This guide will share essential information to know before your Sagada Tour. Here you can find instructions on transportation, recommended tours, and must-see activities.

Sagada and Banaue Package Tour

Sagada is not the only gem in this region. You can make the most out of your trip by exploring other attractions. You can discover other popular nearby destinations, such as the famous Banaue. Planning transportation from Manila to Sagada is challenging because of the municipality’s remote location and limited options. Tours are a time-saving and convenient option in this case. It will ensure you’ll see Sagada’s highlights and have well-planned transportation, knowledgeable tour guides, and a structured itinerary.
4-day package tour, you will visit the famous Ifugao Rice Terraces, hear the history behind the Hanging Coffins of Sagada with a hike to the Echo Valley, and visit Tappiya Falls. The tour includes a stay in a guest house with a view of the Batad Rice Terraces. But I’d say the best part is meeting the indigenous women weavers and the locals of the Cordillera Region. Opting for guided tours is a wise idea mainly because of the organized and structured itinerary. The guides know the best places to visit and provide insightful information about the traditions, culture, and history of Sagada and Banaue.  Transportation to all sites, as well as all entrance fees and accommodation are included within the package!

How to Get to Sagada from Manila

Planning transportation from Manila to Sagada is challenging because of the municipality’s remote location and limited options. Tours are a time-saving and convenient option in this case. It will ensure you’ll see Sagada’s highlights and have well-planned transportation, knowledgeable tour guides, and a structured itinerary.

By Bus

But it’s possible to do it yourself. Book a night bus from Manila to Sagada, or check other transportation options. 

With a Tour

If you’re too tired to deal with the hassle of planning your own transportation, Abraham Tours provides a comprehensive tour itinerary to smoothen your trip. Instead, a local guide can help you navigate the transportation and ensure that you will arrive on time and be able to explore Sadaga.

By Air

The nearest airport from Sagada is in Tuguegarao. You can book a flight from Manila to Tuguegarao and then take a taxi on demand to Sagada, which will take 4 to 5 hours in total. There’s no airport closer to Sagada apart from Tuguegarao Airport and Laoag Airport – both are about 5-6 hours from Sagada, but it can be more convenient than the bus option.

What to See

The Kapay-aw Rice Terraces is one of the highlights of your Sagada Tour. If you’ve heard of the Banaue Rice Terraces or Ifugao Rice Terraces, which have appeared in movies like The Avengers: Endgame, then this is something to check out. While not as massive as the ones in Banaue, they’re still as beautiful and fascinating. You will pass by this place upon your hike to the Sumaguing Cave. Right in the middle of the town’s busy area is Ganduyan Museum, Sagada’s traditional name in Kankanaey (an Indigenous People from the northern parts of Luzon, Philippines). The museum is owned by Christina Aben, who personally curated and collected items displayed.

Some items that will catch your attention are headdresses, musical instruments, spears, working tools, wooden plates, weaving, and even beads and bags. You really don’t want to miss the opportunity to meet the women of the Cordilleras at Sagada Weaving Centre. They are known to make delicate and intricate patterns of fabric, which are well-recognized for their quality. You can buy a souvenir here or simply look at some traditional items and speak with the locals. 

Attractions Around Sagada

Mount Kiltepan

One of the highest peaks in Sagada is Mount Kiltepan, at 1,613 meters. This peak is famous for being a perfect site for watching the sun rise behind the Cordilleran mountains and the sea of clouds. Most travelers wake up at 4:00 AM in the morning to see the view, but getting out of bed can be a challenge because of the cold climate in the morning. 

Hanging Coffins of Sagada

You shouldn’t miss the Hanging Coffins of Sagada. As a form of tradition, these coffins are attached high up on limestone cliffs. According to some locals, this burial ritual is still practiced. But they would have to pay a high price to be buried in such a way. In addition, there’s a place similar to this called Lumiang Burial Cave. There, over 200 coffins, which span at least 500 years, are buried. It’s a 30-minute hike from the town proper of Sagada.

Marlboro Hill

Another perfect spot for the sunrise is Marlboro Hill. The one-and-a-half-hour hike will surprise you with a panoramic view of the Cordilleran mountains and a breathtaking sea of clouds. This viewpoint is less popular than Mount Kiltepan, so it’s good for avoiding crowded areas. 

Sumaguing Cave

Lastly, you can explore the Sumaguing Cave, one of the most famous caves in the Philippines. This must be a highlight on your Sagada tour. It’s among the more than 60 caves discovered in Sagada. Out of all the caves, Sumaguing is the biggest, earning the nickname “The Big Cave.”

This cave has rock formations resembling familiar shapes, like the elephant, turtle head, bear, and chocolate cake. When you visit, make sure you have a pre-booked tour. Alternatively, if you’re doing a DIY trip, you must come to the Sagada Tourism Office, register, and get a guide.