Things to see and do Sagada

It is one of the largest and most popular caves in Sagada and requires about 2.5 hours of visit to explore all the chambers, each more impressive than the other. On the way there, you can also enjoy a beautiful view of the Kapay-aw rice terraces and see the hanging coffins in the rock walls. Be careful: the water in the cave can sometimes be quite high (at shoulder height). Take your precautions.

Many Filipinos come here on weekends because the hanging coffins are one of Luzon's landmarks. For over 2,000 years, the people of Sagada have practiced a rather unique burial rite. Here, the dead are not buried but on the contrary, the coffins are suspended from the walls of the cliffs because placed in height, the spirits have more chance to reach the afterlife. Some coffins are over a century old. It should be noted that this custom tends to die out.

It's a one and a half hour walk from the village to Suyo and it is appreciated for its mineral formations, stalagmites and stalactites. It is possible to drive to Suyo and walk 20 minutes to the cave. The Balangagan cave has been used as a burial place for the Igorot tribes, several coffins can still be seen near the entrance and others stuck in the stalagmites. Going through the rooms with a guide who tells you all the local legends associated with the place is an interesting experience but not recommended for claustrophobic people.

This is a very useful tourist office. They are in charge of coordinating the different associations of accredited guides and of fixing the prices of the expeditions (so you are sure to get a fair price if you go through them). Several walks are proposed to discover the area, through Echo Valley, the hanging coffins, the underground river and the Bokong waterfalls. It is also here that you will pay the environment tax when you arrive (50 PHP).

This walk proposed by the tourist office is a real delight! The program includes a three-hour walk through Echo Valley, suspended coffins, the underground river and the Bokong waterfalls.