When you hear the word Sagada, what first comes to your mind? Is it the cool weather, the picturesque views, or the kiwi-like locals? If you haven’t been to this lovely mountain town yet, then now is the perfect time to plan your trip to this spectacular and jaw-dropping destination.
Sagada is at the heart of the Cordillera Mountains and is known for its breathtaking views. It has plenty of spots to explore and enjoy, from caves to waterfalls and natural springs. Thanks to its mesmerizing beauty, many movies have already featured the place, serving as a go-to spot for soul-searching and adventure.
You know what we mean if you have seen the movie “That Thing Called Tadhana”! The movie showed just how gorgeous that place is, but it is never enough actually to experience it. To help you get started on your Sagada trip, here is a list of the best spots you should visit when in town.
Sumaguing Cave
The Sumaguing Cave is actually connected to another cave called the Lumian Cave. This place is a popular tourist spot due to its wide range of attractions. Sumaguing Cave has an underground river, waterfalls, and large chambers, while Lumian Cave has a wide variety of rock formations. You’ll be in awe at the grandeur and beauty of this place.
Make sure to bring a flashlight to explore the cave deeper. Experienced guides are also available to ensure your safety while exploring these splendid caves. The average person can explore the entire cave system in about three hours. Water is ice-cold, and a mushroom-like stone formation inside will make you want to take tons of pictures.
Sagada Rice Terraces
The intricate rice terraces are one of the most stunning sights in the province of Mountain Province. The architecture and design of the Sagada Rice Terraces are beautiful, featuring the stunning stone work of locals who lived there centuries ago. This is a must-see for every tourist.
The locals needed a way to farm on the mountainous terrain, so they carved out large steps and implemented sustainable irrigation. The breathtaking view is always a sight to behold and is definitely one of the best spots in Sagada.
Hanging Coffins
Another popular spot in Sagada is the Hanging Coffins, which is an important part of the culture of the locals in the area. It is a burial practice still observed today by some locals as part of their funeral rituals. Many people believe the wooden coffins to be more than a thousand years old.
The idea behind this practice is that it will bring the dead closer to heaven and closer to their ancestors. This has been a tradition since the time of their ancestors, with some locals still observing the ritual. It makes for a very interesting sight and definitely something that you should not miss when visiting Sagada.
Bokong Falls
If you want to experience a thrill-seeking adventure, head to Bokong Falls. This stunning waterfall is 60 meters high and one of the most picturesque spots in Sagada. There are no roads leading to this place, so you have to walk for about 40 minutes from the town center before reaching Bokong Falls.
The trek can be challenging and tiring, but the view is worth it. You’ll be able to relax and feel the mist from the waterfall. Plus, there are other nearby attractions that you can explore, such as Echo Valley and Bomod-ok Falls.
Mount Ampacao
Mount Ampacao is the highest peak in Sagada, at 2,407 meters. This is not for the faint-hearted due to its steep terrain and difficult trails. But if you’re up for the challenge, then it’s worth noting that you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of both Echo Valley and Bokong Falls.
The entire trek will take around 9-10 hours, and it is recommended that you bring a guide when attempting to conquer Mount Ampacao. It’s one of the most challenging yet fulfilling hikes in Sagada! Remember to bring your sunscreen, snacks, and plenty of water for the journey ahead.
Echo Valley
Echo Valley is the perfect place to view Sagada’s remarkable rice terraces and limestone formations. This is a great spot for tourists who want to explore more of the area and take tons of photos they can share with friends back home. Echo Valley has an amazing echo effect, which makes it even more special and fun.
Here, many tourists would shout till the sound echoed around the valley. It’s a great way to interact with nature and bond with friends or family. You can also do other activities like trekking, birdwatching, and camping in Echo Valley to make your Sagada getaway even more unforgettable.
Lake Danum
For those who want an even more relaxed adventure, head on over to Lake Danum. This is the largest natural body of water in Sagada and a popular spot for swimming, fishing, and boating activities. The lake is surrounded by stunning flora and fauna that will capture your attention.
Fun fact: Danum is a Kankana-ey word that means water.
Another fun fact: Danum also meant water in Kapampangan.
Bomod-Ok Falls
Bomod-ok Falls is a hidden gem in the mountains of Sagada. This beautiful cascade is only accessible by a steep stairway that’s surrounded by lush greenery. It’s definitely worth the effort because at the bottom, and you’ll find an enchanting swimming area in which visitors can enjoy a refreshing dip and soak up some sun.
Bomod-ok Falls is also known for its therapeutic properties, with many locals believing that the waters are blessed and have healing powers. If you get tired of swimming, you can simply sit beside the waterfalls and watch the cascading water flow. It’s definitely a wonderful sight to behold!
Church of St. Mary the Virgin
This is a famous landmark in Sagada that has been around since the 1800s. The Church of St. Mary the Virgin is a majestic brick Gothic structure that stands proudly in the center of town. It’s one of the oldest churches in the Philippines and remains a popular destination for tourists who want to explore its rich history.
You’ll find plenty of religious artifacts and artworks that tell stories about Sagada’s past inside. It’s a great place to learn more about the region and take amazing photographs of the intricate architecture.
Lumiang Burial Caves
Another unique attraction in Sagada is the Lumiang Burial Caves. Unlike the Hanging Coffins, the burial caves are on a limestone cliff and usually contain smaller coffins. Locals believed that those buried in these caves were the most loved ones of their families.
The burial cave is still open to visitors, but they must be respectful when exploring it as it is considered sacred by many locals. The caves are a wonderful reminder of the town’s culture and history, so make sure to snap some photos or videos!
Ganduyan Museum
The Ganduyan Museum is probably the best place to learn about Sagada’s heritage and culture. This museum houses artifacts, photos, and other memorabilia about the town’s history. There are also interactive activities that visitors can do, such as weaving traditional fabrics, pottery-making, and tasting samples of local delicacies.
Marlboro Hill
Marlboro hill is a great sunrise spot and one of the best hiking spots in Sagada. To get there, you’ll pass a forest of pine trees, rock formations, rice terraces, and even the famous Blue Soil. It’s a good alternative to Kiltepan Peak.
Kiltepan Peak
Lastly, no trip to Sagada is complete without visiting Kiltepan Peak. This provides an unobstructed view of the sun as it rises above the mountains. The view is especially breathtaking during sunrise, so you definitely won’t want to miss it!
You can go to Kiltepan Peak by taking a short hike from the main road of Sagada. Be sure to dress warmly and bring snacks when attempting this trek, as it may take up to an hour. The picturesque mountains and rice terraces of Sagada along with the grandeur of sunrises and sunsets will leave you in awe of your surroundings.
One thing is for sure: if you choose to explore Sagada, it will be an unforgettable experience! From stunning waterfalls to impressive limestone formations, Sagada has something for everyone. Whether you’re a hiker looking for an adrenaline-pumping adventure or a family seeking a peaceful getaway, you’ll surely find something to love about this unique and beautiful place. So why not visit Sagada today? You won’t regret it!
