Famous for its cool weather and scenic views, Sagada Mountain Province is an ideal place to breakfree from the everyday hustle and even for soul searching! It’s a breather we all need.
The rich culture and tradition, good food, popular tourist spots, and nature at its finest are what awaits you. Make your trip worthwhile with this travel guide and visit the Sagada Mountain Province Tourist Spots!
How to get there?
The easiest way to get to Sagada from Manila is via Coda Lines. It is the only bus company that offers direct trips to Sagada, and back to Manila. You can book your tickets at Bookaway. Get ready for an approximately eleven-hour bus ride.
On the other hand, you can drive yourself to Sagada. Just make sure you’re up for a long and tiring drive. It would take approximately nine hours, but still depends on the flow of traffic. So it’s better that you have a company that would keep you up and driving, or someone to switch the driver’s seat with.
When is the best time to visit?
The best time to visit Sagada are the months of November to February. You’ll definitely enjoy the cool and dry weather with an average temperature of around 15-17°C.
But take note that the month of December is a peak season. So, if you’re not one to bear the heavy traffic and crowds, avoid going in this month.
What are the tourist spots?
Aside from the good weather that you can enjoy at Sagada, of course we know you want to leave your footprints on the tourist spots in the Mountain Province. Get your feet moving to these tourist spots for experiences that will be etched into your memory box!
Sumaguing Cave
Sumaguing Cave is the biggest cave among the more than sixty caves that can be found at Sagada. It has a depth of more than 500 feet, hence making it the deepest cave in the country.
Adrenaline chasers would be excited to visit Sumaguing Cave! Imagine yourselves squeezing through small openings of the cave, going through water pools, and seeing with your own eyes the gorgeous rock formations.
This unique adventure could also be enjoyed by beginners. There is a staircase that makes the trail manageable. But practice caution because there are steep and slippery parts. You don’t want to make a wrong move and fall in the pits. Oh, what a once in a lifetime adventure it is!
Marlboro Hills
A chilly short trek in the Marlboro Hills is totally worth it in exchange for the sight of the iconic sea of clouds!
Make sure you’ll wake up early if you’re planning to visit Marlboro Hills. You’ll get to witness one of nature’s masterpiece ‒sunrise over the sea of clouds as it reveals the mountains. We bet this jaw-dropping moment will leave you in awe.
Don’t forget to take some snaps, because the stunning backdrop of Marlboro Hills deserves a spot on your feed!
Blue Soil Hills
From Marlboro Hills, you can do a traverse trek to Blue Soil Hills. It is one of Sagada’s hidden gems. The rolling hills of blue are indescribable. The vibe and scenery of the place makes it one of the must-visit Sagada Mountain Province tourist spots.
The foam of bluish clouds seemed to settle on the ground in the middle of the pine forest. Its bluish color is more in-depth when the soil is moist. This place would unleash that kid within you with its magical vibe!
Hanging Coffins
Hanging Coffins is a famous tourist spot in Sagada. Well, why wouldn’t it be? Wherelse can you see coffins hanging on cliffs?
This is a part of a tradition shared to the public. The Sagada people have been practicing this burial ritual for over 2,000 years. However, there are locations of the coffins that can only be appreciated from afar because of its difficulty to reach.
Bomod-ok Waterfalls
The trekking activity doesn’t end!
Bomod-ok Waterfalls is the most visited waterfall in Sagada. In order to reach this magnificent natural wonder, you have to go through a 4.2 kilometer trek through rice fields. You don’t get tired for nothing, because you’ll get to see the Fidelisan Rice Terraces!The best way to relax after a tiring trek is to dip in the cool waters of Bomod-ok Waterfalls. But before that, take time to appreciate its beauty. The waterfall soars at 200 feet high as its water majestically cascades to the pool. Nature lovers would be itching to see this!
Where to stay?
After all the activities and hopping from one place to another, we all deserve a good rest. The promising and cozy atmosphere of Rock Inn & Café is one of the perfect places in Sagada to spend the rest of your day.
From the name itself, hold onto your seats as you drive along a rocky pathway towards the place. Once you enter the premises, you’ll be welcomed by the wooden interiors of the café. There is a garden adjacent to the outdoor eating area where guests can spend the night hours around the bonfire.
The accommodation is worth the penny spent. Laze around the clean and spacious rooms, and breathe in the view of lush greenery. Also, they have an orange plantation where you can pick oranges!
What to eat?
You have traveled long hours just to get yourself to Sagada Mountain Province. Now that you’re there, make sure not to miss getting a taste of the must-try food in Sagada:
- Etag. It is a native delicacy and an important part of the Mountain Province’s culture. It is made of salted pork that was sun-dried or smoked. The savory and salty flavor of Etag can be enjoyed in the form of granules, cubes, and liquid seasoning. Traditionally, Etag is part of rituals and special occasions. You can try Etag at Salt N Pepper in South Road Sagada. Also, Rust ‘n Wood Café in Patok Sagada offers Etag in the forms of burger, sisig, and carbonara. It’s mouthwatering, we know!
- Pinikpikan. It is a traditional chicken soup from Cordillera Administrative Region. The recipe is made up of smoked chicken, water, etag, salt, concoction, and sayote. Once it reaches the boiling point, Pinikpikan is ready to be served on your table. Visit Pinikpikan Haus at Daoangan, 2619, Sagada to get a taste of Pinikpikan. A hot soup in cool weather, what else can we ask for?
- Sagada’s Lemon Pie. For dessert, get your taste buds ready for the famous Sagada’s Lemon Pie. Before your sour-y thoughts take over, hear us out. Nope, the citrus doesn’t overpower the entire pie. Instead, it gives a light and refreshing flavor that would dance in your mouth. Many have said that it is a must-taste and the best lemon pie! Book your reservation at Sagada Lemon Pie House in Atey, Daongan, Sagada. You’ll never regret enjoying a pie right out of the oven in a homey atmosphere.
Looking for more tourist spots you can spend your vacations at? Check out these Best Tourists Spots and the Most Underrated Destinations in the Philippines.