Photo Favorite: Ancient Hanging Coffins of Sagada, Philippines

By Mark Wiens 15 Comments
Hanging Coffins
Hanging Coffins – Sagada, Philippines

Location: Sagada, Philippines

Sagada was one of the most beautiful places I visited while in the Philippines. It did’t feel at all like I was on an island in the middle of the tropical Pacific Ocean. There were caves, pine trees, mountains – and the air was cool and fresh.

One of the ancient traditions was to hang coffins in the local caves and on the sides of cliff rock faces. I’ll admit that walking past these hanging coffins was a little eerie, but it was extremely interesting to witness.

15 comments. I'd love to hear from you!

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  • Arty Om

    10 years ago

    One of the most beautiful experiences I’ve had in the Philippines – walking the Echo Valley and visiting the hanging coffins…alone.

    Reply

  • Lori G.

    12 years ago

    wow! both eerie and amazing. great pic!

    Reply

  • gayE @ pinaytraveljunkie

    12 years ago

    Aww… Sagada’s where I was bitten by the travel bug. And the rest is, well… history. Haha.

    Reply

    • Mark Wiens

      12 years ago

      Awesome Gay! You picked a great place to get the syndrome!

      Reply

  • Rajasthan Tours Operator

    12 years ago

    very nice thanx for posting this

    Reply

  • Marky

    12 years ago

    One of my favorite places in my country, the Philippines. Thanks for visiting and sharing it on your blog.

    Reply

    • Mark Wiens

      12 years ago

      No problem Marky, it really is an amazing place and the Philippines is an incredible country!

      Reply

  • Sasha (Global Table Adventure)

    12 years ago

    Wow. I’ve never seen anything like this! The world is an incredible place… I wonder how long they last though…?

    Reply

    • Mark Wiens

      12 years ago

      Hey Sasha, right about that, there are so many different and interesting practices. There were some coffins stacked in a cave nearby that had been there for a few hundred years.

      Reply

  • Andrea

    12 years ago

    Tell me there aren’t people in those!? I’m guessing not but you never know…

    Reply

    • Mark Wiens

      12 years ago

      Hey Andrea,
      Previously, but now the people definitely aren’t left in those coffins, but it was a very interesting form of dealing with the deceased.

      Reply

  • Caanan @ No Vacation Required

    12 years ago

    Very cool!

    Reply