mountains so pack a fleece and raincoat in your backpack!
Average Costs Of Travelling In Sagada
Overall, the Philippines is a budget-friendly destination. You can check out how much we spent during our 2-month stay, and below, we break down some of the costs of visiting Sagada
- Tourist Fee (₽100)
- Sumaguing Cave (₽800 for 5PAX)
- Paytokan Walking Tour (₽1000 for 10PAX)
- Marlboro Hill (₽800 for 10PAX)
Rough 3-night Stay For 2 People Budget:
- Accommodation: £30
- Activities: £35
- Bus Tickets to Sagada: £30
- Food & Drink: £30-40
This works out to £20 per day per person. It’s important to note that this is based on our extensive spreadsheet, where we tracked all our Philippines expenses over 2 months. We prefer to travel on a budget, so if you’re looking for a more comfortable stay, you might want to add a bit more to the budget or perhaps even double it.
Best Sagada Tour Packages & Sagada Travel Rules
As Sagada has their own tour providers there aren’t many packages available to pre-book before you go. However when visiting the UNESCO world heritage site of Banaue Rice Terraces you can book ahead to have peace of mind.
There is also a set of tourist rules to follow. You need a tour guide for each activity and it goes without saying but never engage children’s services 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.
Best Sagada Tours
Sagada Travel Guide Tips
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.
