Top 20+ Best Sagada Tourist Spots: Sea of Clouds, Caves, & Waterfalls

Here is a complete list of Sagada tourist spots you should not miss especially if you’re an adrenaline junkie! Aside from eco wonders, I also included the best cultural places to visit in Sagada.

Sagada in Mountain Province easily ranks as one of the top ecotourism destinations in the Philippines.

Cascading waterfalls, stunning caves, limestone rock formations, rustic mountain views, and authentic cultural heritage are among the tourist spots in Sagada. Indeed, it’s a paradise of amazing natural, cultural, and historical wonders rolled into one.

A whole month of a break from work allowed me to visit Sagada’s tourist spots. I’ve conquered almost all of them, even the off-beaten tracks and I would like to share them on this travel guide.

Without further ado, let me now walk you through the different tourist spots in Sagada!

Behold Must-See Sagada Tourist Spots

1. Mt. Ampacao

Mt. Ampacao towers to more than 1,889 MASL, making it the highest peak in Sagada.

Getting here is quite easy as the trails are well-established and do not run across steep terrains. Expect to walk on grassy terrains and on some parts, trail on secondary forests.

While atop, you can see a panoramic view of Sagada town and its surrounding mountains and pine forests. Kapay-aw rice terraces are also visible from here.

During the early morning, a sea of clouds usually forms. Mt Ampacao is one of the most popular of Sagada’s tourist spots.

• Location/Jump-off: Ambasing Elementary School, Brgy Ambasing
• Trekking Time: 40 minutes
• Guide Fee: Php 1,700 for 10 visitors or less

2. Bumayeng Falls

Located on the remote mountains, Bumayeng falls is one of the least known tourist spots in Sagada.

To get here, you’ll have to cross streams, jump across boulders, and wade on pools. Thus, it is only recommended for ardent adventurers and extreme hikers.

Bumayeng is a multi-layered fall, each with a beautiful catchbasin. If you prefer a more rustic setting, away from social bustles and hustles, then you should brave the trail to this wonder. An experienced guide is also required to ensure your safety and convenience.

Many locals especially youngsters love coming here during summer months to have a picnic and enjoy the sceneries. Mossy forests upstream feed the river leading to the waterfall.

• Location/Jump-off: Brgy. Bangaan
• Fee: Php 2500 for 5 visitors or less (inclusive of guide fee and packed meal)
• Trekking Time: 3 hours (one-way)
• Transportation: Php 650 (one-way)

3. Kiltepan Viewpoint

Made famous by the movie, “That Thing called Tadhana,” Kiltepan Viewpoint offers a spectacular view of the sunrise and an occasional sea of clouds including the scenic Kiltepan Rice Terraces.

That is why it is best to come here during the early morning or late afternoon to catch sight of a beautiful sunset.

Some trek to the viewpoint from the town center for more or less one hour. Others arrange a van with the Sagada Tourist Information and this usually departs at 4:30 a.m. You can also camp here during the night if you want.

Kiltepan Viewpoint is among the iconic tourist spots in Sagada.

• Location/Jump-off: Sagada town center/Poblacion
• Trekking Time: 30 minutes – 1 hour
• Camping fee: Php 100 per person

4. Bomod-ok Falls

Considered the highest cascade in Sagada, Bomod-ok falls has a height of more than 50 meters. It has a naturally-built pool with icy-cold and crystal-clear waters. Thus, you can often see small fishes swimming around. One local told me that they also caught a giant eel from the pool.

Beautiful rock formations surround the catch basin and from these, you can jump or dive for an invigorating swim. If not, you can just sit on one of the boulders and let the mists of the waterfall caress you.

To get here, you’ll hike for more or less an hour, passing by barangay Fidelisan and their beautiful rice terraces. It’s a downhill hike towards Bomod-ok falls and obviously, an uphill trek back to the road. Bomod-ok falls is one of the tourist spots in Sagada you should not miss.

• Entrance Fee/Barangay Fee: Php 10
• Tour Guide Fee: Php 500 for a group with a maximum of 10 pax
• Location: Barangay Fidelisan/Brgy Bangaan
• Trekking Time: 1 hour

5. Bokong Falls

Want a natural treat near the Sagada proper? Check out Bokong Falls, one of the most accessible tourist spots in Sagada. It is just a 30-minutes of easy walk from the town center.

The falls is relatively small compared to the rest. But it has its own unique features to offer. It has a small catchbasin. But don’t be fooled by its miniature size. It is actually very deep and you must know how to swim before taking a plunge.

Whenever I come here, I would jump from the top of Bokong Falls towards the deep pool. Oh, what a soothing way to relieve me from the daily hustles and bustles.

• Entrance Fee: None
• Jump-Off: Poblacion, Sagada
• Trekking Time: 30 minutes
• Guide: Optional

6. Pongas Falls

Located on a remote outskirt, this towering twin beauty is one of the less-known tourist spots in Sagada. It is best to come here just after the rainy months to catch sight of Pongas falls’ full force.

Huge boulders surround the small and shallow basin of Pongas Falls. To enjoy it, you can position yourself on its base while the cascading waters give you a caressing massage.

There are more waterfalls to see upstream and downstream. If you have more time and energy, ask your guides to take you to some of these.

• Entrance Fee: Php 10
• Location: Barangay Ankileng
• Trekking Time: 30 minutes- 1 hour
• Guide Fee: Php 600 for a group with a maximum of 10 persons

7. Sumaguing Cave

If you’re seeking to explore the underneath, check out Sumaguing cave, arguably the most popular tourist spot in Sagada. It contains fascinating stalactite and stalagmite formations resembling different figures such as an elephant’s trunk.

Spelunking here is quite challenging and can often be dangerous if safety procedures are not properly followed. It is considered the deepest cave system in the Philippines.

• Two-way Transportation: Php 350 (Optional)
• Tip: Best to come here with a group for a more budget-friendly experience
• Guide Fee: Php 800 for 4 pax
• Caving Time: 2 hours

8. Echo Valley and Hanging Coffins

They don’t call it the echo valley for no reason. While you’re there, do create echoes and you’ll see why. Interestingly, this is also where you can find the iconic hanging coffins, one of the cultural tourist spots in Sagada. You could just wonder how the locals of the past were able to place the coffins high up on the ground.

To know more about the folklore associated with the Hanging Coffins, you can ask your guide. It’s one of the tourist spots in Sagada which are just some minutes of walk from the Tourist Information Center.

There is also a spot nearby for rappelling or rock climbing.

• Entrance Fee: Php 10
• Guide Fee: Php 300
• Trekking Time: 20-30 minutes
• Extra Sights to See: Pine forests, Limestone Rock Formations, Burial Caves
• Local’s Tip: You can try rock climbing near Hanging Coffins.

9. St. Mary the Virgin Church

This is one of the historical tourist spots in Sagada. It is a stone-walled structure catering to the spiritual needs of the locals who are mostly Anglicans.

What I find interesting about this church is the fact that it was built during the American period. It’s more than a century-old heritage! Regular masses are conducted here. The church is one of the sights to see when going to the Echo Valley and Hanging Coffins.

• Location/Jump-off: Poblacion, Sagada
• Trekking Time: 5 minutes from the Tourist Information Center
• Entrance Fee: None
• Reminder: It’s a sacred place so do respect it.

10. Marlboro Hill

If you are looking for challenging and at the same time, rewarding hiking experience, Marlboro Hill should be added to your list. It is one of the rising tourist spots in Sagada.

Hiking there will lead you across lush pine forests, scenic rice terraces, and limestone rock formations. You will also pass by the so-called Blue Soil or Blue Hill which turns bluish-green especially just after the rains. There are also good points here for viewing sunrise and sea of clouds, making it a good alternative for the Kiltepan viewpoint.

To save on budget, it’s best to come here as a group.

If you’re lucky, you’ll glimpse of horses running around. But they are not wild. They were just released years ago to give the place a feature of the cowboy’s range in the United States.

• Guide Fee: Php 1800 for 3 pax
• Trekking Time: 3-4 hours
• Transport Fare: Php 1350 (roundtrip)
• Tip: Best to come here during early morning to chance on sunrise and sea of clouds.

11. Gaia Cafe

This is one of my recommended Sagada tourist spots. Aside from the magnificent views of the rice terraces from here, they serve organic vegan meals. It’s a paradise for health-conscious travelers, environmentalists, and vegan advocates. They have coffee, drinks, and snacks that can help nourish your mind, body, and soul.

The cafe advocates for sustainable living in harmony with nature and God. It’s just minutes of walk from the Sumaguing Cave. If you happen to chance on Dr. Penelope Domogo, you can ask her to share some tips on how to develop habits for an eco-living. She’ll be more than happy to share with you her knowledge and experience.

Plus, she’s a good friend and mentor of mine (hehe).

• Location/Jump-off: Ambasing, Sagada, Philippines (near Sumaguing Cave)
• Trekking Time: 20 minutes from Tourist Information Center
• Contact: +63 949 137 6777 (Smart) +63 915 727 6831 (Globe)
• Operating Time: Mondays to Saturdays (11.00 am to 7 pm)

12. Blue Soil

If you’re up for a thrilling trek to a bizarre destination, check out the so-called Blue Soil. It features mounds of limestone rock formations that turn blue when wet. Those hiking to Marbolo Hills usually follow the trail all the way to the Blue Soil.

Barangay Balili of Bontoc also claims the site and call it Kaman-Utek because it resembles the brain. This is one of my favorite Sagada tourist spots.

To reach it, expect a long trek from the town center. Although tiring, the views you’ll see on the way will surely gratify your quest for adventure. Add to that the stunning view of Blue Soil itself.

• Location/Jump-off: Sagada town center
• Trekking Time: 4-5 hours
• Extra Sights to See: Pine forests, mountain views, wildflowers, rock formations, cliffs, grasslands

13. Sagada Underground River

If you’re coming from Bokong Falls or the Hanging Coffins, you can actually follow a trail leading to Sagada’s Underground River. It’s around 300 meters in length. Inside, you’ll find natural pools and different limestone rock formations. You’ll also glimpse of bluish pools when you follow the brook to Sagada Underground River.

• Location/Jump-off: Sagada town center
• Trekking Time: 2-3 hours

14. Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Mission

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Mission is a newly-constructed church catering to the Catholic faithful. You can see this along the highway when trekking to Kiltepan Viewpoint or Bokong Falls. The church is among the best places to visit in Sagada.

If you’re after a place for a tranquil spiritual escape, you should come here.

• Location/Jump-off: Poblacion, Sagada
• Trekking Time: 15-20 minutes from Tourist Information Center
• Reminder: It’s a sacred place.

15. Fidelisan Rice Terraces

You’ll catch sight of these when trekking to Bomd-ok Falls. These stone-walled structures signify the industry of the locals and their communion with nature. Interestingly, the locals’ ancestors built these using only wooden tools and stones.

If you want, you can join the locals in planting or harvesting rice. In that way, you’ll learn to appreciate farming and its importance to our society. Surely, you’ll also find it more enjoyable and fulfilling sharing casual stories with the locals.

You bet. They’ll love you for that.

• Location/Jump-off: Brgy Fidelisan, Sagada
• Trekking Time: 20-30 minutes from the highway
• Tip: You can join the locals when planting and harvesting rice.

16. Lumiang Cave

Lumiang Cave is known for its piles of burial coffins. It is connected with the Sumaguing Cave and there is a tour package that covers both caves. Along the way going here, you can also glimpse of limestone mountains and hanging coffins. It is one of the best places to visit in Sagada.

• Location/Jump-off: Brgy Ambasing, Sagada
• Trekking Time: 25 minutes from the tourism center

17. Lake Danum

Lake Danum is claimed by both Sagada and Besao. Because of this, the lake is currently closed for tourism. It’s just along the highway so you can actually view it when going to and from Besao.

18. Balangagan Cave

Balangagan Cave is one of the newly-discovered tourist spots in Sagada. It is a bit far from the town center and you need to ride a vehicle to reach it. Inside, you’ll also find stalactite and stalagmite rock formations.

• Location/Jump-off: Between Taccong and Suyo

19. Sagada Blue Lagoon/ Obwa Falls

Sagada Blue Lagoon is a series of mini-waterfalls with circular pools that reflect the blue sky. It is one of Sagada’s remotest tourist spots. Thus, getting here is recommended for extreme hikers and adventurers. Plunge into one of the pools to give you instant relief. It is one of the rustic places to see in Sagada.

• Location/Jump-off: Brgy Suyo
• Trekking Time: 25 minutes from the highway

20. Sagada Pottery House

Sagada Pottery House is one of the cultural Sagada tourist spots, advocating for the preservation of pot making in the said town. Here, you can experience and see for yourself how the pots are made.

To get here, ride a jeep bound to Besao and tell the driver to drop you by the pottery house. If not, take the one hour walk to reach the place.

Every time you come here, you help promote the preservation of this ancient culture. You can buy one or two of these pots for a souvenir.

• Location/Jump-off: Poblacion, Sagada

How to Get to Sagada

Manila to Sagada. If you want a direct trip to Sagada, ride Coda lines bus, stationed at HM Transport Cubao Terminal. This is located along EDSA at Cubao, Quezon City. Regular trip schedules are 8:00 pm, 9:00 pm, 10:00 pm, and 10:30 pm.

Fare is 720 pesos and travel takes around 12-13 hours. Take note. If you cannot do online booking, be at the station at least an hour before your preferred time of departure.

Baguio to Sagada. First, ride either Victory Liner or North Genesis buses going to Baguio. Both have stations at Pasay and Cubao, Quezon City and both have hourly departures. Travel time takes around five to six hours and fare ranges from 450 pesos to 485 pesos.

Upon reaching Baguio city, ride a taxi or Grab towards GL Trans station at Dangwa Terminal (back of Center Mall). GL Trans buses that are bound to or passes along Sagada depart by 6:30 am, 8:00 am, 9:00 am, 10:00 am, 11:00 am, and 1:00 pm. Travel time is more or less six hours and the regular fare is 220.

Bontoc to Sagada. If you are coming from Bontoc, there are jeeps there bound to Sagada. These are stationed in front of the Walter Clapp Hotel. A jeep departs once filled to capacity. Travel time takes less than an hour and fare is 50 pesos.

Try Speaking Local Utterances

As goes a popular adage, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” In the same way, you can also try conversing with the locals using their language. This is especially helpful in building rapport with the community.

Kankanaey is the main language in Sagada. Take note, this is different from the Kankanaey language of some communities in Benguet. I get it. You don’t need to be well-versed. But you can at least try common utterances such as the following. Have fun learning and using them:)

Common Utterances	English Translation
Gawis ay wagkat	Good morning
Gawis ay kag-aw	Good afternoon
Gawis ay labi	Good evening
Inmali kami ay mangbisita sin ili u	We come to visit your place
Lumaos kami	We are passing by
Kamusta kau	How are you
Kaat na	How much
Gawis nan kaipogaw u	You are a nice people
Gawis nan umali sina ili u	It’s wonderful to be here
Man amay nan ili	You place is beautiful

Sagada Tour Packages

Here are the tours in Sagada you can avail of. Take note. There are new tours you might want to try. Inquire from the Sagada Tourist Information Center about these.

Sagada Caves Tour

1. Cave Connection

• Lumiang Burial Cave to Sumaguing Cave
• Time Required: 3-4 hours
• Guide Fee: Php 1000 for 2 visitors, Add Php 500 for every extra
• Transportation Fee: Php 400 (two-way)
• Tip: You can walk all the way to the cave to cut on transportation costs.

2. Sumaguing Cave/Short Course Caving

• Time Required: 1 hour and 30 minutes
• Guide Fee:
  • Php 800 for 4 persons or less
  • Php 900 for 5 persons
  • P 1,600 for 6-9 persons
  • Php 1,800 for 10 persons
  • P 2,400 for 11-12 persons
  • P 200 per person for a group of 13 or more

• Transportation Fee: Php 250 (Two-Way)

3. Balangaan Cave

• Time Required: 2 hours
• Guide Fee:
  • Php 650 for 4 visitors or less
  • Php 800 for 5 visitors
  • P 1,300 for 6-9 visitors
  • Php 150 each for a group of 10 or more

• Transportation Fee: Php 650 (two-way)

Sagada Waterfalls Tour

1. Bomod-ok Falls

• Trekking Time: 3 hours back and forth
• Guide Fee: Php 500 for 1-7 persons
• Barangay Fee: Php 10 per person
• Transportation Fee: Php 650 (two-way)

2. Pongas Falls

• Trekking Time: 1 hour to the falls
• Guide Fee: Php 600 for 1-10 visitors
• Transportation Fee: Php 650 (two-way)

3. Bokong Falls

• Trekking Time: 10 minutes
• Guide Fee: Php 300 for 1-10 visitors
• Transportation Fee: Php 250 (two-way)

Walking Tours

1. Eco-Tour

• Time Required: 3 hours of a loop hike
• Attractions: Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Echo Valley, Hanging Coffins, Sagada Underground River Entrance
• Guide Fee:
  • Php 800 for 10 persons or less
  • Php 1,600 for 11-20 persons
  • P 2,400 for 23-30 persons

2. Adventure Trail

• Time Required: 3 hours of trek
• Attractions: St Mary Church, Echo Valley, Hanging Coffins, Latang River, Underground River, Bokong Falls
• Guide Fee:
  • Php 3000 for 10 visitors or less

3. Echo Valley Hanging Coffins

• Trekking Time: 30 minutes from the tourist info center
• Guide Fee:
  • Php 300 for 1-10 persons
  • Php 400 for 11 persons
  • P 600 for 12-20 persons
  • Php 700 for 21 persons
  • Php 900 for 22-30 persons
  • P 1000 for 31 persons
  • Php 1,300 for 32-40 persons
  • Php 30 per head for a group of 41 and above

Sagada Mountain Trekking Tour

1. Mt Ampacao Traverse

• Trekking Time: 3 hours
• Guide Fee: Php 1,200 for 10 persons or less
• Shuttle Fee: Php 800 (two-way)

2. Marlboro Country/Hills

• Trekking Time: 2-3 hours
• Guide Fee: Php 800 for 10 persons
• Shuttle Fee: Php 650 (two-way)

3. Langsayan Danum Traverse

• Trekking Time: 3 hours hike
• Guide Fee: Php 1000 for 3 visitors or less

4. Marlboro Hills to Blue Soil Traverse

• Trekking Time: 4-5 hours
• Guide Fee: Php 1600 for 1-5 persons
• Shuttle Fee: Php 1350

Sagada Weather and Temperature

Sagada’s weather and the temperature are much like that of Baguio City. If you’re after the sunny months, then it’s best to visit Sagada from January to April. Most rainy days are during the months of August to October, coinciding with the occurrence of typhoons.

During March to April, the temperature in Sagada becomes warmer but that does not mean, it loses its hinterland feels. The coldest months are typically starts from November to February. So you’ve got to bring thick jackets during these times.

With the changing climate, however, there have also been inconsistent weather intervals in Sagada and elsewhere.

Thus, it’s best to keep in touch with the Sagada Tourist Information Center or with the locals for them to provide updates regarding the weather and temperature in Sagada.

Where to Stay in Sagada?

There are numerous accommodation amenities where you can stay in Sagada. Most of these are homestay setups as well as inns. There are no hotels in Sagada as per the standard of the Department of Tourism. But that’s what makes your stay here unique as you’ll get to experience simple living, not luxuries.

We’ll provide a comprehensive list of these soon! Keep touch.

Where to Eat in Sagada?

Eating in Sagada is one of the most memorable experiences you’ll have during your visit. That is because you’ll get to experience local cuisines and treats. The most popular are the Lemon Pie Cake and the Etag (meat salted the traditional way). The price of a meal in Sagada ranges from Php 50 to Php 200.

We’ll also provide a comprehensive list of these soon!

For More Info on Sagada Tourist Spot:

If you need more information that may help in setting up your itinerary to the tourist spots in Sagada, contact the following:

• Sagada Tourist Information Center: 0917 134 5353
• Sagada PNP: 0908 2258115

Note: Sagada Tourist Information Center opens from 7 AM to 5:30 PM. You can also refer to the following brochure for more info about Sagada tourist spots’ package rates.