The Rice Terraces of the Philippines—an amphitheater of stunning views, challenging trails, and one of my most unforgettable treks. Curious how the adventure went? Read my blog!

Disclaimer: All views expressed on this blog are my own based on my own experiences and do not represent of any entity with which I have been, are now or will be affiliated

June 01, 2024
Batangas, Philippines

Date of Trip: May11-12

When I first laid eyes on the Banaue Rice Terraces, I was utterly captivated. Watching the sunrise over this breathtaking landscape was a dream come true. I had always regarded the rice terraces as one of the wonders of the world, and finally witnessing them in person filled me with indescribable joy.

So when my friends proposed the idea of exploring the four UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the Rice Terraces, I couldn’t resist. Among them, Batad stood out to me, and I was particularly eager to trek through its terraces. Looking back, I can confidently say that it was one of the best adventures I’ve ever had.

The Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras encompass five clusters spread across the provinces of Ifugao, Benguet, Mountain Province, and Kalinga. Carved into steep mountain slopes over 2,000 years ago by the Ifugao indigenous peoples, these terraces are a living testament to their agricultural traditions, engineering prowess, and deep spiritual connection to the land.

Capital – I journeyed to Ifugao to explore these terraces. Ifugao is situated at the base of the Cordillera Mountain Ranges, with its capital being Lagawe.

Currency/ATMs – Please bring cash with you as there are no ATMs nearby

Internet Connection – The homestay offers paid WiFi access for a duration of three hours or 5 hours, and rest stops along the trekking route in Batad provide WiFi for a fee of 10PHP per hour. Due to the remote location, anticipate that the data signal on your phone may be intermittent.

Weather – tropical and has two distinct seasons: the dry season, which runs from April to October and the wet season, which runs from November to March.

Language – Tagalog and English can be understood by some residents.

Transportation – We arranged for a van rental for our trip. However, when returning to Manila, we discovered that the van’s air conditioning was no longer working. Nonetheless, Peng, our organizer, ensured our convenience by promptly arranging for an alternative van.

Accommodation – We spent a night at a homestay (Roberto’s Abung) with a picturesque view overlooking Batad’s rice terraces. It was truly a delightful sight to behold. Moreover, they also offer meal packages for individuals, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, priced between PHP180 and PHP300 per meal.

Group I travelled with -I went on my trip with a group of friends who are members of the DIY travel community in the Philippines known as Adpengtures. This trip is being organised by my good friend Peng, who is the administrator.

Things to Note –
1. Ifugao where Batad is located and the 3 more Unesco sites is 10-12 hour away from Manila
2. Bring sunscreen, umbrella, water jug, poncho or any plastic to cover your things
3. Bring cash as there are no ATMs nearby

Sample Budget for Batad

Itinerary
Day 0 May 10 (Friday)
Greenfield Parking Lot
9:00pm

Following dinner at Mang Inasal in Greenfield, I rendezvoused with Peng and his friends at the familiar parking lot where we typically gather before embarking on tours in the northern part of Luzon. Departing at 10:00 PM, we made a few stops for short breaks. I slept soundly throughout the night and was grateful for the generous legroom, which I truly appreciated!

Day1 May 11 (Saturday)
6:00am
Kiangan Ifugao Nagacadan Rice Terraces View Deck (1st Unesco Heritage Site visited)

We reached Ifugao after travelling almost 8-9 hours and our first stop is the Nagacadan Rice Terraces View Deck, perched atop the verdant slopes of Ifugao province in the Philippines, the Nagacadan Rice Terraces View Deck offers visitors a breathtaking vantage point to behold the majesty of the region’s terraced landscapes in two distinct ascending rows of terraces bisected by a river. With its panoramic views and rich cultural heritage, this viewing deck stands as a gateway to the timeless beauty of the Ifugao rice terraces.

Later on, we made a breakfast stop in Banaue, one of Ifugao’s municipalities. I enjoyed a delightful meal featuring their native longanisa at a local store near the Banaue arc.

Anguian View Deck

The Anguian View Deck also serves as a platform for promoting sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation. The terraces showcase the Ifugao’s ingenious irrigation systems, which harness natural springs and mountain streams to nourish the fields.

I also drank an organic tinawon coffee for 50 PHP, and I’ll be taking my sinigang lunch to go for later for PHP250.

Tinawon coffee is a type of coffee grown in the Cordillera region of the Philippines, particularly in the Ifugao province. The coffee beans are typically shade-grown and handpicked, resulting in a high-quality product. Tinawon coffee has gained recognition for its smooth taste with fruity and floral notes, making it a sought-after specialty coffee among enthusiasts.

Hungduan Rice Terraces (2nd Unesco Heritage Site)

The Hungduan Rice Terraces are an awe-inspiring example of traditional farming practices in the Philippines. The Hungduan terrace cluster creatively forms a distinctive spider web-like pattern as it emerges. The intricate irrigation system, composed of stone-walled canals called “pilapil,” ensures that water is distributed evenly across the terraces.

Bogyah Hot Spring – I had to forgo this activity because of the rain. I’ve made a personal pledge to refrain from trekking in wet weather due to its numerous drawbacks. Moreover, I misplaced my umbrella during our journey to Ifugao, leaving me concerned about my belongings getting soaked. While the others visited this place, we waited for them for nearly 1.5 hours before proceeding to our next destination.

Batad, Banaue, Ifugao (3rd Unesco Heritage Site visited)

This is precisely what I had been anticipating for the trip. After completing our registration, we headed towards the parking area. From there, it’s a 15-minute walk to reach the homestay. It’s important to keep in mind that the road is currently undergoing construction, so it’s not yet paved and may become slippery due to loose rocks and sand.

Following a 15-minute stroll, we reached our homestay, and I was immediately captivated by the view from my room—it offered a stunning panorama of the rice terraces in Batad, resembling an impressive amphitheater. It surpassed my expectations.

In the evening, after dinner and a quick refresh, I treated myself to an Ifugao massage in the room, knowing I wouldn’t have much time the next day upon starting the trek. The massage itself cost PHP500, with an additional PHP100 tip, and it truly contributed to a relaxing night.

May 12 (Sunday) Day 2
Batad Trek

Today is Mother’s Day, and I extended warm greetings to my mom. We started the day with breakfast at 6 am, then prepared ourselves and set out on a trek with our guides. Initially, I wore a jacket, but as we walked, it became increasingly warm. Fortunately, I had also borrowed an umbrella—a must-have accessory for hiking, as it provides much-needed shade from the intense heat.

As I walked, I found myself utterly captivated by the rice terraces and the rich culture of the Ifugao people. I deeply admired the beauty of the surroundings and the serene atmosphere enveloping me. It felt like a true blessing to behold such a magnificent landscape, and I couldn’t help but feel profoundly grateful for the experience.

We embarked on our journey and arrived at the Highest Point Amphitheatre View in Batad after 1.5 hours. I was pleasantly surprised to find iced cold soda available there. Additionally, they offered the option to rent an Igorot costume for 50 PHP, which I decided to do. Moreover, the availability of paid Wi-Fi was quite impressive.

Our next stop was what we referred to as the “blue house,” named after its distinctive blue roof, where we took a restroom break. It’s important to mention that there is a fee for using the facilities. Additionally, they offer paid Wi-Fi services.

Following that, we embarked on another two-hour trek to reach Tappiyah Falls, where we refreshed ourselves. Additionally, you have the option to order food, particularly pancit canton, and have it prepared by the locals, who will then deliver it to the falls for you. After an exhausting hike, I indulged in a rejuvenating dip, which was truly delightful.

Tappiyah Falls is a stunning natural attraction nestled in the picturesque mountains of Batad. This majestic waterfall is renowned for its impressive height and crystal-clear waters, cascading gracefully amidst lush greenery.

After enjoying a revitalizing swim, we made our way back to our homestay to tidy up before our departure for Manila. We arrived at our accommodation at 3:00 pm, concluding a total of seven hours spent hiking back and forth.

Bangaan Rice Terraces View Deck (4th Unesco heritage site)

The Bangaan Rice Terraces are a stunning example of Ifugao ingenuity, located in the Banaue municipality of the Philippines. These terraces showcase the intricate agricultural techniques of the Ifugao people, adapting the landscape to cultivate rice for generations. (I have only a video of these terraces, but it’s absolutely stunning! I particularly admire the carved bulol, which are revered wooden rice guardian figures and iconic symbols in Filipino culture)

Initially, I entertained the idea of skipping the trek through the rice terraces, assuming it might not be to my liking because I just recently found out that it will take around 7-8 hours to trek these terraces. However, I soon realized my mistake. The experience turned out to be nothing short of extraordinary; it was undoubtedly the most remarkable rice terraces I had ever laid eyes on, and I was grateful I didn’t pass up the opportunity to explore them.

We began our journey back to Manila, and I arrived on May 13 (Monday). The trip provided some much-needed relief from the recent stress I’ve been experiencing at work, although even as I write this, the chaos persists. I plan to share more about my experiences in the coming days.

The Ifugao people have been farming rice on steep slopes for centuries. Their creative wisdom, passed down through generations, along with their sacred traditions, has contributed to the creation of a landscape of extraordinary beauty. Batad was my favorite spot – it was one hell of a crazy adventure trekking in its stunning terraces. I enjoyed learning about the rich culture and traditions of my home, the Philippines.

Love,
Maria, sometimes, Niskie