Hanging Coffins of Sagada - Mt. Province

Located in the Echo Valley in the municipality of Sagada in Mt. Province, the Hanging Coffins of Sagada is a traditional Igorot funerary practice of "hanging" coffins together with the remains of respected elders by the sides of the cliffs and mountains of Sagada.

Hanging Coffins of Sagada 

The Culture Behind the Hanging Coffins of Sagada

This sacred practice was said to have started thousands of years ago and is still being practiced to this day. Just to give you a backgrounder about this sacred custom, not everyone is given the chance to undergo this funerary practice. It is reserved only for the respected elders of the community. As part of the tradition, these elders prepare for their death by making their own coffin and choosing the part of the mountain where their coffins will be hanged or inserted.

Hanging Coffins of Sagada - Sagada, Mountain Province

Before going down Echo Valley, please be guided accordingly

Can you see the hanging coffins?

Then let's go down and take a closer look

When they die, they will be placed on a chair so that his/her body can be arranged to the fetal position. This is due to the belief that a person should exit the world the same way he/she came in. The chair used will also be hung next to the coffin of the deceased.

Do you wonder what those chairs are for?

The coffin below the Bomit-Og is the newest addition to these wonders

To date, the last to "avail" of this sacred burial custom was laid to rest (safer to say "hung" to rest) last December 10, 2010. It is the coffin under Bomit-Og.

These are other coffins found in the area

With the popularity of Sagada to the lowlanders, a lot of people flock to the town to catch a glimpse of these hanging coffins. From a positive perspective, people got firsthand education about the rich culture of the people of Sagada. It also brings in income to the locals. However, this popularity also brings in several negative things too like pollution, crime, and several culturally deficient people who would go "preaching" the unbiblical act of this tradition.

One of the river crossings going to the exit

The path leads to the underground river cave.

Check out those rocks

Regardless of this, Sagada remains a place to add to your travel wishlist. I got to see the Hanging Coffins of Sagada during our 2017 Ifugao - Mountain Province - Benguet Tour that my wife and I availed of. Overall, it was a perfect destination for those who wish to see how culturally diverse the Philippines really is. Oh and by the way, visitors would surely enjoy the Echo Trail (prepare to get muddy during the rainy months though.)

The exit of Echo Trail... yup beside a local gasoline store

Hanging Coffins of Sagada Admission Fee:

To visit the Hanging Coffins of Sagada, a solo traveler should pay 300 pesos for guide fee + 10 pesos Access Fee. However, if you join a large group you pay less.  For hassle-free tours, you can join tours from accredited agencies.

Why Visit Hanging Coffins of Sagada?

If you're looking to see an authentic Pre-Spanish burial tradition, then the Hanging Coffins of Sagada is a perfect destination for you. Go on a mini-trek down Echo Valley and listen to your local guide explain their traditional burial custom, then there's no mistake that a visit to the Hanging Coffins of Sagada is a complete package in itself.

Getting to Hanging Coffins of Sagada:

From the town center, you can ride a tricycle to the Church of Saint Mary the Virgin. From there, walk towards the jump-off point. Make sure that you avail of the services of a local guide. Not only will this help the local economy, but he will also ensure your safety (some areas are slippery and there are some areas where you might fall if you are unfamiliar.)

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