Whether you are a nature lover or a motorbike enthusiast, you will definitely love to explore Sagada.The town is tucked in the heart of the Mountain Province.The municipality of Sagada lies over 1500 meters above sea level in the Mountain Province, in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). Sagada is a backpacker’s haven and is the perfect getaway for any adventure in the Cordilleras. It offers a wide range of activities such as hiking, trekking, and spelunking.

Learn more about the Sagada climate here.

A Brief History of Sagada, Mountain Province

Sagada was founded by Biag, an Igorot in search for a new settlement far from headhunting enemies and destructive wild pigs in the mountains. He found himself in the lowlands of Candon, Ilocos Sur, which was already under Spanish rule.

Spaniards named the place ‘Sagada’ after Spanish soldiers met a man carrying a bamboo basket used for catching fish. The soldiers asked what the name of the next town was. The man, thinking he was being asked what was inside his bamboo basket, answered ‘sagada.’

At this point, you might be wondering what makes Sagada a must-visit destination. Sagada’s culture is known for its hanging coffins. The people of Sagada have actively preserved their culture despite modernization. They are very traditional and are known for their custom of burying the deceased in hanging coffins.

The deceased’s body is placed inside wooden coffins hung on mountains or cliffs. They believe that the higher the coffins are, the better chance the deceased have of reaching greater heights in their afterlife.

The locals of Sagada are naturally resilient and industrious. They are generally referred to as Igorots (a Tagalog word meaning “people of the mountains”), but they belong to the Kankana-ey indigenous group. Sagada is predominantly Protestant Episcopalian, the only town in the Philippines that is 95% baptized into the Episcopal Church.

What are the Languages Spoken in the Cordillera Region?

The name Kankana-ey came from the language they speak. The Kankana-ey language is widely spoken in the Cordillera Region. Kankana-ey speakers can be identified based on their intonation and use of certain words.

Locals of Sagada and the nearby town of Besao speak “hard Kankanaey." Meanwhile, locals of the municipalities of Benguet and Sabangan speak the “soft Kankana-ey”.

As a popular tourist destination, English and Tagalog are widely understood by many locals. So, tourists can easily go around Sagada.

When is the Best Time to Travel to Sagada?

Planning to visit Sagada? Here’s a catch! The best time to travel to Sagada is from November to February, when the weather is cool and dry, with average temperatures of around 15 -17°C. Sagada is among the coldest places in the Philippines. The temperature can drop to as low as 4 degrees Celsius at night during December, January, and February. If you like hotter weather, March to May might be ideal for you.

Find out more about the weather in the Philippines as you plan your visit.

Why is Sagada a Popular Tourist Destination?

After being featured in several local Philippine movies and shows, Sagada's popularity among local tourists has climbed up over the last few years. Thus, what used to be a serene, isolated community is now packed with tourists every long holiday weekend.

If you’re planning a trip to Sagada, especially during peak season (Christmas Season, New Year, and Holy Week), book your transportation, accommodation, and tour in advance! Check out our list of Philippine Holidays as you plan your trip to Sagada.

What are the Best Adventures in Sagada?

If trekking and nature hiking interest you, Sagada is what you are looking for. It is ideal for adventure-seekers who like exploring caves and waterfalls, spelunking, bonfires, picnics, and rappelling. Motorbike enthusiasts looking to explore the incredible Cordillera mountain ranges find it extremely interesting too. You’ll be amazed to know that your options for things to do in Sagada are limitless!

If you are keen enough to go on a motorbike tour of the Cordillera’s spectacular roads and scenery, get in touch with our team!

Note that Sagada is a farming community, and most people are up before dawn to go to the fields. This is the reason behind the 9 p.m. curfew in the place. But, there is no problem being out after 9 p.m. or past midnight, except that the place is just very quiet at this hour.

It is recommended to bring enough cash on hand. Although some establishments now accept credit cards, they might not be online all the time. ATMs near the Tourist Information Office only accept a few local banks and the line is always long, especially during local holidays! So, it’s best just to bring enough cash for your entire trip.

How to Get from Manila to Sagada?

The journey to Sagada may not be the most pleasant because it is long and tiring. It has numerous winding roads, and turns can be so sharp. Bring some meds with you if you’re not a fan of long travel on winding or curved roads. 

Going to Sagada takes some patience, but when you reach this town, everything will be worth it. The nature and the silence of Sagada will naturally give you that relaxing and peaceful feeling.

Whether you are coming from Manila, Clark, or Baguio, Sagada can be reached by private car, by bus, or by joining a group tour via a shared van.

How to Get from Manila to Sagada via Baguio by Bus?

It is also possible to go to Sagada via Baguio-Bontoc Road by bus. This route will pass through the spectacular Halsema highway with a beautiful scenic view. To go to Baguio in the Province of Benguet, you first need to choose between two bus companies:

Victory Liner and JoyBus. Both of these bus companies have terminals in Metro Manila.

Both Victory and JoyBus offer premium air-conditioned buses with more legroom, better quality seats, a toilet, and fewer stops. They are more expensive than regular air-conditioned buses. But, they provide you more comfort as you travel to Baguio.

How to Get from Baguio City to Sagada by Bus?

How to Get from Manila to Sagada via Banaue by Bus?

Another way to reach Sagada is by riding a bus to Banaue in Ifugao Province, another Philippine tourist destination worth visiting! Combine these two destinations to maximize your visit to the Cordillera mountain ranges.

Air-conditioned buses from Manila to Banaue are operated by three bus companies, Ohayami Bus, Florida Bus Line, and Coda Lines. The travel time is about 8 hours and passes through the Pan-Pacific Hi-way and the Nueva Vizcaya-Ifugao-Mountain Province Road.

Here is more information about the three bus companies:

How to Get from Banaue to Sagada?

As you arrive at the Banaue bus terminal, ride a tricycle to the Banaue town proper and catch a jeepney going to Bontoc, the capital of the Mountain Province. The tricycle ride costs Php 30 or less than USD 1 per person, and the jeepney to Bontoc costs Php 150 or USD 3. It will take about 3 hours traveling along a fascinating route.

Want to travel more comfortably? Catch the Coda Lines bus. It stops over in Banaue and picks up passengers from Banaue en route to Sagada in the Mountain Province.

How to Get Around Sagada?

What are the Best Hostels and Guesthouses in Sagada?

There are no resorts or luxury hotels in Sagada. Most places offer accommodations with basic amenities and shared bathrooms. That is the reason why many backpackers visit this place. The simplicity and peacefulness are just incredible. Here are some highly recommended Sagada hostels, guesthouses, and inns that you can pick from.

What are the Must-try Places to Eat in Sagada?

A trip to the scenic Sagada is never complete without dining in its must-try restaurants and café. You will surely appreciate the wide range of cuisines and foods served on your table. Whether you are a foodie or not, it is good to be familiar with the best places to eat during your stay in Sagada.

What is the Best Food and Coffee in Sagada?

When it comes to food and coffee, count Sagada in. Not convinced? Well, listen up! While there are already foreign influences among the restaurants in the Philippines, Sagada is one of those places that serve authentic local foods- Igorot dishes in particular.

Sagada’s all-time favorites are the Sagada coffee (which is an Arabica coffee), Etag (the air-dried meat), and Pinikpikan (a chicken dish made in traditional cooking process and technique). Learn more here about the different kinds of coffee beans found in the Philippines.

What are the Best Places to Visit in Sagada?

SUMMARY: Best Outdoor Destination Sagada Travel Guide

We are happy to help you plan your itinerary for your Sagada trip and the entire Cordilleras! Contact our team today, and we will send you recommendations based on your interests and budgets.

Looking to maximize your trip? Read about our travel guides on Banaue, Buscalan and Baguio today!

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