Sagada is a small and remote town in Mt. Province, Philippines. It is by far different from the life you’ve known and experienced in your own place. That is why being prepared before travelling is a must. This blog contains the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Sagada, I hope this will help you a lot. Maligayang Paglalakbay!
HOW TO GO TO SAGADA?
There are two but not simple ways that I know to reach Sagada. Remember, Sagada is a remote town. It is not that easy to reach the town.
SAGADA via BAGUIO
There are many bus companies that will take you to Baguio from wherever province you are from. But, if you are coming from Manila, I prefer you choose Victory Liner Bus. There is 5 to 6 hours one-way trip from Manila to Baguio during regular days. It costs not more than 500.00. During peak seasons, it is better if you buy ticket prior your travel date to avoid stress.
From the terminal of Victory Liner in Baguio, take a taxi going to Dangwa Bus Terminal. Php 40.00 to Php 45.00 will be the taxi fare. Then, go to the GL Liner Station to buy a ticket. Unfortunately, GL Liner Station has a same-day ticket reservation policy. It means that you cannot reserve tickets day/s before your travel date. So, be sure to arrive at the terminal as early as 5:00 am, if you want to catch the first trip.
Buses going to Sagada leave every hour starting from the first trip at 6:30am to 1:00pm as the last trip. Fare is Php 220.00 with 5-6 hours trip. Do not forget to bring candies and water because the trip will not be so easy. There’s a high chance that you might feel nauseous.
SAGADA via BANAUE
Take a bus going to Banaue. Terminal stations such as Ohayami Trans (fare is Php 450.00), Coda Lines (fare is Php 500.00) and Florida (Php 530.00) have trips going to Banaue. It is roughly 9-10 hours trip.
From Banaue, take a van or jeepney going to Sagada for Php 300.00 to Php 450.00. It is a 2 ½ to 3 1/2 hours trip that leaves every hour from 6:30 in the morning to 1:00 in the afternoon.
WHEN TO GO?
The best season to go in Sagada is based on your own preference. What is the weather you would like to experience?
December to February, the coolest months of Sagada. In these months, you could experience the chill that you may never experience in the lowland. During these months, there are also festivals held in town. There is the annual bonfire festival every 28th of December and the town fiesta every first week of February. So, if you would want to join these festivities and experience the coolest weather, visit Sagada from December to February.
March to April are the dry months of Sagada. Although, its weather is still cooler than in the lowland, there are times that you might feel warm. Also, do not forget that in these months are when Holy week possibly may fall, wherein there’s a huge number of tourists that will visit Sagada. However, if you enjoy being with a larger crowd and meet different people, these months are the best months for you. On the other hand, if you want a more peaceful and less crowded Sagada, do not go during these months.
May to November are the wet months of Sagada. Rain will start to fall in May from light to moderate. Then typhoons might start coming from June to November. Whenever rain falls, there are sites that will be unavailable like the sunrise and sunset viewpoints (since there will be no sun) and the cave adventures because the rocks will be more slippery and the water inside the cave will rise in an unreasonable level. Also, during these months, landslides are possible too. So, traveling to Sagada is not that safe during these months.
If I will recommend the best season to go to Sagada, that will be from December to February. Aside from you will experience the cool weather trademark of Sagada, there will be less number of tourists also. Plus, you can explore all the sites orWHAT tourist spots that the town are very proud of safely and peacefully.
WHEN TO BOOK ACCOMMODATION?
As much as you want to be spontaneous as you travel, having plans and being ready is not a bad idea. Based from my experience, it is better if you book accommodation days or a week before you visit the town. Especially, during peak seasons. As much as possible, during peak seasons, (like Holidays), book 2-3 weeks before your travel date so you could choose the best place wherein you will spend the rest of your stay in Sagada and experience a hassle-free vacation.
WHERE TO STAY IN SAGADA?
There are no five star hotels in Sagada. But, there are a lot of decent and nice inns and lodges where you can stay. Before I give a list of inns and lodges in Sagada, I just have a few simple advice:
- As much as possible, choose a place to stay that is near the town center. Because it would be a big hassle if you will still have distance walk after you had a long day-adventures. That will be too tiring for you.
- Always ask the person-in-charge of the inn or lodge if there is a bathroom in the room that you will have. Because, there are inns and lodges that provides only one or two bathrooms for five bedrooms.
- Choose an inn or a lodge that has a restaurant or place to eat. Because, restaurants in Sagada are always full!!! So, it will be more convenient for you if there is already a restaurant in the place you are staying in.
Here is the list with contact numbers for every inn, lodge or homestay in Sagada:
***DISCLAIMER: This list of inns, lodges and homestays are provided by the Tourism Information Center of Sagada.
***NOTE: Inns, Lodges and Resthouses in bold letters are highly recommended.
Central/ Westwards
- Alapo’s: 0921-327-9055
- Davey’s Town Inn and Resto: 0909- 446-5749
- Ganduyan: 0921-273-8097
- Green House: 0946-460-7726
- Isabelo’s Inn: 0928-951-7153
- Igorot Inn: 0908-757-8357
- Olahbinan Resthouse: 0928-406-7647
- Masferre’ Country Inn: 0918-341-6164
- Sagada Homestay Inn: 0919-702-8380
- Sagada Valley View Inn: 0939-475-9857
- Sagada Guesthouse: 0926-254-1828
- Villa D. Familia: 0918-959-4570
- Sagada Green Hills: 0917-553-5337
- Saint Joseph’s Resthouse: 0955-317-3345
- Sagada Townhouse Inn: 0921-653-1771
- Clarence Inn: 0919-658-5820
- Pumpkin’s Place: 0918-438-5918
***HOMESTAYS (For those who want to rent a house for days or weeks)
- Glady’s: 0919-477-8647
- Lucille: 0915-867-1213
- Datil Homestay: 0918-410-4425
- Sagada Forest Lodge: 0928-277-8510
- 7 J’s: 0917-679-7703
- Panyero’s: 0905-546-8959
Eastwards/ Northwards
- A7 House: 0936-703-8545
- Alfredo’s: 0948-711-2112
- Triple J Inn: 0919-517-1802
- Casa Robina: 0949-678-2668
- Billy’s House: 0921-603-2745
- The Rusty Nail: 0917-685-5804
- Ligaya’s Cottages: 0918-343-8415 and 0977-198-1703
- Mapiya-aw Pension: 0999-966-6164 and 0916-509-5565
- Misty Lodge: 0926-123-5240
- Rock Inn and Café: 0905-554-5950
- Yabami Lodge: 0949-747-2245
- Gecko Inn: 0929-955-7279
- Mamakde Transient: 0915-311-2951
- Anga-ang Inn: 0926-767-4654
***HOMESTAYS
- Rose Transient: 0905-887-6822
- Daon: 0921-331-2139
- Mushroom Ville: 0926-257-4603
- Bokong Village: 0930-114-6609
- Panyero’s: 0905-546-8959
- Vicky: 0929-955-7078
- Rudy: 0908-297-1893
Southwards
- Alibama: 0920-813-5797
- Canaway Resthouse: 0918-291-5063
- Canaway Extn: 0918-515-6097
- George Guesthouse: 0918-548-0406
- Labanet Lodge: 0918-548-0406
- Indigenous Inn: 0921-645-5679
- Kanip-aw Pines View: 0928-284-7507
- MaryHillz Inn: 0915-338-6577
- Travellers’ Inn: 0919-517-1833
- Grandma’s Yellow Inn: 0947-835-1985
- Shamrock Travern: 0930-195-5680
- Hidden Hill: 0910-796-7073
- Inn Maugay: 0912-230-1240
- Pinewood Lodge: 0190-115-4358
- Umatan Lodge: 0910-115-4358
- Village Inn: 0929-799-5080
- Montana Inn: 0930-780-0885
- Sagada Cave Pension House: 0998-865-1846
- Salt and Pepper Inn: 0908- 177-4972
- Rockwall Inn: 0920-420-2594
***HOMESTAYS
- Martha: 0919-269-4240
- Jennifer: 0939-244-5851
- Inandako B&B: 0927-784-6866
- Mary Jane: 0921-552-0317
- Janevive: 0908-695-8578
- Louisa: 0946-551-3867
- Nancy: 0918-392-8080
- Aida: 0999-994-3282
- Alice: 0912-201-7087
- Tan-ayen: 0908-376-0187
- Roadside Homestay: 0909-710-9465
- Underpine Cottage: 0939-301-0929
- Bagalima: 0917-579-2284
WHERE TO GET A TRANSPORTATION SERVICE OR SHUTTLE?
There is no public transportation in Sagada except for jeepneys that are going to Bontoc and Banaue. But, there are sites that require transportation services. So, what to do? In Sagada, there are shuttles. These are provided by the Tourism Information Center. Fees vary depends on how far the site is. (Refer to WHAT TO DO IN SAGADA for transportation fees.)
As a backpacker and a solo traveler, looking for a transport service is quite challenging because the fees are quite expensive if you are a solo traveler. With that, I tried to talk to the tourism officials and they told me that I should try to talk with the shuttle drivers regarding my concern and tell them that I would want to be a “joiner”. I immediately talked to the shuttle drivers about this. Fortunately, Kuya Allen, a shuttle driver agreed. Kuya Allen is kind and very welcoming. He is always on time, that’s why my itinerary schedule is always on point. His shuttle or pick-up has 8-10 seating capacity. If you want to have a personal driver, you could contact him anytime. Here is his phone number: 0929-735-0769 (Smart)
WHAT ARE THE DOs and DON’Ts in SAGADA?
***DISCLAIMER: The following information are given by the Municipality of Sagada as part of their Commandments for Visitors and Tourists.
DOs
- Register at the Municipal Tourist Information Center. Pay Php 35.00 for the environmental fee at the official cashiering officers only.
- Always bring your receipt as you will present it at the sites you will visit.
- Always avail services from Sagada Local Guides for a safe, fun and hassle-free journey.
- Respect all sacred grounds and sites.
- If you have your private vehicle, park at the designated parking areas only.
- Bring your own bag, preferably an eco-bag when shopping.
- Always bring a bottled water on your trips.
- Inform your lodging house if you will not be back by 10:00 in the evening.
- Be respectful to the locals, we may have different culture and views, but still they deserve to be respected. Especially, those who give services to us as tourist.
- Report emergencies to the public officials immediately
DON’Ts
- No littering. Always bring your trash with you and dispose it at the proper disposal.
- Do not be too noisy especially during night time.
- Do not take close photos of local rituals. Ask permission before taking photos of rituals and individuals.
- No wearing of scanty clothes. (Some locals, especially the elders are a bit conservative.)
- No necking in public places.
WHAT TO DO IN SAGADA?
Sagada, Philippines is one of the topmost picks every summer vacation. Because aside from its cool weather, breathtaking sceneries and fresh air, it also offers different kinds of adventures that every backpacker, like me, and tourist looks for.
Sagada, a very small town in Mt. Province, offers very limited modes of transportation (if you didn’t bring your own vehicle), they do not even have tricycles. So, most of the tourist spots could be reached by merely walking and hiking.
With this, you should prepare yourself for an extreme adventure that you might encounter in this remote town or extreme expenses because of the transportation fees for every activity. This blog will give you a short introduction about the fun activities you might want to try and how extreme these are as help for your preparation.
***Disclaimer: Some of the information here (especially the ones without pictures) are based from the travel brochure that the Tourism Information Center of Sagada gave to its tourists. I’m just writing this blog for you to prepare yourself, your itinerary and of course your budget before going to Sagada to have a hassle-free and worry-free trip.
SPELUNKING (CAVE ADVENTURE)
Sagada offers three kinds of cave adventures, it depends on the extremity of the challenge you are looking for. There are only some reminders for caving:
- First, attire. Wear shirt (loose shirt), shorts or leggings or loose pants (preferably not a maong pants). Wear rubber sandals or flip-flops (I discourage you to wear rubber shoes, especially those Nike, Sneakers and other imported and expensive brands because you will not go out in the cave without getting super dirty and you will leave your footwear at one part of the cave, so bring something that you are ready to lose. This is just in case; it didn’t happen to me though.)
- Second, operating hours.Entrance to the cave starts at 7:00 in the morning until 4:00 in the afternoon. If you want to try this activity, I prefer you not to do this activity as your first adventure for the day. Because this activity is not a joke. It is really tiring (plus the body aches). After this, all you want to do is to go back in your hotel or lodge and eat and have a good sleep. Also, do not try this activity on the same day you tried mountain trekking. Please, you do not want to get yourself killed (just a metaphor).
- Third, expect waist deep water in some parts of the cave.
- Fourth, a tour guide is a must. You cannot enter the cave without getting a tour guide. And get only official tour guides at the tourism information office or at the information tent of every site to avoid hassles. Listen to your tour guides. They are especially trained for this.
- Fifth, as much as possible, do not bring anything inside the cave or at least bring a backpack. You must have a free hand to use to grasp the rocks as you explore the cave. You could surrender your phones to your tour guide for pictures, they are very cool and supportive. Trust me. J
- Transportation fee is optional but I prefer you not to hike before you explore the cave. Don’t. Just don’t. The transportation fee will be divided based on the number of the passengers that each shuttle has. Shuttles are available in the Tourism Information Center but are very limited. For backpackers, like me, just tell the tourism officer that you are a joiner unless you have a lot of pocket allowance and would want to shoulder all the expenses.
- CAVE CONNECTION
Out of the three, this one is the most extreme. Because, you will explore two caves at once. That’s why it is called cave connection. You will enter at the Lumiang Burial Cave and then exit at the Sumaging Big Cave. It takes 3-4 hours to explore the two caves and it is physically demanding.
Guide Fee: Php 800.00 for two visitors or less
Php 400.00 each additional visitor
Transportation: Two-way Transportation for Php 400.00
- SUMAGING CAVE (SHORT COURSE CAVING)
This one is what I’ve tried. As stated, this one is a short course caving since you will enter and exit at this cave only, unlike the previous one. It takes 1 ½ to 2 hours to explore the whole cave. At the end of the cave, you will see the famous rock formation of the Sumaging Cave. But, do not underestimate this one. This is more challenging than what you expect.
Picture A: Did you see the blue rope over there? Yes, you will use that as you pass on the water and slide and pass through the rocks.
Picture B: That’s how it looks like inside the cave. It’s really dark inside (well, because it’s a cave), that’s why the tourist guide bring lamps for you and your pictures. J
Picture C: Spoiler Alert! One of the activities you will experience inside, you won’t get out of the cave without doing that.
Picture D: The entrance and exit of the cave.
Picture E: See the tent over there? That’s the information tent, there is where you will register for the cave adventure and ask for a tour guide (in case you don’t have any).
Guide Fee: Php 500.00 for 4 visitors or less
Php 600.00 for 5 visitors
Php 1,000.00 for 6-9 visitors
Php 1,200.00 for 10 visitors
Php 1,500.00 for 11-12 visitors
Php 145.00/per person for 13 visitors or more
Transportation: Two-way Transportation for Php 350.00
- BALANGAGAN CAVE
This one is as extreme as Sumaging Cave. It also takes 1 ½ to 2 hours to explore the cave. But, this one is the farthest in the town, 5kms away to be exact.
Guide Fee: Php 650.00 for 4 visitors or less
Php 800.00 for 5 visitors
Php 1,300.00 for 6-9 visitors
Php 150.00/per person for 10 visitors or more
Transportation: Two-way Transportation for Php 650.00/ 10 visitor or less
WATERFALLS
If you want to experience a fresh flowing water, Sagada has it. Sagada has three waterfalls which vary in height and depth of the water.
- BOMOD-OK
This waterfall is the highest among the three. It is also the farthest from the town center. Before you reach the waterfall, there is a required 1 ½ hour hike from Brgy. Banga-an, which is the drop point of your transportation service and another 1 ½ hour hike back to your drop point. Brgy. Banga-an is 5 kms away from the town center. So, if you want to hike from the town center, better think twice. It might take you 4-5 hours just for this activity if you tried hiking.
Guide Fee: Php 500.00 for 1-10 visitors or less
Barangay Fee/ Access Fee: 10.00/ visitor
Transportation: Two-way Transportation for Php 500.00
- PONGAS
This waterfall is the second highest. There is also a 1-hour hike from Brgy. Suyo which is your drop point. Brgy. Suyo is also 5 kms away from the town center. This waterfall is near at the Balangagan Cave, so you could consider this as a side trip after you explore the cave (if you could still manage to have a 1-hour hike).
Guide Fee: Php 600.00 for 1-10 visitors or less
Transportation: Two-way Transportation for Php 650.00
- BOKONG
This one is the nearest and shortest waterfall in town. To reach this waterfall, there is a 20 to 30 minutes hike from the town center. But, if you prefer to have a transportation service, shuttles are available.
Guide Fee: Php 200.00 for 1-10 visitors or less
Transportation: Two-way Transportation for Php 250.00
ECHO VALLEY WALKING TOURS
Echo valley is one of the top tourist spots in town. If you are having fun shouting your throat out, this adventure is the best for you. This one is an activity that requires hiking and is good to be your first adventure for the day. You could consider this as a morning walk to burn all those calories.
- ECO-TOUR
This one requires a 3-hour hike starting from St. Mary the Virgin Church which is just 300 meters away from the town center. Then going to Echo Valley Hanging Coffins, Sagada Underground River Entrance and Bokong Natural Swimming Pool passing through small rivers, valleys and rice fields.
Guide Fee: Php 600.00 for 1-10 visitors or less
- ADVENTURE TRAIL
This one is more challenging than the eco-tour since you will enter the Sagada Underground River here, unlike in the eco-tour, you will just pass at the entrance of the river. This also requires a 3-hour trek starting from the St. Mary the Virgin Church to the Echo Valley Hanging Coffins then enters the Sagada Underground River. It includes forest trails and river crossing. So, wear a proper attire.
Guide Fee: Php 1,000.00 for 1-10 visitors or less
- ECHO VALLEY HANGING COFFINS
This one is what I’ve tried. It is the shortest hike among the three. This one is perfect for a morning walk. I tried this at 7:00 in the morning. This requires a 30 to 40-minute hike. At the end of the trail, you will see the sacred hanging coffins where the dead body of the locals’ ancestors were hanged. When going to the viewpoint, you might experience slippery and steep trails and also high stairs.
Picture A: The Echo Valley Hanging Coffins. I bet you wouldn’t want to miss the stories behind those hanging coffins. J
Picture B: The Echo Valley. In here, as I said a while ago, you could scream your throat out and release all those bad energies.
Picture C: St. Mary the Virgin Church. The starting point of every trek.
Picture D: Are you afraid of heights? Now, it’s time to face your fear! Stand at that rock and scream all you want.
Guide Fee: Php 200.00 for 1-10 visitors or less
KILTEPAN SUNRISE
Did you watch the movie “That Thing Called Tadhana”? Yes, that moment when the lead star, Angelica Panganiban, scream at the top of the mountain in front of the bed of clouds and wide rice terraces. The location of that scene is at the peak of Mt. Kiltepan.
To witness the sunrise, you must leave the town center at 4:30 in the morning. It is a 15-minute drive or 1-hour walk from the town center. I suggest do not try to walk because it is 3.2 kms away and there is no tour guide available going to the viewpoint. And also, you might miss the sunrise if you do so. You could also try camping. Just bring your own tent and put it near the viewpoint so you don’t have to travel as early as 4:30 am.
Picture A: The bed of clouds just before the sunrise.
Picture B: The sunrise at 5:46am.
Picture C and D: The Pine trees, sunrise and bed of clouds.
Transportation Fee: 500 for 11 visitors and more
LAKE DANUM and SUNSET
To witness the sunset, leave the town at 4:30 PM. This is a 20-minute drive from the town center. Along the way, you will pass by the Sagada Pottery Shop wherein you can make your own pot and buy it.
Honestly, Lake Danum doesn’t fascinate me well. But, the surrounding is relaxing. You can put your own tent there and camp with your family and/or friends or even by yourself.
When I went to Sagada, I did not see the sunset because of the weather. The sunset viewpoint is near the Lake Danum, it is just a minute or two walk.
Picture A: The clouds!!!! L The reason why the sunset is hidden. (I posted it anyway, so it could be a warning to you guys that if you think the weather is not that good, do not go.)
Picture B: Sagada’s Special Yoghurt for Php 35.00. Must try!!! You could buy this at the area of Lake Danum.
Picture C: Lake Danum. Yes, that’s the real color of the lake.
Picture D: Me, as I mold my very own pot at the Sagada Pottery. J
Transportation Fee: Php 550.00 for more than 10 visitors
MOUNTAIN TREKKING
Since Sagada is surrounded by mountains and it is located at the mountain, mountain trekking will never be off the list. Sagada offers four mountain trekking activities.
- Ampacao Traverse
This trek is a 3-hour loop hike from town center to Lake Danum viewpoint. Then to Mt. Ampacao, which is a 1,899m high mountain, and down to the village of Demang or Ambassing. So, if you want to see the sunset at the Lake Danum, you must calculate your time.
Guide Fee: Php 1,200.00 10 visitors or less
- Grassy Land/ Marlboro
This location is also a camping site and also a sunrise viewpoint. Compared to Mt. Kiltepan, there are fewer tourists here. This activity is a 2 to 3 hours of back trekking. Wherein you will ride a shuttle going to the Marlboro then hike going back to the town center.
Guide Fee: Php 600.00 10 visitors or less
Transportation Fee: Php 850.00
- Langsayan Danum Traverse
This one is also a 3-hour hike and more passing through mossy and pine forest. This activity is one of the things I enjoyed the most in Sagada. Especially, as a backpacker, I need some time alone, and this is a great opportunity plus the relaxing breeze of the wind with the smell of pine trees. Just like these:
Guide Fee: Php 1,000.00 for 3 visitors or less
- Polis
This mountain is nestled between Mt. Ampacao and the Grassy Land/ Marlboro. It is 1,829m high. There is also a camp site located here and it provides a good view of Sagada. There is also a hanging bridge near the mountain and a twin waterfall. It is a 4-5 hours of trek.
Guide Fee: Php 1,800.00 3 visitors or less
The Tourism Information Center also offers a Boodle Fight Meal on these campsites. It includes a bonfire at any preferred site (Kiltepan Peak or Danum Lake) But, early arrangement is required. To avail this, there should be at least 4 tourists for Php 1,800.00.
SAGADA TO MAINIT HOTSPRING
Trek or travel by jeep to the Municipality of Bontoc to enjoy the natural hotspring in Mainit. A trip to experience the Maligcong Rice Terraces can also be included in the itinerary.
Guide Fee: Php 2,500.00 per visitor (for trekking)
Php 45.00 per person (for travel by jeep) There is a jeep station near the Sagada Municipal Hall going to Bontoc. Jeepneys leave every half to one hour, depends on how many tourists are there in town, from 8:30AM to 5:30PM.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
- One-day Tour for Shuttle Only
If you want to have a personal shuttle/ transportation service to visit tourist spots of your own choice in one day, you could avail it for Php 2,200.00 per shuttle. I can recommend Kuya Allen, he is very welcoming and enthusiastic. He is always on time also, so you don’t have to worry on your itinerary schedule. His pick-up has 8-10 seating capacity. Here is his contact number: 0929-735-0769 (Smart)
- One-day Tour for Guide Only
In addition, if you want to have a personal tour guide for one day to visit all the tourist spot in Sagada, you could avail it for Php 1,800.00. You can contact Kuya Allen also to ask for recommendation about tour guides. Or, you can ask in the Tourism Information Office.
- Rock Climbing and Rappelling
In this activity, there is no time limit. Equipment are provided. It is a 30m high rock climbing and rappelling. Just go to the Tourism Information Center for bookings.
Fee: Php 800.00 for 1 visitor
Php 400.00 each for two or more visitors.
Sagada Tourism Information Office is open from 7:00 in the morning to 6:00 in the evening. They also offer tour arrangement for free, just inquire at their office.
Always remember, whenever you travel leave only footsteps, kill only time and get only experiences. I hope this blog helps you to prepare for your trip. For any questions, just leave a comment below and I will do my best to answer it as soon as possible.
Enjoy! Have a nice and safe trip! MABUHAY!
JUANDERLUST PHILIPPINES 