About Sagada
Sagada, nestled in the Cordillera Mountains of the Philippines, is a serene highland paradise known for its cool climate, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. This charming town offers unique attractions like the iconic hanging coffins, the enchanting Sumaguing Cave, and the panoramic views from Kiltepan Peak. Visitors can trek through lush pine forests, chase waterfalls, and immerse themselves in the traditions of the Igorot people. Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or cultural discovery, Sagada provides an unforgettable escape into nature’s beauty and timeless traditions.
Hanging Coffins
Hanging Coffins (photo above) is the most iconic tourist spot in Mountain Province. The photo above shows a unique way of putting the locals' loved ones in their final resting place. Their way of saying "Goodbye" is challenging, agree? How do they prepare? The elderly would carve their own coffin out of a log, but if they are ill or too weak, their families prepare it instead. Not only that, they place the body in a fetal position as they believe that the spirit would leave the world in the same position as they were born. The coffins are also small, so they would break the bones to fit the body into the coffin. Lastly, they tucked them into crevices or stacked them inside the caves. The height at which coffins are placed also symbolizes their social status.
Sumaguing Cave
There are a lot of caves hiding in the mountainous area, and it is the most visited because of its stunning beauty found only in nature. Trekking inside this cave is difficult because you need to hop on and off the slippery boulders. Ultimately, you will be rewarded with a world-class beauty with a big picture of sparkling stalactites and stalagmites that create unique images forming a natural grandeur.
Church of Saint Mary the Virgin
The Church of Saint Mary the Virgin in Sagada was established in 1904 by American Episcopalian missionaries, making it one of the earliest Protestant churches in the Cordillera region. Built to serve the growing Christian community, the church features a simple yet elegant stone architecture surrounded by pine trees, creating a peaceful atmosphere. Over the years, it has become both a spiritual center and a historical landmark, symbolizing the lasting influence of early missionaries and the integration of faith into Sagada’s rich cultural heritage.
Panag-Apoy
En route to the Hanging Coffins, we passed by a cemetery where we witnessed the remains of the Panag-apoy, a unique tradition in Sagada that means "to light a fire." Most Filipinos light a candle to their loved ones on the first of November, but the locals here use “saeng” to make bonfires near the graves of their dead loved ones. The wind is strong in the area, so a bonfire is better than a candle. By the way, we visited on the 2nd of November.
Rock Climbing in Echo Valley
Also en route to the Hanging Coffin, we passed by a wall where tourists can do rock climbing. If you want to add something extreme to your visit, then this is for you. We stop by this area for a couple of minutes while watching this guy reach the top. The area is surrounded by greenery, and the wind is cool.
Sagada Coffee
Sagada coffee is a premium Arabica variety grown in the cool highlands of the Cordillera, where the rich soil and ideal climate create its distinct flavor profile. Known for its smooth, medium-bodied taste with hints of chocolate and fruity notes, this coffee is cultivated using traditional methods by local farmers. Each cup of Sagada coffee reflects the community’s dedication to quality and sustainability, making it a sought-after brew among coffee lovers in the Philippines and beyond.
Log Cabin Sagada
The Log Cabin in Sagada is a charming rustic restaurant known for its cozy wooden interiors and hearty, home-cooked meals. It’s especially famous for its weekend buffet, offering a warm and welcoming dining experience in the cool mountain air.
Marlboro Hills
Around 4:30 in the morning, we trekked through the Marlboro Hills terrain, and it took us an hour and a half to reach its summit. The trails are simple and have a gradual ascent, but we can't hike faster because of tourist traffic - it was a holiday, so the area was full of tourists. Nonetheless, we enjoyed the relaxing cool wind with a remarkable view of the golden sunrise and sea of clouds.
Blue Soil
The Blue Soil was our last destination. The soil in the area turns a shade of blue because of the presence of copper sulfate. If the soil is wet, the blueish color becomes more prominent. Aside from its color, there's nothing special about this place. Since it serves as the last destination of most Sagada itineraries, it's hard to take pictures without someone in the background. Just too many people!
Mountain Province is definitely one of the top tourist destinations in Luzon. The province has a combination of historical sites, gorgeous caves to explore, mountains to hike, food to taste, activities to try, friendly people to be with, and many others to discover.
How to Get Here
I was a solo joiner, but I learned that you can ride in a Coda Bus Line from Quezon City. Their last destination is at the terminal near St. Mary Church. Then, you can walk to the Municipal Hall or your accommodation nearby.
Where To Stay
- Villa D' Familia. We occupied a spacious, non-AC room. The room is clean, and the toilet and bath have hot water. They also have a shared living room and kitchen.
- Baey Bogan Homestay is highly recommended, with 9.1 Exceptional ratings.
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As someone who has visited all 82 provinces in the Philippines, I’ve created a complete guide to help you explore each one. Check out my Philippines 82 Provinces Travel Guide here.
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