Sagada is a beautiful Mountain Province in the Philippines. Home to just 11,127 it’s not surprising most travellers haven’t clocked onto it yet.
Known for its majestic landscapes, calming mountain valleys, limestone caves, rice terraces,, incredible waterfalls and cliffs – plus its super tasty coffee. But most famously, the town is known for its hanging coffins. This unusual burial tradition is one of the biggest draws for tourists.
Sagada is also filled with action-packed activities to fill your days with. Back your hiking boot and dive head first into Sagada’s incredible nature and landscapes.
However, the lack of information on Sagada can be a problem. There’s very little written about it and even less about the best places in Sagada to stay. But that isn’t the case anymore, because you have me and my epic guide to help you!
I’ve created this ultimate guide on where to stay in Sagada to make your decision-making a hell of a lot easier. I’ve compiled the best areas to stay and categorised them by interest and budget. You’ll also find my favourite accommodation options and activities in each.
So, let’s get down to business and find the best place in Sagada, Philippines for you.
Looking for a specific place to stay? These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in Sagada.
The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.
Gasik Room | Best Airbnb in Sagada
Found in the best area in Sagada to stay in if you want to be close to everything, this rustic cottage is a unique find. It offers comfortable, traditional spaces and enough room for up to 2 guests. There’s a private bathroom and the cabin offers a country experience while allowing you to overlook the town.
Isabelos Inn and Café | Best Hotel in Sagada
This hotel in Sagada is within walking distance of attractions like the Hanging Coffins as well as to local eateries. It offers laundry facilities, a restaurant, and a car rental desk. Each room is comfortable and includes free Wi-Fi and plain, modern furnishings.
Rocky Valley Inn and Café | Best Luxury Hotel in Sagada
This is one of the coolest places to stay in Sagada. It’s walking distance to the Hanging Coffins and has 8 rooms that contain all the usual modern facilities. There’s also an on site restaurant where you can enjoy a good meal at the end of a long day.
Dagdag
Dagdag is slightly south of the center of Sagada, but still close enough that you can walk to all its attractions. This makes it a great choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Sagada for your first time.
Kilong
If you want to be a little more off the beaten track, then look for somewhere to stay in Kilong. You’ll find mostly private Sagada accommodation options in this area as well as a wealth of natural features.
Ambasing
Ambasing is located south of the center of Sagada and close to the Lumiang and Sumaguing Caves. This makes it a great choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Sagada on a budget.
Patay
Patay is one of the largest neighborhoods in Sagada and is pretty much the center of the town. This is where you’ll find the tourist center where you can get information on the best activities and sites.
If you don’t like being out in nature, then you probably won’t enjoy spending time in Sagada. This town is mostly still untouched by the modern world, and the landscape is wild and stunning in the purest sense. If you’re backpacking the Philippines, then Sagada may just be the highlight of your trip for these very reasons.
Don’t expect built-up neighborhoods or high-rises in this town. Instead, you can expect tin roofs and towering mountains decorated with lush jungles all around. For the right kind of traveler, this is quite literally a type of paradise.
If you’re trying to decide where to stay in Sagada for nightlife, then you can’t go past Dagdag. It’s right in the center of town, with easy access to shops and eateries. And it’s also close enough to the local natural attractions that you won’t have any trouble getting out and exploring.
The second area to consider staying in for your trip is Kilong. This is further out from the center of town and offers unique lodgings surrounded by all of the glories of nature.
But if you want to stay closer to the caves, then try Ambasing. This area has fewer hotels and eateries but offers easy access to some of the top attractions in Sagada.
And the final area to consider is Patay. This is a good choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Sagada for your first time as it’s the center of the city and offers the best access to eateries, shops, and cafes.
Want to save money on accommodation?
We got you. For reals.
4 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Sagada
When you’re looking for a hotel or a hostel in Sagada, here are some of the best choices.
1. Dagdag – Where to Stay in Sagada for Your First Time
Dagdag is slightly south of the center of Sagada, but still close enough that you can walk to all its attractions. This makes it a great choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Sagada for your first time.
It’s a wonderful local area where you’ll get the chance to interact with the locals and get to know their way of life.
There are lots of places to stay in this part of the city if you’re on a budget. You won’t find any chain hotels, instead, you’ll get the chance to stay in people’s homes and in traditional houses that have been turned into B&Bs.
Best of all, this is one of the best areas to stay in Sagada if you like to eat as it contains a concentration of cafes and local eateries. So, if you prefer to be a little closer to everything while you’re in this town, look for somewhere to stay in this part of the city.
Gain more valuable insider information using our Where to stay in the Philippines guide!
Agape Log Cabin And Restaurant | Best Hotel in Dagdag
With 7 comfortable rooms, this is one of the best places to stay in Sagada if you want to be close to everything. There’s an on-site restaurant so you can have a meal after a long day and local attractions are just a short car ride from the property.
Sagada Village Beds | Best Airbnb in Dagdag
This is a great choice when you’re trying to decide where to stay in Sagada for families. It fits up to 14 guests, so it doesn’t matter how big your family or groups of friends is.
You’ll get the whole traditional house to yourself and there are two bathrooms and a fully equipped kitchen, right in the heart of the city center.
Shamrock Tavern Extension | Best Luxury Hotel in Dagdag
Whether you’re trying to decide where to stay in Sagada for one night or for a longer visit, this is a good choice. It’s close to local attractions and offers clean, comfortable rooms, private bathrooms, and all the usual amenities.
The hotel has massage services, a terrace, a library, and an on-site restaurant where you can enjoy a late meal.
Things to See and Do in Dagdag:
- Wander around the streets to find hidden gems and eateries.
- This is another good area for nightlife so check out the local bars and restaurants.
- Get out of the city to explore the natural landscape.
- Try some of the local food.
- Get to know the locals as well as your fellow travelers.
- Take a look at the church of St. Mary the Virgin, built in 1904.
We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.
Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on Osprey View on REI2. Kilong – Where to Stay in Sagada on a Budget
If you want to be a little more off the beaten track, then look for somewhere to stay in Kilong. You’ll find mostly private Sagada accommodation options in this area as well as a wealth of natural features.
It’s also fairly close to the center of town and to local cafes and eateries, so you can walk in whenever you’re hungry or want some company.
But the real draw of this area is the natural landscape because there’s nothing quite like staying in the middle of a forest. If you love hiking, taking photos, camping, or doing anything else in nature, then this is the best area in Sagada.
It will offer you the chance to get up close and personal with the natural world.
The Barn | Best Airbnb in Kilong
Nestled on an orange farm and surrounded by trees, this is one of the coolest places to stay in Sagada. If you enjoy staying in nature, you’ll love waking up to the smell of the trees.
The farm is close to town but far enough away that you can enjoy some privacy and offers bright rooms with all the amenities.
Dad’s Homestay Sagada | Best Hotel in Kilong
If you want some peace and quiet during your trip, this homestay is located in the best neighborhood to stay in Sagada. The furnishings are plain but modern and clean, and the atmosphere is welcoming.
And you’ll be staying in a local area, so you can enjoy a firsthand view of how the locals live!
Sunrise View Homestay – Sagada | Best Luxury Hotel in Kilong
If you’re trying to decide where to stay in Sagada with kids, then try this option. It offers a range of rooms in different sizes to suit every travel side and clean, modern furnishings.
And best of all, you’ll be staying in a charming rural area, surrounded by forest and mountains.
Things to See and Do in Kilong:
- Relax and enjoy being in such pristine natural surroundings.
- Make sure you take your camera with you to show your friends back home the best parts of your trip.
- Head into the city center to enjoy easy access to food.
- Head up to see the scenery from Kitepan View.
- Have a cup of great coffee at the Albert Lambert Philcana Coffee partner farm.
- Take a car out to see the famous Kapay-aw rice terraces.
3. Ambasing – Best Neighborhood in Sagada for Families
Ambasing is located south of the center of Sagada and close to the Lumiang and Sumaguing Caves. This makes it a great choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Sagada on a budget.
It’s a local area with a really rustic feel and many of the houses have tin roofs and are surrounded by lush green rainforest and looming mountains. There are several good places to eat in this area as well, so you won’t go hungry while you’re there.
The real draw of Ambasing is the caves. You can take a guided tour through the caves, which have old coffins piled in the underground tunnels.
This is an essential and slightly spooky experience, so make sure that you don’t miss out!
Rios & Ruzys Sagada Inn Room E | Best Airbnb in Ambasing
Sometimes you need to stay with a local if you want an authentic experience. And that’s exactly what this accommodation offers.
Located in one of Sagada’s best neighborhoods for easy access to all the local attractions, it offers a private room, bathroom, and balcony, and is clean and welcoming.
Sagada Heritage Village | Best Hotel in Ambasing
This Sagada accommodation options is a real find. It offers a swimming pool, free Wi-Fi, massage, laundry facilities, and car hire.
There are 5 rooms available and each of them comes complete with essential facilities for a comfortable stay and a good night’s sleep. The hotel is also very close to Sumaguing Cave.
Costa Luz Resort Club | Best Luxury Hotel in Ambasing
When you’re trying to decide where to stay in Sagada for one night or for a longer visit, this is a good choice. It offers 3-star accommodation and facilities which include comfortable rooms with all the usual fixings.
And the hotel is close to local attractions too, which will make it easy for you to get out and explore.
Here’s what to do and see in Ambasing:
- Experience the slightly spooky but interesting Lumiang Cave.
- See the sea of clouds at Marlboro Hills.
- Head into the center of town to eat or indulge in some of the local nightlife.
- Go spelunking at Sumaguing Cave.
- Leave the town altogether and go hiking at Mount Ampacao.
A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!
Jetpac eSIMs work just like an app: you download it, pick your plan, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.
Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and ditch the plastic.
Grab an eSIM!4. Patay – Best Area to Stay in Sagada for Nightlife
Patay is one of the largest neighborhoods in Sagada and is pretty much the center of the town. This is where you’ll find the tourist center where you can get information on the best activities and things to do in Sagada.
Basically, if you have trouble working out where to go or how to get there, you’ll be able to get help and tours in this area. This area is also a great choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Sagada on a budget, as you’ll find a huge range of accommodation options in this part of the city.
But Patay has its own interesting cultural and historical attractions as well. In fact, it’s one of the best places in Sagada to stay if you want to see and buy local arts and crafts or pottery.
And don’t forget the food. If you want to try the local fare, you’ll be spoiled for choice for restaurants and eateries as well.
The Hut by the Brewpub | Best Airbnb in Patay
If you want a really authentic experience, then try staying in this historic house. It’s a 130-year-old Banaue native house made by the Ifugao tribe and renovated on the inside and outside to meet modern standards.
It’s located in the best neighborhood in Sagada to stay in and is part of the Sagada Cellar Door, so you always have somewhere to get a drink at the end of the day.
Misty Lodge and Café | Best Hotel in Patay
When you’ve had a long day of traveling, there’s nothing better than coming back to your hotel to a great meal. And that’s exactly what you can enjoy when you stay in this hotel in Sagada.
This charming choice also has room service, a garden, and massage services and easy access to local attractions like the Bangaan Rice Terraces.
Masferre Country Inn and Restaurant | Best Luxury Hotel in Patay
When you’re trying to decide where to stay in Sagada for nightlife, you want to stay right in the center of town. And that’s exactly what this accommodation offers.
There’s a restaurant, massage services, a currency exchange, and free Wi-Fi on site. And each room has a shower and all the usual necessities for a comfortable visit.
Things to See and Do in Patay:
- See the famous Hanging Coffins of Sagada (you can trek down to see them close up as long as you aren’t afraid of heights).
- Experience the local culture at Sagada Pottery.
- Marvel at the beautiful Bokong Falls.
- Head up to Lake Danum and have a meal overlooking the water.
- Take in the sites at Kiltepan View.
- Go hiking or just enjoy the scenery in Echo Valley.
- Learn more about Sagada at the Ganduyan Museum.
- Buy some local arts and crafts at Sagada Weaving.
Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.
It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
Hide Yo’ Money!FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Sagada
Here’s what people usually ask us about the areas of Sagada and where to stay.
What To Pack For Sagada
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Sagada
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Sagada
You won’t get the usual range of choices when you’re looking for the best areas to stay in Sagada. This town isn’t on the normal tourist trail, and there aren’t any big chain hotels. But that’s part of the charm of this part of the world.
You’ll get to see and do things that hardly anyone else talks about. And with this Sagada neighborhood guide, you’ll get to enjoy your days and come home at night to somewhere comfortable and welcoming.
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around Sagada.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in Philippines.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
- Our in-depth Southeast Asia backpacking guide will help you plan the rest of your adventure.
Buy Us a Coffee!
A couple of you lovely readers suggested we set up a tip jar for direct support as an alternative to booking through our links. So we created one!
You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee. If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂
