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Sagada municipality in Mountain Province. The photo author is unknown.

Top 10 Interesting facts about Sagada

Sagada is a wonderland located in the Mountain Province, in the Philippines. It is approximately 20 kilometers from Bontoc which is the provincial capital.

The town was originally referred to as Gandayun. It obtained its name from the Spanish soldiers who came into the land. The soldier named the place after meeting a man near Lake Danum who was carrying a bamboo basket for catching fish.

Sagada is about 5,000 feet above sea level. It is a relatively cold place in the Philippines with temperatures ranging from 17 to 20 degrees.

It is well-known for its spectacular and phenomenal natural features and cultures that attract a lot of tourists.

Below are the top 10 interesting facts about Sagada

1. The Fascinating Hanging Coffins

The Sagada Hanging coffins. Photo authored by Lastithegreat.

Sagada is famous for the hanging coffins that are found on the caves and cliffs. This is a unique burial ritual where the dead in the community are hanged in coffins instead of burying them in the ground.

This culture was adopted from their ancestors for over two thousand years. The people believed that placing the dead high in coffins was a way of bringing their souls closer to heaven. The belief is that the higher the dead is placed, there is greater the chance they have to reach the afterlife.

However, not everyone is qualified to be buried in the cliffs and caves up the mountains. For one to be buried this way, they had to have been married and had grandchildren.

It was only for the elderly who carved their coffins or were calved by others if they were too weak. The coffins, however, deteriorate with time and fall as the years pass by.

Visitors are not allowed to go near the coffins as a form of respect for their culture.

2. It is a Haven for Rock Climbers

Breathe taking sunrise at the mountain province of Sagada. Photo by Jungarcia888.

The Hike up at Marlboro Hills is such an amazing exploit, especially for the rock climbers. The Marlboro hills offer a wonderful experience to have a view of the beautiful sunset and sunrise over a sea of clouds.

It also offers an endless view of the low–lying clouds interspersed with the hills and the Cordillera Mountains.

Visitors can have a three hundred and sixty-degree view.

3. It has an Adventurous Echo valley

The Echo valley in Sagada is also part of the popular places in the town. The valley got its name from the echoes that are heard all over the valley when someone shouts.

It is also a popular spot with sharp cliffs and coffins are hanged. It is considered a sacred place by the locals and takes about twenty to thirty minutes to pass through the valley.

The area contains pine trees and the ground is covered with pine needles.  

4. The Outstanding Bomod-ok Falls of Sagada

Bomod-ok falls. Photo by Louie Fangki.

The stunning view of the fall is such an adventure for the tourist. The fall is commonly referred to as the Big Fall.

It is bigger than the Bokong Falls which is also another adventurous waterfall in Sagada.

It is hidden deep in the valley through the beautiful rice terraces. It is a picturesque natural site with a cool breeze.

5. It has 2 Spectacular Caves

Caves are among the most exciting adventures in Sagada. The two sensational caves are Sumaguing and Lumiang. The two caves are connected by an underground passage which is quite a phenomenon.

Connecting the two caves is such an adventure. It involves passing through the tinny tunnels, and muddy soils, rappelling on underground rock faces and swimming in the underground pools of water.

The caves contained impressive natural rock formations. Some of the rock formations include ‘The Curtain’, ‘King and Queen’, and ‘The Serpent’

6. It has the Phenomenon Kapay-aw Rice Terraces

Sagada rice terraces. photo courtesy of Bernard Gagnon.

The stunning rice terraces form a beautiful view as they form spirals down the valley. It is the nearest rice terraces from Sagada town which can be seen from the road leading to the Sumaguing entrance.

The terrace forms an impressive pattern of green vegetation from the top down to the valley.

The site is surrounded by beautiful pines which is part of its beauty.

7. Sagada Culture and Traditions Never Cease

The locals of Sagada have indigenous culture and traditions. The traditions range from rituals conducted during stages of life that is: birth, weddings, and burials.

The first ritual at birth is referred to as ‘gubgubbao’ which is conducted for the firstborn in the family. It is done when the umbilical cord of the born child drops off.

The second ritual of the wedding is called ‘dawak’. The festival is carried out for three days with feasting of the butchered cows and pigs.

The last rituals were the burial practices. This applied the customary culture of burying the elderly up the cliffs and caves. The burial rituals involved the hanging of coffins up the cliffs. The elders carve their coffins made of a log of pine or lumber.

8. The History of Sagada is Preserved at Ganduyan Museum

The museum is located in the middle of the town. It preserves and provides a platform for visitors to learn the rich history and culture of Sagada.

The museum displays a collection of traditional materials used in the ancient past. Some of these materials include traditional weapons, tools, sculptures, and jewelry. 

9. Kiltenpan is the Most Beautiful Sunrise Viewpoint

Sea of Clouds @Mt. Kiltepan, Sagada Province. Photo by ELGINDEGUZMAN.

Kiltepan is the most popular sunrise viewpoint in Sagada. The high viewpoint also has a naturally formed rock where locals and visitors sit and enjoy the spectacular sunset.

From this viewpoint, the fading darkness reveals ocean-like white clouds that cover the hills and valleys below. The viewpoint reveals a golden sunrise which is impressive.

10. Sagada Underground River is a Thrilling Adventure

The Sagada underground river is such a thrilling adventure for visitors. The river passes through caves and to the falls.

The underground river is responsible for feeding the Bokong falls. It is however one of the off-bitten tourist attraction sites in the highland.  

Sagada is such an outstanding town with so many features and a sensational environment to visit. Its facts are amusing right from the hanging coffins, waterfalls, caves, valleys, rice terraces, and mountains.

The refreshing adventure is unforgettable. Their beautiful culture and traditions offer a great learning opportunity for the visitors.