Information about Sugong Hanging Coffins

Sugong Hanging Coffins

Sugong Hanging Coffins, also known as Sugong Cave, is home to one of Sagada’s most fascinating and ancient burial traditions. For over 2,000 years, the indigenous people of Sagada have practiced the unique custom of placing their deceased in coffins and suspending them from cliffs or inside caves rather than burying them underground. Some of these coffins are well over a century old, gradually deteriorating as time passes.

Traditionally, the elderly carve their own coffins from hollowed-out logs. However, if they are too weak or ill, their family members take on the task. After passing, the deceased is carefully placed inside the coffin and transported to a designated burial site.

The practice stems from the belief that the higher a person is laid to rest, the greater the chance of their soul reaching a higher plane in the afterlife. Today, many of these sacred sites remain inaccessible to the public and should be respected, but visitors can still observe them from a distance, offering a glimpse into this deeply rooted cultural tradition.

How to get there

Aside from joining a guided tour of Sagada, you can travel to Mountain Province by bus or private car from Manila. For commuters, there are buses in Cubao that go straight to Sagada. The other choice is to take a bus to Banaue or Baguio and then ride a bus or van bound for Sagada.

Best time to visit

It is best to visit the hanging coffins during the warm season, from November to April. Take note the roads are often blocked due to landslides during the rainy season.