One of the most famous destinations in Sagada is the Kiltepan Peak. To see the sunrise on the top of the Mount Kiltepan, we had to wake up around 3:30am. Our guide arrived to the hotel at 4am and we traveled up to the mountain, to arrive there before the sunrise. Several people already been there waiting for the first lights of the dawn.
Mount Kiltepan is located on the island of Luzon in the Philippines, near the town of Sagada, and is one of the most iconic viewpoints in the country. It is primarily known for its “Sea of Clouds” view, but it also has several other interesting features that make it a must-see destination for travelers.
One of the most interesting things about Mount Kiltepan is its pop culture impact. The location became incredibly popular after a 2014 Philippine romantic film, That Thing Called Tadhana. The film’s main character screams his pain above the clouds from this peak, after which thousands of tourists set out to experience this cathartic moment. This sudden popularity led to local authorities later having to regulate visitors in order to protect the nature.
The view from the summit is not only special because of the clouds, but also because it offers a view of the Kiltepan Rice Terraces. Although these terraces are smaller than the famous Banaue terraces, their pattern spread across the valley creates a mystical sight in the light of the rising sun. The name of the mountain range is an acronym, created by combining the names of the three surrounding villages, Kilong, Tetep-an and Antadao, as the area lies on the border of these communities.
The ritual of visiting at dawn is an experience in itself. Travelers usually arrive around 4-5 am in the dark, where they wait for the sunrise while sipping hot “champorado” (chocolate rice soup) bought from local vendors or freshly brewed Sagada coffee in the cold mountain air. As the first rays of the sun break through the horizon, the white mist that fills the valley turns golden and begins to ripple, as if watching a slow motion movie.
The site is also interesting from a sacred perspective, as Sagada is famous for its “hanging coffins”, and for the local Igorot people, the mountains have deep spiritual significance. Although Mount Kiltepan is now more of a tourist destination, the surrounding forests and cliffs are believed by locals to be home to the spirits of their ancestors, and visitors are expected to be quiet and respectful.
