4 Days Banaue Sagada Baguio Tour in North Luzon

On this day, your guide and driver will pick you up in Manila and transfer you to Banaue, about 320km in the north of Manila, taking 9-10 hours by driving. Upon arrival, you will have a good rest at the hostels in Banaue town proper.

Banaue is a renowned destination in Philippines, celebrated for its UNESCO World Heritage Site status and the breathtaking Batad Rice Terraces and Bangaan Rice Terraces. These terraces are a testament to the rich cultural history of the Philippines, dating back over two millennia to the pre-colonial era. The property's designation as a World Heritage Site recognizes its exceptional value as a living cultural landscape, which has evolved over time. The site comprises five clusters of terraces, spread across four municipalities, each offering an awe-inspiring and well-preserved glimpse into the region's agricultural heritage.

(Transfer Option: Many travelers may prefer taking the 10-hour night bus from Manila to Banaue, which arrives in Banaue early in the morning. This option is convenient, matches their schedule, and can also help save on travel expenses. If you would like to take the night bus instead of using our private car service, please let us know.)

After enjoying breakfast, your guide and driver will accompany you on an exciting adventure to explore the magnificent Banaue Rice Terraces.

Your first stop is to Banaue Viewpoint, where you can get the best panoramic view of Banaue Rice Terraces. The Banaue Rice Terraces are a remarkable feat of ancient engineering, having been carved into the mountains of Ifugao in the Philippines by the ancestors of the indigenous people over 2000 years ago. As you appreciate this awe-inspiring landscape, you will be mesmerized by the lush green rice paddies that seem to rise layer by layer, reaching heights of up to 1500 meters. Amidst this natural wonder, you will also spot local houses nestled harmoniously among the rice paddies, adding to the charm of the terraces. Then, also stop at Aguian View Deck, the famous viewpoint for the Rice Terraces printed on the back of the 20 pesos. There are other views that can give you a wonderful view of the terraces.

Then, head to the Banaue Museum, which houses a collection of artifacts from generations of Ifugaos who have lived in Banaue. The museum showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Ifugao people, particularly their traditional way of life, customs, and beliefs. The collection includes traditional costumes, weapons, tools, and musical instruments, all of which are displayed in an interactive and informative manner. You can fully learn about the history of the region and the significance of the rice terraces through the museum's informative displays.

Afterward, enjoy your highlighted tour to the Batad Rice Terraces, a remote village with around 1,500 residents. This village boasts some of the most well-preserved rice terraces in the Cordillera region. Unlike other rice paddies with mud walls, the ones in Batad are built with stone walls, giving them a more neat and stable appearance. To reach Batad, you will take a privately chartered local jeepney to Batad Saddle Point, where your hiking journey begins. As you embark on your hike, you will pass by verdant paddies, water irrigation channels, charming local houses, and narrow walkways at the rim of the rice terraces. Apart from the amphitheater-like rice terraces with a village at its base and stunning landscape, Batad also has a nearby waterfall that offers a natural swimming pool: the Tappiya Waterfalls. The trek to the falls may take around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your pace. The waterfall is located at the bottom of the terraces, where you can take a refreshing swim and marvel at its breathtaking scenery.

After the tour, arrival back in Batad town proper, overnight at local village inn.

After breakfast, you will head to Sagada (84km, about 3 hours’ driving). Sagada is located in the Mountain Province of the Philippines with cool and temperate climate. It is famous for its amazing caves, beautiful waterfalls, and hanging coffins, offering exciting outdoor activities such as trekking and hiking experience.

Upon your arrival in Sagada, get ready to enjoy an unforgettable tour. Begin your exploration with Paykotan walking tour to the Church of Saint Mary the Virgin, a remarkable historical landmark and the main Episcopal church in Sagada. Built in 1904, this picturesque church showcases a unique blend of architectural styles, fusing local Igorot culture with Western influences. Marvel at the intricate details of this beautiful structure before setting off on your next adventure.

Next, take a leisurely walk to pass Sagada Anglican Cemetery and reach the top of Echo Valley, where you'll be greeted by a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. Take a moment to soak in the beauty before take downhill trek to the Hanging Coffins of Sagada. As you descend for around 15-20 minutes, you'll arrive at the site of the Hanging Coffins, where you'll witness the ancient burial rites of the Igorot tribe. For over 2,000 years, the Sagada people have been practicing this unique burial tradition, and some of the coffins are well over a century old. Learn about the fascinating process of how the elderly carve their own coffins out of hollowed logs, or how their families prepare them if they are too weak or ill. See the coffins up close, marvel at their craftsmanship, and gain a deeper understanding of the cultural significance behind this ancient tradition.

Afterwards, you will be transferred to Sumaguing Cave. There are over 60 caves discovered underneath the town of Sagada, but of all of these subterranean wonders, Sumaguing Cave has the biggest chamber, earning its nickname "The Big Cave". It is a limestone cave system that features a variety of rock formations, underground rivers, and chambers. The rock formations were built by nature thousands of years ago, and your tour guide will show you some epic formations that will entertain you during the spelunking. These rock formations, mimicking familiar shapes, are the highlight of this spelunking adventure. Some of these formations include the bear, elephants, turtle head, the rice terraces, and chocolate cake.

Stay overnight in Sagada.

After breakfast, you will have some time to explore in Sagada. Your guide and driver will take you to enjoy Bomod-ok Falls or Marlboro Hills.

Get ready for a morning adventure to Bomod-ok Falls, located just 5km away from Sagada (around 15-20 mins drive). As you trek for about an hour towards the falls, you'll pass through picturesque villages and fields, immersing yourself in the local way of life. The surrounding landscape is a feast for the eyes, with Sagada's trees, paddies, and greenery in the distance, as well as the colorful rooftops of the tiny villages below. Your journey will culminate in the majestic Bomod-ok Falls, a towering waterfall that cascades from a height of around 200 feet into a beautiful natural pool below. Take a moment to soak in the tranquil beauty of the falls before taking a refreshing swim in the cool, crystal-clear waters of the pool.

If you interested in mountain hiking, you could choose to visit Marlboro Hills. As the highest peak in Sagada, Marlboro Hills offers a stunning 360-degree unobstructed view of the majestic mountain ranges that surround the town. The trek to Marlboro Hills takes around 2-3 hours, that you can immerse in the serene natural beauty. Along the way, you'll pass through small villages, rice terraces, and lush forests, making it a truly immersive experience. Once you reach the top of Marlboro Hills, you will enjoy panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

After the tour, your guide and driver will escort you back to Manila via Baguio (known as the “Summer Capital of the Philippines”). The journey takes about 9-10 hours. Upon arrival in Manila, you will be dropped at your hotel. Service Ends.

Trip Extension: You can extend your North Luzon trip to Manila, El Nido, Coron, Boracay, Bohol, Cebu, Dumaguete, and other destinations. Please share your ideas with us!