Banaue Adventure Tours, Batad Rice Terraces: Philippines Travel Diary
Our 2-day journey (Day 32-34) in Sagada and Buscalan was extraordinary. We saw the hanging coffins, and took spectacular shots of the Cordillera mountains. Our short stay in Buscalan spoiled us with the village people’s hospitality and rich culture, aside from the great-tasting coffee served in the morning. Our trip was made more special because we came face to face with Whang- Od, the oldest and the last mambabatok (tattoo artist) of the Butbut tribe.
Travel Diary for Day 44:
Today (Day 34), we were up for another thrilling adventure in the world-famous Batad Rice Terraces in the mountains of Banaue, Ifugao in Cordillera Administrative Region (Philippines). Also known as Hagdan-Hagdang Palayan, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by the Ifugao tribe by hand thousands of decades ago.
Beautifully situated at 1,500 meters above sea level, this stair-like rice paddies is believed to be around 2000 years old. Batad Rice Terracesis not just a must-visit Philippine destination, but also an intriguing piece of the Ifugaos’ history and origin.
Day 34: How do we Visit the Banaue, Batad Rice Terraces?
26 March:
We really wanted to leave early to get to Batad Rice Terraces, Banaue Ifugao, Cordillera Region. It took us approximately 8 hours to get to Banaue from Manila . This means that you have to travel more or less 400 kilometers by a private car or a public transport. But, remember that the travel hours depend on the route and transport option you choose to take.
Batad’s rice paddies are quite impressive. No wonder why it earned a spot in UNESCO world heritage sites . It was 5:30 a.m. when I (Dani) got up to use the restroom. But, it was already occupied by Zak, whose face was very pale and rather scary-looking. The poor man spent almost the entire night in the restroom. He might have eaten something wrong.
So, we had to change our travel plans (Day 34). Zak and I (Dani) stayed at the Inn in Banaue. Karl and Chris (our guide) left to go see the rice terraces in Batad , located outside Banaue. Through Chris’ Toyota Tamaraw car which we called an “Igorot tank”, they drove for approximately 1 hour and trekked to reach the actual rice fields of Batad.
When Karl went back to the accommodation, we saw how overwhelmed he was with all the majestic land sculptures and breathtaking view of the rice terraces that he got to witness. But, getting to the lookout by foot was exhausting. Karl left our group that night, and immediately headed straight to Manila by a Coda Lines bus .
Most people travel by riding a provincial bus to get to Banaue from Manila. The travel time takes around 10 hours depending on the traffic, stop-over, and route.
What is the Importance of Banaue, Batad Rice Terraces?
According to UNESCO, the rice terraces of Batad, Banaue are Philippine ancestors’ priceless contribution to humanity. It is popular not only because of its natural beauty, but also for the Ifugao’s notable culture it portrays.
And the best part? Rice terraces of Batad Philippines in the Ifugao province in Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) are a tribute to the history and labor of over a thousand generations of small-scale Ifugao farmers. Working together as a community, these people made an incredible landscape through careful and sustainable use of natural resources. For decades now, this piece of natural wonder has made Cordillera Administrative Region one of the prime tourist destinations in the country.
There are three natural sites and six cultural sites in the country that every traveler must visit. Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Philippines.
What are the Best Accommodations in Banaue?
As a tucked-away municipality in the province of Ifugao, Banaue used to be a place barely known by tourists. But after it was declared as a heritage site by UNESCO, it slowly caught the attention of local and foreign tourists. As tourism began to rise, accommodations in Banaue also grew, providing a comfortable stay to its guests from all over the world.
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What is the average range of backpacker hostels in Banaue?
There are homes and hostels in Banaue that are ideal for backpackers. As much as other tourists do, you would love to stay in an accommodation that is situated near the town center. Get ready to go on an adventure to the different destinations in Banaue.
Wondering how much it will cost you to stay in these hostels? Listen up! Backpacker hostels in Banaue usually start at PHP 650 or 13 USD per night, some offer continental and à la carte breakfast.
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What is the average cost of Budget hotels in Banaue?
Do you want to stay in a hotel but you are on a limited budget? Look for budget hotel listings in Banaue, and get to experience a cozy hotel stay without spending too much. Sounds good, right?
For as low as PHP 1,000 or USD 20 per night, budget hotels provide basic amenities, including a decent-sized bed and a private bathroom.
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What is the typical cost of Airbnb in Banaue?
Now, you are probably wondering where to get an exclusive stay and a wider space for you and your travel buddies. You’d surely love to relax in Airbnb and be greeted by friendly neighbors from the Ifugao tribe each morning. This accommodation option lets you hang around with these locals, get to know them better, and be acquainted with their way of living.
Airbnbs in Banaue that have a private room and a bath typically cost around PHP 1,000 or USD 20 per night. On top of that, you might get an extra discount for an extended stay.
Google My Maps Banaue, Batad Rice Terraces Travel Adventures: Day 34
If planning a trip to Banaue, Batad Terraces, check out the Google My Maps below to experience the activities and adventures, and get to know the different routes and directions, accommodations to stay, attractions to visit, and restaurants to dine in. Visit the Banaue, Batad Terraces travel Google My Map to learn more about our Philippines Travel routes and adventures.
Who Protects the Cultural Heritage Rice Terraces of the Philippines?
As an essential part of Philippine culture and heritage, the Ifugao community's traditional Ancestral Land Use Management Customs commits to protect Batad Rice Terraces. Such effort is backed up with the indigenous peoples’ ancestral rights, tribal laws, and traditional customs.
The preservation of the living rice terraces is rooted from everyone’s grasp on the richness of the Ifugao agro-ecosystem. Also, it is an expression of the entire community’s teamwork and collaboration – leading to its sustainability and maintenance.
What are the Top Things to do in Banaue?
Batad Rice Terraces in Banaue Ifugao, Cordillera Administrative Region showcase the Ifugaos' commendable skill, as they created such a wonder in the absence of modern tools or equipment. Come and learn about the amazing culture that lies behind the rice terraces in the northern part of the Philippines.
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Banaue Viewpoint Village is one of the ideal places to go if you want to get the best view of Batad Rice Terraces. It is located a few kilometers away from the town center of Banaue in the province of Ifugao (Cordillera Administrative Region). To reach the viewpoint, take a tricycle (a customized, Filipino-style motorcycle with a sidecar) from the town center. Tricycle is a flexible and exciting transport option to get around the Philippines.
But, some tourists choose to trek on the approximately 5-kilometer distance from Banaue town to the Viewpoint. For them, enjoying the view and taking photos of the beauty around makes it worth the walk. After shooting a few memorable images of the breathtaking rice paddies, go ahead and visit the local gift shops for souvenirs.
Batad Rice Terraces are one of the best places to visit in Banaue. If you like to see these rice terraces at their most intense green color, take a visit between late April and early June.
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Do you want to witness the full view of the rice terraces and capture the stunning panoramas of nature? Plan a trip to Batad Village, a secluded community in the province of Ifugao, Cordillera Administrative Region. The rice terraces at Batad are one of the natural wonders of the world, which is situated around 10 kilometers away from Banaue.
Located close to each other, a lot of people thought that Batad and Banaue Rice Terraces are the same. Actually, these are two different but equally fascinating destinations. Here’s the catch. Unlike Banaue Rice Terraces, the rice paddies of Batad are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Some years ago, tourists who wanted to lay eyes on Batad Rice Terraces used to walk for around 2 hours to get to Batad Village's entrance. You’ll be pleased to know that, at present, you can get right up to the Viewpoint Village in just an hour by a van, a jeepney, or a tricycle. For most tourists, a van ride is the most preferred transport option to reach the destination faster.
Upon reaching the village entrance, get ready to trek downhill to the Batad Village for approximately 20 minutes to see the spectacular amphitheater-style Batad Rice Terraces.
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Ifugaos, the natives of the province, use brass gongs in rites and festivals. Locally known as "gangsa", a gong is a flat and circular musical percussion instrument that is made of brass. It gives rhythm to traditional Ifugao dances and is used during festivals and rituals. The province boasts its cultural entertainment that includes gong playing, dances, and chanting – which can be arranged for tourists upon request.
Aside from festivals, "Baki" is another noteworthy Ifugao traditional rite that uses a native chicken as a sacrifice. At around PHP 4,500 to PHP 6,500 or USD 90 to USD 130, you can witness the ritual at Banaue Ethnic Village and Pine Forest Resort in Viewpoint, Banaue Ifugao Cordillera Administrative Region.
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Tappiya Falls is located in Batad, Ifugao (Cordillera Administrative Region), and is approximately 1 kilometer away from Banaue. If you wish to visit the waterfalls, it is recommended that you stay overnight in the village, so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the waterfalls.
Here’s the kicker. Hiking through Tappiya Falls are moderately risky. For your safety, hire a local guide from the Tourism Department Office who can take you to the falls. Also, it would be best if you carry a walking stick, and put on the right pair of shoes and gears.
As you reach your destination, waste no time. Swim in the waterfalls and enjoy the refreshing water. You are encouraged not to stay past 3:00 p.m. in the falls, because the journey back to the village is more difficult if it gets dark.
Note: To maximize your experience, visit Banaue during the dry season – that is between October and May.
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During the Imbayah Festival, you will witness a race of unique handcrafted wooden scooters from Viewpoint in Banaue to the town plaza in Poblacion. In case you missed them at the Imbayah Festival, rent one at the Banaue Viewpoint Village. Go ahead! Give it a ride, and take an exclusive picture of you riding the wooden bike after the Imbayah Festival.
Do you know that most of the best festivals and events celebrated in the Philippines showcase colorful parades, captivating music, and graceful dances? These festivals are must-seen.
Google My Maps Philippines Travel Diary: Day 1 to Day 51
Check out the Google Maps below, to have an overview of the entire 51 days of Philippines travel adventure including exciting attractions and activities we did, destinations we explored, and travel directions in the Philippines.
Philippines Adventure Tours from Day: 1 to Day: 51
If you are also planning to visit the Philippines, here's a complete list of the destinations we visited and activities we did, which you might also want to include in your itinerary. Here is a complete overview of the Philippines Travel Diary experience for our 51 Days trip to the different destinations in the Philippines in 2017:
Day 1-2: Manila Adventure Tours
Day 3-4: Bantayan Island Adventure Tours
Day 5-6: Cebu City & South Cebu Adventure Tours
Day 7-8: Southern Visayas Island of Negros Adventure Tours
Day 9-11: Siquijor Island Adventure Tours
Day 12-14: Guimaras Island Adventure Tours
Day 15-17: Gigantes Island Adventure Tours
Day 18-20: Philippine Visa Extension & Food Tours in Metro Manila
Day 21-23: Puerto Princesa Adventure Tours
Day 24-25: El Nido Adventure Tours
Day 26-27: El Nido Motorbike Adventure & Puerto Princesa Island Hopping Tour
Day 28-29: Baguio City Adventure Tours
Day 30-31: Sagada Adventure Tours
Day 32-33: Buscalan, Kalinga Adventure Tours
Day 34: Banaue, Batad Rice Terraces Adventure Tours
Day 35-36: Pangasinan Adventure Tours
Day 37-38: Hundred Islands National Park Adventure Tours
Day 42-47: Metro Manila Adventure Tours
Day 40-41: Leyte Eastern Visayas Adventure Tours
Day 48- 50: The Bamboo Paraiso Beach Resort & Hundred Islands Adventures
Day 51: Best Tour in Pangasinan & Back to Manila
Why do we Create the Philippines Travel Guide?
Zak and Dani created the Philippines Travel Guide while on 51 days Philippines travel adventure in 2017. Focused on the idea to explore travel routes and documenting location information by using the Google Maps application in the Philippines.
We created a detailed Philippines travel diary each day about our Philippines eco-adventure traveling experiences, including the production of pictures and videos of our trip through the Philippine archipelago.
Philippines Travel Guide is passionate about helping other self-minded adventure travel lovers, to make the best out of the trip to the Philippines by providing real information that passionate travelers and enthusiasts need to know about the archipelago.
Philippines Travel Guide is an ongoing process to work out public shared and detailed Google MyMaps of the entire Philippines to provide easy navigation for travelers.
This website also contains a collection of interesting authentic insights and travel tips and tricks and destinations in the Philippines.
SUMMARY: Banaue Adventure Tours
If you are a culture vulture, take a trip to the Ifugao villages and meet the friendly locals. The journey to Banaue and other places in the Cordillera region is long and pretty rough, but it is worth it.
We left from this adventure-filled spot, and proceeded to the next destination in our itinerary. For the next few days, we will explore the best tourist spots to visit in Pangasinan: Day 35,36, & 38.
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