How to get there?
It is a 13-14 hours from Manila. There are many ways in getting to Sagada from Manila but the most route that most of the tourists use are via Baguio and via Banaue.
Via Baguio:
Manila to Baguio - 6-7 hours (P450.00)
Baguio to Sagada - 6-7 hours (P350.00)
*Terminals of bus going to Baguio are in Cubao, Sta. Cruz and Sampaloc)
Via Banaue:
Manila to Banaue - 9-10 hours (P600.00)
Banaue to Sagada - 4-5 hours (P300.00)
*Terminals of bus going to Banaue is in Sampaloc, Manila)
The travel time either via Baguio or Banaue is the same its just the fare that matters, via Baguio is P100.00 cheaper than via Banaue. If you want to see the majestic beauty of Banaue Rice Terraces just go there via Banaue.
Where to Stay?
I actually don't know if there are hotels in Sagada but I am sure that there are many hostels, motels, luggage inn where you can stay. It is also okay if you will find a place to stay when you arrive in the town so you can negotiate for the price of the room you wanted. Usually every person must allocate a P500.00 each night for his bed to sleep on. Don't worry for the aircon because you won't need it for the cold climate in the place.
Places to visit in Sagada?
Sagada has many tourist attractions, if you wanted to visit all these famous destinations a 3 days and 2 nights vacation would be enough.
Banaue Rice Terraces
Since we do the Manila-Banaue-Sagada route we went to Banaue to see its famous Rice Terraces.
With the Ifugaos
As you stop over to the view decks in Banaue you can have picture with the natives in Banaue, just give them any amount for it.
Sagada Post Office
Before you can go to diferent places in Sagada you need to pay for the environmental fee of P40.00 and outside the office are the different local tour guides to be with you in different tourist spots in the place, just bargain the price that will fit your budget.
The Episcopal Church of Saint Mary the Virgin
It is an old stone church in Sagada.
Outside the Church
Church Bell Tower
Hanging Coffins
It is one of the famous tourist spot in Sagada, locals says that there are atleast 18 coffins hanging there. They said that it is their culture before to hang the coffins beside the mountains but as time goes by the local government is not allowing to practice that culture anymore.
Echo Valley
This place is famous because as you shout and say something your voice has echo for a reason it is called Echo Valley.
Mt. Kiltepan
It is the most visited place in Sagada. This place became famous after the movie of Angelica Panganiban entitled "That Thing Called Tadhana"
P30.00 is the tour guide fee for each person to reach Mt. Kiltepan.
Sea of Clouds
Mt. Kiltepan is also called the "Sea of Clouds." From time to time this view changes, in my case for 5 minutes the clouds will appear and after that the mountain will appear and the clouds go to side.
Sunrise in Mt. Kiltepan
Usually tourists go in here during midnight and wait for the beautiful view of the sunrise.
*In going to Mt. Kiltepan there is a public jeepney to ride on but if you are using a private car and ask someone to lead you there, you need to pay for the guide.
Sagada Town Hall
Sagada Public Market
Bokong Falls
There is a famous falls in Sagada the Bomod-ok Falls but unfortunately the rain falls when we are heading there so we decided not to push through for our safety purposes. There is no entrance fee here and it is not a big falls like others.
You can see this signage as you go to Bokong Falls. From the entrance you need to walk for atlest 20-30 minutes to reach the falls.
Entrance of Sumaguing Cave
If you want to experience a different kind of adventure you can try spelunking in Sumaguing Cave. You need to pay P35.00 for the environmental fee and P250.00 for the guide.
This signage will welcome you as you go down to the cave.
Rock Formation in the Cave
Lime Stones
There is a part in the cave that you need to remove your shoes or slippers because the next part is very much slippery that can cause an accident.
One of the best experience in this spelunking activity is you can't hold anything but a rope to go up and go down.
Don't worry if you are a solo traveler because there are many people inside who do the same activity.
Marlboro Hills
It is one of the tourist spot in Sagada, wonderful thing about this place is its the only area that has a blue-white sand. You need to climb for 1-2 hours to reach this area of mountain.
You need to pay P150.00 each for the tour guide to reach this place.
Huge Trees as you go to Marlboro Hills.
You need to climb 3 mountains to reach the Marlboro Hills.
Rock Formations in the Mountains
Noah's Ark
This place is called Noah's Ark because of its unique design that looks like a big ark.
Welcome to Sagada!
Sagada is indeed a very wonderful place. A perfect destination to feel relaxed in your life and one of the best location if you are looking for adventure.
My Perfect Smile in Sagada :)
Summary of Expenses:
Manila to Banaue - 600.00
Banaue to Sagada - 300.00
Tour Guide Fee in Mt. Kiltepan - 30.00
Tour Guide Fee in Marlboro Hills - 150.00
Tour Guide Fee in Sumaguing Cave - 250.00
Sumaguing Cave Environmental Fee - 35.00
Accomodation (2days) - 500.00
Food - 1,000.00
Tips
1. Money
Bring as many money as you can because for sure you will spend a lot in this tour.
2. Food
Have you rice cookers, can goods, cup noodles, 3-1 coffee for you to eat and drink. There is no fast foods in Sagada and the foods in carenderia are very expensive. The complete meal is P150.00 and take note you can't buy rice only in case that you have canned goods with you.
3. Tour Guide
The rate for 12 persons and 13 persons up are different so better tell to the tour guide that you are less than 12 in case that you are more than the minimum number of tourists.
I will not forget my Sumaguing Cave experience because you are required to pay P250.00 for the guide but what I did is to pretend that I am one of the group who pay the tour guide and use my own cellphone to light my way.
4. Route
What we did when we went to Sagada is Manila-Banaue-Sagada route but when we go back to Manila we do the Sagada-Bagui-Manila route to have a side trip in Baguio City.
Have a safe trip Wanderers!
