Sagada is one of my favorite places in the Philippines. It is my happy place, my sweet escape, a home away from home. This highland town of temperate weather, lovely people and good cuisine is also one of the best places in the Philippines to experience culture, nature and adventure. A place that piques curiosity to many who wonder of things to do in Sagada?
Through the years, more and more people get to discover this paradise. For those who are clueless of Sagada but planning to visit the place soon, it would be best to go there with all the surprises and you will be amazed with all its wonders. But if you are too curious and wondering what sites and activities you should not miss, here’s a list of things to do.
1. Go Spelunking in Lumiang and Sumaguing Caves
Sagada is home to one of the most beautiful navigable cave systems in the country. No need to be a professional spelunker, as the caves are open to all capable and willing. The most popular Sumaguing Cave is an easy trek, yet offers the best cave experience with its amazing formations that were given fancy names. Try spotting the “king’s curtain”, “queen’s curtain”, “giant fudge”, “pregnant woman” and other formation with kinky tags.
For the more adventurous types, the cave connection from Lumiang Cave to Sumaguing Cave (or the other way around) is definitely an extreme experience. The three to four hours spelunking is a test of endurance, flexibility, courage and survival instinct while appreciating the beautiful cave system.
Spelunking in Sumaguing cave costs P500 for a group of four. Cave connection is at P400 per person, for a minimum of two person per guide.
2. Try the Strawberry-Banana-Granola Yogurt of Yogurt House
This cozy restaurant offers some of the best food in town. Must try are the Hiker’s Delight – a banana and yogurt wrapped in home made pan cake and topped with strawberry preserved. My other personal favorites are the Vegetable Pasta, Creamy Carbonara, Tuna Spaghetti, Fried Rice with Vegetable and Tuna, and of course the house specialty – Yogurt Complete (with strawberry, banana and granola).
The servings are big enough that it can be shared by two persons.
Yogurt House is open from 6AM to 9PM everyday. The place can become full on peak season and they do not accept reservation.
3. Walk Along the Rice Terraces
One memorable experience in Sagada is walking along its rice terraces. This millennium-old architectural masterpieces are Sagada’s version of carefully hand carved mountainsides that look like giant steps to the sky.
The rice terraces of Sagada may not be as grand as those in Batad but it still offer remarkable views. These rice terraces can be found in Suyo, Balugan, Bangaan (on the way to Bomod-ok Falls) and the most striking Kiltepan.
4. Freeze in the Cold Water of Bomod-ok Falls
The extremely cold water on the natural pool created by the cascading waters of the majestic Bomod-ok falls invites trekkers for a relaxing dip after an hour of trekking to the Big Falls. The water is so cold, that you will surely die of hypothermia if you stay there for long, but for the sake of fun, adventure and experience, it is a must to try dipping in the cold pool.
Trekking Bomod-ok falls now requires a guide. Rate is P600 for a group of 1 to 10 persons. A P10.00 registration fee is collected by the locals for every person at midpoint. Vans can be rented to take you to the jump-off point of the trek (Aguid or Bangaan) and back to Sagada Poblacion, rental is P600 round trip per van.
5. Try the Saturday Night Buffet in Log Cabin
French Chef Aklay who settled in Sagada prepares sumptuous dinner buffet made of fresh and organic produce and other locally available ingredients every market day, Saturday. The buffet can accommodate only at most 30 persons, and requires at least ten confirmed guests to push through, so advance reservation is required. Text or call +639205273885. Dinner starts at 6PM, rate is P350 per person exclusive of drinks.
6. Enjoy the Lemon Flavored Pie and Tea at Sagada Lemon Pie House
Some say that the pie is oddly sour. Yes, because it is made of lemon!
Each box costs P150 or P20 per slice, a perfect ‘pasalubong‘ because the pie can last up to three days after baking. The best way to appreciate it is by taking time to dine in their cozy shop, partner it with the equally good hot lemon tea (P15) while exchanging stories with friends and new found ones.
7. See the Hanging Coffins Up Close
Another famous landmark of Sagada are the hanging coffins, an old traditional way of burying the dead. These coffins are found on cliffs and hard to reach areas. Not all Sagadians have the privilege to be buried this way when they die, they have very strict criteria and requirements known only to the locals.
Tourists can see the hanging coffins up close by trekking down from the Echo Valley. You need a guide if you have no idea where it is. It can be part of the sightseeing tour at P400 per guide for a group of 1 to 10 persons.
8. Visit the Cemetery and Calvary Hill
The Cemetery and Calvary Hill are just stone throw away from the Echo Valley, and just a short walk from the town center and the Episcopalian Church of St. Mary. The Calvary Hill could have been better without the satellite tower of a mobile network.
Every first day of November, the entire cemetery looks like burning as the thick smoke from the bonfires on the tomb of the departed envelope the ground in an occasion locals dubbed as “Panag-apoy”.
9. Catch the Sunrise over the Sea of Clouds at Kiltepan Peak
When the conditions are favorable, you’ll get to see the sun as it rises over the sea of clouds at Kiltepan Peak. Kiltepan Peak offers the best view of sunrise in all of Sagada in my opinion and it gained tremendous popularity when it was featured in a film.
Arranging a trip to Kiltepan is easy, just book a trip in SEGA or SAGGAS office. A van rental costs P450 for the round trip. Alternatively, since it is just less than four kilometers from the town, you can walk your way up there. Good estimate is an hour for the trek, expect some ascends and bring water and flashlight if you are trekking in the dark. You may also setup your tent and spend the night in the area.
10. Walk Around the Town
To better appreciate Sagada, just walk aimlessly around the town on your own. Take time to see other Sagada’s famous landmarks – the St. Mary Episcopalian Church, the old bell tower, the hospital, the shops that offer various locally weaved products, native tea and coffee, wines and other novelty and souvenir items.
If you have plenty of time, walk towards Besao and see the pottery and even Lake Danum.
Sagada is more than this list, there are so much to do and experience in this small town. But for first timers, I believe that the list is enough to appreciate and love Sagada.
Have you been there before? What’s your things to do in Sagada?
Top-Rated Accommodations in Sagada
|
Agape Log Cabin |
Grandma’s Yellow House |
Top-Rated Budget Accommodations in Sagada
Shamrock Tavern Inn |
Isabelo’s Inn and Cafe |
*First published: 15-Jul-2011 | Updates: 02-Oct-2012; 14-Mar-2015; 21-Nov-2018; 30-Aug-2019; 09-Feb-2020
what’s the best time/month to go to sagada?
is it safe to travel with kids? we really love to go there but we’re not really sure if it is ok to travel in there with our kids ages 6-10 yrs. old.
Anytime as long as no typhoon or any weather disturbance 🙂
It may not be an ideal destination for kids but I am sure they will enjoy the place somehow 🙂
hi, it seems ang ganda talaga sa sagada. I am planning to go on march 15-17, di ba mhirap kung solo flight lng mgtour. meron b kyo alam n pwede samahan.
thanks.
Sagada is solo traveler friendly 🙂
Just bring out your social skills, befriend other tourists, I am sure you will find new friends there 🙂
how much ang magagastos sa cave connection?
P400 per person 🙂
hi po
Sir angel, baka po pede patulong sa IT, our group is planning to have 3D/2N at Sagada. Baka po pede mabigyan nyo ako ng contact informations, sites to visit and how to go there, and sagada accomodations. Tpos sample IT po…DIY trip po pra masaya…hehehe…
e2 nga po pala ung email ko…[email protected]
thanks po ng marami….
lakwatserong tatay “brian”
will email you bry 🙂
hi! thanks for your travel blog. i and friends are planning to go to sagda this holy week. do u think it is a good tym to visit the place? would you know of a local guide? thank u..
Hi Roni. Thanks for the visit 🙂 Holy week is one of Sagada’s peak season. Perfect weather. Not too hot and not too cold. Pero sobrang dami ng tao during holyweek, if you are planning to go there on that period, better reserve your accommodation now 🙂
[…] Angel Juarez came up with his own version of this list so I’m just going to compile my own ten. Do check out Angel Juarez’s link – he’s certainly one of the best travel bloggers in the Philippines and he’s fast becoming one of the most popular as well. […]
thanks for the guide. we are planning to go to Sagada not sure pa naman but by around february before the summer kicks in.
for sure we will do your top 10 to do guide! kudos!
thanks for this, pwede ba 3 days sa Sagada?
Marcus! Yep, 3 days would be enough, per the longer the better 🙂
Never been to Sagada. These are good tips that I might try if I go there sometime soon. 🙂
Naku, isched mo na kaagad yan berns! 🙂
Hi Angel! Im planning to go to Sagada alone on February for reason – “isolation”. Are there other things I need to do besides what’s written above? Thanks!
Hi Igi! Yep, there are so much more to do. Try walking to the pottery and to Lake Danum, an hour walk from the town 🙂
Lake Danum offers the best view of sunset in town. You may also try going to the Underground Cave and small falls, do rock climbing in Echo valley, go water rafting in Chico River, trek to Kiltepan for the sunrise, go to Marlboro Country and Mt. Mapacao, visit Stone Calendar of Besao and the hot spring in Bontoc, and more 🙂
We went to Sagada last Dec. 10-13. It was indeed a funtastic experience. The cave connection was a real thrill. I will definitely go back there. I love the place!
Wow! I love the place too 🙂
Thanks Phebe 🙂
Wow. I hope we could try these. We’re planning to go here this Feb 2011. =) Thanks for the info. =)
Enjoy tsina 🙂
Sayang. walang pics sa Lemon Pie House. 🙂
http://sagadalemonpiehouse.blogspot.com/
Haha, when I search my archive photos, wala akong matinong kuha ng lemon pie. Fail 🙂
8/10 from your list, too bad i missed visiting Bomod-ok Falls and dining at the Lemon Pie House, another reason perhaps to go back to this beautiful place
Balik lang Claire 🙂
and a romantic place too! chilling temp makes you feel more in loved! thank you lakwatsero for bringing us to sagada. will surely be back there soon with or without the full cast. you still owe us #5 =)
wow…uu nga no..sir utang un ah..
sa susunod maniningil ako…thanks..
SAGADA.. 🙂
Wala na! Nag expire na yung offer ko! haha
paasa.com!!
back in college, I’ve always wondered how it feels to be in Sagada. My classmates would often feature this place in slide films with matching Enya music. I rmmbr saying I can die when I get to reach the place. Crazy! It was only last year when I’ve actually visited Sagada, and I know I was wrong when I said I can die once I’ve seen it, because it’s more of a destination that keeps me alive, it’s one of those places that will entice you to keep coming back. The feeling is unexplainable, it’s like asking a mother why she loves her child.
I love the list, too bad I missed the falls when I sprained my ankle. 🙁 Nxt year, I’ll give justice to Sagada, will stay there longer.
happy travels angel! thnx for the memories! till we meet again! 🙂
love love,
gael
Ate Jack! Namiss na kita 🙂
Yay, naikuwento mo nga sa akin yan. Hindi bale, Sagada is nearer than Palaui, pero halos same din pala ng hours of travel or lesser by an hour or two 😛
Hope to travel with you again in the future 🙂
I’ve done 8/10. Babalik uli kami this March. 😀
Ayun naman si Jools! Pasama 😛
I’ve been to Sagada twice but both times missed out on Bomod-Ok Falls…I’ve yet to do # 4 & 5 on your list. Hmmm buffet…
Tara na sa Sagada 🙂
Link love naman! Hehe
I’ll come up with my own list. :p
Haha, honga wala man lang linklove itong post na ito, madalian eh. Edit ko pag sinipag 🙂
Asan na ang list mo?
Meron na kong list, yung link love, wala parin! Haha
Wait, when I checked it, meron na eh. Nakalink sa VS yung isang Sagada key word 🙂
This is great Angel. Sagada is on my bucket list for 2011. Hoping to consult you directly on this. Thanks for the inspiration!
Sure Jojo 🙂
how about batad in jan2011? =)
Pede March, sama ako? Hehehe!
anong dates chyng chyng? Pero sana nga March para mas free ako, puno na ako ng Jan eh. Hehehe 🙂