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.

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

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 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)

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

ADDITIONAL TRIPS

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

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

BANAUE TO MANILA OHAYAMI BUS SCHEDULE

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

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.

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

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.

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.

HOW TO GO TO SAGADA FROM VIGAN, ILOCOS SUR

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

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.

Echo Valley

Hanging coffins

St.Mary’s Church

Dokiw Hanging Coffins

Lumiang Burial Cave

Sumaguing Cave

Bomod-ok Falls

( Photo by Roslyn, Creative commons)

Bomod-ok Falls

Kiltepan Sunrise

(Photo by Arlene, Creative Commons)

Gaia Cafe

Sagada Rice Terraces

OTHER ATTRACTIONS:

Lake Danum

Sagada Pottery

Marlboro Mountain

SAGADA TOUR GUIDE RATES

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).

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.

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. 

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.

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

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

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 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

Poblacion, Sagada, Sagada

CHECK ROOM RATES HERE

Masferre Country Inn and Restaurant

Poblacion, Sagada

CHECK ROOM RATES HERE

Kanip Aw Pines View Lodge

Atey, Dao-angan, Sagada

CHECK ROOM RATES HERE

Shamrock Tavern Inn

Makingking, Demang, Sagada

CHECK ROOM RATES HERE

Grandma’s Yellow House

Dagdag, Poblacion, Sagada

CHECK ROOM RATES HERE

Sagada 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

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.

SAMPLE SAGADA TRIP BUDGET

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.

SAGADA TRAVEL TIPS

⊗  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. 

ALSO READ:

MALIGCONG BONTOC TRAVEL GUIDE

BATAD BANAUE TRAVEL GUIDE

ILOCOS NORTE TRAVEL GUIDE

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