SAGADA TRAVEL GUIDE (Budget + Itinerary)

Karst formations rise against deep green pine trees in Echo Valley, Sagada, overlooking a highland rich in culture, history and mesmerizing scenery.  The Cordillera Region has a special place in my heart.  When I first saw a slide film created by my classmates featuring Sagada’s cultural changes in one of our Anthropology subjects, I’ve dreamed of visiting this highland.  Here’s a Sagada travel guide blog to help you plan your trip this 2018.

 


ABOUT SAGADA

 

 

The Cordillera Region is situated in Northern Philippines, the ancestral domain of the Igorots comprised of the six provinces of Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, and Mountain Province as well as Baguio City. The Igorots are grouped into 6 ethno-linguistic groups, the Ifugao, Bontoc, Isneg (or Apayao), the Kankana-ey, Ibaloi and Kalinga.  The Kankana-ey’s domain includes Sagada in Mountain Province. Unlike most parts of the Philippines, Sagada  was unfazed by Spanish rule.

SAGADA KIDS_6

According to the locals,   Sagada’s first resident is Biag.  He is believed to be the founder of Sagada who moved to Sagada from their settlement in Candon, Ilocos Sur to evade headhunting enemies and the Spanish colonizers, he brought with him a rich culture handed down to the next generation.

 

Today, the erstwhile sleepy town of Sagada situated about 5,000 feet above sea level has made its mark on the tourist map because of its people, its culture and jaw-dropping attractions. While most people here thrive on agriculture (most of them have their own land where they raise vegetables, corn and rice), tourism has motivated some residents to modify their houses into guesthouses, restaurants or souvenir shops.

 

 

 


 

LANGUAGE IN SAGADA

SAGADA PEOPLE_6

 

The people of Sagada are Igorots / Kankana-eys who speak a language called Kankana-ey.  Most residents can also speak Tagalog and English, you will not have a hard time asking for tips, recommendations and directions.   The Igorots  are generally  genuinely hospitable, kind, tourist-friendly and helpful.   Main reason why the Cordilleras remains one of my favorite places in the country.

 


BEST TIME TO VISIT SAGADA

sagada flower

Sagada has two climates, wet and dry season.  If you want to experience Sagada’s cool climate, best time to visit is from November to February (wet season) when temperatures can drop to as low as 4 degrees Celsius.  Dry season in Sagada is from March to May, so it can be hot and dusty.  The rainy season in the Philippines starts from June to October. Check the weather updates before proceeding especially during off-peak season.


SAGADA DIY TRAVEL GUIDE

 

 

HOW TO GO TO SAGADA FROM MANILA

(DIRECT TRIP)

 

SAGADA Echo Valley

From Manila head to HM Transport Cubao Terminal in Quezon City where you can ride a Coda Bus bound for Sagada.  Take note that there is only 1 trip daily at 9:00 PM.  Fare is PHP 720 (EURO 12/ USD 14/ SGD 19/ MYR 61) and travel time is roughly 12 hours.

 

CODA LINES BUS SCHEDULE

 TIMEROUTE
09:00 PMCubao, Quezon City to Sagada
03:00 PMSagada to Cubao, Quezon City
04:00 PMBontoc to Cubao, Quezon City
06:30 PM-7:00 PMBanaue to Cubao, Quezon City

 

ADDITIONAL TRIPS

QUEZON CITY SCHEDULES ROUTE
12:00 AMVia Baguio
04:00 AMVia Ifugao
09:00 PMVia Ifugao
SAGADA SCHEDULES 
06:00 AMVia Ifugao
12:00 PMVia Baguio
03:00 PMVia Ifugao

 

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

 

CODA LINES Terminal Sagada

Poblacion Sagada

Contact#: +63 929 5213 247 / +63 936 971 9216

 

CODA LINES Terminal Baguio

Otek Street, Burnham Park beside Rizal Monument, Baguio City

Contact#: +63 935 535 9114 / +63 998 444 8831

 

CODA LINES Terminal Banaue

Poblacion Banaue near Tourism Office

Contact#: +63 936 971 9240 / +63 920 651 9672

 


 

 

HOW TO GO TO SAGADA FROM MANILA VIA BANAUE

 

SAGADA rice terraces

From Manila, ride the Ohayami Bus en route to Banaue.  They have daily trips at 9:00 PM, 10:00 PM and 10:15 PM. Fare is PHP 450 (EURO 7/ USD 9/ SGD 12/ MYR 38).  Be there early  to reserve a seat especially on holidays or weekends. Better buy your bus ticket in advance.

 

 

Schedule of Ohayami Bus Trips to Banaue

Ohayami Trans

Corner J. Fajardo A.H Lacson Sampaloc, Manila

Contact Number: 917- 506-0817 / 0927-6493-0355 or (02) 5160-501

MANILA TO BANAUE OHAYAMI BUS SCHEDULE

ORIGINDESTINATIONDEPARTUREBUS NO.ARRIVAL FARE
MANILABANAUE09:00 PM106:00 AMPHP 450
MANILABANAUE10:00 PM307:00 AMPHP 450
MANILABANAUE10:15 PM407:15 AMPHP 450
MANILALAGAWE/KIANGAN09:30 PM206:30 AMPhp 450

BANAUE TO MANILA OHAYAMI BUS SCHEDULE

ORIGINDESTINATIONDEPARTUREBUS NO.ARRIVAL FARE
BANAUEMANILA06:30 PM204:30 AMPHP 450 (EURO 7/ USD 9/ SGD 12/ MYR 38)
BANAUEMANILA06:45 PM304:45 AMPHP 450 (EURO 7/ USD 9/ SGD 12/ MYR 38)
BANAUEMANILA07:00 PM105:00 AMPHP 450 (EURO 7/ USD 9/ SGD 12/ MYR 38)
LAGAWEMANILA07:30 PM205:30 AMPHP 450 (EURO 7/ USD 9/ SGD 12/ MYR 38)
LAGAWEMANILA07:45 PM305:45 AMPHP 450 (EURO 7/ USD 9/ SGD 12/ MYR 38)
LAGAWEMANILA08:00 PM106:00 AMPHP 450 (EURO 7/ USD 9/ SGD 12/ MYR 38)

Option 1

 

Once you get off the bus in Banaue, locals will approach you offering van ride transfers to Sagada that includes a quick stop over at Dyannara viewpoint in Banaue.  Passenger van fare is PHP 300 (EURO 5/ USD 6/ SGD 8/ MYR 25).  The van usually leaves at 09:00 AM, do ask the touts about the schedule, so you can have your breakfast first in Banaue.   The passenger vans are usually parked at the jeep terminal near the Banaue Tourism Office.

Option 2

If you plan to drop by first in Bontoc. Van fare is PHP 150 (EURO 2/ USD 3/ SGD 4/ MYR 13) per person.  You can read my Maligcong Rice Terraces Travel Guide here.

 

At Bontoc town proper, there are jeepneys that leave for Sagada starting at 6:30 AM to 1:00 PM. Travel time is roughly 1 hour and fare is PHP 45 (EURO 0.75/ USD 0.88/ SGD 1/ MYR 4).   There is also a bus en route to Sagada from Bontoc town proper that leaves around 12:00 noon. Fare is about PHP 120 (EURO 2/ USD 2/ SGD 3/ MYR 10).

 

Going back to Manila from Bontoc, you can ride a Coda Lines bus bound for Cubao, Quezon City that leaves at 4:00 PM from Bontoc.

 


HOW TO GO TO SAGADA VIA BAGUIO

 

SAGADA and Solo Backpacking

 

If you can’t catch the 9:00 PM and 10:00 PM bus for Banaue or the direct trip to Sagada, you can always go to Sagada via Baguio.  Several bus lines leave for Baguio from Sampaloc, Pasay, Caloocan and Cubao, Quezon City.  But I prefer riding Victory Liner bus as they have 24/7 trips to Baguio, buses leave from their station in Cubao, Pasay, Caloocan and Sampaloc, Manila.  Fare is PHP 445 (EURO 7/ USD 9/ SGD 12/ MYR 37) to PHP 750 (EURO 12/ USD 15/ SGD 20/ MYR 63) and travel time is 5-6 hours.  Make sure to arrive in Baguio before 12:00 Noon as the last trip to Sagada from Baguio is at 1:00 PM.

 

In Baguio, take a taxi or GRAB to Baguio Dangwa Terminal, taxi fare is roughly PHP 53 / USD 1.06  from Victory Liner Bus Station in Baguio.  Or if you want to commute, ride a jeep going to Center Mall and walk on the middle road (that divides the building into two wings) to get to the terminal at the back of the mall.  Ride a GL Trans Bus line (ordinary bus) that leaves at 5:30 AM, next trip is 6:30 AM with 30 minutes interval until 11:30 AM.  Last trip to Sagada is at 1:00 PM. Fare is PHP 220 (EURO 4/ USD 4/ SGD 6/ MYR 19).  Travel time is roughly 5-6 hours.

Alternatively, there are also ordinary buses bound for Sagada via Bontoc at the Slaughterhouse Terminal in Baguio that leaves early in the morning.  Lizardo Bus to Sagada leaves at 9:00 AM.  Fare is PHP 220 (EURO 4/ USD 4/ SGD 6/ MYR 19), travel time is 5-6 hours.

 


GOING BACK TO MANILA FROM SAGADA VIA BAGUIO

 

You can take a GL Trans Bus/Lizardo Bus from Sagada Town Proper to Baguio. Fare is PHP 220 (EURO 4/ USD 4/ SGD 6/ MYR 19)and travel time will take about 5 hour. Here’s the schedule of bus from Sagada to Baguio.

SAGADA Jeep

TIMEROUTEFARE
05:00 AMSagada to Baguio 1st TripPHP 220 (EURO 4/ USD 4/ SGD 6/ MYR 19)
07:00 AMSagada to Baguio 2nd TripPHP 220 (EURO 4/ USD 4/ SGD 6/ MYR 19)
08:00 AMSagada to Baguio 3rd TripPHP 220 (EURO 4/ USD 4/ SGD 6/ MYR 19)
09:00 AMSagada to Baguio 4th TripPHP 220 (EURO 4/ USD 4/ SGD 6/ MYR 19)
10:00 AMSagada to Baguio 5th tripPHP 220 (EURO 4/ USD 4/ SGD 6/ MYR 19)
11:30 AMSagada to Baguio 6th TripPHP 220 (EURO 4/ USD 4/ SGD 6/ MYR 19)
01:00 PMSagada to Baguio 7th TripPHP 220 (EURO 4/ USD 4/ SGD 6/ MYR 19)

 

In Baguio, take a cab to the Victory Liner Terminal. Fare is about PHP 53 (EURO 0.88/ USD 1/ SGD 1/ MYR 4).  Board a bus bound for Manila, Cubao, Pasay or Caloocan. Fare is PHP 445 (EURO 7/ USD 9/ SGD 12/ MYR 37) to PHP 750 (EURO 12/ USD 15/ SGD 20/ MYR 63) and travel time is roughly 5-6 hours.

 


 

GOING BACK TO MANILA FROM SAGADA VIA BONTOC AND BANAUE

 

SAGADA Travel Guide

Alternatively, if you want to make a sidetrip to Bontoc, you can ride a jeep from Sagada to Bontoc.  At Bontoc, there are buses to Baguio or you may take a Coda Bus Line to Cubao, Quezon City that leaves at 4:00 PM.  Or take a jeepney to Banaue from Bontoc and at Banaue, ride the Ohayami Bus to Manila that leaves at 6:30 PM and 6:45 PM.

Here’s the jeepney schedule from Sagada to Bontoc.  Fare from Sagada to Bontoc is PHP 220 (EURO 4/ USD 4/ SGD 6/ MYR 19).  Travel time is 45 minutes.

 

 

TIMEROUTEFARE
06:30 AMSagada to BontocPHP 45 (EURO 0.75/ USD 0.88/ SGD 1/ MYR 4)
07:00 AMSagada to BontocPHP 45 (EURO 0.75/ USD 0.88/ SGD 1/ MYR 4)
07:30 AMSagada to BontocPHP 45 (EURO 0.75/ USD 0.88/ SGD 1/ MYR 4)
08:00 AMSagada to BontocPHP 45 (EURO 0.75/ USD 0.88/ SGD 1/ MYR 4)
08:30 AMSagada to BontocPHP 45 (EURO 0.75/ USD 0.88/ SGD 1/ MYR 4)
09:00 AMSagada to BontocPHP 45 (EURO 0.75/ USD 0.88/ SGD 1/ MYR 4)
10:00 AMSagada to BontocPHP 45 (EURO 0.75/ USD 0.88/ SGD 1/ MYR 4)
11:00 AMSagada to BontocPHP 45 (EURO 0.75/ USD 0.88/ SGD 1/ MYR 4)
12:00 AMSagada to BontocPHP 45 (EURO 0.75/ USD 0.88/ SGD 1/ MYR 4)
01:00 PMSagada to BontocPHP 45 (EURO 0.75/ USD 0.88/ SGD 1/ MYR 4)

 

 

And here’s the schedule of jeepney from Bontoc to Banaue.  Fare is PHP 150 (EURO 2/ USD 3/ SGD 4/ MYR 13) and travel time is 1.5 hours.

 

TIMEROUTEFARE
07:00 AMBontoc to BanauePHP 150 (EURO 2/ USD 3/ SGD 4/ MYR 13)
09:00 AMBontoc to BanauePHP 150 (EURO 2/ USD 3/ SGD 4/ MYR 13)

 

 


 

HOW TO GO TO SAGADA FROM VIGAN, ILOCOS SUR

sagada town houses

If you notice on the map above, there is a road (Tagudin-Cervantes-Sabangan Road) connecting Ilocos Sur to Sagada.  While from Vigan you can also reach Baguio then transfer to a bus to Sagada.  You will save about 3 hours of travel time if you do the route below, but be warned that you need to transfer about 5 times to complete this route.

So from Vigan, ride a bus (Partas Bus or others) bound for Manila, tell the conductor that you are off to Sagada and you need to alight at Bitalag  UV Express van terminal for Cervantes. Marker is Bitalag Park.  Fare is PHP 150/ USD 3 and travel time is roughly 1.5 hours.

At Bitalag, ride a passenger van (UV Express) en route to Cervantes.  Van fare is PHP 150 (EURO 2/ USD 3/ SGD 4/ MYR 13)and travel time is about 1.5 hours.

Once you are in Cervantes, transfer to a van bound for Abatan.  Fare is PHP 70 (EURO 1/ USD 1/ SGD 2/ MYR 6)travel time is approximately 1 hour.

At Abatan, ride a passenger van to Bontoc.  Fare is PHP 70 (EURO 1/ USD 1/ SGD 2/ MYR 6) and travel time is about 1 hour.

At Bontoc, ride a jeep to Sagada. Fare is PHP 45 (EURO 0.75/ USD 0.88/ SGD 1/ MYR 4), travel time is about 45 minutes.

Total travel time for this route is roughly 5 hours and 45 minutes and total fare is PHP 485 (EURO 8/ USD 10/ SGD 13/ MYR 41)

 


 

GETTING AROUND SAGADA

 SAGADA walking tour

 

Once you arrive in Sagada, you are required to register and pay the tourism fee of PHP 70 (EURO 0.58/ USD 0.69/ SGD 0.93/ MYR 3)  at the Sagada Tourism Office.  You cannot enter Sumaguing Cave without paying this as they might ask you for the receipt, always bring the receipt with you.

Most attractions in Sagada are walkable, some needs serious hiking so hiring a local guide in Sagada is recommended and required (Sumaguing Cave) to avoid accidents.

To get to Kiltepan for the iconic sunrise and sea of clouds made famous by “That Thig called Tadhana” movie, you can ride a van for PHP 500 (EURO / USD 10/ SGD 13/ MYR 42) per person round trip, just inquire at the Tourism Office or rent a vehicle at SAGGAS Tourist Information.  The vehicle will fetch you at your guesthouse at around 4:30 AM.

 


 

TOP ATTRACTIONS IN SAGADA

 

Here’s a list of the top attractions in Sagada and a map of tourist attractions from Sagada LGU.

Sagada Tourist Attractions Map

SAGADA pine trees-2_6

Echo Valley

 

SAGADA hanging coffins

Hanging coffins

 

sagada st mary's church

St.Mary’s Church

 

 

sagada dokiw hanging coffins

Dokiw Hanging Coffins

Sagada Lumiang Cave

Lumiang Burial Cave

sumaguing cave sagada

Sumaguing Cave

 

Bomod-ok Falls

Bomod-ok Falls

Photo by Roslyn, Creative commons)

Bomod-ok Falls

Kiltepan and the Rock Valley

Kiltepan Sunrise

(Photo by Arlene, Creative Commons)

 

SAGADA RICE TERRACES 4_6

Gaia Cafe

 

SAGADA RICE TERRACES_6

Sagada Rice Terraces

 

OTHER ATTRACTIONS:

Lake Danum

Sagada Pottery

Marlboro Mountain

 


 

 

SAGADA TOUR GUIDE RATES

SAGADA rice terraces 5-2_7

You will never run out of things to do in Sagada because of its wealth of attractions. For first-time visitors in Sagada, I recommend the Central Sagada Eco-Tour + Sumaguing Cave + Kiltepan Sunrise and if you want to see at least one falls, try Bomod-ok Falls.

Here is a list of the standard tour guide and transport rates in Sagada.  You can hire guides in Sagada at SAGGAS (highly recommended) or at Sagada Tourism Office (local guide will approach you near the tourism office).

 

GUIDE & TRANSPORT FEESDESTINATIONSDURATION
PHP 200 (EURO 3/ USD 4/ SGD 5/ MYR 17)  (1-10 persons)Echo Valley & Hanging Coffins only1 -1.5 hour
PHP 600 (EURO 10/ USD 12/ SGD 16/ MYR 51) (1-10 persons)Central Sagada Eco-Tour (Echo Valley, Hanging Coffins,St.Mary’s Church, Sagada Underground River,Bokong Natural Swimming Pool)3 Hours
PHP 200 (EURO 3/ USD 4/ SGD 5/ MYR 17) (1-10 persons)

PHP 250 (EURO 4/ USD 5/ SGD 7/ MYR 21) roundtrip vehicle

Bokong
PHP 600 (EURO 10/ USD 12/ SGD 16/ MYR 51)

PHP 600 (EURO 10/ USD 12/ SGD 16/ MYR 51) roundtrip vehicle

Pongas2 -3 hours
PHP 600 (EURO 10/ USD 12/ SGD 16/ MYR 51) (1-10 persons)

PHP 650 / USD 12 vehicle via Agod

PHP 500 (EURO / USD 10/ SGD 13/ MYR 42)vehicle via Bangaan

Bomod-ok Falls3-4 hours
PHP 2,500 (EURO 42/ USD 49/ SGD 67/ MYR 210) (1-5 persons)

PHP 650 (EURO 11/ USD 13/ SGD 17/ MYR 55)

Bumayeng Twin Falls3-4 hours
PHP 500 (EURO / USD 10/ SGD 13/ MYR 42)   (1-4 persons)

PHP 600 (EURO 10/ USD 12/ SGD 16/ MYR 51) ( 5 persons)

PHP 1,000 (EURO 17/ USD 20/ SGD 27/ MYR 84) 2 guides (6-9 persons)

PHP 1,200 (EURO 20/ USD 24/ SGD 32/ MYR 101) 2 guides (10 persons)

PHP 1,500 (EURO 25/ USD 30/ SGD 40/ MYR 130) 3 guides (11-12 persons)

Short Course Caving (Dokiw Hanging Coffins), Lumiang Burial Caves, Sumaguing Burial Cave, Sagada rice Terraces Viewpoint3 hours
PHP 800 / USD 16 (1-2 persons)

PHP 400 / USD 8 per additional person

*PHP 400/ USD 8 optional roundtrip transport

Cave Connection: Dokiw Hanging Coffins, Lumiang Burial Cave (entry point), Sumaguing cave (exit point), Rice Terraces Viewpoint4-5 hours
PPHP 650 (EURO 11/ USD 13/ SGD 17/ MYR 55)

PPHP 650 (EURO 11/ USD 13/ SGD 17/ MYR 55)

8:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 12:00 Noon (20 persons)

Balangagan Cave / Marcos Cave Spelunking3 hours
PHP 200 (EURO 3/ USD 4/ SGD 5/ MYR 17) (1-10 persons)

PHP 200 (EURO 3/ USD 4/ SGD 5/ MYR 17) optional roundtrip transportation

Sightseeing (Dokiw Hanging Coffins, Lumiang cave)1-2 hours
PHP 800 / USD 16  (1 person)

PHP 400 / USD 8 each for 2 persons or more

Rock Climbing ( Echo Valley)1 hour
PHP 500 (EURO / USD 10/ SGD 13/ MYR 42) per person (roundtrip transport)Kiltepan Sunrise, leave at 4:30 AM 
PHP 550 (EURO 9/ USD 11/ SGD 15/ MYR 46) per person (roundtrip transport)Lake Danum at Sunset 
PHP 800 (EURO 13/ USD 16/ SGD 21/ MYR 67) (1-10 persons)Mt. Ampacao Traverse 
PHP 600 (EURO 10/ USD 12/ SGD 16/ MYR 51)(1-10 persons)Grassyland / Marlboro2-3 hours
PHP 1,000 (EURO 17/ USD 20/ SGD 27/ MYR 84) (1-3 persons)Langsayan Danum Traverse3 hours
PHP 2,000 (EURO 33/ USD 39/ SGD 53/ MYR 168) per personMt. Sisipitan3 hours
PHP 1,500 (EURO 25/ USD 30/ SGD 40/ MYR 130) (1-3 persons)Mt.Polis 
PPHP 2,500 (EURO 42/ USD 49/ SGD 67/ MYR 210) per person (transport included)Mainiti Hot Spring + Maligcong Rice Terraces 

 

 

 


 

WHERE TO EAT IN SAGADA

 

Sagada is sprinkled with restaurants, serving both local and foreign cuisines.  Many have their own specialty.   Food in Sagada is quite expensive,  prepare to spend at least PHP 150 / USD 3  per meal, for those who want to save, try the eateries at the public market.   Where to eat in Sagada? Here’s my handpicked list of restaurants to try in Sagada.

 

SAGADA Gaia Café

Gaia Café

Gaia Cafe is a vegetarian restaurant made famous by the movie “That Thing Called Tadhana”.   The place is owned by my classmate back in college (nothing to disclose, not sponsored,we paid for our food).   I tried the food here together with blogger friends  Marcos and Dave, we love their food and their coffee plus the view here is jaw-dropping!  If you want to see Sagada Rice Terraces, this is a great spot for viewing. 

 

 

 

SAGADA log cabin 1_6

Log Cabin

Sagada Log Cabin food is just superb.   We tried their pasta and salad when we first dined here and the huge serving of chicken with fries.  Reserve food and seats because this restaurant gets packed at night.

 

 

sagada strawberry cafe

Strawberry Café

Strawberry Cafe’s yogurt is  mouth-watering, we like it better than that of a rival resto known for serving yogurt (our friend had an issue with how the staff at  the rival cafe  seem to serve foreigners first before locals).

 

Masferre Restaurant

Masferre Restaurant

Serves really good dishes, quite expensive compared to other restaurants in town, but it’s bang for the buck.

 

sagada lemon house

Lemon Pie House 

As you might have surmised, tourists come here for their lemon pie.   Also try their mountain tea.  A nice place to chill after spelunking in Sumaguing Cave.

sagada market

Sagada Public Market

 

For those wanting to stay on a budget, you can dine at the eateries inside Sagada Public Market.  Haven’t tried eating here but our foreigner friend Dave said the food here is okay.

 


WHERE TO STAY IN SAGADA

 

Sagada is dotted with affordable hotels and guesthouses.  Best to reserve a room during holidays or weekends when tourists flock here.

 

Isabelo’s Inn and Cafe

agoda isabelos

Poblacion, Sagada, Sagada

CHECK ROOM RATES HERE

 

Masferre Country Inn and Restaurant

agoda masferre

Poblacion, Sagada

CHECK ROOM RATES HERE

 

Kanip Aw Pines View Lodge

agoda kanip-aw

Atey, Dao-angan, Sagada

CHECK ROOM RATES HERE

 

Shamrock Tavern Inn

agoda shamrock

Makingking, Demang, Sagada

CHECK ROOM RATES HERE

 

 

Grandma’s Yellow House

agoda grandmas

Dagdag, Poblacion, Sagada

CHECK ROOM RATES HERE

 

Sagada Igorot Inn

agoda igorot inn

Poblacion, Sagada

CHECK ROOM RATES HERE


WHERE TO BUY SOUVENIRS

 

⊗  There are a handful of souvenir shops in town, some hotels and cafe have their own shop. I like buying at Gabay Wines, they sell beautifully-crafted walking stick, fruit wines, Sagada coffee, shirts, key chains and ref magnets.  Gaia Cafe also have a nice collection of souvenirs.

⊗  Also visit Sagada Weaving to buy hand-weaved bags, textiles, wallets and purse.

⊗  Lemon Pie House for their lemon pie.


SAGADA TRIP ITINERARY

 

SAGADA solo backpacking

Here’s a sample Sagada 3 day/ 2 night trip itinerary.   You can adjust it depending on the activities that you want to try in Sagada.  Just refer to the tour guide rates above.   This itinerary is ideal for long weekends.

 

 

TIMEACTIVITIESEXPENSES
DAY 0  
09:00 PMCubao to Sagada via Coda Lines  (bus stops quickly at  Dyannara View Point for Banaue Rice Terraces)PHP 720 (EURO 12/ USD 14/ SGD 19/ MYR 61)
09:00 AMETA in Sagada. Pay the Tourism FeePHP 35 (EURO 0.58/ USD 0.69/ SGD 0.93/ MYR 3)
09:15 AMHotel Check-inPHP 700 (EURO 12/ USD 14/ SGD 19/ MYR 59)
09:30 AMBreakfastPHP 150 (EURO 2/ USD 3/ SGD 4/ MYR 13)
10:00 AMHire a guide. Star of Echo Valley + Hanging Coffins.PHP 200 (EURO 3/ USD 4/ SGD 5/ MYR 17)
11:30 AMEnd of Tour. Lunch at Gaia CafePHP 150 (EURO 2/ USD 3/ SGD 4/ MYR 13)
12:30 PMStart of short Course Caving (Dokiw Hanging Coffins), Lumiang Burial Caves, Sumaguing Burial Cave, Sagada Rice Terraces Viewpoint. Make sure to bring your receipt for the Tourism Fee.PHP 600 (EURO 10/ USD 12/ SGD 16/ MYR 51)
04:00 PMSnack and chill at Lemon Pie HousePHP 60 (EURO 1/ USD 1.18/ SGD 1.60/ MYR 5)
04:30 PMWalk back to hotel. Order food and reserve seat for dinner at Log Cabin. 
05:00 PMFreshen up.  Rest or buy souvenirs at Gabay Wines. 
07:00 PMDinner at Log Cabin.PHP 300 / USD 5.99
08:00 PMSocials. Sleep. 
Day 02 
04:00 AMPrepare for pick up for Kiltepan SunrisePHP 500 (EURO / USD 10/ SGD 13/ MYR 42)
06:30 AMETA downtown Sagada or hotel 
07:00 AMBreakfast 
07:30 AMTrek to the Bomod-ok FallsPHP 600 / USD 11.99
08:30 AMETA Bomod-ok Falls 
10:30 AMTrek back to downtown Sagada 
11:30 AMETA Sagada town. Lunch at Strawberry Restaurant.PHP 150 (EURO 2/ USD 3/ SGD 4/ MYR 13)
12:00 AMBack to hotel. Freshen up. Rest. Buy souvenirs. 
03:00 PMTrek to Sagada Pottery or if you still have enough stamina, head to Lake Danum. 
05:00 PMETA Sagada Town 
07:00 PMDinner at MasferrePHP 300 (EURO 5/ USD 6/ SGD 8/ MYR 25)
09:00 PMSleep
Day 03
06:00 AMBreakfast
06:30 AMCheck out from hotel
07:00 AMBus to BaguioPHP 220 (EURO 4/ USD 4/ SGD 6/ MYR 19)
01:00 PMETA Baguio
01:15 PMTake a cab or jeep to Stobosa Hillside/ Valley of Colors.
02:00 PMRide jeep to Baguio Taoist Temple.
03:00 PMRide jeep or cab to La Trinidad Strawberry Farm
05:00 PMETA Baguio City. Snack.
06:30 PMETD for Manila.
11:30 PMETA Manila

 

 


SAMPLE SAGADA TRIP BUDGET

 

sagada car

Here’s my sample Sagada budget/ expenses for 3 day 2 night stay  for a solo traveler to give you an idea of around how much to spend for your Sagada trip.  But of course, our spending habits vary, your choices and expenses may be different from mine so you can make it lower or higher to fit your budget.  If you have travel buddies in your Sagada trip, you can save more on guide fees.

 

 

EXPENSESACTIVITIES
PHP 720 (EURO 12/ USD 14/ SGD 19/ MYR 61)Bus Fare from Manila to Sagada
HP 445 (EURO 7/ USD 9/ SGD 12/ MYR 37)Bus Fare Baguio to Manila
PHP 220/USD 4.40Bus Fare Sagada to Baguio
PHP 35 (EURO 0.58/ USD 0.69/ SGD 0.93/ MYR 3)Sagada Tourism Fee
PHP 35 (EURO 0.58/ USD 0.69/ SGD 0.93/ MYR 3)Short Course Caving (Dokiw Hanging Coffins), Lumiang Burial Caves, Sumaguing Burial Cave, Sagada Rice Terraces Viewpoint
PHP 200 (EURO 3/ USD 4/ SGD 5/ MYR 17)Echo valley and Hanging Coffins

SAGADA TRAVEL TIPS

 

sagada town 1

⊗  Avoid making too much noise, many of the attractions in Sagada are sacred to the locals. Please be respectful.

⊗  Do not leave trash anywhere.

⊗ Make sure you are back at Sagada town proper before nightfall. There are no lamp posts along the road.

⊗  Hire a local guide for your safety. And it is also a way of contributing to the local economy. You are helping create jobs in Sagada by doing so.

⊗  There is only one ATM in town, and it is unrealiable. So be sure to stack up cash (Philippine Peso) before proceeding to Sagada. Establishments and hotels here only accept cash.

⊗  Bring your tourism fee receipt when heading to Sumaguing Cave.  You will not be allowed to enter without paying the fee.  A guide is also required.  Avoid bringing your DSLR camera inside the cave, if you insist, wrap it with plastic or water-proof camera cover or place it inside a water-proof bag.  I recommend bringing a water-proof action camera instead.  Most parts of the cave are slippery, you will most likely be wet, be extra careful with your steps.  Wear shirts, shorts or leggings instead of jeans.  Put your cellphone, wallet and money inside a Ziploc.

⊗  Ask permission when photographing people especially the elderly.

⊗  Buy food in Sagada.  I know you want to stay on a budget by bringing your own snacks or food, but when you buy your meals from local restaurants or snacks from local stores, you are helping the local economy.   You are savoring the beauty of their hometown, just think of it as giving back to their community.

 

*Cover photo by Marcos Caratao. 


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