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Sagada travel requirements for tourists & visitors.

Planning a trip to Sagada, Mountain Province? What are the requirements to enter Sagada this new normal 2022? Here are the latest Sagada travel requirements, updated entry protocols, and travel guidelines for tourists and visitors.

Traveling to sagada this 2022 let me share to you the updated sagada tourism guidelines as posted by municipality of sagada facebook page., updated sagada travel requirements & guidelines.

• Accomplished registration in the UMALI KAYO online registration system - www.umali-kayo.sagada.gov.ph . The registration portal will only be open from 8AM to 4PM daily.
• Negative RT-PCR test result (swab test from accredited laboratories or RT-PCR saliva test from the Red Cross) valid 48 hours since date of release. OR
• Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) with Official Receipt (OR) from a medical government office or hospital institution. RATs will have 1 day validity. Tourists may opt to take their RAT at the Pegeo border control point in Sagada at Php 960.00 per test.
• Vaccination card/certificate indicating full vaccination. Those aged 11 and below are exempted from this provided that they are accompanied by a parent or guardian.
• Minimum of 1 night booking in a DOT-accredited and LGU-certified accommodation establishment. Bookings must be made at least 2 days prior to arrival in Sagada. A list of authorized establishments may be found at https://lodging.sagada.gov.ph. √ Click here to see the list of DOT-accredited accommodation establishments in Sagada!
• Tourist travel via public transportation is temporarily suspended. Those onboard personal/private vehicles shall be allowed.

LGU-CERTIFIED & DOT-ACCREDITED ACCOMMODATION ESTABLISHMENTS IN SAGADA

• Isabelo's Inn and Cafe √ See room rates & availability
• Kanip-aw Pines View Lodge √ See room rates & availability
• Shamrock Tavern Inn √ See room rates & availability
• Kenlibed Inn √ See room rates & availability
• Masferre Country Inn & Restaurant √ See room rates & availability
• Grandma’s Yellow House √ See room rates & availability
• Sagada Blue Mountain Cabins √ See room rates & availability
• Sagada Heritage Village √ See room rates & availability
• Big Dipper Sagada √ See room rates & availability

Search for Hotels and Resorts in Sagada!

To help you plan your trip to sagada, you may check out these posts:.

• Top Best Things to Do in Sagada - I shared here some of the best things to do in Sagada, tourist spots and best places to visit. You could also use this as your guide in creating your own Sagada itinerary.
• How to get to Sagada? - In this blog post, I shared a detailed instruction on how to get to Sagada from Metro Manila.
• Where to Eat in Sagada? - I shared here some of the best places to eat and restaurants to try when in Sagada.
• More Sagada Blog Posts - Check out my other Sagada and Mountain Province blog posts here!

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SAGADA TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS Updates as of January 7, 2022

Sagada travel requirements and entry protocols, below are the updated tourism guidelines in the municipality of sagada as of december 16, 2021..

• Tourists must book at least a one-night stay in a DOT-accredited and LGU-certified accommodation establishment. Bookings must be secured at least 2 days prior to arrival. A list of accommodation establishments authorized to operate may be accessed at www.lodging.sagada.gov.ph .
• All tourists must be registered in the Umali Kayo Online Registration Portal which may be accessed at www.umali-kayo.sagada.gov.ph . The portal will only be opened from 08:00 AM to 04:00 PM daily and online registration must be accomplished at least 2 days prior to arrival.
• All tourists are advised to take the Dantay-Sagada road when entering Sagada and the Sagada South Road when exiting. Tourists are advised to plan accordingly for their ETA to be between 8:00 AM and 05:00 PM to avoid delays in the checking of entry requirements.
• All tourists entering Sagada must present a vaccination card or vaccination certificate indicating completion of a vaccine regimen (i.e. full vaccination). Those aged 11 and below shall be exempted from this requirement provided that they are accompanied by a parent or a guardian.
• All tourists entering Sagada must present any (at least one) of the following COVID-19 test results :
• Negative Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) result issued by a medical government office (MHO/PHO) or a hospital institution, accompanied by the official receipt (OR) of the COVID-testing transaction. RATs will only be valid until the day after the date of testing (1-day validity);
• Negative RT-PCR test result from a DOH-accredited licensed testing laboratory valid 48 hours since date of release;
• Negative RT-PCR saliva test result from the Red Cross valid 48 hours since date of release
• All tourists will have the option to enter Sagada via personal/private vehicles or public transportation . Public transportation groups or corporations shall take the responsibility of checking if a tourist has complied with all requirements imposed by the Sagada LGU prior to boarding. They shall additionally take full responsibility in providing the needs of tourists who are denied entry due to lack of requirements.
• All tourists shall undergo triage at the Pegeo border control point . Symptomatic tourists shall be immediately subjected to RAT. RAT-positive tourists shall have the option to be confined in an isolation facility within Sagada or to return home immediately. If a tourist onboard a public transportation vehicle tests positive, all other individuals onboard the same vehicle shall be treated as close contacts.
• All tourists completing border control requirements are advised to undergo orientation at the Tourism Hub located at the corner of Staunton Road and Kiltepan Road. Tourist kits and official tourist IDs will be distributed after the orientation.
• Tourist sites open to tourist entry shall be specified in the Umali Kayo Registration Portal. Tourists found to have faked or falsified requirements shall be referred to the Sagada Municipal Police station for the filing of appropriate charges.

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Sagada Tourist Spots: Complete Travel Guide 2023

Sagada is a high-altitude municipality located in the Mountain Province of the Philippines. This place is not just blessed with beautiful sceneries and landscapes but also rich in history, culture, and tradition. Many tourists worldwide visit this place to discover its hidden gems and learn more about the heritage that the people have carried for thousands of years. In this ultimate travel guide, we will discuss the Sagada tourist spots, places to stay, and things to do in this breathtaking mountain town.

• Brief Information about Sagada

Travel Requirements Before Visiting Sagada

Private vehicle: manila to sagada.

• Bus from Cubao to Sagada
• Bomod-ok Falls

Fidelisan Rice Terraces

Church of st. mary the virgin.

• Echo Valley

Hanging Coffins of Sagada

Matangkib exit, sumaguing and lumiang cave, kiltepan pog-o.

• Other Attractions: Pongas Falls, Blue Soil, Marlboro Hills etc.

Where to Stay in Sagada

• 2 Days and 1 Night Sample Itinerary
• 3 Days and 2 Nights Sample Itinerary
• Permitted Travel Agencies

Travel Tips to Sagada

Brief information about sagada philippines.

Sagada is located west of Bontoc in the Mountain Province of the Philippines. It has an average elevation of 4,800 feet and features a subtropical highland climate. Its coldest month is every February, when temperatures can drop to 9C. Due to its consistently cool environment, the town can cultivate products such as lettuce, tomatoes, strawberries, lemons, and oranges. In recent years, tourism has increased in Sagada because of mainstream media influences. Sagada boasts beautiful landscapes, hiking trails with amazing sceneries, and historical tours that will leave visitors with knowledge about the culture and heritage of the Igorots.

Sagada’s local government has set requirements that tourists must follow before visiting the municipality. Additionally, visitors are required to pay the tourist registration fee (PHP 100 or USD 2) at the local tourist information office. Here are the travel requirements before visiting Sagada:

• Book at least a one-night stay at a DOT or LGU-accredited accommodation online. You can find the list of accredited establishments here.
• After securing your booking, your accommodation will provide an access code for registration through the Umali Kayo Tourist Registration Portal. Sign up and follow the instructions on the website.
• After successful registration, you must print and bring your registration summary with a QR code and present it at the Sagada Border.

How to Go to Sagada

Bringing your private vehicles is possible, but the most popular option is riding a bus. Here are several ways to visit Sagada:

If you are coming from Manila, you can take the usual route from Manila to Baguio City. You have the option to take a break in Baguio City before heading to Sagada because the drive to the Mountain Province is challenging. 

• From Baguio City, drive northward via Halsema Highway to Bontoc, the capital of the Mountain Province. Halsema Highway features zigzag roads, and some sections of this highway are located next to a cliff. The trip from Baguio City to Sagada via Halsema Highway can take up to 5 hours, depending on the weather and road conditions. You can check the local government’s Facebook Page for any updates about Halsema Highway.
• After safely arriving at Bontoc, you can drive westward of the city to Stauton Road. This road will lead you to Sagada.

How to go to Sagada from Cubao: Commute Option

This is the most popular method of visiting Sagada. CODA Bus Line provides bus transportation from Cubao Quezon City to Sagada, which takes around 8-10 hours.

You can also purchase bus tickets online through their website for convenience.

Sagada Tourist Spots

Nestled in the breathtaking Mountain Province of the Philippines, Sagada is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. With its captivating landscapes and rich cultural heritage, Sagada boasts an array of enchanting tourist spots and attractions that will leave you in awe.

Bomod-Ok Falls

This majestic waterfall is located in the northern part of Sagada. Visiting Bomod-ok Falls requires a downhill hike for an hour. Your reward is the cold mountain waters pouring from the waterfall and a place to swim in its plunge pool.

As you hike to Bomod-ok Falls , you will stumble upon gorgeous rice terraces in the villages of Pide and Fidelisan. These green fields provide rice and other crops and offer a glimpse of the locals’ way of life.

Visiting this church is part of the Paytokan Walking Tour (also known as the Eco Tour) provided by the local tourism office. This church was built in the 1900s by the American Anglican Missionaries. With its historical significance and spiritual influence for more than a century on the people of Sagada, this church garnered recognition as a cultural heritage site.

Echo Valley (Baw-Eng Creek)

This place showcases an amazing panorama of the Baw-eng Creek. It overlooks the mountain forests of Sagada with limestones and other rock formations nearby. Interestingly, this tourist attraction is also called Echo Valley because of the resounding echo from a shout.

This tourist spot is one of the centerpieces of Sagada. It features coffins hung on a mountain cliff. The Sagada Hanging Coffins is a burial practice observed for thousands of years and offers significance to the local culture and heritage.

At the end of your Paytokan Tour, you have an option to visit the Matangkib Exit (also known as the Sagada Underground River Entrance). The underground river is part of a complex network inside the cave systems of Sagada.

This cave connection provides a spelunking experience to both first-timers and experienced tourists. The Sumaguing Cave is the most visited in Sagada . It has a depth of 500 feet, and travelers will experience physical activities inside the cave, such as rappelling. If you want to step up your adventure, you can avail of the Lumiang-Sumaguing Cave connection, which features a 4-5 hour spelunking experience inside the depths of Sagada.

Kiltepan sits in the eastern part of Sagada. This tourist spot offers sunrise viewing and a sea of clouds . This attraction offers a picturesque experience in Sagada.

Other Sagada Tourist Attractions

The Sagada Tourism Office also offers the following tourist attractions depending on your travel needs:

• Nabas-Ang to Ampacao Trail: A 4-5 hour hiking tour through the grasslands of Sagada with a rewarding sunset viewing at Mount Ampacao.
• Pongas Falls: A 2-4 hour hike in the southern part of Sagada, which ends with the fantastic cascading waterfalls.
• Balangagan Cave: This tourist spot offers an easy spelunking experience for tourists and provides a glimpse of the cave burial site of the locals of Sagada.
• Marlboro Hills to Blue Soil Trail: This trail offers another place for the sea of clouds and sunrise viewing, similar to Kiltepan Peak. The trail also passes to the peculiar blue soil located around the area.
• Kapay-Aw Farms (currently suspended): This tour visits Sagada’s agricultural sector, offering visitors a taste of their coffee beans, produce, and crops.

As mentioned earlier, visitors must book a DOT-accredited accommodation online or by contacting the place directly before registering to Sagada’s online travel portal. We recommend booking a lodge or homestay in the Central Town of Sagada for easier access to tourist spots. Here are our recommended places to stay in Sagada:

Bosaing’s Place

Bosaing is a lovely homestay in Central Sagada. It is less than a kilometer from the main town center and provides a cozy and relaxing stay after your adventures. The owners are friendly and accommodating; it feels like you are part of a family. You can contact Bosaing’s Place at +639154922193 or visit their Facebook Page.

Lodge Labanet

This mountain lodge is in the main town of Sagada and offers a more traditional lodging experience with check-in counters and a breakfast/restaurant on the ground floor. Labanet also has more accommodation options, especially for tourists in big groups. You can contact Lodge Labanet at +63 9209483133 or send an email at [email protected]

You can also check our travel partners from Agoda for accommodation deals and discounts at Sagada.

Sagada Itinerary

Building an itinerary is essential for every trip. Hence, here’s our sample Sagada Itinerary. Please note that the Sagada Local Tourism Office does not accept day tours in their municipality. You must stay in their place for at least one night per policy.

Sagada Itinerary: 2 Days and 1 Night

This 2-day and 1-night itinerary will provide a taste of Sagada adventure with meaningful visits to their historical sites.

Sagada Itinerary: 3 Days and 2 Nights

This 3-day and 2-night itinerary offers more adventure and exploration of Sagada Tourist Spots. We will start with a relaxed walking tour at the Echo Valley, exiting at Matangkib. Then, we will dive into more hiking tours for the most picturesque experience in Sagada.

How to Book Tour Packages in Sagada

There are several local tour guide associations accredited by Sagada’s local tourism office that offer tour arrangements, shuttle services, and a tour guide. We recommend contacting these tour guides for travel arrangements to prevent problems during your trip.

Sagada Travel Agencies

If you don’t like to do a DIY travel plan, you can also inquire about these travel agencies permitted to operate in Sagada. In my experience, my friends and I had great customer service with Opti Travel Philippines. Here are some of the accredited travel agencies in Sagada:

• Opti Travel and Tours
• Kamina Travel Services EC5
• Kadulaan Travel and Tours (Sagada Branch)

Here are essential travel tips that you need to know before visiting Sagada:

• Follow the rules and policies implemented by the Sagada Local Tourism Office.
• Book accommodation first before registering on their online travel portal. Your chosen accommodation will provide a registration code, which you will use during sign-up in Sagada’s online travel portal.
• Contact the tour guides association for tour arrangements.
• Bring hiking gear (hydration packs, first-aid kits, hiking shoes, and proper clothing) because Sagada is all about adventures!
• Bring a camera because you will have a lot of memorable moments in Sagada.
• Respect the culture and tradition of Sagada.
• Do not throw any trash! Let’s keep Sagada clean!

Summary: Sagada Tourist Spots

In wrapping up our Ultimate Travel Guide to Sagada, we’ve explored an array of incredible Sagada Tourist Spots that will leave you with memories to cherish. With our suggested Sagada Itinerary, you can embark on a journey to the Echo Valley, Hanging Coffins , breathtaking rice terraces, Sumaguing Cave , and Bomod-Ok Falls . This charming destination invites travelers from all walks of life to experience the perfect blend of nature, culture, and adventure. So, pack your bags and let the magic of Sagada captivate your heart as you explore its wonders. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or simply looking for a beautiful escape, Sagada has it all, just waiting for you to uncover its secrets and create your own unique stories. Discover the enchantment that makes Sagada a must-visit destination for travelers seeking something extraordinary.

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Is covid vaccine not required anymore when entering Sagada? Thank you for answering

Hi Jade, not necessarily. If you never had any COVID vaccine before, then you have to present your most recent negative COVID test results. If you had COVID vaccine before, then no need for a COVID test.

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2022 Sagada Tourist Requirements + Guidelines

• Post author: escapemanila
• Post comments: 0 Comments
• Post last modified: June 12, 2023

Good news to those who are planning to visit Sagada! The popular tourist destination in the north will start accepting domestic tourists with complete travel requirements. The entry requirement is pretty straightforward. Here are the guidelines to help you plan your future visit to Sagada in the new normal.

This guideline is updated as of 22 March2022.

• Tourists must book at least one-night stay in a DOT-accredited and LGU-certified accommodation establishment. A list of accommodation establishments authorized to operate may be viewed here .
• All tourists must be registered in the Umali Kayo Online Registration Portal which may be accessed at https://umali-kayo.sagada.gov.ph .
• Unvaccinated Tourists must present a Negative Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) with Official Receipt (OR) from a medical government office or hospital institution. RATs will have 1 day validity. Tourists may opt to take their RAT at the Pegeo border control point in Sagada at Php 660.00 per test (only from 8AM to 5PM daily).
• All tourists will have the option to enter Sagada via personal/private vehicles or public transportation. Public transportation groups or corporations shall take the responsibility of checking if a tourist has complied with all requirements imposed by the Sagada LGU prior to boarding. They shall additionally take full responsibility in providing the needs of tourists who are denied entry due to lack of requirements. Check bus schedule from Manila to Sagada

Tourists found to have faked or falsified requirements shall be referred to the Sagada Municipal Police station for the filing of appropriate charges.

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Sagada to Gradually Open to Tourists; Here are the Guidelines

The Municipality of Sagada is finally opening its doors to visitors. As per Advisory No. 63, Municipal Mayor James Pooten has released the following updated guidelines for tourists who want to visit the Shangri-la of the North, effective immediately.

Guidelines for Entry

• All tourists must be registered in the Umali Kayo Online Registration Portal which may be accessed at https://umali-kayo.sagada.gov.ph .The portal will only be opened from 08:00 AM to 04:00 PM daily and online registration must be accomplished at least 2 days prior to arrival.
• All tourists are advised to take the Dantay-Sagada road when entering Sagada and the Sagada South Road when exiting. Tourists are advised to plan accordingly for their ETA to be between 8:00 AM and 05:00 PM to avoid delays in the checking of entry requirements.
• Negative Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) result issued by a medical government office (MHO/PHO) or a hospital institution, accompanied by the official receipt (OR) of the COVID-testing transaction. RATs will only be valid until the day after the date of testing (1-day validity);
• Negative RT-PCR test results from a DOH-accredited licensed testing laboratory valid 48 hours since the date of release;
• Negative RT-PCR saliva test result from the Red Cross valid 48 hours since the date of release. Tourists who are not able to present any one of the foregoing testing requirements will be subjected to RAT (at Php 960.00 each) at the Pegeo border control point in Sagada.
• All tourists will have the option to enter Sagada via personal/private vehicles or public transportation. Public transportation groups or corporations shall take the responsibility of checking if a tourist has complied with all requirements imposed by the Sagada LGU prior to boarding. They shall additionally take full responsibility for providing the needs of tourists who are denied entry due to lack of requirements.
• All tourists shall undergo triage at the Pegeo border control point . Symptomatic tourists shall be immediately subjected to RAT. RAT-positive tourists shall have the option to be confined in an isolation facility within Sagada or to return home immediately. If a tourist onboard a public transportation vehicle tests positive, all other individuals on board the same vehicle shall be treated as close contacts.
• All tourists completing border control requirements are advised to undergo orientation at the Tourism Hub located at the corner of Staunton Road and Kiltepan Road. Tourist kits and official tourist IDs will be distributed after the orientation.
• Tourist sites open to tourist entry shall be specified in the Umali Kayo Registration Portal. Available Tour Packages can be found here .Tourists found to have faked or falsified requirements shall be referred to the Sagada Municipal Police station for the filing of appropriate charges.

SOURCE: Municipality of Sagada

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Sagada Travel Guide: A Peaceful Mountain Destination

Best Time to Go to Sagada

• How to Get to Sagada

By Private and Shared/Joiner Tours

By private car, where to stay in sagada, what to see and do in sagada, spelunking at sumaguing cave, see the view at kiltepan peak and marlboro hills, walk through history at lumiang burial cave, rise and shine at kapay-aw rice terraces, know the beginnings of sagada at ganduyan museum, forget the blues at blue soil hills, what to eat in sagada, practical information and tips, what to wear, what to bring, sample itinerary in sagada, day 0: travel to sagada, day 1: arrival + cultural tour, day 2: sightseeing + weaving + cave excursion, day 3: museum tour + nature appreciation + souvenir shopping, day 4: departure.

Explore the laidback town of Sagada in the Mountain Province known for its hanging coffins. Find out the best time to go, how to get there, the top attractions to visit and activities to try, what to eat, and how to plan your itinerary with this guide. 

If your idea of the perfect vacation is waking up to sunny yet chilly weather, with lush natural landscapes as your backdrop, Sagada is going to be your happy place.

• Find the best tours in Sagada  for your travel itinerary 
• Book this  1-week Ilocos Baguio Sagada tour package

Situated in the Mountain Province of Cordillera Administrative Region in North Luzon, around 415 km from Manila, Sagada offers a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. 

Famed for its mysterious and historic hanging coffins, these Sagada tourist attractions are a testament to 2,000 years of Igorot burial traditions that you can marvel at today.

Sagada is known for its scenic and calming mountain valleys, rice fields, limestone caves, refreshing waterfalls, and cliffs that come with a sea of clouds. 

See our popular Sagada Tours and Activities

Private sagada tour to cultural & nature attractions with snacks & transfers from baguio, ultimate 1-month philippine adventure tour package to boracay, palawan, siargao, bohol, cebu, baguio, sagada cave connection spelunking with transfers & guide | sumaguing cave & lumiang burial cave.

Add to that the friendly Igorot locals, fresh servings of food, coffee, and lemon pies. It’s a destination where you can find the peace and quiet you’ve been yearning for. 

Read on to know more about Sagada to plan your ultimate getaway. 

Sagada weather is similar to Baguio - chilly on both dry and wet seasons. Being in a mountainous region, it’s a haven away from the humidity in other Philippine cities, and where agriculture is a booming business of bountiful fresh vegetables and fruits.

The best time to go and discover Sagada is during the wet season (November to February) where you can expect temperatures that drop to as low as 4 degrees Celsius.

The wet season is also the harvest period for fruits and produce so you can taste the best of Sagada and participate in festivals. The only downside would be the crowds as this is also considered as the peak season for travelers.

In fact, specific festivals are held to celebrate the harvest season from October to early January. Rice is also celebrated through Begnas Festival, a sacred thanksgiving tradition that happens three to four times a year.

Panag-etag, a festival native to Sagada, is a tradition that locals do to preserve their ancient culture, encourage ecotourism, and improve the economy. It happens annually from January 30 to February 2 where every visitor can participate and partake in various ceremonies (parades, holy mass, rituals).

• Book this Sagada Buscalan tour package

If you want to avoid heavy crowds, you can go just in time before the rainy season starts (June to October). You can expect a colder climate than usual due to the rain showers so it’s important to bring raincoats and umbrellas to keep you warm.

The dry season (March to May) is also known as summertime in Sagada. Expect moderate crowds, and warm weather conditions so dress comfortably.

Depending on your vacation schedule, secure your trip by planning ahead and checking the weather conditions and calendar events to prepare against the weather and crowds.

How to Get to Sagada

What was once a challenging place to visit, is now made convenient with multiple ride options bound for Sagada.

Due to the popularity of the place, tour and bus companies have made it possible to enjoy a smooth and streamlined system despite the long hours of travel.

Here are the ways and some tips on how to best visit Sagada:

Bus trips are the easiest way to visit Sagada due to the amount of operating companies available in Pasay and Cubao. It’s also the most wallet-friendly way to travel, if you don’t mind the longer travel hours and stopovers.

From Manila via Baguio

If you’re coming from Manila, you can buy tickets at Victory Liner , one of the regular bus companies that operate daily to and from Manila to Baguio. They have terminals at Pasay, Cubao, and Caloocan and you can choose from a basic or deluxe riding experience.

Within 4 to 6 hours, you will arrive at Baguio City where you have to ride a taxi bound for Dangwa Station to ride the GL Trans Bus going to Sagada. Trips are from 6AM to 1PM, and will take you around 5 to 6 hours.

From Manila via Benguet

In Sampaloc, Manila you can ride Dangwa Tranco bound for Banaue. Buses leave at 10PM and takes around 9 hours. Upon arrival in Banaue, you can ride jeepneys to Sagada. There are mini buses and vans as well but only on rare occasions.

The entire trip will take 3 to 4 hours with the same road conditions as the Baguio route so prepare wisely to have a comfortable journey.

Non-Stop Bus from Manila 

Coda Lines operates non-stop trips from Quezon City to Sagada every 9PM, with a total of 10 to 15 hours trip (including stopovers). There are also additional trips in super deluxe, deluxe, and VIP service. Apart from the non-stop route from Manila to Sagada and back, Coda Lines also have routes on Bontoc, Banaue, Baguio, and Kiangan.

If you’re looking for a cost-efficient and time-efficient way to travel to and from Sagada, your best option would be to book tour operators.

A lot of tour operators offer both transportation, accommodation, entrance fees, activity itineraries, and food so you won’t have to plan other things and focus on experiencing Sagada to the fullest.

Make sure to find the right tour operator - do your research, check the comments, ratings, and reviews, compare tour packages and you’re all set!

If you plan to Do-It-Yourself your entire Sagada trip, you can approach it in two ways: renting a car with driver, or driving on your own.

If you want to go around most Sagada tourist spots at your own pacing, having your own car will be the best option to make. Sagada is a mobile data / Wi-Fi friendly place so you can Waze or Google Maps your itinerary away.

Here are some tips to help you prepare for the long and challenging ride ahead if you’re up for the task and the experience:

If renting a car/car driver to Sagada:

1. Social media is your friend. A lot of individuals are now offering rent-a-car / van services on different daily rates. Check previous user reviews and make sure to ask everything especially about gas, car limitations, driver rates (if renting one), etc.

2. Save the contact numbers and arrange schedules before your trip. Don’t let stress get in the way of your Sagada getaway.

3. Make sure the rented car is in the best condition and ready to face Sagada’s rough roads.

If driving on your own to Sagada:

1. The roads of Sagada are bumpy, twisty, and extremely challenging. It won’t be an easy ride especially once you arrive at the mountainous roads of Baguio to Sagada, particularly the Halsema Highway (the ‘Mountain Trail’, one of the Philippines’ deadliest highways).

If you’re a city driver, it might take time to adjust to the long ride + road condition so prepare ahead. If you’re not confident enough to face the road, renting a driver might be suitable.

2. With the construction of TPLEX (Tarlac - Pangasinan - La Union Expressway), the total ride to Sagada have been reduced to 8 to 12 hours depending on your driving speed and resting times.

To maximize time, you have to go for an overnight drive (around 10PM) to avoid traffic and rushing crowds especially during holidays or vacation season.

You have an option to rest at Baguio City and wait until dawn to continue driving to Sagada so you can better manage the road and see clearly. There are gas stations and food stores along the way so you can be rest assured you’ll be covered.

3. While there’s mobile signal and Wi-Fi in Sagada’s main town proper, you might get signal bumps prior to your arrival as you’ll be driving beside mountains where GPS / internet connectivity might get slow or lost.

To prevent this, you can download the offline version of the map to Sagada via Waze or Google Maps. You can also ask locals along the way but it might be a bit tricky especially if you’re driving at night.

4. Make sure to get your car checked and ready for the long ride. Experiencing engine failures will eat up your time and make you more tired to continue the journey. Ensure your car is in the best shape so you can have a continuous drive.

5. Take rests if you must! Have a shifting schedule if you have a fellow driver in your travel party. Never drive when you’re sleepy or tired.

Remember: You’re driving along the mountains so there are instances of falling rocks and cliffs. Avoid accidents by being in tiptop shape as well. Bring energy snacks and drinks, be patient, and drive carefully.

You can enjoy a variety of Sagada hotels and other accommodation styles. From Bed and Breakfasts (BNBs), private hotels, hostels, and homestays, you have a lot of options to choose from.

Budget Accommodation

As you’ve probably read and heard from fellow travelers, Sagada is a budget-friendly place - from food, activities, to accommodations. Whether you’re looking for a comfortable place to crash the night for a few days, or a luxurious stay, you’ve got lots to choose from:

Shamrock Tavern Inn

Located at Makingking, Demang, Shamrock Tavern Inn is a cozy room ideal for backpackers aiming for a short-term stay.

The inn comes with free internet and parking, dry cleaning and laundry service, room service, concierge, sun terrace, and a restaurant bar / lounge. The location is also near common spots such as GAIA Café & Crafts, Sagada Brew, and Hanging Coffins .

Isabelo’s Inn and Cafe

Isabelo’s Inn and Café provides a place for relaxation and rejuvenation at the heart of Poblacion, Sagada.

Famous for its family-friendly features as well as proximity to known spots, the inn also includes free internet and breakfast, non-smoking and family-friendly hotel rooms, and laundry service.

Agape Log Cabin and Restaurant

Somewhere at Dagdag, Sagada lies an enchanting cabin that’s made entirely of logs. If you’re looking for a rustic, yet moody stay Agape Log Cabin and Restaurant is the perfect pick for you.

What’s more, it comes with free parking and Wi-Fi, non-smoking hotel and family rooms, restaurant, and laundry service.

Mid-range Accommodations

If you have some budget to spare, you can level up your accommodation preference with these options:  

Coffee Heritage House & Hostel

If you’re a coffee lover, this pleasant hostel at Sitio Nadatngan, Brgy. Madongo, Sagada will pump you up. As the first coffee-themed destination in town, Coffee Heritage House & Hostel is more than just a bed and breakfast.

Here you will meet coffee enthusiasts and specialists as well as partake in coffee-related activities that help promote Philippine coffee.

Apart from the smell of coffee in the morning, there’s also free Wi-Fi and parking, non-smoking hotel and family rooms with multilingual staff, breakfast offering, laundry service, and a restaurant bar / lounge to get you settled.

Treasure Rock Inn

Great views, great atmosphere, great stay. The Treasure Rock Inn at Makingking, Demang, Sagada is a great valuable find when finding your second home at Sagada.

Warm, cozy, and welcoming, you can also find free Wi-Fi and parking, non-smoking hotel and family rooms, kitchenette, and a bar / lounge to complete your experience.

Inandako's BNB

A family-owned establishment, the Inandakos BNB situated at Kenlibed, Dagdag, Sagada provides a genuine hostel environment for all – cozy and comfy beds, social places, serene atmosphere, and energizing coffee.

Complete your stay with free Wi-Fi, non-smoking hotel and family rooms, and several breakfast offering.

Luxury Accommodations

While Sagada is not a place to seek exceptional luxury hotels, it still has its own share of high-quality quarters:

Martha’s Hearth

Sheltering travelers since the ‘70s, Martha’s Hearth is a guesthouse where you’ll always feel at home in Dokkos, Sagada. Here, guests are treated as family and will forever be treated as one.

Newly reopened and renovated, the inn provides a majestic experience with free parking and romantic hotel-style features. 

Nellies Chalet Sagada

A luxury inn found at the quiet streets of Nangonogan Road, Sagada. Aunt Nellie’s Chalet has four comfortable rooms you can call your own for the duration of your stay. Experience peace and quiet as you fully immerse in the surroundings. The chalet also comes with free Wi-Fi and parking.

Rock Inn is a mid-range and quaint hotel style at Batalao, Sagada that’s known for its fresh oranges and vegetables harvest.

Bask in nature and enjoy raw food from the gardens of the inn, as you relax your heart out at the Filipino-style rooms. Also available at the inn is free parking, non-smoking hotel and family rooms, shuttle bus service, and restaurant.

While the peace and quiet is an enchanting quality, Sagada offers a multitude of activities for the young at heart, adventurous at heart, and wanderers at heart.

Known as ‘The Big Cave’, Sumaguing Cave has the largest enclosure from the 60 caves found underneath Sagada. Spelunking in Sumaguing Cave is a popular activity when in Sagada as you will see countless rock formations - animals, food, and people shapes.

The entire trail is divided into three levels:

Level 1 - Going down the cliffs (caution: it’s slippery and full of bat wastes)

Level 2 - Rock formations (reminder: shoes and slippers will be removed)

Level 3 - Get wet in the tunnel (prepare: move through narrow openings and wash in stone-cold waters

Sagada is famous for its sea of clouds sighting at Kiltepan Peak and Marlboro Hills. You can either camp out to wake up to this majestic view or wake up before dawn breaks to rise in time with the sun and clouds.

Plan early, the sea of clouds viewing is one of the most popular things to do at Sagada and there will be lots of people waiting for the morning to rise. This is where people with broken or complete hearts go to.

Tip: ride the jeepney en route to Kiltepan or Marlboro Hills, topload version. It’s fun, thrilling, and you get to see marvelous sights as you breeze through!

A 30-minute walk from town will take you to Sagada’s ancient sites. This is where the oldest coffin is said to be 500 years old.

You know you’ve reached the cave when you see hundreds of stacked coffins at the entrance, with symbolic markings of life and fertility. The ‘Cave Connection’ challenge starts with the Lumiang Burial Cave.

Kapay-Aw rice terraces is Sagada’s own version of the rice terraces in Banaue. It’s not just a simple walk in the terraces, you can see the lush agriculture life cultivated by the locals to make time for harvest. As you climb and rise through the stairs you will see a majestic view that only the sunshine-y valleys of Sagada can provide.

Ganduyan, the Kankana-ey origin of Sagada’s name is a fitting name for this museum. Listen to Christina Aben (owner of the museum) as she narrates Sagada’s birth and the stories in between.

You can view sculptures, traditional clothes, and Sagada’s rich history inside, however picture-taking is not allowed.

This is an awe-inspiring natural wonder. Best viewed after the Marlboro Hills sunrise viewing or just before sunset, let yourself be transported to a fantasy land once you caught sight of Blue Soil Hills and the towering trees surrounding it.

While the trek to Blue Soil Hills is achievable even for beginners, wear appropriate trekking equipment to avoid injuries.

There are a lot of food and culinary trips you can do in the Philippines, which is why you should try out local food and restaurants during your trip to the beautiful province of Sagada.

Sagada Lemon Pie House

Lemons are an unusual sight in the Philippines. But in Sagada, it’s a different case. The famous lemon pie from Sagada Lemon Pie House is one of the most sought after treats that will complete your Sagada adventure.

In fact, the rustic feel and interior complement the food you will be consuming - warm, hearty, and memorable.

Apart from lemon pies, they also offer other breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals. If you plan to order boxes of lemon pies, make sure to order in advance as they tend to get sold out - quick!

GAIA Cafe & Crafts

An atmospheric place to be creative, relax, and be one with nature as you marvel at the lush forests of Ambasing, Namsung, Balugan / Bugang, Ankilang, and Suyo valleys. 

Best time to eat here is during brunch or merienda to savor their locally-grown delights and coffee and view the Kankana-ey fashion and crafts.

Yoghurt House

Yoghurt House has been voted as the #1 best food house in Sagada. While their yoghurt is a must-try (it’s a different experience than the ones available in the metro cities) their fresh and local menu leads to a good morning, indeed.

After eating, you may view the Sagada photo exhibit but taking pictures are prohibited.

Tip: the first floor gets crowded easily so best to find a place near the windows (if you don’t mind the jeepney fumes) or find a seat at the second floor or balcony - fast.

Currency 

There are ATMs near the tourism center for you to use. But it’s still best to bring enough cash in case of emergencies.

Pack lightly, but wisely. Depending on the season, make sure to bring comfortable and light clothes for layering to counter the cold and activewear for spelunking and trekking. Bring sandals, slippers, and first aid kit to help you with motion sickness and injuries.

Make sure to bring medicine. The way to Sagada contains lots of twists, turns, and bumps, so you have to arm yourself with remedies to counter motion and altitude sickness.  

Travel responsibly. Refuse single-use plastics and utensils. Bring your own tumblers, lunch boxes, and utensils to reduce trash. Sagada is an eco-friendly destination and every traveler is encouraged to practice and be a good steward of responsible traveling.

With so many activities and attractions to see in Sagada, how do you schedule them in your trip? We recommend at least 4 days in Sagada for the complete experience. Here’s a sample itinerary to guide you.

See our popular North Luzon Tour Packages

Aureo hotel la union overnight package with breakfast, fascinating 7-day history, heritage & nature tour to laoag, pagudpud & vigan ilocos from manila, scenic 6-day historical ilocos norte & vigan tour package with manila flights, hotel & transfers.

09:00 PM - Departure from Manila

08:00 - 09:00 AM - Arrive in Sagada 

09:30 AM - Visit Sagada Tourism Center (registration, tour packages) 

12:00 NN - Lunch at Yoghurt House 

02:00 PM - Hotel check-in 

02:30 PM - Visit Echo Valley, Hanging Coffins, Church of St. Mary the Virgin, and more. It's included in a day tour in Sagada

04:00 AM - Visit Kiltepan Peak. Go sightseeing in Marlboro Hills 

08:00 AM - Visit Sagada Brew

0 9:00 AM - Try Sagada weaving and pottery 

10:00 AM - Cave connection experience. Lumiang and Sumaguing Caves are popular attractions included in Sagada tours

02:00 PM - Visit Sagada Lemon Pie House 

07:00 PM - Dinner 

06:00 AM - Blue Soil Hills 

10:00 AM - Brunch at GAIA Arts & Crafts 

11:00 AM - Ganduyan Museum 

12:00 NN - Lunch 

01:00 PM - Kapay-aw Rice Terraces 

02:00 PM - Sagada Cemetery 

03:00 PM - Sagada orchard (ideal for harvest season) 

04:00 PM - Souvenir shopping 

09:00 AM - Hotel check-out 

10:00 AM - Breakfast 

11:00 AM - Back to Manila

Start Planning Your Trip to Sagada Philippines

If you find yourself going to bed and dreaming of a calming fortress away from the busy concrete jungle, it’s a sign that you have to go to Sagada and explore its tourist spots, stat.

Gather your family, invite your friends, call your special someone, or go on your own - take this moment to collect your thoughts and reward yourself with a well-deserved break at Sagada.

Bookmark this guide to help you plan your ultimate Sagada getaway. The journey might be long, but it’s going to be worth more than what you see on the pictures and blogs. Look into Sagada tours and activities that you can add to your itinerary for a hassle-free adventure.

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SAGADA TRAVEL GUIDE with Budget Itinerary

When I think about Sagada, I think about my friend Tonet.

“Let’s go to Sagada,” she said one time at film school. Back then, I didn’t know much about Sagada other than as a setting of a Juday-Piolo movie. Tonet wanted to make her own romantic comedy too, maybe set in Sagada; she wasn’t sure. But she wanted to just go, see, and perhaps be inspired by it.

Over the years, she would constantly, randomly squeeze Sagada into conversations. “I really want to go there,” she would mumble. Every time, I would answer, “Sure, when we find the time and money.”

The time and money eventually came just after Christmas nine years ago. Tonet was a humble script supervisor with nothing but big dreams in her pockets. Finally, she was in the presence of Sagada and she embraced every tiny moment of it. She walked up and down its terraced mountains, went deep into its caves, and at a bonfire party, danced drunk with locals with reckless abandon. I thought that was it, that it was the end of it. It turned out, it was just the beginning.

She would return again and again, each time with different companions and carrying a different piece of her. She’s now been to Sagada as a wild dreamer, as a loyal friend, as a broken lover. But one day, she set foot in Sagada as somebody she was destined to be — a movie director. It wasn’t until I saw her film, shot in Sagada, that I realized that her affair with this town wasn’t just a simple fascination or infatuation or even obsession, it was something more powerful and transcendental. It was that thing called tadhana.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

UNDERSTANDING SAGADA

For younger travelers, Sagada is one of the filming locations of the romantic comedy That Thing Called Tadhana . But the truth is, Sagada was already pretty popular among backpackers even before the movie hit the theaters. I’ve been there multiple times before the movie and there already was a considerable increase of visitors year after year. As it became easier to access, as tours became more organized, and as a new wave of travelers sought more places to explore, Sagada was already on the path to becoming mainstream.

Located in the Mountain Province, Sagada is a fifth class municipality with only 11,000 residents as of 2015. Think of it as a small, slightly developed village at the heart of the Cordillera. Life here is simple. Agriculture is the primary driver of the economy, but tourism has been contributing significantly.

The town’s three major roads are flanked by inns, guesthouses, and restaurants catering to tourists. It has a generally chilly climate year-round, much colder than Baguio, something that attracts domestic tourists. Aside from the cooler temperature, it also has a lot to offer to adventurers, sightseers, and history buffs alike. It’s best known for the hanging coffins, waterfalls, and a network of caves. The good news is, the local government and the residents themselves are environment-conscious and have enforced certain regulations.

Here are more bits about Sagada:

• Location: Mountain Province, Philippines.
• Language: Kankana-ey. But most locals, especially tourism workers, are also very fluent in English and Tagalog.
• Currency: Philippine peso (PHP, ₱). PHP100 is around USD 1.90, EUR 1.69, SGD 2.57 (as of April 2019).
• Modes of payment: CASH is still king (and queen) in Sagada.

WHERE TO STAY IN SAGADA

First of all, let me just say this: There are no luxury hotels in Sagada. If you’re looking for a well-appointed suite with a gazillion of amenities, you’re not gonna find one here. Almost all available accommodations in Sagada are inns, guesthouses, and homestays. It’s quite common for guests to share toilet and bathrooms with other guests or with the residents. If the room has a private toilet and bath, it’s usually very small.

Now that we got that out of the way, you need to be familiar with the layout of the town proper. It’s easy to remember. Think of Sagada as a giant letter Y. There are three main roads that meet at the center of the poblacion area. This junction is the main bus stop of the town. It’s also where you’ll find the tourism office, the police station, and the municipal hall. The town’s church is also just a short stroll away from this. You can use this junction as your reference point.

Now, going back to the Y. Here are the three roads that compose it.

• Staunton Road (North/East). If you’re coming from Baguio, Bontoc or Manila, this road that you’re taking to reach Sagada. This also leads to the access roads to Bomod-ok Falls, Marlboro Hill, and Kiltepan Viewpoint.
• West Road. Aka Sagada-Besao Road. This road will take you to Lake Danum and Sagada Pottery. When viewed from the junction, this is an uphill road.
• South Road. This leads to Barangay Dagdag and Demang, where most well-known inns and restaurants in Sagada are located. It’s also the only way to Lumiang Cave and Sumaguing Cave. From the junction, this road runs downhill.

You’ll find plenty of inns and guesthouses flanking any of these roads. But I prefer staying along the South Road because most of my favorite restaurants in Sagada are here.

A twin or double room usually costs P1200-P1400 per night so this is a good estimate. You can also find a single room or bed for P600 per night.

Here are the hostels and inns that you can book via Agoda.

• Isabelo’s Inn & Café. Check Rates & Availability!
• Masferre Country Inn & Restaurant. Check Rates & Availability!
• Grandma’s Yellow House. Check Rates & Availability!
• Kanip-aw Pines View Lodge. Check Rates & Availability!
• Kenlibed Inn. Check Rates & Availability!
• Sagada Heritage Village. Check Rates & Availability!
• Shamrock Tavern Inn. Check Rates & Availability!
• Coffee Heritage House and Hostel. Check Rates & Availability!
• Rocky Valley Inn. Check Rates & Availability!

I have tried George Guesthouse and Residential Lodge along South Road, and Ligaya’s Inn and Cottages .

We have a list of all accredited accommodations with contact numbers here: SAGADA HOSTELS, INNS & HOMESTAYS!

Search for more Sagada Hotels!

HOW TO GET TO SAGADA

Manila to sagada by direct bus.

You can now travel directly from Cubao to Sagada! Operated by Coda Lines , this bus can take you straight to Sagada in 12 hours , with a few restroom stops along the way. It takes the Banaue route (not Baguio).

There are two types of buses:

Super Deluxe, 35-seater bus with restroom onboard. Fare: P980. Semi-Deluxe, 45-seater bus without restroom. Fare: P760.

All buses leave Cubao in the evening and then drive through Banaue (not Baguio) to reach Sagada overnight. What I like about this is that you’re not wasting a day on the road. You’ll arrive in Sagada in the morning, hopefully ready to do some mild sightseeing.

Here’s the Coda Lines Cubao-Sagada timetable:

To book, visit www.codalinesph.com .

Manila to Sagada via Baguio

It is also possible to reach Sagada via Baguio. This involves a change of bus and terminal in Baguio City.

A number of companies offer bus services to Baguio, but two of the most popular are Victory Liner and Joy Bus.

Victory Liner has terminals in:

JoyBus has terminals in:

If you can, choose a late night bus so you’ll arrive in Baguio in the early morning because the last Sagada-bound bus leaves Baguio at either 11:30am or 01:00pm.

Once in Baguio, follow the steps in the next section.

Baguio to Sagada by Bus

Sagada is 6 hours away from Baguio. There are two bus companies that operate this route: GL Trans and Lizardo Trans. GL Trans is more highly recommended by my local friends because they said the buses are in better conditions. I also haven’t tried Lizardo so we’ll be focusing on GL Trans in this post.

If you’re coming from Victory Liner/JoyBus station, hail a cab and ask to be taken to GL Trans Terminal. Taxi fare: around P80.

At the GL Trans terminal, approach the counter and buy a ticket immediately. Fare: P220 .

Here are the schedule and routes as of this writing:

• 05:30 am – Sagada > Besau
• 08:30 am – Sagada Ambasing
• 09:30 am – Sagada > Besau
• 10:30 am – Sagada > Besau
• 11:30 am – Sagada Ambasing
• 01:00 pm (last trip) – Sagada > Besau

You’ll notice that most of the buses depart Baguio before noon, so if you’re coming from Manila, you must arrive in Baguio in the early morning in order to catch a ride. Otherwise, you’re gonna have trouble looking for one.

In our recent trip, we arrived at the GL Terminal before 10am but the 11:30-bus was already fully booked. Fortunately, there was still another bus slated for a 1pm departure that day. We were actually surprised to learn about it because most online sources tag the 11:30-bus as the last trip. But the lesson here is, be early , especially if you’re traveling on a weekend.

Here are other reminders:

• Sagada Town Proper isn’t the final stop of any of these buses. Don’t fall asleep when you’re nearing Sagada. You might miss your stop and end up in Besau.
• Reservations and advance bookings are not accepted. They issue tickets for trips scheduled on that day only.
• They start selling tickets at 5am. First come, first served.
• The bus makes at least two stops.
• If you get hungry while waiting for your bus, there is a Good Taste branch near the terminal. Good Taste is a popular local restaurant in Baguio.

HOW TO GET AROUND SAGADA

When it comes to public transportation, your options are very limited. You won’t see that many jeepneys around town. Here are your options.

As for attractions located outside poblacion, you can easily book a tour.

• To get to attractions within town center: Walk! Thankfully, the town center is quite small and very walkable. Most restaurants, cafes, inns, and souvenir shops are located not too far from one another. There are some hilly parts, but a stroll around town is generally comfortable.
• To get to attractions outside the town center: Book a tour! Tourism operations in Sagada are very organized. Visitors are required to have a guide when they explore. Your guide can also arrange your transportation to get to any destination. Vehicle fee is charged on top of guide fee.

For more information about the tours, read the next section.

SAGADA TOURS

The local government imposes fixed and uniform rates on tours and requires visitors to have a guide when exploring. Whether you want to see Kiltepan, Lake Danum, Sumaguing Cave, Bomod-ok Falls or even Echo Valley, you MUST have a guide .

Hence, before you start exploring, the first thing you should do is drop by Sagada Tourism Office to register, pay the P50 tourism/environmental fee, and make some arrangements. If your inn is near South Road, you can also go straight to the office of SAGGAS (Sagada Genuine Guides Association) to book your tours. They can also handle the registration and payment of tourism fee for you.

After registration, you should be given a receipt and you must keep it with you at all times during your stay. You will be asked to present it upon entry to certain attractions.

Also note that vehicle fee is separate from guide fee and entrance fees.

Anyway, here are the tours and corresponding rates.

Sumaguing Cave

Underneath Sagada is a network of more than 60 caves, the biggest of which is Sumaguing Cave, earning its nickname “The Big Cave.” Inside are countless rock formations slowly shaped by nature over thousands of years. These rock formations mimicking familiar shapes are the highlight of this spelunking adventure. Some of these formations include the bear, elephants, turtle head, chocolate cake, and pregnant woman. It is perhaps these shapes (and the overall experience) that tourists keep coming back to Sagada for. Sumaguing Cave is probably the most popular of all tourist attractions in town.

Prepare to be wet and get physical. Although it looks daunting, it’s not as difficult as you might be thinking. Just follow the instructions of your guide and you’ll be fine.

The whole activity lasts around 2 hours.

• 1-4 pax : P800 (1 guide)
• 5 pax : P900 (1 guide)
• 6-9 pax : P1600 (2 guides)
• 10 pax : P1800 (2 guides)
• 11-12 pax : P2400 (3 guides)
• 13 pax or more: P200 per person

Two-way transportation fee (optional): P350

➡️ MORE INFO: OUR SUMAGUING CAVE EXPERIENCE

Cave Connnection (Lumiang Cave to Sumaguing Cave)

Cave Connection is much more challenging than Sumaguing Cave. It’s so called because it connects two of the most well known caves in Sagada. The Cave Connection Tour starts at Lumiang Cave , a burial site where hundreds of coffins are stacked as part of the local tradition. After 3-4 hours, you’ll emerge out of Sumaguing Cave.

Guide Fee: P1000 (good for 1-2 pax). P500 per additional person

Two-way transportation (optional): P400

➡️ MORE INFO: OUR CAVE CONNECTION EXPERIENCE

Bomod-ok Falls

Sagada has three waterfalls that are open to tourists: Pongas, Bokong, and Bomod-ok. Of the three, Bomod-ok is the largest and tallest, which is why it’s nicknamed “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.

Guide Fee: P500 (good for 1-7 pax)

Barangay Fee: P10

Transportation Fee: P500-650

➡️ MORE INFO: OUR BOMOD-OK FALLS EXPERIENCE

Echo Valley and Hanging Coffins

The Echo Valley is where you’ll find Sagada’s famous hanging coffins. It lies just next to the town center. It’s a short walk away from the Church of St. Mary the Virgin and through the new cemetery. The trail from the cemetery to the coffins has been made safer for hikers.

There are three trails that you can take. All these will allow you to see the hanging coffins, but the last two will take you to more natural attractions.

• ECHO VALLEY HANGING COFFINS TOUR. From the church, you’ll go on a short hike to the view point and then down to the valley to see the coffins up close. Guide fee: P300 for 1-10 pax; P400 for 11 pax; P600 for 12-20 pax. Duration: 1 hour.
• ECO TOUR. This will take you from the church to the hanging coffins to the underground river entrance to Bokong natural swimming pool through canyons and rice fields. Guide fee: P800 for 1-10 pax; P1600 for 11-20 pax; P2400 for 12-30 pax. Duration: 3 hours.
• ADVENTURE TRAIL. From the church, this trail will lead you to the hanging coffins, Sagada Underground River, and Bokong Waterfall. Guide fee: P1000 for 1-10 pax; P100 per additional person. Duration: 3 hours.

Kiltepan Viewpoint (Temporarily closed)

Kiltepan Viewpoint is the most popular spot to catch the romantic Sagada sunrise. The fading darkness reveals a sea of white clouds blanketing the hills and the valleys below. As the sun inches from the horizon, the clouds part and reveal the magnificent terraces underneath.

The site was made even more well-known by the movie That Thing Called Tadhana . It’s evident in the number of tourists screaming their feelings out on top of Kiltepan, reminiscent of one of the movie’s most affecting scenes.

If you want to catch the sunrise, you must leave at 4:30am and drive for 15 minutes. A short hike will take you to the viewpoint.

Two-way transportation fee: P500 for 1-10 pax; P50 per additional person.

Note: Kiltepan is closed for now .

Marlboro Hill and Blue Soil Trek

Because Kiltepan is currently inaccessible, Marlboro Hill has become the go-to sunrise-viewing spot. It’s funny because I was just there last week and there were still tourists shouting their feelings at the top of their lungs a la That Thing Called Tadhana even though we were on a completely different mountain peak.

To catch the sunrise and the sea of clouds, you must leave at 4:30 am or earlier and drive to the jump off point. From there, you will be hiking for about 20 minutes to reach the viewpoint. There are also kiosks selling champorado, sopas, and arroz caldo on site.

Most visitors would just watch the sunrise, take photos, and then hike back to where they came from. But what we recommend is to continue the trek to the Blue Soil Hill, locally called Kaman-utek. Along the way, you’ll pass by several scenic sites including more spectacular viewpoints and limestone cliffs. It’s a downhill trek so it’s not that difficult. Then, you’ll reach Blue Soil Hill, which gets its powder blue color from the high amounts of copper sulfate in the soil. You can take a rest here and have a quick bite.

The trek takes around 2 hours, depending on your pace. But the whole activity from pick up and Marlboro sunrise to the end of the trek lasts 4-5 hours.

MARLBORO HILL ONLY Guide Fee: P600 for 1-10 pax. Two-way transportation fee: P650 (optional)

MARLBORO HILL + BLUE SOIL HILL Guide Fee: P1,600 for 1-5 pax; P1300 per additional person. Two-way transportation fee: P1,350 (optional)

Orange Picking at Rock Farm

This isn’t really a guided tour, but it’s a fun activity. When oranges are in season, you can visit Rock Farm and go ponkan-picking.

Situated east of the town center is a lodging and dining complex composed of Rock Inn and Cafe Bodega. Of all the food places in Sagada, Cafe Bodega, hands down has the best ambiance. We usually have lunch here when we’re in Sagada, and while waiting for our order, we would go to the orange plantation next to it for a meet-and-greet with the poster fruit of Vitamin C!

I’m not sure how much the entrance fee is now, but as of 2017, it was P50. While inside the premises, you can eat as many oranges as you want. (That’s part of the P50 fee.) Then if you decide to have some for take out, that’s another P50 per kilo.

Other Sagada Attractions

• Balangagan Cave. Located 30 minutes from poblacion, this is another cave for fun spelunking adventure. Guide fee: P650 for 4 pax, P800 for 5 pax, P1300 for 6-9 pax. Transport fee: P650.
• Pongas Falls. Requires a 1-hour hike. Guide fee: P600 for 1-10 pax. Transport fee: P650.
• Lake Danum. A good sunset-viewing spot 20 minutes from the town proper. Transport fee: P550 for 1-10 pax.
• Mt. Ampacao. A 3-hour traverse from the poblacion to Lake Danum to Mt. Ampacao. Guide fee: P1200 for 1-10 pax.

WHERE TO EAT IN SAGADA

We’ll be creating a separate post for this very soon!

SAMPLE SAGADA ITINERARY

Because tours in Sagada are organized and well-regulated, it’s easy to build an itinerary. Yes, there are a lot of activities to try, but you can group them into three major types: spelunking, waterfall chasing, and trekking. What I recommend is to pick one from each category.

It is also important to note that most of these tours can be exhausting. Mind your pace. If you can, just do one tour per day, preferably in the morning so you don’t need to worry about the sun too much. Then, spend your afternoon just chilling at a cafe and strolling around town. You can also add a visit to the Hanging Coffins to any day’s schedule since this is an easy and hike.

Here’s our sample Sagada itinerary. Note that this assumes the following:

• You’re a group of 4, splitting tour and transportation costs.
• You have a lodging budget of P700 per person per night. A twin or double room usually costs P1200-P1400 per night so this is a good estimate. You can also find a single room or bed for P600 per night.
• You’re coming from Manila and taking a Coda Lines semi-deluxe bus. Fare is P760.

As always, feel free to make adjustments to this itinerary according to your taste and whatever other considerations you have.

DAY 1: SUMAGUING CAVE 08:00 am – Arrival in Sagada, Bus fare: P760 08:15 am – Pay Tourism Fee, P50 08:45 am – Hotel check in or bag drop 09:15 am – Breakfast at Salt and Pepper, P200 10:15 am – Leave for Sumaguing, Jeep: P87.50 (P350/4pax) 10:40 am – Sumaguing Cave, Guide: P200 (P800/4pax) 01:30 pm – Lunch at Gaia Cafe, P300 03:00 pm – Freshen up, rest, recharge 06:30 pm – Dinner at Sagada Brew, P300 08:00 pm – Back at inn

DAY 2: BOMOD-OK FALLS 06:30 am – Leave for Bomod-ok, Jeep: P162.50 (P650/4pax) 07:00 am – Bomod-ok Falls, P125 (P500/4pax) + P10 access fee 12:00 pm – Lunch at Yoghurt House, P250 03:00 pm – Echo Valley Tour: P75 (P300/4pax) + P10 access fee 05:00 pm – Shop for souvenirs 07:00 pm – Dinner at Log Cabin, P300 08:30 pm – Back at inn

DAY 3: MARLBORO + BLUE SOIL HILLS 04:30 am – Leave for Marlboro Hill, Jeep: P337.5 (P1350/4pax) 05:00 am – Start Trek, P400 (P1600/4pax) 06:00 am – Breakfast at Marlboro Hill, P70 06:30 am – Trek to Blue Soil Hill 09:30 am – Back to inn, shower, pack, check out 11:00 am – Brunch at Lemon Pie House, P200 01:00 pm – Try yoghurt and chill at Yoghurt House, P120 03:30 pm – Walk to junction, wait for bus 04:00 pm – Bus to Manila, P760

The itinerary above will set you back around P6300 (USD 122, SGD 165, EUR 108) per person, excluding tips/gratuities and shopping expenses. Again this is based on the assumption that you’re a group of four.

The biggest chunk of the cost above was spent on restaurants, which can be expensive. A meal at a tourist-targeted resto plays within the P200-300 range per meal. But if you stay at an inn with a kitchen, you can cook your own meal.

If you limit your food expenses to P300 per day and remove the restos, the itinerary above will cost you P5700 (USD 110, SGD 149, EUR 98) per person.

MORE TIPS FOR THE POOR TRAVELER

• Stay at an inn or homestay with an open kitchen. This way, you can cook your own meals on some days and reduce food expenses. We once shared a floor with a family who would always cook their meals. Go try restaurants every once in a while, but if you money is tight, go prep your own food.
• Try street food. This is another way to reduce food expenses. Barbeque and isaw are available for P10-15 per stick. Delicious homemade yoghurt is sold at P35 per cup.
• Form a bigger group. Tour rates depend on how big your group is. Normally, the bigger your group, the smaller the per-person cost because you have more members to split it with. If you’re a small party and you’re on a budget, you can join or merge with another group to reduce cost. For example, the guide fee for Bomod-ok Falls Tour is P500 for 1-7 pax. If you’re a party of 2, that’s P250 per person. But if you merge with other travelers and form a group of 7, the cost per person is lowered to only P72.
• Buy a gallon of water on your first day in Sagada. Ideally, bring your own water bottle, but note that restaurants in Sagada wouldn’t allow you to refill it with their water. So just buy a big container of water, bring it to your room, and refill from there.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When is the best time to visit sagada.

November to April. This is the driest and coolest period, which is suitable for all the outdoor activities. However, expect quick, passing showers in late afternoon even in the dry season.

Bonfire Festival. A great time to visit is the week between Christmas and New Year. On one day of that week, you can join the Bonfire Festival where you get to meet other tourists and even locals while partying Sagada-style. There’s buffet and overflowing local wines.

However, that week is peak period, so if you don’t like sharing Sagada with big throngs of other tourists, you might want to pass up. Stay away from Holy Week, too.

June to September are the wettest months. The rain can make touring and trekking in Sagada difficult, so avoid this period too.

Is Sagada safe?

Yes, very safe.

The number of crime incidents per year is only at a double-digit level and most of them are about damage to vehicles that are parked along the road. Index crimes are very rare in Sagada. According to our guides, the municipal prison is empty, but I wasn’t able to confirm this.

However, Sagada is an adventure destination so you must take extra care especially when spelunking or trekking. You’re in the highlands, so expect a lot of cliffs and ravines.

Here are important numbers to keep:

• Sagada Police: +63 908 225 8115
• Sagada Hospital: +63 917 629 6084
• Emergency Response Team: +63 906 822 0044, +63 999 994 3282

What type of power plug / socket is used in Sagada?

Electricity Info: 220V, 60Hz. Plug and socket Type A.

What is the tipping custom in Sagada?

Just like in other places in the Philippines, tipping is not mandatory in Sagada. Tip only if you really enjoyed the service.

However, I encourage you to tip your guides, especially the spelunking guides. What they do every day isn’t easy. You’ll understand this after you’ve done it. It doesn’t have to be money all the time. You can invite them to join you for lunch.

Are there ATMs in Sagada?

YES. We’ve spotted a DBP ATM at the Police Station near the junction. I’m not sure if there are others, but there’s at least one.

To be sure, make sure you have enough cash before arriving in Sagada. Best to withdraw or, if you’re carrying a foreign currency, exchange money before you leave Manila or Baguio.

2️⃣0️⃣1️⃣9️⃣ • 4️⃣ • 2️⃣4️⃣

More Tips on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️

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This was very helpful! Thank you!

No prob! :)

very helpful.. very detailed.

Looking forward to the blog for Sagad Restaurants! Thanks for this blog.

Hi King! Yep, we’ll try to publish within the month. :)

Hi i am planning to do a travel around all Philippines on July. your post was so helpful but the prices of bus are kind of expensive. I heard that in Phillipiines is usuaul to rent a vehicle to move around. I heard about some companies to do that as a book2wheel.com but I am not sure about that option because in my country is kind of risky. Is it safe this option? do you know if this one is nice or do you another company which do that because i want to be sure that all is fine but withouth expend to much money

great! thanks for the detailed information! ;)

No prob! Enjoy Sagada!

First of all, I want to thank you that you wrote such a good post for us. Like you, I have a lot of interest to travel around the world. Like every travel lovers, there is a desire in my heart to see all the places in the world and therefore I have been travilng around some places of the world. Last month I went to the US and I have seen a lot of places and now I am thinking that I would go to see the new 7 wonders. I have heard many times about these , but so far could not see the seven wonders. If you have any suggestions about this, then definitely guide me.

Thank you..

Amazing blog about Travel.Thanks for providing information about different places..

Hello, what is the wi-fi situation in Sagada? Im planning to visit on a long-term basis and will be brining my work with me. Thanks, Really find your guides detailed and helpful. Keep up the good work!

Hi Psyche, some inns have free-wifi. (Ours didn’t.) But I usually just use my phone’s data hotspot anyway.

This is very useful especially like me who really wanted to travel with a low budget. God bless you!

is it possible to do outdoor activities even when it’s raining?

Hi King, sa experience namin, kina-cancel nung guide namin ung tour pag umuulan. Minumove sa hapon or pag di tumitigil talaga, kinacancel na lang.

Mas okay pag umaga magschedule kasi madalas sa hapon umuulan.

Hi my friends and I would like to visit Sagada for a day this coming October after out tour in Baguio City. Do you have any suggestion for our travel especially for the bus schedule in Sagada? Thank you

Hi Gege, parang mahirap ang day tour ng SAGADA from Baguio because Sagada is 6 hours away.

Yung bus schedule from Baguio to Sagada, nasa post naman sa itaas. Pabasa na lang po.

Ang goal ko po sana ay yung marlboro country lang, allowed po kaya ako na magtrek mag isa? Allowed po din kaya akong mamasyal na walang tour guide, i am comfortable w/o tour guide kasi, gusto ko po sana matuto hehe sslamat

kasi balak ko po sana na ako lang magisa ang magtravel.

Thank you so much for this. very helpful. and im excited to go there this november. alone :(

I think you can still enjoy Sagada even if you’re alone. :D

Hi! If I use codalines bus from Manila to Sagada, will they drop me off near South Rd, Sagada?Or do i still need to ride a jeepney to go to that place? Will the place of drop off be the pick up point as well when I am going back to Manila? thanks!Thanks! :)

1. No, the bus won’t take the South Road. Hanggang junction lang talaga.

2. What’s your inn? Most inns are within walking distance from the junction.

3. Yes, same lang yung drop off and pick up point nung bus. :)

Sobrang thank you po, first time ko maglalakwatsa ng magisa. laking help po nito.

Kaya yan! Enjoy Sagada!

How much po kaya ang total expenses if I’m planning to go there alone? Kahit estimated amount lang po. Thank you!

I have two sons aged 13 and 6, who are excited to visit Sagada, do you think its ok to bring them along?

Hard to say. Most of Sagada’s main attractions are very physical — caves, trek to the waterfall, etc. I’m not sure if may age limit.

I haven’t tried traveling to Sagada with kids, but I know that if I did with the kids in my family, they would have enjoyed the hike — Bomod-Ok, Blue Hills, Kiltepan. But I wouldn’t have them join the spelunking (cave) tours. But that’s just us.

Hello, Whe you said,

“Sagada Town Proper isn’t the final stop of any of these buses. Don’t fall asleep when you’re nearing Sagada. You might miss your stop and end up in Besau.” – so where is the drop off?

The bus makes a stop at drops off passengers at Sagada junction.

The final stop of most buses is in Besau.

Hi po, ask ko po yung Transportation Fee like sa Bomod-ok eh roundtrip po ba yoon and good for ilang tao? Thank you po.

Hi Jayson, yep, two-way din ung sa Bomod-ok.

Di ko alam ilan kasya exactly pero maliit na jeepney yun. :)

How long will it take to hike to LUMIANG CAVE?

From the road to Lumiang Cave entrance? It was a very quick walk, around 5 minutes, if I remember correctly.

Hi! May I know is there a certain date before I can book the bus? eg: only 1 month in advance? I am going in March and I already tried booking but it’s all ‘There is no available bus’. I am kind of worried as I am not from Philippines and I already booked my flight. Thank you so much! Happy New Year!

Hi Kimmy, I’m not sure. I tried booking but it looks like only trips until Feb 29 is available for booking for now.

Hi! Do you know why the Kiltepan is closed? And Is it open now?

This was probably the reason: facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=352071655364129&id=100016838910305

NICE BLOG!!! I LIKE IT! <3

HI! Are the guide fees stated from the group tour you mentioned? thanks

Hi ! Dalawa lng po kme magtatravel this coming end of the month, would it be possible to join other groups there po ?. Inaallow po ba nila un? Thanks po in advance

Yep, pwede ka mag-request sa SAGGAS na imerge kayo with other groups. Pero syempre dapat pumayag yung ibang groups.

Hi, just want to know

May Bus ba or any public transport going to buscalan from Sagada :) para sulit ang trip sa north kc plan ko from sagada to buscalan ^_^ kay Apo Wang ood :)

Unfortunately, di pa kami nag-Kalinga. :(

Hi were planning to spend our christmas and new year 2020 in sagada with my family, relatives and friends. gusto namin ma-try yung bonfire fest and the other tours. may mai-recommend ka bang travel and tour guide for private tour. thanks!

Hi Belle, when you reach Sagada, you can go to SAGGAS. It’s the tour guide association in town. They organize the bonfire fest, and they have private tours too. You can try contacting them in advance.

Hi, until when is the suspension of the trips to sagada? And btw, regarding with the fee for example the fee is 800P for 1-4pax is does that mean if we are only 2 we needed to devide that into 2 and we have to pay 400 each? Thank you in advance. Nice blog tho.

Yep, P400 if dalawa lang kayo. :)

And if we travel the bus at 4PM from sagada to MNL what is the ETA? Thankyou again.

Wow! Such a great resource for a wonderful Sagada trip our family is planning next year. Thanks for this, very informative indeed. Hope all’s well by next year so we could visit the place.

wish that all Sagada activities will resume soon and we shall enjoy life – short as it is.

Hi – with that itinerary you provided, what is the estimated budget allowance?

Thank you, very helpful

Very informative… Hoping to visit Sagada the soonest…

hi, there is a bus from the junction to manila?

Hi Lyka, in our exprience the CodaLines bus (direct to Manila) waits for passengers near the junction. But best to book in advance.

Hi, thanks for the very detailed info. Just want to ask though if this itinerary is child-friendly? Or would you recommend other travel spots that we can bring a kid? Me and my wife is planning to go to Sagada with our 11 y.o. son this September. Thanks in advance.

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2022 SAGADA TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

by thepinay solobackpacker | May 25, 2022 | Mountain Province , Sagada , TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS | 0 comments

Over the years, the municipality of Sagada in the Mountain Province has attracted tourists especially on weekends. Travel agencies from Manila started offering inexpensive group tours during weekends that led to overcrowding in top Sagada tourist spots.  But then the pandemic arrived, and Sagada temporarily closed its borders to tourists in order to protect its residents. But, with the closure of Sagada, many residents who work in the tourism industry, such as local guides, café and restaurants owners, homestay owners, and weavers, have lost their livelihood. Late last year, Sagada finally opened its doors to tourists after a long hiatus. And early this year, new rules were imposed. If you are planning to visit Sagada soon, here’s the list of Sagada travel requirements for 2022.

TRAVEL BLOG CONTENTS

SAGADA TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS FOR TOURISTS

Here’s the latest Sagada travel requirements for 2022. Both vaccinated tourists and partially and unvaccinated tourists can now enter Sagada. Children 11 years old and below are exempted from the following requirements:

SAGADA TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS FOR VACCINATED TOURISTS

1.BOOKED ACCOMMODATION. All travelers must book at least 1 night accommodation from DOT-accredited and LGU-certified establishments. Your accommodation should provide you with an access code that you need to proceed with the online registration. See next requirement below.

You can check out the room rates and book  your Sagada accommodation through the link below. Or check out the list of Sagada accommodations below.

Important: Bookings must be made at least 2 days prior to arrival.

  2.UMALI KAYO QR CODE. Sign up at Umali Kayo Registration  –> HERE. Register at least 2 days prior to your travel date. You must present the QR Code / registration confirmation in Umali Kayo registration system. Your code should contain the letters CN, followed by 6 numbers (e.g CN 345678). Each code will accommodate up to 2 persons.  For example, you are 4 in a group, then you need 2 codes.

Important: The registration portal is only open from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily.

3.VACCINATION CARD.  Vaccinated tourists must present a vaccination card showing you are fully vaccinated.

SAGADA TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS FOR UNVACCINATED TOURISTS AND PARTIALLY VACCINATED TOURISTS

1.BOOKED ACCOMMODATION.    You must book at least 1 night accommodation from DOT-accredited and LGU-certified establishments. Your accommodation should provide you with an access code that you need to proceed with the online registration. See next requirement below.

  2.UMALI KAYO QR CODE. Sign up at Umali Kayo Registration. Register at least 2 days prior to your travel date. You must present the QR Code / registration confirmation in Umali Kayo registration system.

3.NEGATIVE RAPID ANTIGEN TEST RESULT. All partially vaccinated and unvaccinated tourists must present a negative Covid test result valid up to 1 day from the date of release.

• Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) may be conducted at the Pegeo Border Control Point in Sagada for ₱600 ($11) per test. Open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM only.
• If you’re taking the Rapid Antigen Test outside Sagada, it must be with an official receipt (OR) from any of the following:

Any medical government office (RHU, City Health Office, MHO, PO)

Any Philippine Hospital.

4.REGISTRATION FEE. After undergoing triage on your arrival in Sagada, all tourists must pay the ₱100 ($2) registration fee at the Tourism Information Office or Tourism Hub in Sagada. You will be provided a tourist kit which includes informative documents that may aid in your travel in Sagada. Also, you will be provided a tourist ID for identification purposes, carry this with you at all times when exploring and visiting Sagada tourist spots. It will serve as your pass to be able to enter sites included in your Sagada itinerary or Sagada tour package.

IMPORTANT: All tourists arriving must present the accomplished Sagada travel requirements stated above, e.g.QR Code, Vaccination Card, Covid 19 Negative Test Result, and booked accommodation confirmation.

All tourists must undergo triage.

Currently, day trips aren’t allowed in Sagada. You must stay for at least 1 night in Sagada.

If you are an APOR traveling to Sagada , please select APOR as your purpose of visit when you register at Umali Kayo website. Don’t forget your travel order. Also, you won’t be allowed to tour.  If you plan tour Sagada while you are there, you have to register as a tourist and comply with the Sagada travel requirements for tourists.

HOW TO GO TO SAGADA

Tourists visiting Sagada by private vehicles and public transportation are now allowed.

  Sagada by Private Vehicle

Below are your Sagada route options, depending on when you are coming from.

1.Manila -> Baguio – >Halsema Highway -> Sagada Route

For detailed  direction from Manila to Sagada via Baguio, refer to Google Maps, CLICK HERE.

If you are only coming from Baguio to Sagada , CLICK HERE for directions.

If you’ll be using this route and will only be passing through Baguio and Benguet, you are required to register HERE .

If you’ll be staying in Baguio before traveling to Sagada or you’ll be staying in Baguio after Sagada. Check out my Baguio Travel blog below.

ALSO READ : BAGUIO TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by gael | thepinaysolobackpacker (@thepinaysolobackpacker)

2.Tagudin -> Cervantes -> Sabangan -> Dantay -> Sagada Route

If you’ll be using the Tagudin route, check directions HERE.

3.Nueva Ecija -> Nueva Vizcaya -> Ifugao ->  Mountain Province Route

If coming from Nueva Ecija, use this route HERE .

Tabuk Mountain Province Route

  If coming from the Northern Regions, take this route HERE .

Travel Reminder:

• Plan your trip accordingly to make sure your arrival in Sagada is around 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM , otherwise, you will not be allowed to enter since the triage and the Tourism Hub that will check the Sagada travel requirements is still closed. You will wait until the next day when the triage is open.
• Sagada travel requirements will be checked at Pegeo border control . Then you will be referred to the Sagada tourism hub after.
• At the Sagada Tourism Hub, you will be provided tourist ID and tourist kit, which you need to wear or carry with you when you enter major Sagada tourist spots. Registration fee is ₱100 ($2).
• All tourists will undergo triage.
• To avoid delays, all tourists entering Sagada are advised to take the Dantay-Sagada Road and Sagada South Road when exiting.

Sagada by Public Transportation

Tourists arriving by private vehicles and public transportation are now allowed in Sagada.

Manila  (Cubao) – Sagada

1.Ride a Coda Bus from Manila to Sagada via Banaue and Bontoc.

Coda Bus terminal is located at Monte de Piedad Street in Cubao, Quezon City.  The bus leaves daily from Cubao. Bus fare starts at ₱760 ($15) to ₱980 ($19).  Travel time is roughly 12 hours. You can book online at their official website: codalinesph.com

MANILA TO SAGADA BUS: BOOK HERE

Here’s the Coda Bus Line Bus Schedule:

2.  Manila – Baguio – Sagada Route  

*Schedules are subject to change without prior notice.

• CODA LINES Terminal Quezon City
• HM Transport, INC
• Monte de Piedad corner Maryland Street, Cubao Quezon City
• Contact #: +63 927 559 2197 / +63 929 521 3229

  Alternatively, you can also reach Sagada via Baguio. However, if you are passing through Baguio, you need to accomplish the Baguio travel requirements for Passing through travelers.

1.Ride a bus to Baguio. There are several bus lines that travel to Baguio, such as Victory Liner, Joy Bus (Executive Coach Bus by Genesis Transport), Dangwa Transit, Philippine Rabbit, Dagupan Bus, Saulog Bus, etc. Travel time from Manila to Baguio is roughly 5-6 hours, depending on traffic.

Manila to Baguio Bus: BOOK HERE

2.Take a cab to Baguio Dangwa Terminal and ride a GL Bus Trans Line. Buses depart to Sagada and ends in Ambasing (Sagada), or Besao (Mountain Province). Travel time is approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes. First trip is around 5:30 AM and last trip is 1:00 PM, so make sure to catch the last bus.

Alternatively, you may also catch a cab to Slaughter House. Lizardo Bus has daily trips from Baguio to Sagada, first trip is around 9:00 AM.

Important : Sagada isn’t the last stop of the bus, you can ask the driver or verify with other passengers if the stop-over is already Sagada.

SAGADA TOUR PACKAGE

Take note that upon arrival in Sagada, all tourists are required to pay the ₱100 ($2) registration fee, a tourist kit and tourist ID will be provided.  The tourist ID will serve as a pass when entering the tourists spots in Sagada. Some sites like Sumaguing Cave requires a local guide. When hiring a guide, remember that 1 guide is good for up to 5 persons, so, you can save if you are traveling in a group. You can hire a guide at Saggas or at Sagada Tourism Office.

If you’d like to avail of the Sagada Tour Package, here’s the current Saada tour package rate as of 2022. The tour package includes 1 guide, good for up to 5 persons. Meaning, the tour rate below is good for 5 persons already.

WHERE TO STAY IN SAGADA

At least 1 night stay is required when traveling to Sagada, because you need the code from your accommodation to register online as part of the Sagada travel requirements.  And you need to book in advance (at least 2 days before your trip) and get a code to register at Umali Kayo website.  Make sure to book only at DOT-accredited and LGU -certified accommodations. You can book through the link below and contact the  Sagada inn/homestay/guesthouse after you’ve book to get the tourist code.

• Isabello’s Inn and Café
• Location: Sagada Central
• Kanip-aw Pines View Lodge

Here’s a list of DOT-accredited and LGU-certified Sagada Homestay and Inns:

DIY SAGADA ITINERARY

Here’s a sample Sagada itinerary.  I used the public bus here for future reference. But if you’re using a private vehicle, you can just refer to the estimated departure time below.   All tourists spots in Sagada are now open including Sumaguing Cave, Lumiang Cave, Bomod-ok Falls, Pongas Falls, and Lake Danum.

TRAVEL REMINDER:

• Those who choose to travel are strongly advised to check the LGU health protocols regarding Covid-19 and take health conditions and personal comfort levels into consideration before departure.
• The Sagada Travel Requirements information above may change without prior notice. Please double check with the respective LGU.   
• Please don’t touch coffins and burial sites.
• Please refrain from asking locals to wear their traditional clothing just for photos.
• As much as possible, please ask permission from taking photos of locals especially elders.
• Please avoid joining any rituals without permission from elders.
• Please refrain from making noises in the community especially on burial grounds, and other religious and sacred places.
• Dispose your trash properly.
• Leave what you find – rocks, plants, etc.

BAGUIO TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

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• Nov 23, 2021

Sagada set up online registration for re-opening its tourism activities

Updated: Nov 24, 2021

Sagada, Mt. Province – Although the municipality of Sagada is still closed for tourism activities, its local government unit has initially created an online platform called “Umali kayo” as an online tourist registration portal for those who wish to visit the place, once it re-opens for tourism.

According to Sagada tourism office, the word 'Umali kayo' is an expression in their local language that semantically translates to 'Welcome'.

“Upon the announcement of reopening of tourism in the Municipality of Sagada, all tourists will need to register in UMALI KAYO and their registration must be approved by the Municipal Tourism Office to be granted entry,” the tourism office announced Friday, November 19, 2021.

Aside from the registration system for tourism, additional guidelines according to them will be provided once the official announcement of re-opening is made.

As recalled, a 4-day dry run was conducted by the municipality last August to review the mechanisms that would be instituted for the reopening of Sagada tourism industry, and one of the plans evaluated is the use of the online registration system.

Through an online registration system, the local government could limit the entry of guests to 100 tourists a day and help in the accommodation, validation of registered guests, and compliance with requirements imposed.

Aside from the registration system, the municipal tourism office also released guidelines in advance for guests making plans to visit their community. These include a negative RT-PCR test taken 72 hours before arrival, vaccination card as proof that the tourist has been fully vaccinated, minimum one-night stay in Sagada in a DOT-accredited and LGU-certified accommodation establishment, and confirmed tourists must travel in a private or personal vehicle.

Sagada, as recalled, had been receiving large numbers of local and foreign travellers visiting the locality’s popular attractions such as mountain valleys, rice fields, burial and limestone caves, waterfalls, and cliffs that come with a sea of clouds before the pandemic.

The place was also featured in the 2014 Antoinette Jadaone-directed hit “That Thing Called Tadhana,” starring Angelica Panganiban and JM de Guzman.

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Travel Blog

Sagada Travel Guide with DIY Itinerary and Budget 2024

It was 2019 when we decided to go on a North Luzon loop road trip . We were supposed to drive to Ilocos Norte from Cagayan but the road was impassable, so we took a detour. The next thing we know, we’re chilling as we walk down the streets of Sagada one evening in flowy, summer dresses that my mom and I was supposed to flaunt in a dinner by the beach. The next morning, we embarked on an adventure that made us fall in love with Sagada in a heartbeat that we swore to heavens, we’ll definitely come back for it. So I did . As I spend more days in it, the more that I realize that this (literally) cool, lovely town is more than what meets the naked eye. This Sagada travel guide will lead you to the exact same road that made me fall in love with it.

Welcome to Sagada .

About Sagada

Sagada is a landlocked, lone district in the Mountain Province. Nestled in the Cordilleras, this small, peaceful town has been known for its cool climate all year round and its people keeping its indigenous culture.

The language that is widely spoken by the Igorots of Sagada is Kankana-ey. Worry not though as they speak in English and Filipino/Tagalog fluently so you won’t really have a hard time asking around or conversing with them.

Best Time to Visit Sagada

While Sagada can be visited all year round, the most perfect time to visit it is during the last week of February where they celebrate their Etag Festival and/or dry season (December to May) . It may be lovely to visit it especially during the rainy days as it may get really cold but you may not be able to explore the tourist attractions as they would close it on some days for everyone’s safety (i.e. safe from landslide, flashfloods, etc.). Also, there may be landslides along the way going to Sagada.

Amazing Facts about Sagada

• Its real name is Ganduyan .
• The Igorots of Sagada do not allow people from outside their tribe to acquire a property nor start and establish a business in their land.
• The Igorots of Sagada are very much fluent in English (and they really have a good accent!) due to the American colonization.
• The people of Sagada are generally Igorots as they are mountain dwellers but they belong to the Applai-Kankanaey Tribe.
• They have two names as they are baptized twice: the Traditional Igorot way and the Christian way.

How Sagada Got its Name

Sagada is traditionaly named as Ganduyan . People only started calling it as Sagada around 1600s when this farmer who was carrying “sag-ad”, a farm tool, came across Spaniards on his way to the fields. The Spaniards asked him as to what was the place called. However, due to miscommunication, the farmer thought they were asking him as to what he was carrying. He then answered, “Sag-ad ah”. From then on, the place was called Sagada. Despite its new name, the Igorots of Sagada would still dearly regard to their home as Ganduyan.

Places to Visit in Sagada

The places that you can visit in Sagada guarantees a feast for the senses. They are truly stunning and would instantly ebb your weariness from the long walks away. The best thing about it is that, your knowledgeable local guide will tell you more about it that will make you understand the places and its people more. This Sagada Travel Guide includes both the usual and off-the-beaten places to visit in the town. Among those are the following:

• Ganduyan Museum
• Balangagan Cave
• Sagada Weaving
• Sagada Pottery
• Echo Valley and Hanging Coffins
• Bomod-Ok Falls
• Pongas Falls
• Marlboro Hills (locally known as Lamagan )
• Blue Soil (locally known as Kaman Utek )
• Lumiang-Sumaging Cave Connection
• Church of St. Mary the Virgin

For more details (fees, getting there and additional information about these places), read: Top Places to Visit in Sagada, Mountain Province

Things to Do in Sagada

Here are the top activities that this Sagada Travel Guide highly recommends to make the best out of your trip:

• Discovering the history of Sagada . You can learn more about the history and culture of the Applai-Kankana-ey tribe at Ganduyan Museum.
• Trekking to Lamagan (Marlboro Hills) and and Kaman Utek (Blue Soil) . Be amazed by the beauty of sunrise with a chance of sea of clouds and let the blue soil stun you with its beauty with a trek that starts at around 4:00 in the morning. The long trek is WORTH IT!
• Visiting the Hanging Coffins . Learn about their unique death and burial ceremony and tradition as you visit the echo valley and hanging coffins.
• Chasing Waterfalls . Be breathless (literally and figuratively) with a trek to Pongas and Bomod-Ok falls.
• Spelunking . Explore Sumaguing, Lumiang and Balangagan caves through a guided spelunking with the best guides!
• Going on a food trip . Yes, Sagada is also a place for gastronomic adventure! Make sure that you’ll have their etag , pinikpikan , chicken inatep , homemade yogurt, lemon pie and Ate Jane’s homemade wheat bread in your list!
• Joining the locals’ gathering and parties on weekends . Sing and dance with the Igorots at Langtiw and Kamangwit Eco Park on Friday and Saturday nights.
• Trying pottery . Experience pottery first-hand with the notable potters of the Applai-Kankanaey tribe at Sagada pottery.

Where to Eat in Sagada

If you are down for some gastronomic adventure, treat your palate with some Cordilleran meat dishes. Among the ones that you should not miss are their etag – indigenous, cured or preserved slab of meat and pinikpikan – a controversial dish made of chicken that was beaten alive prior to cooking to bring blood to the surface. You can try etag and pinikpikan , both traditionally prepared or with a twist in the following restaurants that this Sagada Travel Guide highly recommends:

• Ganduyan Inatep – a restaurant that will make you feel like you’re dining in a traditional Ganduyan house while enjoying a heart plate of Etag and Chicken yoghurt inatep
• The Shire of Sagada – best place to try the Etag pizza and Pinikpikan pasta
• Sagada Brew – a restaurant best known for the big serving of pasta, Callos and Herb Chicken with such a mouthwatering presentation.
• Dongdaemun Korean Restaurant – the first and only restaurant in Sagada offering authentic Korean food
• Lemon Pie House – best place to try the famous lemon pie
• Salt and Pepper – one of the well-known and oldest restaurant in town and the best place to try Chicken inutom and etag pizza
• Masferre – a place for steak and chicken dishes cooked to perfection
• Yogurt House – best place to try their home-made yogurt
• Gaia Sagada Cafe – best for vegetarians
• Happy House – among the best restaurants to try Pinikpikan
• IsangWow Cafe by the Clouds – the best breakfast place in town with an effortless view of the sunrise and sea of clouds

Read more about Sagada’s gastronomic culture and history: Top 10 Places to Eat in Sagada

Where to Stay in Sagada

There are no upscale hotels in Sagada . Most of the accommodation that the locals offer are cozy rustic homestays and lodging. What I personally love about these accommodations though is that, they don’t need air-conditioning anymore as this town is blessed with cool, fresh air brought by the altitude and the trees everywhere. Despite the cold, the locals are warm enough to welcome everyone visiting their homes. If you are looking for places to stay in Sagada, here are the ones that you may choose from:

• The Shire of Sagada – Check Availability and Book Here
• Inandako Bed and Breakfast
• Bilza Sagada Lodge
• Joan’s Homestay
• Happy House
• Agape Log Cabin – Check Availability and Book Here
• Banga-an BnB and Coffee House – Check Availability and Book Here
• Sagada Sunrise View Homestay – Check Availability and Book Here
• The L’Auberge – Check Availability and Book Here
• Andrew & Mary’s Lodging House – Check Availability and Book Here
• Dagdag Village Homestay – Sagada – Check Availability and Book Here
• Sagada Lodging Home – Check Availability and Book Here

Tips and Reminders when Visiting Sagada

• The local tourism office DO NOT allow DIY tours. They require a local guide and shuttle service for each attraction.
• It is cheaper if you can travel at least in groups so you can share and split expenses with others, too.
• Bring sets of comfortable clothes and footwear as you will be walking A LOT around the town and during your tours.
• Bring flashlights. This can be useful for treks that starts at dawn.
• Bring extra layers. It gets really cold especially at night.
• Bring enough cash especially on tours. They prefer cash in terms of mode of payment for goods and services though some accept GCash already. There are ATMs in Sagada but it only accept domestic cards.
• Respect their local traditions and house rules. They can be really strict as regards those.
• Respect the local community and the attractions that you’ll visit; most especially, refrain from touching the burial jars and coffins.
• Bring reusable bottle of water.
• If you are commuting and taking the bus, book your bus tickets in advance and take note of the bus schedules.
• If you are to bring your own car and your homestay doesn’t have enough parking space, there is a paid parking space past the Anglican church. The LGU doesn’t allow tourists driving their own cars around.

How to Get There

From Manila to Sagada

From Cubao, take a Coda Lines bus to Sagada. The first trip is at 8:00 PM and the last is at 11:30 PM. The land trip would take you around 13 hours and a ticket costs about Php 1,080.00 for per way a bus without a toilet and Php 1,200.00 if otherwise.

From Banaue to Sagada

Option 1 : From Banaue Bus Terminal, look for jeepneys, vans or minivans that travel to Sagada. The trip may take three hours. Take note though that there’s a minimum number of passengers for it to go. Fare may range from Php 250.00 to Php 300.00.

Option 2 : From Banaue, take a van going to Bontoc. From Bontoc, take a jeep going to Sagada.

From Baguio to Sagada

Make your way to Dangwa Terminal. From the terminal, take a bus going to Sagada. The trip may take 5 to 6 hours with the fare ranging from Php 220.00 to Php 250.00. The first trip is at around 8:00 AM and the last trip departs at 1:00 PM.

Sample 3 Days 2 Nights Sagada DIY Itinerary

Day 0 8:00 PM – Departure from Cubao

Day 1 9:00 AM – Arrival in Sagada/ Register at the Tourism Office 9:30 AM – Echo Valley and Hanging Coffins Tour 12:00 PM – Lunch at Ganduyan Inatep 1:30 PM – Ganduyan Museum 2:00 PM – Check in/ Prepare for Lumiang-Sumaguing Cave Connection 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM – Lumiang-Sumaguing Cave Connection 6:30 PM – Back to homestay/ freshen up 7:30 PM – Dinner at Sagada Brew/ Happy House

Day 2 4:00 AM – Rise and shine 4:20 AM – Arrival at the jump off 4:30 AM – Start trek to Marlboro Hills 5:30 AM – Wait for the sunrise at Marlboro Hills 6:00 AM – light breakfast (don’t forget to try their black rice champorado for only Php 80.00) 6:30 AM – Start trek to Blue Soil 8:30 AM – Arrival at Blue Soil 9:00 AM – Back to homestay for heavy breakfast and freshening up 10:00 AM – Sagada Pottery 11:00 AM – Sagada Weaving/ Buying of Pasalubong 12:00 PM – Lunch at Masferre/ Yogurt House 1:00 PM – Prepare for Balangagan Cave Spelunking 2:00 PM – 5:30 PM – Balangagan Cave Spelunking 6:00 PM – Back to homestay/ freshen up 7:00 PM – Dinner at the Shire of Sagada/ Lemon Pie House

5:30 AM – Rise and shine/ light breakfast 6:30 AM – 10:00 AM – Bomod-Ok Falls tour 10:30 AM – Back to homestay/ pack up 11:30 AM – Check out/ Lunch at Yogurt House 1:00 PM – Bus to Manila 1:00 AM – Expected Time of Arrival in Manila

NOTE: For a 2 Days and 1 Night Sagada DIY, you may consider Day 1 up to the first half of the itinerary on Day 2.

3 Days 2 Nights Sagada DIY Sample Budget

Note: the sample budget in this Sagada Travel Guide considers a small group of 4. You may be able to spend less if you’ll be joining a bigger group of tourists.

Day 1 – Php 2,760 (with bus fare from Manila)

Bus from Cubao to Sagada – Php 1,200.00 Tourist Registration fee – Php 100.00 Echo Valley + Hanging Coffins access fee – Php 10.00 Guide fee – Php 300.00/ 4 – Php 75.00 Lunch – Php 200.00 Ganduyan Museum Entrance fee – Php 100.00 Shuttle fee for Lumiang-Sumaguing Cave Connection – Php 400.00 (free if you’re staying at Bilza Lodge)/ 4 – Php 100.00 Lumiang-Sumaguing Guide fee – Php 1,500.00/ 4 – Php 375.00 Dinner – Php 250.00 Accommodation Day 1 – Php 350.00

Day 2 – Php 2,081.00

Marlboro Hills + Blue Soil Shuttle Fee – Php 1,350.00/ 4 – Php 338.00 Marlboro Hills + Blue Soil Guide Fee – Php 1,600.00/4 – Php 400.00 Champorado at Marlboro Hills – Php 80.00 Sagada Pottery (Showcase fee) – Php 200.00/4 – Php 50.00 Lunch – Php 200.00 Balangagan Cave Shuttle fee – Php 850.00/ 4 – Php 213.00 Balangagan Cave Guide fee – Php 800.00/ 4 – Php 200.00 Dinner – Php 250.00 Accommodation Day 2 – Php 350.00

Day 3 – Php 1,760.00

Bomod-Ok Falls Guide fee – Php 500/4 – Php 125.00 Bomod-Ok Falls Shuttle fee – Php 900.00/4 – Php 225.00 Access fee – Php 10.00 Lunch – Php 200.00 Bus fare to Manila – Php 1,200.00

Total Budget for 3 Days 2 Nights Sagada DIY trip – Php 6,061.00

NOTE: For a 2 Days and 1 Night Sagada DIY, you may consider Day 1 up to the first half of the Day 2 itinerary and spend a total of Php 4,978.00

Sagada Travel Guide, In a Nutshell

Anne Elizabeth Gumiran

Anne Elizabeth Gumiran, also known as Queenie, is a 20-something, full-time public school teacher, a part-time travel blogger and a freediver. She started putting her stories of adventures and misadventures into words and pictures in 2017 and continues to do so as she shares her advocacy, Sustainable Traveling.

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12 comments.

Christia Mae

Hello Mam! May I inquire which homestay/lodging among the list do you prefer? Thank you!

Hello! My top recommended homestays/lodging in Sagada are Inandako, Bilza Sagada Lodge and the Shire of Sagada 🙂

So, we cannot go to Blue Soil and Marlboro Hills without a guide?

Hi, Guida! The LGU of Sagada does not allow tourists to go without any guides in any attractions (except the Anglican Church).

ana mariela imus

what is the lowest stay-in in sagada? and do they have services that roaming around in sagada?

Hello, Ana! What do you mean by the lowest stay-in? If you’re referring to accommodation, you can stay for a night for as low as Php 600.00/ person in some homestays (shared). As for services, since DIY trips (i.e. going to the tourist attractions and exploring on your own without a guide) are not allowed, you can book your tours at the tourism office or Travel Now Asia. These tours usually include pick up and drop off already. However, if you wish to explore the town proper especially to go eat and buy souvenirs, I suggest you book an accommodation that is around the center so you won’t have to think much about the transfers.

Hi! I would like to inquire if solo traveler? Any tips or advise kung pwede ba mag join sa ibang groups or kung pwede po ba yun pag dating doon? Or kailangan talaga your own group and not allowed makijoin po? Salamat. Planning to go this February. Thank you!

We did this some time 2019! We did not join any groups from Manila. You can take a Coda Lines bus to Sagada then inquire at tourism office and makisabay nalang sa ibang tourists from there if they would be okay with others joining their circle.

Hi, mga anong oras po kayo nakauwi pa Manila? Thank you!

We arrived at around 2:00AM that’s because we went to Baguio city for dinner. If not, we could have been there at around 11:00 PM or 12:00 AM 🙂

Hi Queenie, Thank you for this guide! Super helpful. Just wanted to confirm bale need talaga ng tour package? We’re group of 5 and we’re planning to go to Sagada this summer. Wala bang option sa Tourism Office to book or rent a van with a driver and tour guide to get us to all the attractions doon sa sample itinerary mo? or need talaga namin maki tour with other people? We wanted sana na hawak namin oras namin e. I hope you can answer. Thank you again!

Hi, Michelle! While you can go to Sagada on your own (say through commuting or bringing your own car), renting of van from the tourism office for tours is not an option, unfortunately. They really have shuttle services that will pick you up and drop you off from accommodation to facilitate as well the traffic in the town. The good thing with your number is that, you may go on an exclusive tour (allowing you to utilize your own time on your own pace) since most of the tours usually go with 5 persons or more 🙂 Perhaps, you just need to coordinate it with them. You need to book your tours in the tourism office. Hope this helps!

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