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
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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
Hello,
We’re planning to go to Sagada by November 26 to 30. We’re 4 in a group. Di ko sure kung pano simulan ang itinerary. Kasi mag bus lang kami papunta dun then pag andun na kami I’m not sure kung kuha na ba kami agad ng guide para makasama namin throughout the trip. Based sa mga blogs na nabasa ko ok daw kumuha ng guide sa SAGGAS. Do you mind giving an advice? Thank you so much =)
Hi June, you will get a guide only for the activities. So when you arrive there and wala pa naman kayong gagawin, no need for a guide.
hi po. gusto ko pumunta dyan.. cnu gusto ksma ako, wla kc akong ksma… ttkot ako.. i’m from baguio 09279468878 my number… kkb po
Sagada is a safe haven for solo travelers 🙂
Hi, my co-workers and I were planning to go to Sagada end of this Month. Its our first time to go there, and where having a little probs with were to stay, any advise for a good place to stay in Sagada? Were thinking Rock Inn kaso may kalayo-an sa city proper. What you think? Thanks much!!!:)
I always stay at Residential Lodge 🙂 It is near the town center and Tita Mary, the owner of the place is really kind.
Planning to go mid-October with the BF and 3 year old son, will be 4 almost by then. Makakaya kaya nya yung caving? Marami bang kids ang gumagawa nito? Usually anong age bracket nila? May minimum age requirement ba? If I get two guides will that help? Hope to hear from you soon! Salamat po.
A kid can do the Sumaguing Cave but the cave connection (Lumiang to Sumaguing), I doubt. 🙂
will go there early january.. di bale nang mangisay ako sa lamig basta makapunta lang ako dyan.. hahaha
Wow! That will be fun for sure 🙂
Hi Lakwatsero,
ask ko lang ung may idea ka kung ilang hours from sagada going to ifugao kc gusto ko ding makita ung rice terraces sa bangaan..
thanks
3 to 4 hours sagada to banawe
I have always wanted to Sagada but never had the opportunity.
I am not sure about the amount of walking or trekking required to really appreciate the place. But, is it possible to still enjoy a trip to Sagada for someone who can’t bear long walks due to health reasons?
yup! a visit to a local museum (ganduyan museum) is already worth the travel, u’ll be brought to a beautiful past of headhunting, bartering and knowing awesome customs and beliefs.
hi mr lakwatsero.
i love Sagada. been there thrice gazillion years ago,and i still remember the very details of that trip. i enjoy your DIY travel guides because they are very helpful. do not worry much about syntactical or grammatical errors because this is not your entry to the Palanca Awards for literature.: )
sana isama mo ako sa lakwatsa mo.one island i wish to really go to: capones.
i have a suggestion, go down south to Mindanao and head to the islands off mainland Surigao (eg. Sohoton and the rest of the nearby islets). they are simply spectacular and you would be wondering why on earth do filipinos not travel extensively around the country.
Thanks JC! Yes Sohoton is truly enchanting, been wanting to go back there! 😀
hi!
i have also been to sagada and it was really a great experience. anyway, if you’ll do the sumaging cave spelunking, try niyo yung yogurt sa sari sari store na malapit sa gate going to the cave. i think its just 45/cup. its even better than what they have in yogurt house.
Wowowow! Thanks for the tip mae! Will definitely try this 😀
Is it safe to explore Sagada during the monsoon season? June – July?
I go home from the US during those months and I always end up exploring other countries vs. Sagada for fear of problems brought about by monsoon. I’d appreciate your response!
Hi, June to July is good. There are occasional rains but it is still good. Rains should not stop you on your Sagada trip but the Typhoons.
nice article, and it’s great that you love Sagada… i’m a mountain girl myself.
but PLEASE have someone intelligent proofread your articles. your grammar is bad. sayang naman.
Thanks Choi. Actually, I have already said this thousand times before and I will say it again, “my grammar really sucks”, this isn’t my expertise. My Java is better than my English. 🙂
But that won’t stop me from blogging because I love sharing my experiences here. Thanks for your suggestion. I hope someone “intelligent” and willing to spend time editing my posts will be able read this reply, I will really appreciate. But until then, I really do not care. For as long as I deliver the thoughts in understandable way, I guess that matters most. 😛
I am a mountain girl my self and I feel sorry how a mountain girl above could be too rude to you. She must be getting tired saying that to most bloggers, to include me then.
You a have a great travel blog. Inspiring.
I totally agree with this 10-Must-Do list. I have yet to do 4 out of the 10 on your list which means I will have to go back there soon.. 😀
If I have to add to your list, I would definitely include getting a manghihilot to massage all my tired muscles. After all the walking/hiking/exploring, most of us would surely need it.
Just a tip: Meals in Sagada can be quite expensive though so choose a place to stay that will allow you to prepare & cook some of your meals. Go and buy the freshest produce and toss a salad or two.
As for Yogurt House, my personal favorite is their Pasta with Roasted Eggplant in Olive Oil. Having this meal at the end of a long and tiring day is a fitting reward for having the courage to take on this particular adventure.
Hi Lakwatsero,My friends and I are planning to go to sagada this coming september,we are all firdt timers, the reason why we keep on reading your blogs, which is better to go there with itinerary, or having no idea and just do anything under the sun?Thanks for the blogs! 🙂
Uy, thanks Lana 🙂 Syempre better pa din to have an itinerary 🙂
so proud to say that i have done everything listed here!!! went to sagada 2x already love it!
Wow! Congrats mamu! hehehe! Keep coming back to Sagada 🙂
How much do I need if were planning to stay there for 3 nights? Including the fares from manila to bontoc and vice versa?
Three nights would be enough Nero 🙂 I can do it in more or less P4000 (all in) for three nights 🙂
Hi Lakwatsero,
We are going to Sagada this May 13th to 15th and you’re blog made me more excited for this visit. We are all first-timers and you’re blog really help us with our itinerary.
Reading your blog already made me love the place. Keep it up!
Thanks Papol! Enjoy Sagada! You will surely love the place.
Love your blog entry about Sagada!
hi, we’re planning to go to sagada, with 5-6 persons cguro, do you have contact number and name of the place where we can stay?and mga how much kaya?thanks
hi, we’re planning to go soon but we don’t really know how long we should stay. Is a three-night stay enough? 😀 thanks
A three-night stay would be perfect 🙂
is 3 days enough? so that would be max of 5 days including travel?
hi lakwatsero, i enjoy reading ur blog, and planning to go sagada this year.when is the best time to visit the place? thanks in advance.is it safe if i tour alone?
Hi Sachi! Thanks for the visit 🙂
Yes it is safe to travel alone in Sagada! Anytime is a great time, wag lang may typhoon 🙂