While the Philippines is famed for its beaches, Sagada: a cooler, quieter, and culturally richer summer awaits, especially if you’re craving a break from the Holy Week crowds that often descend upon popular shores.
This mountain retreat in the Cordillera region offers a different escape.
This small, highland town in Mountain Province offers more than just scenic views. It’s a place where culture and nature intersect, making it a perfect retreat for those wanting to beat the heat, reconnect with nature, and explore culture and spirit.
How to get to Sagada
Reaching Sagada isn’t a straightforward flight, but that’s part of its charm.
The journey is an adventure, with no direct flights, and just a bus, van, jeepney, or car ride away. There are various ways to reach this cool summer getaway:
- By bus — You can opt for the Cubao-Sagada route via Coda Lines bus. Tickets start at P1,200 per person with a travel time of roughly 11-12 hours. There are also options via jeepneys, vans, or minivans from Banaue to Sagada – the fare may range from P250 to P300. Lastly, you can take a 5 to 6-hour bus ride from Baguio to Sagada, ranging from P220 to P250.
- By car — If you’re up for the journey to drive to Sagada, know that the LGU doesn’t allow tourists to drive their cars around the area for day-to-day activities. However, you can drive to Sagada, given that you keep your car parked somewhere. Just prepare and expect a bumpy and steep drive ahead.
What to do once there
Sagada may be small (unlike other tourist destinations like Siargao), but it packs a wide range of activities for every type of traveler – from the introspective soul-searcher to the adrenaline junkie. Here’s what you can do:
1. Visit the “Hanging Coffins” — One of Sagada’s most iconic cultural landmarks is its Hanging Coffins on limestone cliffs in Echo Valley. The centuries-old tradition stems from the locals’ belief that the dead should be placed closer to Heaven and their ancestral spirits. To get to the site, you’ll need to hike through Echo Valley, an area surrounded by pine forests and sacred ground.
2. Catch the sunrise at “Kiltepan Peak” — Featured in the movie “That Thing Called Tadhana”, Kiltepan Viewpoint features a spectacular sunrise rising above a thick blanket of clouds. Wake up before dawn and hike or ride to catch the sunrise. If you’re lucky, the clouds may part to reveal the terraces underneath.
3. Join a pottery workshop — Reconnect with culture through a hands-on experience! Sagada Pottery is a secluded workshop and gallery house in Sagada. They not only sell excellent pieces but also offer workshops to make your unique piece, where their master potters can guide you.
4. Take a trip down Sagada’s memory lane at the Ganduyan Museum — Named after Sagada’s traditional name, Ganduyan, the museum features a collection of Cordilleran artifacts. Here, you’ll be able to get a look into the local culture and how the Igorots of Sagada stood the test of time and modernization.
What to eat and where to go
Rich in culture, nature, and crafts, Sagada also features a gastronomic adventure. Known for its Cordilleran meat dishes, coffee, beer, and lemon pies, Sagada is sure to bring you on a food trip. Here are some notable spots to visit:
- Yoghurt House – where you can try fresh, locally made yogurt with different toppings.
- Ganduyan Inatep – This is where you’ll get to experience eating in a traditional Ganduyan atmosphere while trying etag, an indigenous, cured or preserved slab of meat.
- Dongdaemun Korean Restaurant – the first and only restaurant in Sagada that offers authentic Korean food!
- Lemon Pie House – Using local lemons, this famous lemon pie is known for a reason.
- Cerveza Sagada – get your taste of local craft beers while sitting by a bonfire.
- Salt and Pepper – one of the oldest and most well-known restaurants in town to try pinikpikan (Chicken inutom) and etag pizza.
- Isangwow Cafe by the Clouds – grab breakfast and coffee with a view.
Travel tips
As you consider the journey to this pine-scented mountain sanctuary, it’s important to remember a few things:
1. Bring cash – while some establishments accept GCash, the preferred method of payment is via cash. ATMs may be hard to find, so be sure to withdraw before you make the journey.
2. Dress appropriately – With a cooler climate and a wide array of activities and sightseeing to be done, it’s best to bring comfortable shoes and warm clothing.
3. Respect local and indigenous culture – follow guide instructions and local rules. Be sure to refrain from touching artifacts or burial jars.
4. Plan Ahead – As the local tourism office does not allow DIY tours, it’s best to organize with a local guide to journey your way through the area.
Final thoughts
Let’s face it – beach trips are fun. Laying under the sun with the ripple of the ocean as your music is what most people on vacation dream of. So, why choose Sagada?
Well, it offers a break from the noise – while beating the sweltering summer heat, this mountainous destination offers its visitors a taste and smell of culture.
You’ll be met with cooler weather, fewer people, and time in nature. The locals of Sagada, the Igorots who belong to the Applai-Kankanaey Tribe, make their ties to land and culture seen in every aspect of the mountainous region – creating a land rich in cultural roots that is bound to leave a mark on whoever meets its charm.
Sagada isn’t for everyone. It demands patience, respect, and a willingness to walk, think, and listen. But for island-hopping veterans who seek adventure and introspection, Sagada delivers something deeper– a sense of place, culture, and perhaps even of self.
Sagada promises a moment to immerse yourself in tradition, storied landscapes, and the quiet rhythm of mountain life – where every trail, terrance, and sunrise is a reminder to slow down and simply be.”
