Sagada, Mountain Province | Marlboro Hills Travel Guide

Our 2nd major activity in our Sagada experience is the Marlboro Hill – Blue Soil Hill Traverse Trek. We scheduled it morning of day 2. We started the adventure around 4AM to reach Marlboro Hills before sunrise.

Marlboro Hills is Sagada’s highest peak that has a breathtaking 360 unobstructed view of the mountain ranges. It is also a great view point of the sunrise and sea of clouds.

From the jump-off point, it took us around 3 hours of trekking to reach the peak. I thought it would be easy because of the cool climate. But it was harder to breathe in high altitude especially if you are constantly gasping cold air.

When we reached the peak of Marlboro Hills, there were several food stalls near the entrance and the place was too crowded for a regular weekend.

Unfortunately, the sun was shy that day and there was a thick fog obscuring the view. Slightly giving you a glimpse of the rice terraces.

Even if Marlboro Hills is crowded, there are numerous spots for a breathtaking view.

This is just the first part of the trekking. After the photo shoot, we followed the trail from hills to hills to Sagada’s Blue Soil Hills or Kaman-utek Hills.

WATCH THE FULL VLOG HERE

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT MARLBORO 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.

The perfect time to visit Marlboro Hills is before sunrise or sunset. Also schedule your visit during weekdays to avoid the crowd.

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 Hill – Blue Soil Hill 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 MARLBORO HILLS OF SAGADA

The trek starts from the highway. The trail to the peak is beginner level.
Sunrise and Sea of Clouds is not promised.
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 store at the peak of Marlboro Hills. But to be sure, bring your own drinks and snacks.
Cash basis here.
Weak or no signal in remote places.

MARLBORO HILLS TRAVEL TIPS

Schedule your trip in the middle of the week or start as early as possible to avoid the crowd.
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.