banaue tour map

Banaue & Batad Travel Guide & Tips: Famed Philippines Rice Terraces (Ifugao)

by Aileen Adalid Philippines , Natural Sights 34 comments

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Banaue Rice Terraces —  an iconic and ancient landscape of the Philippines that is said to be the greatest engineering masterpiece of the indigenous people in Ifugao: the  Igorots .

Towering to great heights at approximately 5,000 feet above sea level, the terraces were carved mainly by hand using stone and mud walls that follow the natural contours of the mountain. This grand feat was necessary because it was hard for the  Igorots  who live in these highlands to find flat and fertile land to plant crops in. Accordingly, with the presence of the terraces, it was then possible for them to cultivate rice by harvesting water from the mountaintop forests (wherein water will be trapped in each terrace pond while the excess would trickle down to the lower structures).

Needless to say, the rice terraces were important to the survival of the Ifugao people; it is even strongly ingrained in their culture since the knowledge to sustain these fields have been passed on from generation to generation. This perfectly exemplifies how humans can harmonize with nature in order to come up with a sustainable agricultural system using traditional techniques.

Table of Contents

About Banaue Rice Terraces

It helps to note that these are not the only rice terraces in the world; most can be found in Asia and there are even other rice terraces in the rest of the islands in the Philippines.

So if rice terraces can be found in other places… why then should you still see the rice terraces in Banaue, Philippines? Well, here’s why:

• It’s an Eight Wonder of the World – as referred to by the Filipinos; “to say that something is an ‘8th wonder’ is to say that it is extremely spectacular that it deserves to be categorized with the other 7 wonders”
• Covers a vast area that’s over 10,300 square km – if these terraces’ steps would be put in a straight line, it would encircle half the Earth!
• A ‘National Cultural Treasure’ – declared by the Philippine Government under the Ifugao Rice Terraces by virtue of Presidential Decree No. 260 in 1973. It is truly a cultural treasure that up to this day, it is imprinted on the back of the Philippine twenty peso bill (₱20) denomination. (Previously, it was on the back of the 1,000 peso bill).
• It’s a 2,000 year old wonder – as declared by the American anthropologists, Otley Beyer and Rey Burton. Be that as it may, there’s a study in 2014 that says it might just be 400 to 500 years old. It’s not proven yet, but it’s said that it does not have much of an effect if there’s a later date because it does not diminish the heritage value of these terraces.
• A ‘part’ of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites – (read the section ‘ A Misconception ‘ below for more details about this)

…plus, just look at the photos in this post — it’s a beauty that you must absolutely see! Other rice terraces won’t certainly be as magnificent as this.

» A Misconception

Contrary to popular belief, the Banaue Rice Terraces are NOT a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

They are located near the Banaue town proper, thereby making it an area that is surrounded by several modern structures. This predicament had unfortunately given Banaue Rice Terraces a low score in the criterion of UNESCO (even if in fact, it remains to have equal cultural and physical significance like the rest of the qualified Ifugao Terraces). That’s why in the end, they were not included in the five clusters that make up the Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras— which is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

(Of course, in a sense, Banaue Rice Terraces could have easily been a part of the group if only the modern structures were not as plenty).

What then are the five official clusters for UNESCO?

• Batad – famous for its amphitheater-like and semi-circular terraces with a village in the middle
• Bangaan – backdrops a typical Ifugao village
• Hungduan – in the municipality of Hungduan, a cluster that emerges like a spider web. They are stone-walled and dates back to 650 AD
• Mayoyao – in the municipality of Mayoyao, it grows a rare type of rice called as ‘ tinawon ‘ that’s in red and white varieties.
• Nagacadan – in the municipality of Kiangan that has two rows of ascending terraces bisected by a river

» Banaue Map

To help illustrate the Terraces in the Cordillera region, see the map below:

Not including #4 Hapao and #12 Mayoyao, this map shows the Municipality of Banaue. You can see here that the spot marked as #6 is where the Banaue Rice Terraces is located and that even though the #9 Batad & #11 Bangaan terraces are obviously a part of the Banaue municipality, they are NOT a part of the ‘Banaue Rice Terraces’.

What’s not included in the map above would be one of the remaining five UNESCO clusters: Nagacadan as it is located in Kiangan municipality that is way more to the south of Banaue.

TRIVIA: All these Ifugao Rice Terraces used to be a ‘World Heritage in Danger’. Other than problems of deforestation and climate change, there was also the problem of globalization. It’s expected that young people of this generation would choose to move to the more urban areas of the country; as a result, there was a time when there were fewer workers on the fields and almost 30% of the terraces were abandoned or deteriorated. . With all of these problems, all the Ifugao Rice Terraces were placed in the ‘World Heritage in Danger’ list in 2001. However, come 2012, they were eventually taken off from the record after national and international efforts of preservation.

To give you a peek at the 5 UNESCO clusters, see the photos below:

As for the Banaue Rice Terraces , I managed to visit this majestic sight last 2013 during our road trip to the Cordillera region, so please do enjoy the following photos!

TIP : Walk around and try to go higher up the road because the view could be better from there!

Banaue Travel Guide

» when to visit banaue.

June to July are the months where it is greenest (August is harvest time). Don’t go on January to March because the terraces will be barren; though actually, we arrived here in the month of December and it was almost barren; still and all, we quite liked the look of it!

If you’re rather going to Batad terraces, they said that October to November is the greenest time.

» How to Get to Banaue from Manila

BY CAR . It may be located in a northern mountainous region in Luzon (Cordillera) but there are well-paved roads from Manila to Banaue. With a distance of around 350 km, it will take you approximately 7 to 9 hours – taking into account the curves and switchback roads in the mountain.

Simply take NLEx from Manila, exiting to SCTEx, taking TPLEx exit to Pura, right to Guimba – Nueva Ecija, towards Baloc then Maharlika, turn to San Jose – Nueva Ecija, and then all the way to Nueva Vizcaya up to Ifugao.

BY DIRECT BUS . Look for any of the following bus companies…

• Ohayami Trans, Lacson Avenue, Corner Fajardo St, Sampaloc (near University of Sto. Tomas) 3 Daily trips from 21:00 to 22:00. It takes 9 to 10 hours at Php 470.00 or $11 RETURN : 19:00 at Banaue
• GV Florida Transport, EDSA, Corner Kamuning St, Quezon City (near Kamuning MRT station) Deluxe bus with 1 stopover. Two trips daily at 20:45 and 22:00. It takes 7 to 8 hours at Php 530.00 or $12 RETURN : 20:00 at Banaue

BY AIR . Banaue has no airport; thus, this is not a viable option. You can try to book a flight to the nearest airport which is Cauayan ; however, after arrival, you would still need to take a 3-hour bus/van ride south to Bagabag and then another 3-hour bus/jeep ride to Banaue.

If for some amazing reason you have your own aircraft (well, hello you!) Bagabag has a private airport for fixed-wing aircraft and there’s even a helipad at Banaue Hotel .

» How to Around Banaue

There are ample jeepneys and tricycles available in Banaue.

If for instance, you want to get out of the Municipality of Banaue to go to Batad, you would have to go to the Banaue Public Market to catch the 2PM jeep that will take you to the ‘Batad Saddle’ point (it’s priced at Php 50.00 or $1+ for tourists; there’s a chance that they would try to ask you for more so beware!).

To return to Banaue, the jeep from Batad Saddle only departs at 9AM; obviously, if you’re staying in Banaue, this would mean that you will have to spend the night in Batad. If that’s not your plan, you can try to trek to the Batad Junction (3 km away) to catch a tricycle or jeepney to Banaue.

To avoid all this trouble, you can opt to rent a jeep/van/tricycle; however, be prepared for the price since it could be quite expensive. (I’ve read that some people paid Php 500.00 or $11+ for a tricycle).

» What Else to See and Do in Banaue

Simply check the map that I posted above and you’ll see the ’12 things to do ‘ while you’re in the Municipality of Banaue. Other than the pointers on the map, there’s not a lot of other things that you can do in the Banaue town proper; it’s a rural place here and tourism isn’t that strong. In a way, it’s best to lower your expectations.

But if I can add a tip… just walk around! This was how we spent the rest of our trip after we got to see the Banaue viewpoint and it was quite an experience! It was great to meet some of the locals and there were even some kids who were willing to play with us (if not stare at us, since I was traveling with my friend and his cousin from Belgium, haha!) Otherwise, you can also stop by the shops to buy some wood carvings and souvenirs (common crafts of the Ifugao locals).

TIP: If you want to maximize your time in this region, consider going to Sagada ! Simply go to the Banaue bus terminal as there are a jeepneys, vans and mini-buses available for this trip. The jeepney ride costs about Php 250.00 ($5+) per person and it will take you 3-4 hours to reach Sagada.

» Where to Stay

The only grand place that Banaue has is Banaue Hotel ; even so, it’s not really that grand. It’s 2-starred and it’s also already quite old (yet clean!) which is expected because it’s a rural area (definitely, don’t expect anything ‘posh’ here).

Nevertheless, Banaue Hotel was fine – we stayed with them for a night: they have decent Wi-Fi (not entirely fast), they serve good food, they have a friendly staff, they have a small nice pool, and they even have cultural presentations at night. (Priced usually at Php 2,000+ or $45+ a night).

If you want cheaper options, there are a lot of hostels and inns in town. Examples of the popular ones would be Banaue Hotel & Youth Hostel (a new building near Banaue Hotel) and People’s Lodge & Restaurant.

» Where to Eat

The food in Banaue Hotel was already pretty decent and affordable; hence, we didn’t try other restaurants. Just the same, if you’re up for other options, try Sanafe Lodge & Restaurant or Ilob Village Inn.

» Are there ATMs? Can I use my Credit Cards?

A few of the Banaue accommodations accept credit cards. For that reason, it’s best to bring cash. Besides, there are NO ATMs in town either; not even banks! That being the case: cash is key !

HELPFUL NOTE : Sometimes, mobile signal is very hard to get too.

Booking Essentials

TIP: It’s a good idea to crosscheck the prices with other popular travel insurance providers like World Nomads and HeyMondo (as my reader, you get 5% off)! . However, take note that a travel insurance’s affordability typically means lesser coverage; so please always ensure that you read the fine print in order to decipher which travel insurance company is the right fit for you and your trip!

The Best Tours in Banaue?

Come and check out this list of the top things to do in Banaue which features the best activities and tours!

Even if there’s not a huge range of activities that you can do in Banaue (other than hiking, viewing the rice terraces, visiting the Ifugao villages and museums) – I would still and always recommend this trip to anyone! Witnessing these great works of the Igorots are just too much of a precious chance to skip on!

Especially if you’re a Filipino like me, I think that you would be thrilled to finally see this landscape in person. I say this because – much like me – I bet that you have been seeing photos of the Banaue Rice Terraces on diagrams, on your school books, and on your peso bills ever since you were a kid. For these reasons and more, it will naturally be an amazing affair for you to see it with your own two eyes!

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How to start a successful blog, 34 comments.

hi po! this is helpful since we’re planning to spend our christmas there. if you don’t mind me asking is there a possibility that camping is allow in batad? if so do they have a camping area and camping fee?? (we’re actually backpackers and we mean carrying our own kitchenware and accommodation..hehe) thank you.. hope to get an answer before we left..God bless

Hey Nell, unfortunately, I don’t think camping is allowed there. But there are hostels around the area so that should be no problem. Enjoy your trip!

hi Aileen. Just an update from our Xmas escapade at batad. camping is allowed. we camp at the rooftop of Kuya Moses’ house, its the only house near at the Tappiya Falls, on our first night. The second night we camp at the Batad Lodging house (they have camping ground) with a fee of 100 pesos per tent. We were able to talk to some locals and told us we can camp near the terraces, you’ll just to have ask for permission though. cheers ***

Oh, that’s great to know! Hope you had an amazing trip :D

Thank you so much for this helpful post! We are going to try and go to the rice terraces next year. We don’t have that much time, so do you think it would be possible to arrive in the morning, see the site, and then leave that night?

Hey Courtnee, there are various rice terraces spots in Banaue, as seen in the map above that I have. So if you pick the easier ones that don’t need hiking at all (Batad often needs to be hiked, but can definitely be done in a day too), then it should be no problem at all. Feel free to ask advice from the hotel you’ll check in. Enjoy your trip!

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Ultimate Travel Guide to Banaue & Batad Rice Terraces: Stay, Eat, See

I was hesitant to see yet another set of rice terraces in Southeast Asia as I literally had just been to the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces in Bali , which are also appointed as UNESCO World Heritage and are certainly impressive!

And getting to Banaue is not exactly a smooth trip on the Autobahn. However, once I got there I was simply blown away. Lying at 1500 meter above sea level, the Banaue Rice Terraces are proclaimed the “Eighth Wonder of the World” and known for its majestic natural stairway to heaven.

The terraces were originally built almost entirely by hand to solve the problem of growing rice on land prone to erosion. Even today, the terraces are still fed by an ancient irrigation system.

If you have the time, I highly recommend you include Banaue and moreover Batad in your overall Philippines travel itinerary ! You definitely don't want to miss those 2000-year-old rice terraces, no matter if you have seen others around Southeast Asia.

When To Visit Banaue Rice Terraces

If you want to witness the terraces at their greenest, then the best time to visit the Banaue Rice Terraces is during April-May or October-November.

But if you prefer to see the terraces ripe for harvesting, you can enjoy its golden hue during the months of June and December.

July and August are a no-no for travellers since the rainy season makes the area very landslide-prone and you wouldn't want to go hiking here around then.

Things To See In & Around Banaue

Hapao rice terraces and hot springs.

Take a beautiful walk through the rice Hapao rice terraces and take a bath in the Bogyah hot springs at the end of it.

The walk is very scenic and this was probably one of my favourite adventures in Banaue as we got surprised by rain and thunderstorms which added to the fun of the slippery narrow track right through the rice fields. Entrance to the hot springs is free.

Banaue Rice Terraces

The 2000-year-old rice terraces you probably came here for, are also commonly referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World” however they are unfortunately not as well-maintained anymore.

Tam-an Village

This village is located 240 steps down from Banaue Hotel where you can experience the typical daily life of the Filipinos and purchase wood carvings and woven products made by locals.

It's the most visited village by tourists because of its proximity and accessibility.

Mayoyao Rice Terraces

Mayoyao rice terraces are the least visited terraces in the area due to their remote location.

It's also another 2.5 to 3-hour ride on a narrow dirt road in one of the Jeepneys.

Batad Rice Terraces

The most beautiful and best-maintained rice terraces out of the five different areas around here you have to visit, even though it takes another good hour driving from Batad.

The Batad Rice Terraces were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995 and are located at Barangay Batad, a small and remote village with a population of fewer than 1500 people.

The Batad rice terraces are only accessible by foot and will differ in color depending on the month. You can opt for a variety of treks to see the rice terraces.

If you want to get the best view of the amphitheater-like grandeur of Batad, take the 2-hour trail from Ramon’s Native Homestay to Awa View Deck. It’s challenging but worth it!

Tappiya Waterfalls

Your Batad visit would be incomplete without seeing the beautiful Tappiya Waterfalls . The beauty of this spot is not just from the view itself but the entire experience that begins with the physically challenging trek towards the waterfalls.

Mind you, the trek in itself is an adventure. You will pass up and down uneven steps. You'll balance yourself through the narrow rice terraces and the muddy path.

One cool part of the trek is that you get to stop and have a fresh coconut at one of the few little huts on the way.

The Tappiya Falls are 230 ft high and more or less a 1-hour walk from Ramon's Native Homestay where you can sleep the Ifugao way in traditional huts.

If you are keen on swimming here, head downstream where you can wade in the river. After your refreshing swim, prepare yourself for another 1-hour challenging way back.

How To Get To Banaue Rice Terraces

To get to Banaue in the Ifugao province, you will have to take a 9-hour bus ride from Manila. Depending on traffic this can take more like 10 to 15 hours.

The roads are windy and crowded with cars and trucks travelling up on Luzon island, which is also the largest and most important island in the whole Philippines. Hop on the evening bus, you get to wake up to the pristine view of the rice terraces.

There is one official bus company that I recommend using is called Ohayami Trans . Take a jumper on the bus and stock up on a few snacks as there are not many stops on the way and air-con can be very cold. Alternatively, have a look at the Florida Bus.

How Much Time To Spend In Banaue

I'd recommend spending at least 3 days, better 4 or 5 so you have time for all the hikes and maybe even travel further to explore Sagada with its amazingly creepy hanging coffins.

Where To Stay Near Banaue Rice Terraces

I stayed at Native Village Inn which proved to be an amazing choice and I cannot recommend this place enough. It's certainly nothing fancy but you get to sleep in little wooden huts among a lush green garden and the views you get all around over the rice terraces are absolutely incredible.

Almost all days, there was hot water and electricity only at certain times of the day as outages are common especially when the storms and monsoon hit in the afternoon.

Native Village Inn is actually not right in the town of Banaue but about 9km outside so you'll need to get a Jeepney or tricycle to take you there but the staff was really helpful in calling transportation whenever needed.

If you are looking to relax after a long day of exploring the eco-lodge Native Village Inn really hits it. There's Wi-Fi too but it is a bit shaky and definitely not the fastest as it is unfortunately in most parts, including the Philippines islands .

Check availability & best rates

If you are looking for another alternative, check out the following options:

• Rice Homestay : A simple guest house overlooking Banaue Town. Check availability & best rates
• Banaue Grandview Hotel : A slightly more luxurious and modern choice. Check availability & best rates
• Banaue Homestay : Cozy guest house right in the center of Banaue. Check availability & best rates

Where To Stay Near Batad Rice Terraces

Another option for accommodation would be staying directly in Batad. Check out the following accommodation options in Batad directly:

• Batad Hillside Inn : Right in the heart of town with a view over Batad Rice Terraces. Check availability & best rates
• Batad Transient House : The rooms are basic but the experience of staying between the rice terraces will take your breath away. Check availability & best rates

All are fairly basic but the views and surroundings are just killing it. Who wouldn't want to wake up to these views!!

Where To Eat In Banaue

I almost ate every day at Native Village Inn as they prepared the meals freshly and the curries were especially delicious.

For other options in town, check out the popular Las Vegas Lodge & Restaurant as they serve very affordable and flavourful meals.

Or try the homely 7th Heaven's Café where the proportions are big enough for sharing and the staff is friendly plus you get a view overlooking the town.

Book Your Trip To The Philippines

Book Your Flight I recommend using Skyscanner as the easiest way to find and compare the best airfares to and within the Philippines. Book Your Hotel My top pick for finding the perfect accommodation is Booking.com , as they guarantee the best room rate available, plus you get free cancellation on most bookings. Book Your Tours & Activities  I like finding and pre-booking tours with  Get Your Guide and Viator . You will book with instant confirmation, great customer support, and free cancellation for many activities. Access Money Overseas Without Hidden Fees  I highly recommend  getting a Wise account  to withdraw money in the Philippines, pay for meals on the Visa card, or shop in Philippine Pesos. With Wise, you always pay the real exchange, so you never pay more than you need to. Stay Connected Anywhere Getting an eSIM card from Airalo eliminates the need for physical SIM cards, so you can easily switch between mobile networks in over 190 countries worldwide without expensive roaming fees. Book Your Ferries & Buses I love and use 12Go Asia for finding all transportation options including buses, trains, and ferries across Southeast Asia. Don't Go Without Travel Insurance Travel with confidence, knowing that Hey Mondo , my preferred travel insurance provider, has your back. Don't let illness, accidents, theft, or cancellations ruin your trip. As a Breathing Travel reader, you also get 5% off any policy purchased !

Please note, this post may contain affiliate links, which means that – at absolutely no cost to you – we earn a small commission on sales generated through this website. We only recommend sites we actually use and thank you for your support!

Carolin is a travel expert born in Germany. She has been travelling around the world since 2014 and now lives in her adopted soul home Australia. Her travel advice has been featured on Forbes, Daily Mail, Yahoo!, News.com.au, Tour Radar, Expedia and she's also been named one of the top travel bloggers you need to follow by Tourism Queensland.

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Top 18 Banaue Tourist Spots: Rice Terraces and Nature Trips

1. Marvel at the Beauty of Banaue Rice Terraces

2. visit batad rice terraces, 3. see bangaan rice terraces, 4. enjoy hapao rice terraces, 5. get a panoramic view at banaue viewpoint, 6. explore banaue museum, 7. visit tam-an village, 8. see banaue ethnic village and pine forest resort, 9. discover hiwang village, 10. experience the hanging bridge, 11. marvel at the banaue arch, 12. check out aguian view deck, 13. unwind at awa view deck, 14. visit batad saddle point, 15. discover tappiya falls, 16. trek to mt. amuyao, 17. relax at bogyah hot spring, 18. hike to mt. napulawan, discover and experience banaue.

​Discover the breathtaking beauty of the province of Banaue. Discover natural wonders, fascinating attractions and have a local cultural immersion in this lovely province. Read this comprehensive guide on the top tourist spots and activities that you can add in your itinerary.

If you want to know what it feels like to be on top of the world, then you have to pay a visit to Philippines' must-see destination for people looking for an authentic countryside experience — Banaue . 

• Add tours and activities in Banaue  to maximize your travel itinerary

Located in Ifugao Province within the north of Luzon , Banaue prides itself of being the home to the famous Banaue Rice Terraces found in the PHP1000 bill but there’s more to this rustic destination than that just one rice terraces.

Banaue has preserved the generations-old traditions of its indigenous people in the Philippines for decades, making it a must-see destination for people looking for an authentic countryside experience.

Banaue is also home to Batad, an Ifugao village where one can find the Batad Rice Terraces, a high rice field that is over 2,000 years old.

See our popular Banaue Tours and Activities

Scenic 3-day sagada shared tour package from manila with side trip to banaue & baguio highlands, 2-day trip to buscalan village, home of legendary tattoo artist apo whang-od, amazing 8-day north luzon region nature & adventure tour package from manila city.

Banaue also offers a myriad of activities to choose from including visiting a museum and an ethnic village and soaking up the greatness of nature with falls and hot springs to name a few.

Traveling to Banaue is not a walk in the park. A trip from the Philippines’ capital, Manila, takes about nine hours and can only be done by bus, van, or jeepney, a mode of transportation unique to the Philippines.

Despite this, don’t get discouraged for Banaue offers more than just beauty but a whole lot of unique experiences you shouldn’t miss.

If you’re planning a trip to Banaue, below are some tourist attractions that you should take note of and add to your itinerary.

Banaue is the entry point to the rice terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras. A trip to this highland is not complete without checking out the local wonders of the Philippines on this side of the country.

You can explore its rice terrace clusters, five of which have been recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites : the Batad Rice Terraces, Nagacadan Rice Terraces, Hungduan (Hapao) Rice Terraces, Mayoyao Rice Terraces, and Bangaan Rice Terraces.

Although not a UNESCO World Heritage site due to the presence of modern structures surrounding it, Banaue Rice Terraces is still considered a National Cultural Treasure of the country.

It is commonly referred to by the locals in Banaue as the 8th Wonder of the World. So, you should still include it in your itinerary to get a complete feel of what Banaue has to offer.

While some tourists opt for just a quick glance at the rice terraces as a proud moment since it’s famous for being in the PHP1000 bill, overnight treks make the experience more unique.

You can join a Banaue heritage tour  or customize your own if you’re traveling with a group.

It is one of the five inscribed clusters declared as UNESCO World Heritage Sites alongside Nagacadan Rice Terraces, Hungduan Rice Terraces, Mayoyao Rice Terraces, and Bangaan Rice Terraces.

To start your Batad adventure, you’ll have to get to the town proper of Banaue, about 18 kilometers away from Batad. From Banaue, you will have to register at the tourism office and pay an environmental fee.

Then, you can take a public jeep to an area called Saddle, the endpoint of all public commuter vehicles going to Batad.

Other alternative transportation to Saddle is a private jeep or a tricycle that you can charter. The journey to the Saddle is about one hour. Once you’ve been dropped off, you need to walk for at least 20 minutes to get to the village of Batad. So, your Batad daydream begins.

These amphitheater-like rice terraces are a favorite among local and foreign tourists. If it is your first time, get ready to find yourself in awe of its natural beauty.

But admiring it is more than just looking out into the vast emptiness, with the blue sky and lush greenery stretching before you; admiring it means hiking and trekking the rice terraces and discovering hidden gems such as Tappiya Falls and Awa View Deck.

Although less popular than its neighboring rice terraces, Bangaan Rice Terraces is yet another wondrous landscape to see. From the town proper of Banaue, you may take a jeepney bound to Bangaan or hire a tricycle for a half-day trip.

Bangaan is 15 kilometers from the town proper via the town of Mayoyao and almost one kilometer after the Batad junction.

Staying in Bangaan will make you appreciate the simplicity of life with only the basic accommodation available to tourists, allowing you to mingle with the locals and observe their everyday musings.

Expect to be surrounded by the sight of the valley, the fields, the mountains, and a couple of traditional Ifugao houses which are wooden huts with cogon roofing.

To explore Bangaan Rice Terraces, you will have to trek down for around 20 minutes. Be prepared to have your physical strength tested as it can also be a grueling hike back for those who are not physically fit.

If you’re looking for a more challenging hike, Bangaan can also be your jump-off point for an even longer journey, one that traverses the Bangaan Rice Terraces to Batad and continues to the villages of Cambulo and Pula and ends in Banaue.

What makes these rice terraces unique from the rest is that it’s the longest yet the easiest to trek due to its gentle slopes. The terraces are made of solid stone walls with heights reaching up to 20 feet. Its view deck is also just beside the road making it easier to bask in its captivating beauty. 

Although the hike is a lot easier, getting to Hungduan is not, as you will have to pass through bumpy mountain roads. But it’s worth it once you’re greeted with the picturesque greenery.

Hapao also offers relaxing views of mountain streams, a river in the middle of the trail, and of Bogyah Hot Springs that you can take advantage of after a day of traveling and trekking.

The hike can be made more memorable by hiring a local guide who can tell you more about Hungduan, its people and culture, and some secret spots hidden in the hills.

Having a quick stop at any of these viewpoints will give you a chance to interact with the locals and take snapshots of elderly Igorot and Bontoc women clad in their full tribal wear.

There are also souvenir shops on the way to the viewpoints for those shopping for mementos and local cafes for a quick refreshment.

Revel in the rich history and culture of the Igorots by observing the vintage photographs depicting the life of the people, books written by famous anthropologist Otley Beyer who moved to Banaue in the 1900s, and some treasured jewelry, weaponry, Igorot artifacts, and traditional clothing and mountain baskets.

There's an entrance fee to the museum and it’s open from 7AM to 4PM every day.

It gives a glimpse of the typical life of the locals with the native houses and the rice terraces surrounding it. To get to this village, simply get off at Banaue Hotel and walk downhill.

It’s better to visit this village while it’s still being preserved by the people. With time and economic challenges slowly threatening the community’s sustainability, it will not be long enough until the Tam-An heritage will be damaged.

Make sure to respect the culture of the people and practice responsible tourism when you visit though to help preserve the heritage of Tam-An.

If you’re looking for one of the best places to stay in Banaue, then Banaue Ethnic Village and Pine Forest Resort just might as well be on your list.

Just around 7 kilometers away from the town proper and just about 2 kilometers past the Banaue Viewpoint, this accommodation can easily be accessed via a jeepney.

It gives tourists a more authentic experience with its accommodations designed like native Ifugao huts. You can choose from several accommodation options, from standard rooms to modern and traditional Ifugao houses.

And because it’s tucked away from the hustle of the town, you’re sure to have a peaceful vacation surrounded by rice paddies and pine trees, occasional chirping of the birds, and a chilly, cool breeze from the riverside.

There’s also an organic farm and a pool with water coming from natural spring, giving guests like you a more relaxing experience.

If you want to bring home some intricately sculptured rice gods, also known as bululs by the locals, Hiwang Village has some of the best to offer. Houses in Hiwang Village are carefully preserved by the locals.

Don’t be shocked to find skulls displayed outside of the native huts too as this is part of their culture, a practice where heads were cut off during headhunting and skewed on a bamboo. After offering it to the chieftain, it will then be buried until the skin rots for two years before it is put outside the house.

The bridge also serves as a connection to Batad, home to the Batad Rice Terraces.

If you have seen photos of tourists with a welcome arch in Banaue as their backdrop, that’s the Banaue’s Arch. It may be unimpressive for some but still a good starting point for your Banaue adventure.

Here you will find little stalls selling snacks for starving tourists who were just about to end their close to 9-hour long road trip from Manila. A quick look on the side of the arch and you will almost catch a glimpse of the beauty that awaits you.

Located along Banaue Bontoc road, this view deck is just 10 to 15 minutes away from the town proper and offers tourists a beautiful scenery of the terraces.

It’s best to check out this viewpoint in the morning until noon as it may get foggier in the afternoon. There are also souvenir shops where you can find Ifugao wood carvings and accessories.

If you want the best view of the Batad Rice Terraces, go trek to Awa View Deck and be treated to a panoramic view of the century-old treasure. To get to this spot, you will have to endure steep descents and ascents for more than an hour.

This is not for the faint-hearted. It’s best to start the trek in the morning when the chilly air can still kiss your skin and make the hike more tolerable.

Awa View Deck is also a start-off point for those looking to visit Sitio Patpat, a little village with its own share of rice terraces too.

Expect to experience a more grueling trek on your way back with rocky and slippery land to step on. So, if you’re worried about getting hungry and draining your energy in both ways, make sure to bring extra food with you.

Exploring the Batad Rice Terraces and coming from Banaue will not be possible without passing by Batad Saddle Point, the entry point to the UNESCO World Heritage site.

You can charter a jeepney, that travels twice daily, from Banaue to get here.

Soak up not only the beauty of the Batad Rice Terraces but also the refreshing water from Tappiya Falls, a hidden gem nestled within the villages of the Cordilleras.

Yet another challenging trek is needed to find it though because as with all things in life, nothing good comes easy. So, prepare yourself to be mesmerized with this waterfall after a long journey.

You may begin your hour-long trek from Ramon’s Native Homestay. There are resting camps along the way, enough for you to refuel for the rest of the trip. If any, this trek to the falls will also give you a closer look at the rice terraces.

Bring a walking stick with you to make your step easier as you will be encountering muddy slopes and slippery footpaths. If you want to stay and swim a little longer, try starting your Tappiya adventure early morning.

If you're craving for some real mountain hiking, the Cordilleras have mountains you can conquer, aside from trekking the rice terraces. One of which is Mt. Amuyao, a 2,702-meter-high mountain, which is located in Sitio Macalana in Barlig and is the highest peak in the Mountain Province.

It is popular among seasoned hikers so do not force yourself to hike it if you’re not physically ready. Before you can hike Mt. Amuyao, you will need to register first at the Municipal Tourism Office of Barlig and pay a corresponding fee.

Hiring a guide is also required. You may also choose to hike overnight. Hiking Mt. Amuyao takes around three to five hours, depending on your group’s pace. Side trips to other spots such as Tomallan Falls, Monkingub Falls, and Lake Tufub among others can also take up your time.

The cold weather atop the highest point in the Philippines calls for a refreshing warm dip. Thanks to Bogyah Hot Spring, you’re sure to have exactly what you need.

Located at the upper part of the Hapao River and sandwiched between Barangays Hapao and Baang, Bogyah Hot Spring can be accessed via a close to 40-minute hike from the national road, beside the muddy rice paddies of Hapao Rice Terraces.

If you have never walked atop a high rice field before, then this will be one for the books so make sure to document every step. However, it’s not as hard as the trail going to Tappiya Falls. With temperatures ranging from 39 to 40°, your aching muscles from all those treks will definitely be soothed.

Another gem of Hungduan in Ifugao Province is Mt. Napulawan not only for being enchanting but because of its historical significance. It was believed to be the mountain where the Japanese Imperial Army General Tomoyuki Yamashita sought refuge during the war.

Its name, derived from the Ifugao word “pulaw”, which means “white” which perfectly describes the sea of clouds that surround the top of the mountain. The trails—Hungduan and Hapao—are both very challenging with Hungduan being the more common jump off point among hikers.

Visiting Banaue requires a lot of logistical planning and coordination if you want to make the most out of your visit especially with some areas being incredibly challenging to reach. Banaue isn’t a highly recognized destination around the world for nothing.

Its rice terraces will not be declared as UNESCO World Heritage Sites only because of the picturesque views it offers to the spectators, but because of the historical significance it holds, the culture it represents, and the timeless heritage its story is reflective of.

Banaue is also home to the Cordillera mountain ranges, an equally important refuge during the Second World War.

It will also not be worth every dime if you won’t have an experience of a lifetime. So, if you’re a culture geek, travel through the native Ifugao villages and get to know the locals, most of whom have knowledge passed down from generations before them.

Learn how they preserve their heritage firsthand and bask in the rich knowledge about their artifacts, designs, traditions, tribal wear, wooden carvings, and folk tales.

For those who are thirsty for some active adventures, you won’t run out of treks and hikes to do as the rice terraces themselves are nestled within forests and mountains. And because Banaue is high land, there is a handful of other mountains to hike.

Lastly, with the perfect play of nature in Banaue, you won’t have to worry about relaxing and reconnecting with the world. It’s the best place to detox from the highs and lows of life; the hustle and bustle of the city.

To say that the journey is long, and might be rough when you decide to go to Banaue may be true.

But, as with all journey that brings immense joy and memorable experiences, the difficulties consist of hour-long treks, half-day road trips, and slippery mountain slopes are all well worth it in the end. You’re on top of the world, after all.

Banaue is close to other great tourist destinations such as Sagada and Baguio. Check out  Baguio tours and activities that you can add to your bucket list during your trip in the Northern Philippines .

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Banaue Tours | Best Banaue Rice Terraces Tours

Home to UNESCO World Heritage Site - Banaue Rice Terraces

Banaue , about 320km in the north of Manila , is a remote and beautiful town located in the Ifugao province of the Philippines , known for its stunning rice terraces that have been carved into the mountains by the indigenous people over 2,000 years ago. These rice terraces have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site and are considered one of the most beautiful landscapes in Asia.

How to plan a Banaue tour?

The best months to visit the Banaue Rice Terraces are April to May and October to November. It is highly recommended to take about 2 days to fully explore this enchanting area. You can travel from Manila to Banaue for a short round trip, or plan a Manila-Banaue-Sagada-Baguio trip in one go. All tours are customizable based on your interests, likes, and budget.

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Ultimate Guide to the Banaue, Hapo and Batad Rice Terraces

For years we’ve dreamed of visiting the famed Banaue rice terraces of Ifugao in the Philippines. These rice terraces are commonly known as the “ 8th wonder of the world ”. But, when we started researching our trip, stories of deterioration due to climate change, irresponsible tourism and the migration of young people made us hesitant to make the long and inconvenient journey.

However, since we were going to be in the Philippines anyway we decided to go and see for ourselves. After all, if these spectacular collaborations between man and nature were in danger of disappearing then that alone is a reason to go now.

We are so glad we did. It was just as beautiful as the photos we’d seen. It felt like we’d stepped back in time to catch a glimpse of life as it was centuries ago.

History of the Ifugao Rice Terraces

The construction and cultivation of the Banaue rice terraces began more than 2,000 years ago. The Ifugao tribes people carved the terraces into the hillside with their bare hands creating steps climbing thousands of feet into the sky.

They then planted the rice and created a system of harvesting water from the mountaintop forests which they used to flood the rice fields. Understandably they are considered to be one of the most impressive engineering feats of all time.

The terraces themselves and the art of cultivation have since been handed down from generation to generation. Still today rice is cultivated and harvested purely by hand by the same families from centuries ago. The tradition has also been maintained that all the communities work together on a rotating schedule at planting and harvest time.

This means that there has never been any need for hired hands. Sadly though this may change as many of the younger generations are now opting to move to the cities seeking a different life.

Thankfully, the Ifugao Rice Terraces Rehabilitation and Preservation Act was passed a few years back paving the way for restoration efforts and steps to sustainability.

Banaue Rice Terraces

The overnight bus from Manila brought us to the town of Banaue where we would spend 2 nights. The Banaue rice terraces are the best known but there are several others in the area that are arguably even more picturesque.

In fact, the Banaue rice terraces themselves are not even considered to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Their proximity to modern-day structures took them out of the running. There are some good viewpoints of the Banaue rice terraces on the edge of town but to really get a fully immersive experience of the area’s rice terraces it is best to venture further out.

Hapao Rice Terraces

Arriving at 7 am, after a grueling night on the bus, left us tempted to just crawl into bed for a few hours. But since we only had two nights in Banaue we instead drank some coffee and started checking out options for our first look at the rice terraces.

After chatting with one of the “travel agents” in our hotel we chose the Hapao rice terraces in Hungduan. They are just a short distance from the town of Banaue making for an easier first day. We were able to find another couple interested in visiting Hapao and together we negotiated a private shuttle and tour guide for 900 Pesos per person.

After a brief stop at a viewpoint of the Banaue rice terraces, we were dropped at a local shop on the side of the road and were introduced to our guide. His betel nut-stained teeth and weathered skin made him appear much older than his 40 years. However, he was friendly and agile and knew every inch of the Hapao rice terraces.

We enjoyed his guidance so much that we asked if he would be our guide for Batad the following day. He told us that would not be possible as guides are restricted to the areas of their heritage. Having grown up in Hungduan he could only guide us through Hapao.

Although the Hapao rice terraces are not as favored by tourists as Banaue and Batad they really are a sight not to be missed. The terraces are much wider and the terrain less steep and more sprawling than some of its counterparts making for a lovely leisurely walk with stunning photo ops.

For about ninety minutes we walked along the stone walls that create the divided terraces. We had to be careful to keep our balance and not slip down into the rice fields below. Eventually, we reached a hot springs pool. The pool is small and in the late afternoon, it fills with locals enjoying their daily baths. But at the time we arrived there were only a couple of other tourists there.

Tip: Bring a swimsuit and towel to enjoy a soak in the pool. Unfortunately, we weren’t told this fact and were only able to roll up our pant legs and soak our feet.

After our hot springs break we continued traversing the terrace walls, meeting with locals and watching and learning about rice cultivation. The other special thing about the Hapao rice terraces is the horseshoe layout. This allows for a looped walk that circles the small valley. The valley contains a church and school along with some of the traditional homes giving a glimpse into local life.

Batad Rice Terraces

On our second day, we chose to visit the Batad Rice Terraces.

It takes about 90 minutes by jeepney to go from Banaue to the Saddle which is the starting point for the hike to the Batad rice terraces. You can do this journey in a few ways. The top choices are Jeepney (either private hire or by tour) or tricycle (cheaper but much less comfortable). If you’re really fit (and crazy) you can take a public jeep to the Batad junction and then walk the 3 km uphill.

Keep in mind that from the Saddle it is another 3 km hike just to get to the top of the rice fields. Then you have to hike down into the valley, cross it and then climb back up.

Many people actually choose to stay in Batad overnight. We have to say that when we arrived at the rice terraces we were a bit disappointed that we hadn’t planned to do the same. There are a few rustic but fairly comfortable-looking accommodation choices (see below). The thought that we would miss out on waking up to the spectacular views overlooking the rice terraces was almost heartbreaking.

Alas, instead we had opted for a guided full-day tour from 8:30 am-5 pm. We started by hiking from the Saddle down to Rita’s Mountview Inn & Restaurant and pre-ordered a late lunch for our return. After a cold drink, our adventure really began.

The terrain of the Batad rice terraces is much steeper and the valley much narrower than the sprawling Hapao creating a very different scene and a much harder hike. Since we were starting at the top of the mountain the first half of our journey was downhill as we descended into the valley far below.

Tip: We decided to rent the walking sticks offered at the Saddle and found them really helpful.

After about 2 1/2 hours we reached the valley and continued across it toward the Tappiya Falls. The trail down to the foot of the falls is quite steep and slippery so careful trekking is required. But oh is it worth it!

The weather was a bit grey and wet so we weren’t quite hot enough for more than a foot paddle. However, on a hot day, these falls would be bliss. As it was there were several brave souls playing in the chilly water.

Feeling rejuvenated after a rest and a snack we were ready to begin the long hike back uphill. I’m not going to lie, it was tough. Good muscle stamina and cardio are definitely helpful. Not saying you have to be an elite athlete by any means but being in decent physical shape does make it much more enjoyable.

The landscape of the Batad rice terraces is very different from Hapao. But is equally stunning and maybe even more awe-inspiring when you consider these terraces were built by hand on this steep terrain. After a leg and lung-burning climb back up to Rita’s, we were almost giddy with excitement at the thought of an ice-cold drink and a delicious lunch. We were not disappointed.

But we were not quite done, there was still the hike back up to the Saddle.

Exhausted and with a huge sense of accomplishment and awe at what we had seen we jumped back in the jeepney to Banaue and pretty much fell into bed for a couple of hours before heading in search of dinner.

How to Get to Banaue

As mentioned earlier, getting to Banaue is not super convenient. It is inland far north of Manila and nowhere near the beautiful islands and beaches the Philippines are so known for. But again it is well worth the effort.

If coming from Manila you really only have one choice, the 9-hour overnight Ohayami bus. In our experience, it is not a luxury bus by any means and tends to get overbooked. We highly suggest advance reservations of at least a week if possible.

If you are organized and book far enough in advance to select your seats definitely avoid the very back row. It is five cramped seats across that do not recline and we can tell you from experience it’s nearly impossible to sleep here.

There are also makeshift “seats” that fold out along the center aisle which would be even worse than the back row. From what we can tell these are for the people that didn’t book in advance and seemed to be mainly locals.

Tips: Bring something to use as a blanket and pillow if you want to get any sleep. Snacks are also a good idea although they do make a late-night stop for food and drinks.

Where to Stay in Banaue

In Banaue, there are quite a few accommodation options but they are all fairly basic. In our opinion, homestays are usually a well-priced and comfortable favorite. We suggest The Banaue Homestay and the Bogah Home Stay as good choices.

In Batad there is much less choice but we were told by fellow travelers that Ramon’s Native Homestay is a good pick for a unique place to stay.

If none of these are available or aren’t what you’re looking for we always recommend Agoda for Asia accommodations.

When to Go to Banaue and Batad Rice Terraces

Due to changes in the climate and also in the culture plus the somewhat rotating schedule of the various terraces it isn’t as easy as it once was to declare the best time of year to go.

To see the fields at their greenest go a little after planting season. To see them in their golden glory go just before harvesting. Between harvest time and planting time the fields are barren and some would say the least beautiful time to go but in our opinion, if that’s all your schedule allows for it’s still worth the trip.

Generally speaking, planting season is early in the year making with harvesting being done late summer to fall. However, we would suggest you do some research on the specific areas you are going to for the up-to-date planting schedule.

We went in early March and although it wasn’t yet at its greenest and was nowhere near the golden hues of harvest time I think you’ll agree it was beautiful.

Tours of Banaue and Batad Rice Terraces

There are tour companies that you can book with in advance but from our experience, it’s not necessary and is usually more expensive. If you want to have a guided tour there are plenty of options. You will find “travel agents” everywhere. They will greet you at the bus, or you’ll find them hanging around the restaurants and hotels and most of the staff will also set you up.

Tip: Just be sure but take time to get the details and pricing before deciding and if you can round up some other travelers you can get a better deal for a group. And as always in Southeast Asia there is usually room to negotiate.

You can also just hire a trike or jeepney to take you to the start of the terraces and attempt the walk yourself but we found it was better to have a guide. Without one, you’d be taking a chance of not seeing the best spots and viewpoints and even getting a bit lost.

We actually had a couple of pretty fit young guys join our little group at the hot springs telling tales of slipping down hills and walking lost for hours before we rescued them. Plus the tour guides are all locals and this is how they make a living so we were happy to contribute.

What to Bring to Banaue

Light backpack : You will want to carry water, snacks, camera and also have a place for your layers when you don’t need them.

Water bottle : We are really appalled when we travel at the overuse of plastic disposable water bottles. It’s true you need to buy bottled water in many countries but we try to minimize our footprint by buying large bottles and refilling our own. You can also get water bottles with a built-in filter like the LifeStraw Go which allows you to use local tap water.

Layers : The weather is much cooler here in the mountains and is also quite wet at times so definitely bring layers for warmth that you can peel off when you warm up from the hike. Also a lightweight water-resistant top layer.

Good Shoes : You will need decent shoes for the rice terrace hikes. I really like the multi-purpose Merrell hiking water shoes as they are good for so many activities and are also water resistant.

Lightweight towel : If you plan to dip in the hot springs or waterfall a light & quick drying microfiber towel is good to have.

Hat : A hat is always good to have no matter what the weather. On a sunny day it helps keep you cool by shading your head and if it’s raining it will keep your head dry.

Snacks : We brought some fruit, nuts and a couple of chocolate bars for energy.

Camera : This is a given I’m sure but as good as your mobile phone camera may be this is an experience worthy of something a bit better if you have it. We did bring our bulky DSLR but actually left it in our backpack much of the time in favor of the lighter and easier to carry GoPro. We love our GoPro Hero4 and don’t regret a single dollar we spent on it.

Final Thoughts of Banaue and Batad Rice Terraces

If you plan to go to the Philippines definitely try to save a few days to head north to the Banaue rice terraces. We know it may be hard to tear yourself away from the paradise of places like Palawan and Boracay but we promise you will not be disappointed. The Banaue and surrounding rice terraces are an extraordinary sight steeped in history and culture that shows the tenacity and ingenuity of man. Also, they are a great example of balanced travel as you combine nature, exercise, tourism, culture and education…something we know that followers of Live Dream Discover love to experience!

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Born in England, Sarah developed her wanderlust at a young age as she traveled around Europe with her parents. As a young adult she spent every penny she could on experiences as opposed to possessions. Eventually she found a way to earn a living doing what she loved: traveling, writing and capturing images of the wondrous world we live in. When not on the go Sarah enjoys time in her “sometimes home” of Vancouver.

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Banaue - The amazing rice terraces

World Heritage Site

The Banaue Rice Terraces are part of the rice terraces of the Ifugao tribe, which are included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List (Banaue Rice Terraces of the Cordilleras, Batad, Mayoyao, and Hungduan in Ifugao). The terraces are considered one of the globally significant agricultural heritage sites and have been chosen as one of the country’s two “Green” global sites by international travelers and tour guides. It has also won an international historical award from the American Society of Civil Engineers.

The place is known as the “Eighth Wonder of the World” according to the country’s tourism offices and local marketers. This remarkable structure showcases the engineering ingenuity of the ancient Ifugao tribe, with some claiming that it was built by their forefathers over two thousand years ago.

Banaue, located in the Ifugao province of the Philippines, is known for its breathtaking rice terraces, often referred to as the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World.’ Here is an overview:

• Batad Rice Terraces

The Batad Rice Terraces are ancient man-made structures dating back 2,000 to 6,000 years and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Carved into the mountains of Ifugao by the ancestors of the natives, these terraces are irrigated by ancient mountain springs and streams, primarily used for rice and vegetable cultivation.

• Cultural Significance

The rice terraces not only showcase the engineering prowess of the Ifugao people but also their sophisticated agricultural and communal practices. Ifugao culture is deeply intertwined with rice cultivation, and the rice’s life cycle and the seasons of water are inseparable from their cultural, spiritual, and social lives.

• Key Attractions

Banaue Viewpoint: One of the most photographed spots, where tourists can get a panoramic view of the terraces. Tappiya Waterfall: A popular spot for refreshing swims, the waterfalls are within walking distance from the main viewpoint. Tam-awan Village: A traditional Ifugao village that offers insights into the local way of life. Bangaan Village: Another village with traditional Ifugao houses and terraces surrounding it.

• Indigenous People and Culture

The Ifugao people resisted Spanish colonial influence and have preserved their ancient traditions, customs, and ancestral practices. Ifugao houses, known as ‘Bale,’ are characterized by their high cogon grass roofs and elevated wooden floors, supported by four sturdy wooden posts. Traditional Ifugao attire is handwoven and colorful. “Bulul” statues or rice guardians are integral to Ifugao culture.

• Events and Festivals

Imbayah Festival: A significant cultural event celebrated in April, featuring Ifugao traditions, dances, sports, and wood carving skills.

• Arrival and Accommodation

Banaue is accessible by road from Manila, which takes approximately 9-10 hours by bus. The route offers scenic views as it passes through mountains and valleys. In the town, there is a variety of accommodation options, ranging from budget hostels to more comfortable lodges.

The town is also accessible through Cauayan Airport (CYZ), where there are direct flights from Manila. From there, a breathtaking 4-hour drive will take you to the town.

>> Flights to Banaue (and other transportation options)

• Environmental Concerns and Preservation

The rice terraces face challenges due to erosion, climate changes, and occasional neglect, especially as younger Ifugao people migrate to urban areas in search of better opportunities. Local and international efforts have been made to preserve and restore the terraces. Restoration and maintenance often require traditional techniques passed down through generations.

Tourism has brought both blessings and challenges. It has undoubtedly provided economic benefits but has also posed challenges in terms of waste management and potential over commercialization of cultural sites. If you plan to visit, it is crucial to respect local customs and traditions, considering the significance of the rice terraces to the identity and way of life of the Ifugao people.

Banaue, located in Ifugao, the Philippines, with its breathtaking landscape and rich cultural heritage, offers a variety of activities and places to explore. If you’re considering a trip, here are some recommended things to do in Banaue:

• Hiking: Join guided hikes on the terraces. The hikes can range from easy walks to more demanding treks, depending on your location and fitness level.
• Sunrise Viewing: Visit viewpoint spots early in the morning to witness a stunning sunrise over the terraces.
• Batad Village: Often considered the most beautiful among the rice terraces, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The trek to Batad is more challenging but rewarding.
• Tam-an Village and Bangaan Village: These are traditional Ifugao villages where you can see authentic houses and meet the locals.
• Located near Batad, about an hour’s trek from the village, the waterfall is a perfect spot for a refreshing dip.
• Cordillera Sculpture Museum: Learn about the rich cultural heritage of the Cordillera region.
• Participate in Local Festivals: If you time your visit right, you can witness the Imbayah Festival or other local celebrations showcasing traditional dances, rituals, and games.
• Traditional Handicrafts: Watch the intricate handwoven textiles and the skilled woodcarving of the locals.
• Sample traditional dishes like “Pinikpikan” (chicken dish), “Binukol” (chicken soup with young coconut), and locally grown rice.
• Purchase Souvenirs: In Banaue, there are several souvenir shops where you can buy local artwork, including handwoven items, wooden sculptures, and beadwork.In Banaue, you’ll find a wide selection of souvenir shops, especially known for their handcrafted wooden sculptures, a craft for which the Ifugao people are renowned. You can purchase a variety of items, including “Bulul” (carvings of revered figures) and the “Agabi” bench, which is associated with the highest social status in the Ifugao community.
• Participate in Workshops: Some local organizations and hosts offer workshops on traditional handicrafts, agriculture, or cooking.
• Engage in Ecotourism Activities: Several organizations in the area promote sustainable tourism, where you can participate in activities that help the environment or the community. For example, volunteer in projects related to terrace restoration or tree planting.
• Stay in a Traditional Ifugao House: To get an authentic experience, consider staying in a “Bayle” or a traditional Ifugao hut. Some of them are available for tourists.
• Explore Nearby Areas: Places like Sagada and Baguio City are within reach and can be combined with your visit to Banaue for a more extensive exploration of Northern Luzon.From the town of Banaue, which serves as the gateway to the famous rice terraces and rich cultural heritage of the Ifugao region, there are several tours that visitors typically embark on. Here are some of the best tours you can consider:
• Batad Rice Terraces Tour: Duration: Full day or overnight Description: Trek through the Batad rice terraces in an amphitheater-like formation, visit Tappiya Falls for a refreshing swim, and stay overnight in the village to experience local life.
• Hapao Rice Terraces and Warm Springs Tour: Duration: Full day Description: Explore the beautiful Hapao rice terraces and relax in the warm springs of Hapao.
• Bangaan Village and Viewpoint Tour: Duration: Half-day to a full day Description: Get a glimpse of traditional Ifugao village life in Bangaan and enjoy panoramic views of the rice terraces from various viewpoints.
• Banaue Viewpoint and Museum Tour: Duration: Half-day Description: Visit the main viewpoints in Banaue for stunning vistas of the terraces and then explore the Banaue Museum to learn about the region’s history and culture.
• Sagada Tour: Duration: Full day or overnight (Sagada is approximately 2-3 hours away from Banaue) Description: Explore Sumaguing and Lumiang caves, witness the hanging coffins, visit Echo Valley, and experience the cool climate and unique culture of Sagada.
• Mayoyao Rice Terraces Tour: Duration: Full day Description: Mayoyao, less frequented compared to Batad or Banaue, offers stunning rice terraces and an authentic experience of Ifugao culture.
• Kiangan Rice Terraces and Ifugao Museum Tour: Duration: Full-day Description: Explore another stunning group of terraces in Kiangan and visit the Ifugao Museum to dive deeper into the region’s history.
• Mount Amuyao Trek: Duration: 2-3 days Description: This one’s for adventurers! Mount Amuyao is one of the tallest peaks in Luzon, and the trek offers panoramic views of the Cordillera mountains and the rice terraces.

Tips for Choosing and Booking Tours:

Local Recommendations: Consider hiring local guides. They provide insights that enrich the experience and ensure you respect local customs. Personalization: Some tour operators allow personalized route customization based on your interests.

Physical Fitness: Certain treks, especially those in Batad, can be quite demanding. Make sure you are aware of the physical requirements before booking.

Friendly Operators: Choose tour operators engaged in responsible tourism, minimizing environmental impact and supporting local communities. Advance Booking: Especially during peak tourist seasons, it’s advisable to book tours in advance.

Always remember to respect local customs and traditions. Banaue and its surroundings are not just tourist destinations; they are living communities with deep-rooted traditions. Enjoy your visit while making a positive impact!

>> Banaue Trip – 4 Days and 3 Nights (Recommended!) >> Batad Rice Terraces – Enchanting and Unique Place – Click here.

Hapao Rice Terraces, another incredible example of Ifugao ingenuity, form breathtaking stepped fields on the mountainside. While not as globally renowned as the Banaue or Batad terraces, the Hapao Rice Terraces offer an equally captivating experience and are less frequented by tourists, providing a more tranquil setting.

Activities in and around the Hapao Rice Terraces: Trekking: It’s highly recommended to explore the terraces on foot. The undulating patterns of the terraces against the backdrop of lush forests and clear skies are a sight to behold.

Hapao’s Hot Springs: Located near the terraces, Hapao’s hot springs are a perfect place to relax and rejuvenate after a trek. The warm, natural springs surrounded by nature offer therapeutic benefits.

Traditional Village Life: The village surrounding the Hapao terraces gives visitors a chance to glimpse into the daily lives of the Ifugao people. This includes traditional agriculture, fishing, and other cultural practices.

Photography : With its scenic beauty, the Hapao Rice Terraces provide numerous opportunities for photography. From the intricate patterns of the terraces to the daily activities of the locals, there is much to capture.

Cultural Immersion: Interacting with the locals can provide a deeper understanding of their customs, traditions, and way of life. Visitors can learn about community farming methods, rituals related to rice cultivation, and the significance of rice terraces in Ifugao culture.

Homestay Experience : Some local families offer homestay accommodations, allowing tourists to immerse themselves fully in Ifugao’s way of life. It also provides a unique opportunity to taste authentic local cuisine and participate in daily tasks.

How to Get There: The Hapao Rice Terraces are located near the municipality of Hungduan, approximately 16 kilometers from Banaue. While the road is mostly challenging and steep, the journey is well worth the destination. It’s advisable to hire a local guide or join a tour to ensure the best experience and avoid getting lost.

Note: As always, when visiting culturally and ecologically sensitive areas like these, it is crucial to show respect. Stick to marked trails, avoid littering, and be mindful of local customs and traditions.

The Batad Rice Terraces are undeniably one of the most stunning and iconic landscapes in the Philippines and the world. Located within the Cordillera mountain range in northern Luzon, Batad is a remote village within the Banaue municipality of Ifugao province. Its rice terraces are often likened to a half-circle amphitheater due to their unique semi-circular layout.

Activities in and around the Batad Rice Terraces:

• Trekking: Batad offers various trekking routes that allow visitors to explore the rice terraces up close. The trails can be steep and challenging, but the panoramic views are rewarding.
• Tappiya Falls: A popular trek from Batad village, Tappiya Falls is approximately a 1.5-hour hike away. The waterfall cascades into a natural pool, providing a refreshing place for swimming, though the water can be cold after the strenuous hike.
• Village Tour: The Batad village itself is a testament to traditional Ifugao culture. Visitors can explore the traditional Ifugao houses known as “bale” and interact with the locals to gain insight into their way of life.
• Viewpoint: The viewpoint offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the Batad amphitheater. While the trek to the viewpoint can be challenging, it provides an excellent vantage point for photographers and nature enthusiasts.
• Cultural Immersion: Engage with the local community by participating in traditional activities, learning about their rituals, or simply having a conversation over a cup of local coffee.
• Homestay Experience: To gain a deeper understanding of Ifugao life, consider staying with a local family in Batad. This provides an opportunity to taste authentic local cuisine and immerse yourself in their daily routines.

How to Get There: Batad is not directly accessible by car. Visitors typically take a jeepney or tricycle ride from Banaue to the Batad saddle point. From there, it’s about a 40-minute to 1-hour trek downhill to Batad village.

Conservation: The Batad Rice Terraces, along with other terraces in the region, were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995 under the collective title “Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras.” Conservation efforts continue as the terraces face natural threats, changing weather patterns, and the migration of younger generations to urban areas.

Travel Tips:

• Wear comfortable trekking shoes, as the trails can be steep and rugged, especially during the rainy season.
• Consider hiring a local guide. They not only know the best trails and viewpoints but also contribute to the local economy.
• Bring essentials such as water, snacks, and rain gear, especially if you plan to spend the whole day trekking.
• Respect local customs and traditions. The people of Ifugao take great pride in their heritage, so it’s essential to be aware of this during your visit.

In summary, the Batad Rice Terraces offer a unique blend of natural beauty, rich cultural experiences, and a living testament to the harmonious relationship between the Ifugao people and their environment.

Unique Attractions in the Area

If you’re looking for something unique, you can try riding wooden scooters called “tustos.” These are practical scooters that are handcrafted from full oak wood and can be rented at a low price. The tustos can reach speeds of up to 80 km/h downhill. They are lightweight and easy to assemble, with wooden wheels padded with rubber coating and foot pedals for manual braking, specially designed for mountainous terrain. To ride uphill, use your feet similarly to the “kick-push” effect seen in the popular television series “The Flintstones.”

The Stunning Views from Above…

The best way to get a breathtaking view of the magnificent rice terraces is, of course, from the highest point. After a few body-stretching exercises, begin your journey on a trek to the highest viewpoints from the Banaue mountains, which takes about an hour’s walk.

There are numerous viewpoints along the trail, especially on the way to the town of Bontoc. Your efforts at the mountain’s summit will reward you with a panoramic view towards the enchanting terraces of Ifugao.

Activities and Attractions Unique to Banaue

Just when you thought you had seen everything, two guys appear, surfing on “wakeskates” down the rice terraces of Banaue, enjoying as never before.

When a video appeared on the internet showing extreme sports pioneers Brian Grubb from the United States and Dominik Preisner from Germany speeding on wakeskates down the Banaue rice terraces, an immediate outcry erupted, accusing them of disrespecting and damaging the ancient wonder, a site over a thousand years old. The issue sparked extensive discussions on various social networks, appeared on local and international news channels, and was featured in newspapers, with many expressing their concerns.

What is the ultimate stance or conclusion on the matter? Did some of the rice terraces indeed get affected by the actions of the athletes? Did they disrespect the Ifugao people and their leaders? According to Banaue’s former Mayor, Jerry Difug, the answer is no. Difug took care to ensure that no portion of the terraces would be damaged during the stunt. The elders of the “Mumbaki,” the Ifugao tribe’s religious and healing leaders who perform their traditional and religious dances in the terraces, gave their consent after consulting with them about the stunts and even conducted tribal ceremonies to ensure the safety of the daring athletes and the welfare of the rice fields that included the ritual sacrifice of chickens and rice wine drinking for blessings.

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Banaue Travel Guide: Itinerary, Things to do, How to get there and more

The ultimate travel guide to banaue, ifugao.

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Banaue Travel Guide Blog: Explore Philippines’ Ancient Man-made Wonder

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Banaue is a famous backpacking destination among foreign tourists because of its world-famous rice terraces, cool climate, and tourist-friendly locals. This Banaue Travel Guide lists everything you need to know for your travel planning.

The Banaue Rice Terraces refer to the cluster close to the Banaue Poblacion, as seen from the viewpoint. The Banaue Rice Terraces you see in the twenty peso banknote are not a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Banaue Rice Terraces’ exclusion from the UNESCO inscription was due to numerous modern structures, making it score low in the integrity criterion of UNESCO.

The five clusters inscribed by UNESCO as part of the Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras are Batad, Bangaan, Hungduan, Mayoyao Central, and Nagacadan.

Banaue, Ifugao, in the Philippines, offers a captivating travel experience. Marvel at the breathtaking rice terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with their stunning beauty and rich cultural history. Explore the local villages and immerse yourself in the warm hospitality of the Ifugao people. Engage in hiking and trekking adventures, discovering hidden waterfalls and picturesque landscapes. Visit the Banaue Museum to gain insights into the region’s heritage. Embrace the unique cultural traditions, including the performance of traditional dances and the opportunity to purchase intricate handicrafts. Indulge in delicious local cuisine and stay in traditional inns for an authentic Ifugao experience.

Where is Banaue?

Banaue in North Luzon is a fourth-class municipality in the province of Ifugao. Banaue is the site of two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Batad Rice Terraces and Bangaan Rice Terraces. These rice terraces are 2000 years old monuments of art and grandeur by the indigenous tribe of Ifugao and were constructed out of prehistoric tools by sculpting the earth’s surface.

Best Time to Visit Banaue

The best time to visit Banaue, Philippines, is during the dry season, which typically runs from November to April. This period offers more favorable weather conditions for outdoor activities and sightseeing. December to February are particularly popular due to cooler temperatures and lower humidity. It’s important to note that Banaue’s weather can be unpredictable, so checking the forecast is advisable. May to June is also an excellent time to visit, as the rice terraces are lush and green during the planting season. It’s best to avoid the typhoon season from July to October, as heavy rains can disrupt travel plans.

Getting to Banaue

From Metro Manila

Ohayami Trans provides trips directly to Banaue. Banaue is 333 km from Manila, and it takes 9-10 hrs to reach Banaue, Ifugao Province.

Terminal Location: Lacson Ave. cor. Fajardo St., Sampaloc, Manila (Just near the University of Sto. Tomas) Telephone Numbers: +63 927 649 3055, +63 917 561 7344, +63 2 516-0501. They have three daily trips – 21:00, 21:45, and 22:00 leaving their terminal in Manila.

From Baguio City

Banaue can be reached by jeepney, bus, or private car from Baguio City. For bus transportation, Ohayami Trans have a 9PM daily trip from Baguio City.

Related Article: How to reach Banaue Ifugao

Getting around Banaue

Jeepneys and tricycles (little motorcycles with sidecars) are the two most common modes of transport around Banaue. Vans can be hired with a driver/guide via local tour operators. There is a public jeepney plying the Banaue-Batad (Saddle-point) (start of the trek to Batad village) route daily.

Hotels in Banaue

There are various hotels and accommodations options in Banaue, most of which are located in the center of the town. Here are some popular places to stay in Banaue, complete with contact info.

Banaue Ethnic Village and Pine Forest Resort Apar Nga’-o Viewpoint, Banaue Ifugao Tel: (074) 386.4082 Manang Jane : (63) 928-5214533

Banaue Hotel & Youth Hostel  ( Book Online ) Tel.(632) 8121984/8103655/8103703 (6374) 3864087-88

People’s Lodge & Restaurant (internet cafe also) Tel. (6374) 3864014

Stairway Lodge & Restaurant (with Internet cafe available) contact number: 0639164567346

Spring Village Tel. (6374) 4037

Terraceville Inn Tel. (6374) 3864094

Cozy Nook Inn Tel. (6374) 3864003

Fairview Inn Telephone (6374) 3864002. Small guesthouse some meters up the ill from center.

Greenview Lodge Telephone (6374) 3864022

Native Village Inn, Uhaj village 9 km from Banaue, Telephone (63)9164056743

Banaue Homestay Poblacion Banaue Ifugao, email: [email protected])

Sanafe Lodge and Restaurant , (next door to the market) Telephone 6374-386-4085. Nice balcony at the back with a pleasant view of the rice terraces.

Banaue View Inn Telephone (6374) 386-40-78

Halfway Lodge , Banaue, Ifugao Telephone (6374) 3864082.

Randy’s Brookside Inn Poblacion,Banaue,Ifugao. email add: [email protected] Telephone +63 (0)917 577 2010.

Restaurants in Banaue

Sanafe Lodge & Restaurant Location: Banaue Trade Center Telephone: ? +63 74 386 4085 Operating Hours: 6am – 9pm. Offers Indoor and al fresco dining on a wide veranda with great views. Filipino, Asian & Western dishes.

Ilob Village Inn Location: Poblacion, Banaue, 1 km from bus terminals). Native Ifugao house with restaurant, surrounded by rice terraces. You can also request to see a traditional Ifugao show.

Things to do and see in Banaue

• Banaue Museum of Cordilleran Sculpture – A proud repository of rare photographs and artifacts that includes beads, baskets, pottery, woodcraft, and woven materials, all of which depict various aspects of Ifugao history and material culture, the Banaue Museum is housed at the Banaue View Inn, a short walk away from the Banaue town proper.
• Visit Banaue Rice Terraces
• Banaue Rice Terraces Viewpoints and Souvenir Shops  – Located along the Bontoc-Banaue Road, the viewpoint is an excellent 45-minute hike from the Banaue town proper. For viewers, the Banaue Viewpoint provides a panoramic perspective of the terraces. The viewpoint offers a perfect photographic angle of the terraces for camera bugs and photo enthusiasts.
• Visit Batad Village – Batad Village is suitably made famous by its stunning amphitheater-shaped rice terraces and the cascading waters and natural swimming pools of the Tappiyah Waterfalls. An hour`s ride from Poblacion Banaue, the village proper can be reached after a 30-minute hike through mountain trails.
• Visit Bangaan Village Rice Terraces – The beauty of these rice terraces along the mountain ranges of Bangaan is best viewed on the road to Mayoyao. This rice terrace cluster and village represent the native Ifugao. It is a forty-minute drive from Poblacion, Banaue, and a twenty-minute hike to the village.
• Visit Hapao Rice Terraces  
• Visit Mayoyao Rice Terraces

Souvenir Shopping in Banaue

There are a lot of souvenir shops located in various viewpoints, town centers, hotels, and near the public market. The most common souvenirs are wood carvings, hand-woven cloths, and other handicrafts.

More Banaue Ifugao Travel Tips

• Flashlights: Banaue and the surrounding villages have poor lighting at night.
• The best time to see many wonders in Banaue if you want to see the green terraces is from April to August. The rainy season is from July to January, and cool months are from November to February.
• Bring Umbrella
• Bring Jacket

Banaue Tourism Contact Info

Banaue Tourist Information Center Location: Poblacion, Banaue, Ifugao Near Public Market Telephone: +63 74 386-4010 / 4011

Department of Tourism – Cordillera Administrative Region Gov. Pack Road, Baguio City Tel. No. – (074) 442-70-14 Tel. Fax No. (074) 442 – 88 – 48 E-Mail Address: [email protected]

Follow the Out of Town Travel Blog  on   Facebook ,   Twitter ,   Instagram , and   Pinterest  if you want more travel and food-related updates.

• Top 15 Best Things to do in Ifugao Province
• Photo Essay: Missing Batad and Banaue

Written by Melo Villareal

Melo Villareal is the Online Publisher of Outoftownblog.com. He is an Accountant by profession who left the corporate world at the age of 23 to explore his beautiful country and the rest of the world. Today, Melo works as a part-time Social Media Manager for local and international clients. His full-time work focuses on discovering interesting culture, explore different cuisines and take memorable photos from local and international destinations he's visiting.

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Hiking The Famous Rice Terraces Of Batad And Banaue

By: Author Lotte

Posted on Last updated: February 20, 2023

Categories Philippines

The famous rice terraces of Batad in the Ifugao province were one of the most impressive sights I've seen during our 5 month trip around the world . 

Found on Luzon in the Ifugao mountains these ingenious rice terraces are sometimes called the eighth wonder of the world and rightfully so!

The terraces are believed to be over 2000 years old and a UNESCO world heritage site. It's astonishing that the Ifugaos have been able to build them without any (modern) equipment.

The best way to truly admire the Batad rice terraces is by going on a multi-day hike. Read everything you need to know about hiking the rice terraces of Batad in this post!

Hiking the rice terraces of Batad: the ultimate guide

Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). We're very grateful when you use our links to make a purchase:-).

How to get to the rice terraces of Batad?

These ancient rice terraces are located in northern Luzon and the easiest way to get there is by night bus. There are daily night buses from Manila to Banaue, we booked a trip with Ohayami , this bus leaves at 9 pm. 

I recommend taking a cab to the Ohayami bus terminal, the address is Cor. Fajardo St., Lacson Ave, Sampaloc (Manila).

Must-have items on the bus to Banaue

• Warm clothes because of the freezing air-conditioning (like a warm hoodie  or down jacket )
• Earplugs and eye mask
• A lot of patience and being ok with not sleeping much that night since you are sitting straight up and the mountain roads are very bumpy and not in great condition. But hey, that’s travel;-).

The drive to Banaue takes approximately nine hours and we stopped three times along the way, sometimes near a public toilet, sometimes not…

We arrived at the Banaue bus station early in the morning. Everybody got off the bus and was shuffled into jeepneys.

Our jeepney took us to Uyami’s Green View Restaurant where we had breakfast and arranged our hiking tour.

How to organize a hiking tour in Banaue?

Arranging a Batad hiking tour is very straightforward. While you can book a hiking tour online before arriving in Banaue town, we choose not to do this (we wanted to be flexible about our hiking dates).

Instead, we there arranged our tour immediately after arriving in Banaue by night bus. We teamed up with 4 other travelers (who ended up being really good friends) and created our own hiking group.

In the restaurant there were many guides offering their services, you can discuss your preferences with them and create a customized hiking tour.

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How much does a 3-day hike to the rice terraces of Banaue, Cambulo, and Batad cost?

Prices are always a little tricky in Southeast Asia as they usually depend on your negotiation skills. We did not shop around in Banaue trying to find the cheapest tour, but we did do a bit of bargaining.

Ultimately we paid 2120php (€36/$40) per person, and our small group consisted of 6 people.

What was included in this price?

• The wage of our friendly guide Lancer.
• Accommodation (2 nights).
• Storage for our backpacks at a hostel in Banaue.
• Transport from Uyami’s Greenview Lodge & Restaurant to the starting point of the hike.
• Transport from the endpoint of the hike to Uyami’s Green View Restaurant.
• Transport from Uyami’s Green View Restaurant to Ohayami night bus terminal. Read more about our journey from Manila to Banaue in this post .
• Food and drinks during the hike.

Where to sleep during a multi-day hike through the rice terraces of Batad?

During the hike, you will stay at small local guest houses. To give you a good idea of what to expect when you are going to hike in Banaue: accommodation is (very) basic.

During our first night in the small village of Cambulo, there was no shower and only one small toilet with a bucket.

Nevertheless, the bed was clean and I slept like a baby because I was completely exhausted after hiking for 6 hours and not sleeping much on the bus from Manila to Banaue. 

I have thoroughly searched the web, but could not find our Cambulo accommodation online (not surprising, it was a tiny village and a very small guesthouse).

In Batad village we stayed at  the Hillside Inn . This accommodation had a hot shower which was shared with two other rooms.

The bed was very firm but clean and the view from the balcony was breathtaking.  Click here for the latest prices .

Where to eat during a hike through the rice terraces of Batad?

You eat at your accommodation, usually, food and drinks are not included in the tour price. But with 70php (€1,20/$1,35) for a delicious chocolate banana pancake, that's definitely not a problem.

Not only are the people hosting you very generous, but the food they provide is also (generally) very tasty and it's a nice way to support the local community.

That being said, it's important to prepare well for your track and buy enough water and snacks before you leave Banaue.

There is little to nothing available along the trail because everything has to be brought in on foot.

Though you can buy new bottled water at the guesthouses, it's better to bring your own  water filter bottle ,  SteriPen, or chloride pills to minimize plastic waste.

What to pack for a 3-day hike through the rice terraces of Batad?

I selected my gear for our 3-day hike very carefully and only brought the essentials to make everything fit into my day pack.

• A good pair of hiking boots
• Hiking socks
• Hiking pants
• Merino hiking shirt
• Warm hoodie
• Bikini/swimsuit
• Travel towel
• Camera and mobile phone  plus chargers
• Passport/other important documents
• Enough cash (there are no ATMs in Banaue!)
• Plenty of water (and preferably a  water filter bottle  so you can refill along the way without using too much plastic)
• Food and snacks

We stored our big backpacks in a hostel in Banaue (in a locked room completely filled with bags).

I never worried about stuff getting stolen but I'm not overly attached to stuff so if you have any items you cannot stand losing you may want to bring those with you.

And of course, it's always important to take out good travel insurance that will cover theft.

Banaue and Batad 3-day hike schedule

Day 1: Banaue to Cambulo

We arrived in Banaue by night bus at approximately 6 o'clock. It took us a couple of hours to have breakfast, arrange a group tour, buy food and drinks for the trail, and get to the start of the trek.

We started hiking at around 11 am and arrived at our accommodation in the remote village of Cambulo at around 6 pm.

Day 2: Cambulo to Batad (via Tappiya Falls)

The next day we left at 9 am and hiked to the Tappiya waterfalls. After a dip into the water and lunch, we hiked to the village of Batad where we spent the rest of the afternoon.

Day 3: Batad to Banaue

Again we left around 9 am and hiked for about 3 hours to the end of the trail where a jeepney picked us up and drove back to the town of Banaue.

We spent the rest of the day in Banaue and got on the night bus back to Manila at 6:30 pm.

Banaue and Batad hiking map

Below you can find a map with the places mentioned in the post. We trekked with a local guide and the track through the terraces is quite difficult to find on your own, I recommend you book a tour.

It's not expensive and you will learn a lot about the history and customs of the local people from your guide.

Click here for the interactive map

Our 3-day Batad hiking experience

Hiking the rice terraces of banaue and batad: day 1.

It’s early in the morning and I am still a little dazed from not getting much sleep during the long ride on the night bus from Manila to Banaue.

Breakfast and coffee at Uyami's Green View Restaurant woke me up and after some bargaining with the tour agents, we arrange our three-day hike.

After a short ride in a jeepney up the winding road, we arrived at the famous Banaue rice terraces viewpoint. After taking a couple of pictures we get back into the jeepney which drives us to the starting point of the hike.

Our guide tells us about today's hike and our destination of the day. We will walk for about 20 km to the Cambulo. The only way to reach this little village is on foot!

The path is slippery in some places, so I fall down in the mud every now and then (like everyone in the group except our guide, who is walking in flip-flops and doesn’t seem bothered by the mud in the slightest).

The first part of the hike goes through the jungle, with so many plants and trees I have never seen before! So green! So quiet and remote!

The second part of the hike goes through the rice paddies. This trail goes over very narrow ridges and I am being careful not to fall into a rice paddy, or worse, fall off the edge!

Amazing that these terraces are so old (they say over 2000 years!). it’s such an inventive system, with the irrigation canals flowing from the top all the way down to the lowest terraces. Really clever!

We pass through a village and learn from our guide it's only for a couple of months this village has electrical power!

Before the power line was extended to the village, the locals relied completely on solar power! After seven hours of hiking, we arrive in Cambulo, in a basic but clean guesthouse.

I am completely exhausted from the long hike and all the impressions of the day (and probably also from not sleeping the night before).

Barely being able to keep my eyes open I manage to clean up a bit with a bucket of water (no showers here;-) and chew down some food before falling asleep for 12 hours straight.

Hiking the rice terraces of Banaue and Batad: day 2

At 9 am sharp we take off for our second day of hiking and I am feeling completely rested and refreshed (cough…muscle ache…cough).

We visited Cambulo Elementary school (many of the children have to walk for over an hour to get there!) and talk to the teachers.

If you pay a visit to the school of Cambulo, be sure to make a donation. The money will be put to good use!

We continue along a trail zigzagging through the rice terraces that I surely wouldn’t have found without our guide.

It is a wonderful track, each view is more stunning than the last, and the sky is a magnificent blue color.

The jungle is all shades of green, the mountains surrounding us are impressive and I am thoroughly enjoying the moment.

After two hours of hiking, we arrive at a ridge and get to behold yet another beautiful view: the rice terraces of Batad!

These terraces are the most famous ones in the region because the village center of Batad is located in the middle of the rice fields.

But before descending to Batad, we take a ‘small' detour down some alarmingly steep stairs to a beautiful waterfall. Sticky and sweaty, we all dive in immediately. The water is cold but so refreshing!

A perfect place to picnic and eat our delicious lunch made by the guesthouse we slept last night. With renewed energy, we hike back up the steep stairs…

And down the other side…

And up again to our guesthouse…

When we arrive, I fall into a chair and don’t get up until I drag myself to bed and fall asleep within seconds.

Hiking the rice terraces of Banaue and Batad: day 3

The next morning I feel muscles I didn’t know I had, but I don’t care, it’s totally worth it! Another three hours of hiking later we arrive at a road. I am a little shocked.

Are we back already? I'm a little sad as I climb up on the roof of the jeepney because I am not sure if I’ll ever get to go back to this wonderful place…

Hike the rice terraces of Batad: in conclusion

Hiking through the rice terraces was a huge highlight for me because I had never seen rice terraces before.

I had never seen rice fields at all in my life, let alone one of the most famous in the world! It was an incredible experience to be so removed from civilization and get back to basics.

No phone signal, showers, or other luxuries. Only stunning nature to explore, enjoy and experience…

Download all the information (including a packing list) about hiking in Banaue and Batad below.

If you want to read more about traveling the Philippines , also check my Philippines itinerary , budget post , El Nido guide , and my post about scuba diving in El Nido .

This post was updated in February 2023.

Monday 18th of October 2021

Thank you for sharing this post. Hiking in Banaue looks like a great experience. I wanna try it too soon. Hiking is therapeutic!

Thursday 21st of October 2021

Thank you for your kind words and I agree, hiking is very therapeutic:-)

Happy travels, Lotte

Friday 30th of November 2018

Hi There, Just to thank you for this post. I just got back from Batad, and trekked on my own. While I did not use any trekking tour, I found your experience pretty interesting and useful. Please keep going on. ++

Wednesday 5th of December 2018

Hi Idrisse,

Happy to hear that! I hope you had a nice time in Batad:-)

Ioana Enany

Saturday 8th of September 2018

How did you book the 3 day hike to the Banaue Rice terraces? Did you book it in advance of your arrival in Banaue?

Many thanks, Ioana

Wednesday 19th of September 2018

Dear Ioana,

We arranged the 3 day hiking tour (including the guide and accommodation) when we arrived in Banaue with the night bus. If you travel from Manila to Banaue by night bus there will be plenty other travelers around, so talk to people on the bus and find out about their (and your) travel plans to see if they overlap. When you arrive in Banaue you can find a guide together with people who also want to go hiking and split the costs (for the guide, jeepney, etc). You can also find hiking packages online which you can book in advance but I don’t have any personal experience with any of those.

Enjoy your trip! Lotte

Tuesday 10th of April 2018

Do you remember the name of the group with whom you booked the hike tour?

Wednesday 11th of April 2018

Hi Jojo, I'm sorry but I don't remember the name of the company. But you can easily arrange a tour once you have arrived in Banaue. If you travel there by night bus there will be many fellow backpackers around, I recommend talking to them to ask if they are also interested in doing a hiking tour and try to find one together. Enjoy your trip!

Sunday 5th of November 2017

That is a very cool trip. I would love to do something similar. Do you remember the name of the place where you stayed in Cambulo? Many thanks, Howard

Monday 6th of November 2017

Thanks, it was an amazing experience! The place in Cambulo didn't have an official name and can't be found on internet. But when you book a hike in Banaue the guides will arrange accommodation along the trek.

Enjoy! Lotte

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BATAD BANAUE DIY TRAVEL GUIDE: 2022 BUDGET & ITINERARY

It was a school field trip when I was in Grade 5 that I first saw the beauty of Banaue Rice Terraces. Of course, it’s just bits of memories as I was too young so reminiscing is definitely not a good idea. Lol . So I made it to a point to come back and visit the famous terraces that can be seen in the 1,000.00 and 20.00 PHP bill. Last January 2020, I did a Batad Banaue DIY trip with my friend and my partner. Here is an informative travel guide for your trip to Batad!

Avengers fans in the Philippines probably already know that Banaue Rice Terraces is actually the background in the last part of Infinity War when Thanos snapped his finger. Oh you didn’t know? Well that’s a trivia for you then!

Now enough with the talking and intro, let’s get a quick to-do list and useful tips for your upcoming Batad Banaue DIY trip!

Table of Contents

Important Things You Should Know

Batad is a village in Banaue in the province of Ifugao. The village rose to fame because of its stunning staircases-like rice terraces along with the majestic Tappiya waterfalls. Traveling to Banaue and getting to know its culture and traditions is definitely a bucket-list I would recommend! Wouldn’t it be fun wandering around in a peaceful village with a serene atmosphere and a relaxing view? My experience doing the Batad Banaue DIY is truly incomparable and one of the best!

Best time to visit Banaue

According to the locals I talked to when I was in Batad, there are 2 seasons for the best time to visit in Banaue. (1) March – May when the terraces are greenery and (2) September when the terraces are golden .

From Manila to Banaue

From Manila, there are 3 bus line companies yo can choose from. Going to Banaue from Manila usually takes 9-10 hours. Check out the list below!

BOOK YOUR BUS TICKET HERE

Click here for more information about 2020 bus schedule and rates.

From Baguio to Banaue

From Baguio, there are 2 ways for you to go to Banaue. The travel time takes roughly 6 hours and the fare is approximately PHP480.00.

From Banaue to Batad

Once you get off the bus, there will be a free shuttle from the toursim office waiting for tourists. There is no need to contact them in advance since they are always scheduled to wait in the terminal for arriving tourists. You will be taken directly to the tourism office and there will be a short briefing about Banaue and Batad. The best places to go will be discussed as well. After that, you have a choice if you will book tours with them or not. If you are a budget DIY traveler like me, I don’t suggest booking tours offered in the tourism office because in our experience it’s really too costly.

If you want to do it DIY way , there are jeepneys stationed in front of the Public Market which is just walking distance from the tourism office. They only have one schedule going to Batad which is 3:00PM daily. Alternatively, you may charter a tricycle to take you to Batad Junction for PHP400.00 – PHP500.00 depending on your negotiating skills (good for 2-3 pax). The travel time is about 1 hour and you can advise the driver to come back and pick you up by tomorrow for the same rate. We got our for PHP1,000.00 round-trip Banaue – Batad – Banaue. Vans and jeepneys are also available in front of the Public Market and the rate is approximately PHP1,500.00 (good for 8 – 10 pax).

Once you arrive in Batad Junction, there will be a 30 minutes hike going to the village and pay the environmental fee of PHP50.00.

How to get around in Batad and Banaue?

In the main city of Banaue, jeepneys and tricycles are available for public transportation. If you are going on a tour, it would be best to rent a tricycle to take you to the tourist spots for PHP200.00 – PHP300.00 good for 2-3 people.

Batad, on the other hand, is different from Banaue. In this village, there are no transportation available. The only way to get around is to walk, hike, more walks, hike and more hikes. Lol .

Food and Accommodation

Spending 2 days in Banaue and Batad is enough. As for us, we chose to do an overnight stay in Batad and go back to Banaue for our second day. In Batad, there are lots of homestay you can choose from and the range of rooms are PHP200.00 – PHP250.00 per person and per night. You can also rent native Ifugao house for your accommodation which costs PHP1,200.00 – PHP1,500.00 good for 2 -4 people.

I strongly encourage to try lodging in a native Ifugao House! I promise that the experience is super worth it because the houses were literally home of native Ifugao’s dated 200 hundred years ago. As for us we stayed in Ugay Lodge which accommodates people in a native Ifugao house. Here is a dedicated review about our experience .

Contact for Ugay Lodge: Ate Maritess 0936 450 7336

Furthermore, there are lots of homestays in Batad that you can choose from like Ramon’s Home Stay, Hillside Inn, Gilbert Home Stay and many more!

Food is everywhere in the village ! As soon as you set foot in the village, there are lots of local restaurants. The range of paluto in the village is around PHP150.00 – PHP250.00 per person. And oh, don’t forget to try their native coffee here!

Signal and Phone Reception

• Batad – no phone signal. (Good bye social media world!)
• Banaue – Globe and Smart has a good signal.

Pack light (Batad Banaue DIY)

What you should always keep in mind when you’re packing is that you have to bring the only things you need. Don’t bring things you won’t be needing. That’s the problem of every girl, we pack everything including our house and tool box inside our bag. Below are few reminders on the important things we should only bring in a 2D1N getaway.

Extra Cash  – There are no ATM machines in Batad. So bring enough cash since you can only withdraw money once you get bach to the main city in Banaue.

Monthly Lady Equipment (For Ladies)  – don’t paint the town red!

Flashlight  would be very helpful!

Bathroom necessities  – keep your hygiene well

Extra Clothes  – girls, please don’t bring your closet. Jackets and comfy clothes will go just fine

Best things to do in Batad Banaue

Ride a wooden scooter.

There are wooden scooters available in the viewpoints during Banaue day tour. It’s very cheap and you can actually rent it for a road test for only PHP25.00 and PHP20.00 for pictire-taking only.

Visit the viewpoints for a panoramic view of the terraces

There are a number of viewpoints available in Banaue where you can see a panoramic view of the rice terraces – the image in the 1,000.00 and 20.00 PHP bill. In Batad, the rice terraces are most incredible since you get to live and walk in between those terraces like you’re a local. On the other hand, you can only see the view of the terraces in Banaue from afar. This is why the best experience lies in the village of Batad.

Spend the night in a native Ifugao house

I don’t know how to convince you but you have to try an overnight in a native Ifugao House! The experience is truly unique and one of a kind. You will get to live in a native house owned by native Ifugaos who lived there hundreds of years ago.

Ifugao Houses are multi-functional one room shelter where the family sleeps, cook and dine. Under the house is a bonfire area where you can also light up your own bonfire for an authentic Ifugao experience at night. The walls of the house is decorated with preserved animals like snakes, deers, iguana and more.

Trek to the waterfalls

The cherry on top of our Batad Banaue DIY trip is the Tappiya Falls in Batad. This is actually the reason why we came here. Tappiya Waterfalls is about 30 meters in height and it features a 1 tiered waterfall cascading in its enormous pool for swimming. The water from the falls is literally freezing like it came from the fridge but it’s still bearable for swimming.

Trekking to the waterfalls and view-deck is probably the most relaxing and tiring hike I’ve ever done. Tiring because it’s a series of ups and down trail but relaxing at the same time because of the majestic view of the rice terraces.

Other things to do/try

• Try nga-nga – betel nut chewing. A word of advise, it makes your mouth red and it heats up your body. This is why the locals do this because of the cold weather.
• Visit museums and learn the rich history of Ifugao. Picture taking and filming inside the museum is not allowed.
• Rent Ifugao costumes in Banaue viewpoint for photo-ops
• Try local food like pinikpikan
• Get yourself an Ifugao tribal charm necklace – lucky charm. This charm necklace can be specifically seen anywhere in Banaue and Batad souvenir shops. However, this charm originated in the village of Batad and you can buy them in a range of PHP150.00-PHP300.00. The silver tribal necklace cost PHP1,000.00. Trivia : the charm looks like praying hands and when turned upside down, it’s the shape of a heart.

Sample 2 Days & 1 Night in Batad Banaue DIY-way

DAY 0: Manila/Baguio – Banaue 9:00PM Ride a bus in Ohayami Transit, travel time is about 9 hours

Day 1: Batad tour 6:00AM Arrive in Banaue tourism office, breakfast 7:00AM Ride a tricycle to Batad 8:00AM Trek to Batad Village 8:30AM Check in at Ugay Lodge 9:00AM Trek to Top View-deck and Tappiya Falls 4:00PM Back in homestay, rest and clean-up 5:00PM Early dinner in local restaurants/homestays 7:00PM Bonfire, socials 9:00PM Lights out

Day 2: Banaue tour 6:00AM Breakfast, sunrise, pack up 7:00AM Trek back to Batad Junction 7:30AM Tricycle back to Banaue 8:00AM Explore the Public Market, Ukay-ukay, hanging bridge 10:00AM Banaue half day tour: – Banaue Viewpoints (3 points) – Banaue Museum (2 museums) – Souvenir Shops 3:00PM Snacks and chill time in MiddleGround Cafe (highly recommended) 5:00PM Bus back to Baguio/Manila

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Banaue Itinerary

by thepinay solobackpacker | Sep 11, 2012 | Banaue , Itinerary , Philippines | 0 comments

Banaue, Ifugao –  The world-renowned  Banaue Rice Terraces is dubbed as The Eight Wonder of the World. Because it appeared on the old twenty peso bill, most people believe that Banaue Rice Terraces is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites  like Batad, Hungduan, Mayoyao Central, Nagacadan and Bangaan (Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras). Banaue Rice Terraces is not included in the UNESCO list  but it is a National Cultural Treasure.

Here’s a sample itinerary for your disposal if you plan to visit Banaue in Ifugao province.

Read my Batad Itinerary for Day 1.

Day 2  (Banaue Day Tour)

7:00 AM  Breakfast

7:30 AM Start Trek from Batad proper to Saddle Point.

8:30 AM Arrival at Saddle Point.

8:45 AM Ride hired jeepney to Banaue.

10:15 AM  Arrival at Banaue Town Proper

10: 30 AM Hire a tricycle to Banaue Rice Terraces Viewpoint.

10: 45 AM Photo-op at Banaue Rice Teracces Viewpoint and buy souvenirs.

12:30 PM Lunch

1:00 PM Ride a tricycle to Banaue Ethnic Village and Pine Forest

1:20 PM Pay entrance fee and photo-op at Banaue Ethnic Village and Pine Forest.

2:30 PM Back to Banaue Proper.

3:00 PM Arrival at Banaue Town. Visit Banaue Museum.

4:00 PM Hire a tricycle to Cordillera Sculpture Museum.

5:00 PM Head to Banaue Market to eat.

6:00 PM Departure for Manila

*********************************************************************

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Batad, Banaue Travel Guide

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• Great Views! Rice Terraces Tour

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What's the difference between PRIVATE and SHARED tours?

Banaue Tour Information

• PRIVATE Tour
• SHARED Tour

PRIVATE Tour Itinerary

• filter_1 Day 1: Manila arrow_forward Banaue navigate_next 06:30 – Depart Manila for Banaue via Nueva Ecija and Nueva Vizcaya and stopping at San Jose for lunch (at own expense). We then stop at one of the scenic lookout points along Dalton Pass followed by late afternoon arrival in Banaue. (Optional tour ) Yamashita surrender site, Kiangan Shrine and the Ifugao Museum. .
• filter_2 Day 2: Banaue arrow_forward Batad or Banga-an Villa arrow_forward Banaue navigate_next 08:00 – We have an early breakfast and then you depart with your English-speaking local guide. From Banaue Batad is approximately 16 kms away, the first 14 kms of which will be traveled by our privately chartered local jeepney. The rest of the distance is on foot using a mountain trail. The trip to Barangay Batad in Banaue, to witness the amphitheater shaped terraces located at 3600 ft., takes only a 30 minutes hike (*). navigate_next We stop at the panoramic Banaue viewpoint at 4800 Ft. that provides a perfect experience of the enormity & extent of the terraces followed by a visit to the Banaue Museum. Banaue Museum features decades-old books by anthropologist Otley Beyer and Igorot artefacts collected by his son William. The museum is on two floors featuring weaponry, jewellery, traditional dress and photographs of Banaue 100 years ago. navigate_next Time permitting we can stop at the market and souvenir shop before dinner. . (*) Provided you have a good level of physical fitness (expect unpaved and narrow mountain trails with steep irregular terrain, usually under a hot sun) and should you wish to trek for three further demanding hours we can offer you: . a) the Tappiya waterfall after Batad. With a phenomenal 70 metre fall in rainy season and a naturally formed pool at its bottom suitable for a cooling swim ( dress conservatively), Tappiya waterfall is an unique location in the area. . b) Banga-an village instead of Batad. Banga-an village showcases a typical Ifugao community. Wet weather causes damage so the steps need constant renovation. You are rewarded with spectacular views. .
• filter_3 Day 3: Banaue arrow_forward Manila navigate_next Leave at 08:00 am after breakfast, arriving in Manila at approximately 18:30 pm, depending on traffic and weather conditions. . Itinerary may change due to weather conditions. .
• shopping_basket Things to bring Sunscreen, hat, insect repellent, refillable water container, walking shoes or strong sandals, swim wear, waterproof jacket, spare dry clothes, (optional) educational giveaways like crayons for children in place of money/candy. Note: Baggage allowance limited to max. 20 kg per person.

Tour Inclusions

Tour exclusions.

• library_books Additional Information about guide The local regulations insist on the need of a local guide in Banaue and Sagada. Our Banaue Tours include already local guide hire (with basic English language skills) in Banaue. Should you wish a German, Dutch , Spanish, Russian or French speaking guide ( on top of the local guides) throughout your whole tour, this can be arranged by us upon your request in advance and costs approximately Php 4,000.00 additional per day. Food and accommodation for this guide comes still on top of this. Please indicate this as a request in your Booking Form.

Banaue Hotel

Bangaan & Batad Hillside Inn

Sanafe Lodge

Ujah Native Village Inn

SHARED Tour Itinerary

• filter_1 Wednesday: Manila arrow_forward Banaue navigate_next 06:30 – Depart Manila for Banaue via Nueva Ecija and Nueva Vizcaya and stopping at San Jose for lunch (at own expense). We then stop at one of the scenic lookout points along Dalton Pass followed by late afternoon arrival in Banaue .(Optional) Yamashita surrender site, Kiangan Shrine, and the Ifugao Museum. .
• filter_2 Thursday: Banaue arrow_forward Batad Village arrow_forward Banaue navigate_next 08:00 – We have an early breakfast and then you depart with your English-speaking local guide. From Banaue Batad is approximately 16 kms away, the first 14 kms of which will be traveled by our privately chartered local jeepney. The rest of the distance is on foot using a mountain trail. The trip to Barangay Batad in Banaue, to witness the amphitheater shaped terraces located at 3600 ft., takes only a 30 minutes hike. navigate_next We stop at the panoramic Banaue viewpoint at 4800 Ft. that provides a perfect experience of the enormity & extent of the terraces followed by a visit to the Banaue Museum . Banaue Museum features decades-old books by anthropologist Otley Beyer and Igorot artefacts collected by his son William. The museum is on two floors featuring weaponry, jewellery, traditional dress and photographs of Banaue 100 years ago. navigate_next Time permitting we can stop at the market and souvenir shop before dinner. .
• filter_3 Friday: Banaue arrow_forward Manila navigate_next Leave at 08:00 am after breakfast, arriving in Manila at approximately 18:30 pm, depending on traffic and weather conditions. .