Marlboro Hills

Introduction

Marlboro Hills is one of the highest spots in Sagada and is well known for its incredible 360-degree view of the mountain ranges in Mountain Province. It offers tourists a grand viewpoint of the sunrise as well as the sea of clouds during perfect weather. It is approximate two hours drive from Banaue. According to the locals, Marlboro Hills got its name from the old Marlboro cigarette brand displaying cowboys riding their horses on the grassy plains of Sagada. Today, it is a pasture land for cattles and carabao. So if you want to experience trekking and watching the sunrise in the Mountain Province then Marlboro Hills is the ideal place for you to chill and feel the cold weather.

Name: Marlboro Hills
Location: Sagada, Mountain Province
Features: pine forest, incredible view of the sunrise, a sea of clouds, and a 360-degree view of the mountain ranges

My trip to Marlboro Hills

Last weekend, I was given a chance to visit Marlboro Hills as this is included in our Sagada tour itinerary. It was 3:45 am when I woke up and saw the rest of the group members preparing the things that would be needed in the early morning trek. Then we rode a jeep or a shuttle going to the drop-off point and after twenty minutes of travel, we showed the receipt of paid registration fees at the tourism office. At the registration area, I bought a breakfast meal and bottled water for my early breakfast. After that, I opened my flashlight and we started trekking around 5 am along a well-established and beginner-friendly trail.

After more than one hour and fifteen minutes of trekking, we arrived at the peak of Marlboro Hills just in time to witness the lovely sunrise, perfect sea of clouds backdrop, and golden linings. For this reason, I stood in just one place where I surveyed the whole 360-degree surroundings including the endless mountain range as well as the rice terraces and villages below. To be honest, we were so lucky because at that moment in time, even though the cold morning breeze, as well as the cold temperature, bothered us a few times in the wide open area, I was so dumbstruck and I couldn’t find the exact words to depict how beautiful the sky and the beauty in front of us while enjoying the fresh air, and the typical countryside atmosphere. It feels like I’m on top of the world and its a happy day for all of us.

The perceptible moment of the sun rising up the skyline and over the mountains with its reddish and orange colors encompass every single thing in perception while the clouds disseminate like a sea of soft and resembling bubbles. It was just surreal and it feels like it’s one of the scenes I’ve watched in the iconic movies. This place has so much promise that I can’t criticize people for falling in love with its enticing beauty. Without a doubt, the sunrise in Marlboro Hills is one of the most beautiful scenery I have ever seen. The trek was so worth it and I fell in love with this kind of view. Sometimes, it’s really hard to believe that someplace looks like a paradise. It was indeed a rewarding experience and this place will forever hold a special place in my heart and soul.

After watching the sunrise, we explored the other parts of the Marlboro Hills that offer a wonderful view with the assistance of our tour guide and as we moved forward the colors on the horizon kept altering my attention. Then I asked our tour guide Grel why this place was called a Marlboro Country or Marlboro Hills and he immediately told me that the place is called Marlboro Hills because of its verdant landscape which is ideal for horseback riding and it’s very similar to the plains of United States where cowboys used to run their wild horses. Regardless, I didn’t see any horses here roaming around the hills but only a few cattle. I hope they’ll find ways to return the horses that once roam on these hills. Anyway, we decided to go down and visit the well-known Blue Soil Hills which also attract many local and foreign tourists. Later we thank our tour guide for a safe and remarkable adventure in Sagada.

Things to bring on your visit to Marlboro Hills:

Hiking shoes or sandals
Extra shirt
Jacket
1 bottled water
Plastic bag
Camera and cellphone
Cash
Flashlight
Bonnet (optional)

Sample itinerary to Marlboro Hills

4AM – Wake up
4:30AM – Ride a shuttle going to the drop-off point
5AM – Start trekking
6AM – At Marlboro Hills summit, breakfast and sunrise viewing
7:15AM – Proceed to Blue Soil Hills
8:45AM – At Blue Soil Hills, picture-taking
9:45AM – End of trek

How to Go to Marlboro Hills

By commute

1. From Coda Lines Terminal in Cubao Quezon City, ride a bus bound for Sagada and drop off at Coda Lines Terminal in Sagada Mountain Province. The travel time is around 12 hours. 
2. Then coordinate with your tour coordinator to drop you off near the Marlboro Hills.
   
   
   
   

Reminders and Tips:

• The environmental fee is 50 pesos per head which will be paid at the tourism information center.

• The guide fee for a group of ten people in Marlboro Hills is 800 pesos and the shuttle fee is 650 pesos. On the other hand, the guide fee for a group of ten people in Marlboro Hills and Blue Soil Hills is 1600 pesos and the shuttle fee is 1300 pesos. Note: the fees are subject to change without notice.

• The best month to visit Marlboro Hills is during the cold season which starts from October up to January. Meanwhile, the best time to start trekking is around 4:50 am. 

• Be careful and watch your steps at all times.

• There are stores at the drop-off point where tourists can buy coffee, chocolate rice porridge, macaroni soup, cup noodles, and Arroz caldo for breakfast. Also, they sell souvenirs and items such as gloves, bonnets, and scarves. 

• Respect the locals and avoid taking pictures of any locals without permission. 

• Above all, if you want to stay for 2 to 3 days in Sagada I highly recommend Misty Lodge and Cafe if you have enough budget for accommodation. Misty Lodge and Cafe is the most peaceful lodges in Sagada surrounded by lush pine trees and secluded from all the establishments. They have clean spacious rooms and visitors can experience the tranquility of the coolness of the place. Also, the food quality here is exceptional.
  
  
  

There you have it, wanderer. Life is an incredible journey full of ups and downs. Even though it gets difficult at times, cherish all the moments that filled your heart with love and all the things that brought you happiness along the way. Comprehensively, I expect that this blog has been practical to you, and I wish you a beautiful day ahead full of positivity and joy.