Mountain town in Mountain Province, Philippines
Sagada
High mountain town of cool air, caves, hanging coffins and quiet hiking. Easy for solo trekkers who like slow days; reaching it takes a long bus from Baguio and the town is small, basic and cash-based.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$447–719Comfortable, one person · ₱28,000–45,000Details
- Value for money99/100Better value than 98% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goFeb–Apr, Nov–DecWarmest: Apr, 25°CDetails
- Internet114 MbpsFixed broadband, Philippines medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or refill-station water; guesthouses usually offer refills.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$4.8–12.8Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundBus from BaguioWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCash onlyBring pesos from Baguio; ATMs are scarce and often empty.Details
Where to stay in Sagada
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Poblacion (town center) | Cafés, guesthouses, tourist office and guides |
| Demang | Quiet rooms and homestays near the main road |
| Ambasing and Dagdag | Local life; hiking access to caves and viewpoints |
Apps that work in Sagada
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps or Waze
- Messaging: Facebook Messenger
- GCash: QR payments and transfers (needs local SIM)
- eTravel: Arrival and departure QR registration
- Taxis: No ride apps. Tricycles and guides' vehicles are the only local transport; book guides through the municipal tourist office.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Philippines.
- Cash only Bring pesos from Baguio; ATMs are scarce and often empty. Guesthouses and eateries mostly take cash only.
- Currency: Peso (PHP). US$1 ≈ ₱62.61 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Most ATMs charge foreign cards 200–250 PHP; limits often 10,000–20,000 PHP. Island ATMs (El Nido, Siargao) often run dry.
- Tipping: Not obligatory; many restaurants add a 10% service charge. Otherwise round up or leave 5–10%; tip guides and boat crews.
- Paying by phone: GCash and Maya QR dominate but need a local SIM; contactless cards and phone wallets work in malls and chains.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Register on the free eTravel system within 72 hours before arrival (and again before departure) to get a QR code.
- You need an onward or return ticket within your permitted stay; airlines enforce it at check-in.
- Fake eTravel sites charge fees; the official site and app are free.
Emergency numbers
All emergencies 911
Plugs
Type A, B, C · 220 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Smart and Globe airport counters sell tourist SIMs; registration with your passport is mandatory by law. eSIMs available from both. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Philippines
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.