Sagada, Mountain Province | Blue Soil Hills Traverse Trek

After the sightseeing and picture taking in Marlboro Hills, we started the 2nd part of the Marlboro Hills – Blue Soil Hill Traverse trek.

During our descent, the weather turned from foggy morning to a clear day.

We walked downhill and uphill on muddy paths and rugged terrain. The trail was surrounded by shrubberies and pine trees. There were parts with dense pine trees which provided shade to this exhausting trek.

We passed some interesting spots like: the grassy hill with a view,

The Echo Valley,

And a wall of limestone rock.

It took us over 2 hours to reach Blue Soil Hills.

Blue Soil Hills is a patch of limestone rocks with a tint of blue. The hill is bounded by thick pine trees which gives a hidden effect on this place.

There were several food stalls at the entrance. Our group immediately bought snacks and took a short break before we started taking photos.

We traversed for another hour to the main road to complete the whole tour.

Drained from the hike, we went to the town proper and eat lunch at Sagada Lemon Pie House.

WATCH THE FULL VLOG HERE

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT BLUE SOIL HILLS OF SAGADA

The best time to visit Sagada is during the cold season. This is from November to February. Expect this place to be busy during holy week, December and holidays.

Usually, Blue Soil Hills is part of the Marlboro Hills Trek, but if you want to avoid the crowd, best to schedule your visit after the Marlboro Hills – Blue Soil Hills tours ended.

WHAT ARE THE THINGS TO PACK TO MARLBORO HILLS OF SAGADA

Clothes for cold weather or light clothes
Hiking Wear / gear
Sandals / Slippers
Tumbler
Dry bag
Camera / Action Cam
Protection from the sun
Extra shirt

HOW TO GET TO SAGADA FROM MANILA

The most convenient way to get to Sagada from Manila is through a tour provider. Usually the route is Banaue – Sagada – Baguio. But if you hire a private tour, you can modify your itinerary based on your preference.

Banaue to Sagada distance is 83.3km or around 3 hours drive via Mountain Province road.

SAGADA BUDGET AND ITINERARY

The estimated budget for the activities in Sagada which includes the Marlboro Hills – Blue Soil Hills Traverse Trek is around Php827.00 per person. This is computed based on the package provided by our tour provider and with 9 pax.

You can still lower the cost if you do a DIY and go directly to Sagada Tourism Center.

NOTE: Rates indicated above may change.

IMPORTANT THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN VISITING BLUE SOIL HILLS OF SAGADA

You can visit Blue Soil Hills without going to Marlboro Hills. There is a short hike from the highway to Blue Soil Hills. No need for a guide and this is free.
Respect the locals. In Sagada, avoid taking pictures of the locals without permission.
There is no law mandating a tour guide when you explore Sagada. However, I recommend getting a guide if it is your first time visiting Sagada. Also by hiring a guide, you are helping the local community.
You can book your tour directly in Sagada Municipal Tourist Center.
Sagada is an outdoor destination. Most of the activities requires a hike. You doesn’t need to be expert but expect it will not be easy.
Wear comfortable light clothes during hike.
Expect to get wet in some activities as well.
There are stores in the Blue Soil Hills area. But to be sure, bring your own drinks and snacks.
Cash basis here.
Weak or no signal in remote places.

BLUE SOIL HILLS TRAVEL TIPS

If you want to avoid the crowd, you can visit Blue Soils Hills directly on a later time or wait for all the tours to end.
Wear light comfortable clothes.
Bring only the essentials.
Eat heavy before the activity.
Always follow the guide.
Bring a waterproof bag in case it rains.
Do not leave trash behind.