Airbnb Sagada Staycation Rentals & Homes

It’s easy to mistake Sagada for just a small, sleepy town in the outskirts of the livelier, more upscale Baguio City in the Cordillera mountains six hours north of Manila. It’s quieter, with fewer cars and less grandiose hotels and lodges. But what it does have is that rustic charm of Mountain Province. 

Sagada is a tiny village tucked into the mountains and lush rice terraces miles away from tourist-ridden cities. It’s a favorite among Filipino travelers who want to escape the fast-paced urban life and take it slow for a while because of the town’s cold rush of air, breathtaking sunrise views from mountain peaks, and of course, their famous coffee. At the same time, it’s an adventure seeker’s dream too, what with its scenic rock formations, gorgeous limestone caves, mesmerizing waterfalls, and intriguing, untouched hanging coffins.

It’s not your usual Philippine province where there are colorful festivals every month and busy streets lined with impatient, honking cars. It has only two main streets where you’ll find everything you need—somewhere to sleep, places to eat, and the tourism office to book tours. While they welcome visitors, there are few establishments and little western influence to preserve the culture of its native Ifugao tribes. Instead of lavish hotels, the locals open their homes to guests; instead of fancy restaurants and bars, there are warm, cozy eateries with a mom-and-pop vibe.

In this Airbnb guide to Sagada:

• Sagada Itinerary
• Where should I stay in Sagada Airbnb?
  • Town Center
  • Bontoc
  • Sitio Nadatngan
  • Suyo
• Best Airbnbs in Sagada
  • Best Sagada Transient House
  • Best Sagada Nature Lodge
  • Best Airbnb for Couples
  • Best Airbnb for Large Groups
• Is Airbnb cheaper than hotels in Sagada?

Sagada Itinerary

How to go to Sagada in the most comfortable and convenient way possible is your first real problem. While it’s fairly easy to find transportation to and from Manila, it takes almost half a day to get to the town.

You can take a direct bus from Cubao straight to Sagada with the operator Coda Lines. It takes the Banaue route and is a 12-hour ride that leaves in the evening, so when you wake up the next morning, you’re greeted by beautiful views of the northern mountains.

You could also book a 6-hour bus ride from Manila to Baguio and spend a couple of hours exploring the summer capital of the Philippines before hopping on another 6-hour bus ride to Sagada.

When you finally get to the town proper, you can check in right away at your accommodation. You can also make a quick pit stop at the tourist information center on the main street to book some tours and excursions, like the following:

• Trek up Marlboro Hills to see its famous blue soil and the Cordillera mountain range
• See the unmatched sunrise view at Kiltepan Viewpoint
• Visit coffee farms and see how they produce Benguet coffee
• Watch Ifugao natives weave clothes and crafts at the Sagada Heritage Village

Where should I stay in Sagada?

Sagada is a small town for sure, but there are specific areas you might want to consider staying depending on your reason for traveling here, whether it’s for cultural immersion, spelunking adventures, or idyllic views from the mountain tops.

If you want to experience the culture and hospitality of true local Ifugaos, you can learn the most about the ways of the town when you stay in the Sagada Town Center (1). If you’re looking for something a bit more private without straying too far from the main area, you can check out the areas of Bontoc (2) and Sitio Nadatngan (3), both around a 15-minute drive from the town proper. And if you want to explore lesser-known caves and trails while relaxing in nature lodges that are far from it all, Suyo (4) sounds like the perfect spot for you.

Sagada Town Center

This spot is the town proper, so it’s where a lot of first-timers go to experience the classic Sagada trip. The two main streets are lined with iconic eateries and lodges, such as Yoghurt House and the Misty Lodge and Cafe.

It’s also the spot where you can make the most friends because it’s where most people stay. You can buddy up with people in your transient house and plan on going on a morning hike with them the next day, or you could simply ask among the friendly locals in the street what you should do for fun.

The town center also has access to some of the most intriguing attractions. It’s a stone’s throw away from the unusual yet Instagrammable hanging coffins of Echo Valley, as well as some popular underground rivers and caves.

Bontoc

Bontoc is a stone’s throw away from the town proper of Sagada and is ideal for those who are chasing after gorgeous, breathtaking views of mountains and rice terraces. It’s definitely quieter and more serene than the main streets, so it’s perfect if you want to get away from busy bus ports and crowds.

Bontoc is home to some of the most exquisite attractions Sagada-bound photographers are excited about, such as Marlboro Hills and Maligcong Rice Terraces. It’s amazing for the views, and if you’re lucky enough, you might just score a room with a balcony to bask in the sights.

Sitio Nadatngan

This sitio, or enclave, sits about 15-20 minutes away from the town proper, so you’ll need to drive there. But the extra quarter of an hour is so worth it because you’ll be rewarded with a quaint and quiet part of town that is incredibly relaxing.

One of the most popular attractions at Sitio Nadatngan is the Coffee Heritage House. It doubles as a hotel and coffee farm, so you can learn more about the men of Sagada at work while enjoying a hot, newly harvested cup of joe.

Suyo

Suyo is a neighborhood in Sagada that’s a bit out of the way. It’s perfect for those who really want a private hideaway to get away from it all (no crowds!) without having to sacrifice and miss out on the adventurous excursions and sights.

There are many rice terraces around Suyo, so it’s easy to find a beautiful spot to take photos and just enjoy the view. It’s also home to Balangagan Cave for the more free-spirited souls, as well as a couple of small, old churches for the history buffs.

Best Airbnbs in Sagada

Airbnb offers some of the top-rated vacation rentals in Sagada, from humble homestays to lush cabins in the woods. Here are some of the best ones:

Best Sagada Transient House

Room with A View, Private Bath, Free Breakfast

This house-turned-BnB can comfortably accommodate 1-2 guests, so it’s perfect for couples and solo travelers. Their Gawis room on the ground level has a queen-sized bed, a private bath, and a window overlooking the gorgeous pine trees of Benguet and a pretty view Mount Kanip-aw and an area of the popular Echo Valley. It’s perfect for those who still want a beautiful view while they rest in between tours at home, without having to break the bank.

Best Airbnb Nature Lodge

Viewing Deck, Private Bath, Free Parking

This lodge is a bit east of the town proper, so it’s in a more peaceful and private area without that many people. It boasts of a stunning four-story homestay with a view deck that gives you a spectacular view of Kiltepan and Marlboro Hills, all from the comfort of your home away from home. It’s the perfect place to book if you want to experience that legendary Sagada sunrise without trekking up to a mountain every morning.

Best Airbnb Getaway for Couples

Private Bath, Shuttle to Town Center, Spring Water Pool

Thinking of going on a romantic trip or honeymoon with your lover? What you need is an area of Sagada that’s relaxing and very private, far away from the main street.

This cabin-style building houses the beautiful Balangagan Cave room, a private room for two that would be perfect for lovebirds. The cabins are perched on top of a hill with pine trees all around. There are gorgeous cobblestone walkways leading up to the buildings and a natural mountain spring water pool for a more rustic yet luxurious vibe.

Best Airbnb for Large Groups

Whole Ancestral House, Four Bedrooms, Kitchen, Private Parking, Picturesque Views

Many of the houses in Sagada have been around for a long time. If you and your family want to experience a few nights in a traditional family ancestral home, you can stay in this home built decades ago.

This house is made of indigenous wood, giving it a warm and rustic feeling. There are four rooms, two bathrooms, and a complete kitchen. There are breathtaking views of the mountains and picturesque rice terraces from the windows for the whole family to enjoy.

Is Airbnb cheaper than hotels in Sagada?

There aren’t that many luxurious hotels at Sagada, and there’s definitely a wider range of more affordable homestays to choose from—many of which you can easily book on Airbnb. Sometimes, a private toilet and a hot shower are all you need to make your stay very comfortable, and that’s something easy to come by at guest houses on Airbnb for a way cheaper price than a fancy cabin.

Most Airbnbs may not have that five-star service, private terrace, or fireplace common in hotels and inns in the more glamorous, neighboring Baguio, but they will always have a hospitable, friendly staff that feels like family to give you a homey place to stay, tell you the best hiking trails to take for the most beautiful sunsets, and share the secrets and stories of the Ifugao people.

The community works hard to maintain that special smallness and locality, so it’s just as important that visitors do their part in preserving the beauty of its caves, mountains, and local culture as well.

Whether you’re looking to explore the secrets of Sagada to learn more about the culture of the Cordilleras, go on adventures both underground in caves and on the most gorgeous mountain cliffs, or just experience starting your day with the best cup of coffee the Philippines has to offer, there’s always something in Sagada for you. Next time you need to get away from the maddeningly hurried pace of the city, head for the mountains and enjoy your time in this hidden gem of the north.