I’ve been to Sagada before, and that unforgettable experience has me DREAMING of going back one day!
I’m not sure when, but I’m already preparing for it. Part of that preparation is this map I created. It shows the location of Sagada and nearby attractions.
Planning to make the most of your trip north of the Philippines, too? This map is exactly what you need.
Sagada Nearby Attractions Map
Click the map to enlarge or download a printable version. For more info about the attractions, click here.
Hi, I’m Eljon, the author of Explore to Thrive. In this blog, I share my travel experiences as part of a bigger journey to a successful life. One of these experiences is Sagada. It’s one of the places that made a big, beautiful impact on me.
Read about my 3-day visit to Sagada (you can use it as your itinerary too) or check my ideal 3-day Sagada itinerary.
Details & Exact Location
One of the best things about visiting Sagada is that you can add a lot of great stops to your itinerary, no matter where you’re starting or ending your trip.
- Flying into the Philippines from the south? Manila or Clark International Airports? You can check out the beaches, cities, and mountain views in La Union and Benguet.
- Coming from the north (of Sagada), like Laoag? The landscapes and historical sites in the Ilocos Regions are well worth a visit.
Importantly, if Sagada is your home base and you’ve got your own vehicle to explore the Cordillera Mountains, you’re in for something special.
Some of the most beautiful heritage sites and cultural spots are only one to two hours away! Places like Bontoc, the Maligcong Rice Terraces, Banaue, and the Batad Rice Terraces… I’ve been to all of them, and I totally recommend them — ONE HUNDRED PERCENT! You won’t regret it.
Buscalan, home of the legendary national artist Apo Whang-Od, is also just a few hours away from Sagada.
The details and exact locations of the destinations on the northern Luzon map are below. To plan your visit to Sagada, see my other map with the locations of the town’s attractions.
#1 Bontoc
Type: Highland town with an ethnographic museum
Location: Bontoc, Mountain Province
Reason to visit: Showcases two National Cultural Treasures in nearby barangays, the Stone Agricultural Calendar in Fiangtin (Besao) and the Alab petroglyphs in Alab Oriente (Bontoc); the Bontoc Museum features Igorot traditional housing, tools, textiles, and Chinese trade ceramics
Experiences: View museum exhibits, walk through the outdoor village model, hike to see ~200 Bronze‑age Alab petroglyph engravings, and observe daily life in town and its markets
#2 Maligcong Rice Terraces
Type: Heritage rice terraces and hiking destination
Location: Bontoc, Mountain Province
Reason to visit: Nearly 1,160 ha of stone‑walled rice terraces carved into Mount Kupapey; living cultural landscape currently being nominated as a National Cultural Treasure
Experiences: Hike pre‑dawn to the summit of Mount Kupapey (2–4 hrs) for sunrise and sea‑of‑clouds views over the terraces, trek through the terraces and pine forests, immerse in village life via homestays and guided walks. (I strongly recommend this!)
#3 Buscalan
Type: Cultural mountain village
Location: Buscalan, Tinglayan, Kalinga
Reason to visit: Home of Apo Whang‑Od (born 1917), the last mambabatok of her generation, who revived Kalinga tattooing and now trains her grand‑nieces Grace Palicas and Elyang Wigan
Experiences: Hike up to the village, watch traditional hand‑tapping tattoo sessions, receive Whang‑Od’s three‑dot signature or request detailed designs from her apprentices, and witness how younger women are continuing the craft.
#4 Banaue Rice Terraces
Type: Rice Terraces, viewpoint and hiking destination
Location: Banaue, Ifugao
Reason to visit: The iconic “Stairways to the Sky,” believed to be over 2,000 years old (though dating is debated); hand‑carved by the Ifugao using a forest‑fed gravity irrigation system
Experiences: Visit panoramic viewpoints near the town for sweeping views, hike down to adjacent terraces and waterfalls, and see local shops for unique hand crafted wooden souvenirs while soaking up the views.
#5 Hiwang Village
Type: Heritage Ifugao village with cultural lodging
Location: Hiwang near Banaue, Ifugao
Reason to visit: A 200–250-year-old Ifugao community where traditional huts and ancestral practices persist, offering authentic insight into ancestral architecture and daily life
Experiences: Stay overnight in a restored cogon-roofed hut with basic comforts and spectacular terrace views; observe the maintenance of traditional construction (cogon roofing renewed every 14–15 years); explore on-site hut-museums housing wooden bulul and artifacts
#6 Batad Rice Terraces
Type: UNESCO‑listed amphitheater‑style rice terraces
Location: Barangay Batad, Banaue, Ifugao
Reason to visit: Within a natural amphitheater of steep terraces, the landscape is immersive and rare!
Experiences: Trek through ancient irrigated terraces to Tappiya Falls (1.5–2 hrs one way), optionally with a local guide; swim in the cold waterfall basin; stay in village homestays or huts with panoramic terrace views
#7 Mount Pulag
Type: Luzon’s highest peak (2,928 m), National Park
Location: Border of Benguet, Ifugao, Nueva Vizcaya
Reason to visit: Famous for its non-negotiable, once-in-a-lifetime “sea of clouds,” Milky Way visibility at dawn, and picture-perfect mossy forests
Experiences: Summit via Ambangeg, Akiki, or Tawangan trails; view sunrise over clouds; camping allowed on weekdays or through certain trails.
#8 Northern Blossom Flower Farm
Type: Two-hectare flower farm
Location: Atok, Benguet
Reason to visit: Known for colorful rows of cabbage roses, snapdragons, sunflowers, and hydrangeas set against Mt. Pulag and Mt. Timbak
Experiences: Walk through landscaped flower beds, photograph sunrise views, enjoy complimentary coffee and bread, and shop for plants and cut flowers
#9 La Trinidad
Type: Agricultural and cultural town
Location: Benguet
Reason to visit: Known as the strawberry capital and home to iconic hillside mural (“Colors of StoBoSa”), Bell Church, and cultural villages. Try the local strawberries!
Experiences: Pick fresh strawberries (Nov–May), marvel at StoBoSa murals, visit Bell Church, explore Mt Kalugong Cultural Village and plant nurseries.
#10 Baguio City
Type: Mountain city
Location: Benguet
Reason to visit: The “Summer Capital” of the Philippines. Cool climate city experience, vibrant arts and café culture, and rich events like Panagbenga (Flower Festival).
Experiences: Visit BenCab & Tam-Awan museums, stroll Session Road, enjoy forest-bathing in Camp John Hay, attend Panagbenga in February, shop Night Market and café-hop. Enjoy the city life in the mountains!
#11 Grape Farms
Type: Vineyards & fruit farms
Location: Bauang & Caba, La Union
Reason to visit: Bauang is known as the birthplace of the country’s grape industry since the 1970s, now offering hands-on grape picking and locally made wines and jams
Experiences: Pick-your-own grapes at farms like Lomboy and Gapuz, taste or buy grape products, see dragonfruit and guapple plots, enjoy scenic countryside views
#12 Thunderbird Resort
Type: Five-star accommodation
Location: Poro Point Freeport Zone, San Fernando City, La Union
Reason to visit: Offers panoramic cliff‑top sea views in a dramatic “Santorini of Asia” setting.
Experiences: Lounge by cliff‑edge infinity pools, unwind with spa treatments, enjoy meals at sea‑view venues, play golf on the Cliffs Golf & Beach Club course, try your luck at the casino, explore Santorini-style villas and landscaped grounds, and access sports amenities.
#13 Ma‑Cho Temple
Type: Taoist temple
Location: San Fernando City, La Union
Reason to visit: Built in the 1970s by local Chinese-Filipino devotees, this hillside Taoist temple honors the sea goddess Mazu and features iconic Chinese architectural elements with panoramic views of the harbor and West Philippine Sea
Experiences: Wander elaborate gates, stone statues, pagodas, and majestic spider-dome; observe incense rituals and spirit-readings; catch breathtaking sunset views from elevated decks
#14 San Juan Beach
Type: Surf spot & coastal beach
Location: San Juan, La Union
Reason to visit: The so‑called surfing capital of Northern Luzon offers dependable waves all year. Best swell season runs from October/November to March, with 2–3 m swells.
Experiences: Take surfing lessons or rent boards from local surf schools at Urbiztondo; hang out at vibrant beachfront cafés and soak in the coastal vibe; watch colorful sunsets over the West Philippine Sea after a surf session.
#15 Aw‑Asen Falls
Type: Natural waterfall & hiking destination
Location: Sigay, Ilocos Sur
Reason to visit: The highest waterfall in Ilocos Region plunges into a deep spring-fed pool surrounded by lush mountain forests
Experiences: Trek through jungle trails to reach refreshing pools, swim beside the falls, and picnic amid lush greenery.
#16 Quirino Skyline View Deck
Type: Mountain viewpoint (scenic drive stop)
Location: Quirino, Ilocos Sur
Reason to visit: A high‑elevation viewpoint that offers sweeping views of ridge‑cut valleys and an ethereal sea of clouds, best experienced at sunrise or late afternoon (golden hour).
Experiences: Walk on the deck with light refreshments available, camp overnight under the stars, enjoy barako coffee and picnic-ready kiosks. Join fellow motorcycle and road‑trip riders who frequent this spot along the twisty hill road.
#17 Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption
Type: Heritage church (Minor Basilica)
Location: Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur
Reason to visit: A UNESCO-listed Baroque church built in 1765 by Augustinians; its hilltop position reflects fortress-like design
Experiences: Ascend a granite staircase to a hilltop courtyard for panoramic views, admire the fortress‑style Earthquake Baroque architecture including thick walls, buttresses, freestanding octagonal bell tower and convent walkway.
#18 Ilocos Sur Adventure Zone
Type: Outdoor adventure park
Location: Banaoang near Vigan
Reason to visit: An opportunity for a wide variety of adventures in the Ilocos Region.
Experiences: Zip line over the Abra River (~400 m long); climb and rappel the rocky cliffs of Banaoang; kayak on calm waters by the park; ride a giant swing and try zorb-ball rolling
#19 Vigan City
Type: Historic UNESCO World Heritage city
Location: Ilocos Sur
Reason to visit: A rare example in Asia of a planned Spanish colonial town, showcasing cobblestone streets, bahay na bato houses, Capiz-windowed facades, ancestral mansions, plazas, and horse-drawn calesas.
Experiences: Horse‑drawn carriage rides along cobbled Calle Crisologo, visit ancestral homes‑turned‑museums, shop for local crafts, sample Vigan empanada. Join cultural activities like watching pagburnayan jar-making, browsing local crafts, and eating sample Ilocos delicacies like Vigan longganisa and empanada.
#20 Juan and Antonio Luna Museum
Type: Art & history museum
Location: Badoc, Ilocos Norte
Reason to visit: Dedicated to the Luna brothers (master artists and Philippine revolutionaries) with rare paintings, personal collections and period furniture
Experiences: View iconic works like the “Spoliarium” sketches, learn about the Lunases’ national contributions, and explore a preserved colonial bahay na bato setting.
#21 Paoay Church (Minor Basilica of Saint Augustine)
Type: Heritage church
Location: Paoay, Ilocos Norte
Reason to visit: A National Cultural Treasure and UNESCO World Heritage site since 1993, it’s famed for its Earthquake Baroque style, massive buttresses, and early 18th‑century coral-stone architecture
Experiences: Marvel at the ornate façade and bell tower, see its gigantic buttresses, eat at the restaurants nearby with the stunning view of the church.
#22 Paoay Sand Dunes
Type: Geological/adventure attraction
Location: Barangay Suba, Paoay, Ilocos Norte
Reason to visit: A sprawling 88 km² sandscape offering one of Northern Luzon’s most thrilling off‑road experiences
Experiences: Take 4×4 jeep or ATV rides across dunes, try sandboarding, and catch vibrant sunset light across rolling sands
#23 Malacañang of the North
Type: Presidential museum
Location: Paoay, Ilocos Norte
Reason to visit: Former residence of the Marcoses in the late 1970s; now a public museum in a stately bahay na bato overlooking Paoay Lake
Experiences: Tour themed rooms on diplomacy, culture, agriculture and family, and view restored interiors showcasing Marcos-era artifacts.
#24 Fort Ilocandia
Type: Luxury beachfront resort, casino, and recreational complex
Location: Calayab, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte
Reason to visit: It’s the only five‑star deluxe resort in the region, combining historic Spanish‑Ilocano architecture with modern amenities like a casino, golf course, and beach.
Experiences: Guests can enjoy swimming pools (including children’s pool), beach access, casino gaming, golf, spa, zoo, archery, paintball, ATV or 4×4 rides on sand dunes, horseback riding, plus multiple dining options and themed gardens.
#25 Kaparkan Falls
Type: Multi‑tiered limestone waterfall and adventure destination.
Location: Tineg, Abra
Reason to visit: A hidden natural marvel of cascading spring terraces with emerald pools, best seen during the rainy season (July–October) when the falls are at their fullest.
Experiences: Have adventure on a rugged 4×4 “monster truck” or jeep ride then trek 10–30 minutes to wade, swim, photograph, and climb the multi‑tiered pools framed by a scenic balete tree.
#26 Blazing Mountain of the Gods Viewpoint
Type: Spectacular natural mountain formation
Location: Calanasan, Apayao
Reason to visit: Known for its dramatic peaks, vivid color shifts at sunrise and sunset. Quite similar to the mountain peaks in Dolomites, Italy.
Experiences: Drive up winding roads, pause for dramatic landscape views and photo‑opportunities.
#27 Cape Bojeador Lighthouse
Type: Historic lighthouse; National Historical Landmark and Cultural Treasure
Location: Burgos, Ilocos Norte
Reason to visit: First lit in 1892, it offers panoramic views of Cape Bojeador and the West Philippine Sea while preserving its original first‑order Fresnel lens structure and Spanish colonial charm.
Experiences: Climb the historic stairway from the parking area, tour the pavilion‑turned‑museum showcasing original lens and navigation tools, and ascend the spiral staircase to a viewing gallery for sweeping sea‑and‑cape vistas at sunset.
#28 Kapurpurawan Rock Formation
Type: Coastal geological formation
Location: Burgos, Ilocos Norte
Reason to visit: Iconic white limestone sculptures carved by wind and waves, set against a backdrop of blue seas and windmills
Experiences: Walk rugged trails or ride horseback to explore natural sculptures, photograph surreal coastal beauty
#29 Bangui Windmills
Type: On‑shore coastal wind farm; picturesque spot
Location: Bangui, Ilocos Norte
Reason to visit: Twenty towering wind turbines arranged along a 9 km coastline, symbolizing sustainability and coastal panorama
Experiences: Enjoy panoramic walks along winding coastal paths with unbeatable views for photos and selfie ops; soak in the fresh sea breeze and natural ambiance. Browse nearby souvenir stalls offering windmill replicas, shirts, magnets, and local snack.
#30 Patapat Viaduct
Type: Scenic coastal bridge
Location: Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte
Reason to visit: A graceful 1.3‑km concrete viaduct hugging cliffs above Pasaleng Bay, often referred to as the “French Riviera of Northern Philippines”
Experiences: Drive the sweeping coastal route, stop for photos overlooking sea and mountains, and feel the bridge’s elegant engineering.