The beautiful Banaue Rice Terraces are the Philippines ’ treasure of national culture, and many Philippines residents consider them to be among the top natural wonders of the world. The terraces are delicately sculpted into the Ifugao mountains and were most likely done without any machine work. For almost 2,000 years, rice terraces have existed in the hilly highlands of Ifugao and northern Luzon Island. The terraces were first built as a practical answer to the difficulty of growing rice on the ground that drops away from you at dizzying angles in front of you.
These amazing Rice Terraces in Banaue have assisted to create a land of extraordinary beauty that symbolizes the unity among the environment and people. This place is the manifestation of a delicate social balance and religious traditions to maintain the Rice Terraces of Banaue. According to the Ifugaos, their forefathers built these Philippines rice terraces entirely with their hands. After so many years till now, despite modernization, fresh generations are still using the same technique to conserve the gorgeous rice terraces. Read on to find more about what this location has to offer, how much it costs, and how to get there.
BEAUTIFUL AND HOSPITABLE PEOPLE
They are very accommodating. They always have a smile on their face. When you come across an Ifugao, you may see that their teeth and mouth are colored red. This is due to the presence of betel nuts or Nganga. Nganga is just like a tobacco or cigarette substitute. But, instead of being smoked, this is chewed and then spit out. Because Nganga is ingrained in the culture of the Ifugaos, you will see most of them chewing it including ladies also.
LONG TOUR
Normally there are vans and other transportation available to go around, but if you are already visiting the rice terraces, you will experience a lot of trekking trips, sometimes easy and sometimes difficult, but these are all well worth the sweat and effort.
If you wish to explore the rice terraces on your own, you should hire a guide because you can get lost. These mountain walks can take many hours, but the landscapes of the terraced valleys are beautiful, and there are natural swim holes and waterfalls in one or two places where hikers can relieve their pains and aches.
FIVE INSCRIBED RICE TERRACES
This breathtaking attraction spans a huge area. The carved property is made up of five clusters of the outstanding and most preserved rice terraces. These terraces are spread through four municipalities. The Nagacadan Terraces, Kiangan is the first one that are a cluster of rice terrace, and established in two separate ascending rackets of terraces that are divided by a river; the other one is the Hungduan’s Rice Terraces that distinctively develops into a spider web, Terraces intermixed with traditional farmers’ bale or houses and alang or granaries describe the third Mayoyao Rice Terraces; next is the Bangaan Rice Terraces in Banaue, which offer as a background to a old-style Ifugao town; and the final one is the Batad Rice Terraces, which are situated in Banaue and are stadium-like half circular terraces with a town at their bottom.
VISIT BEAUTIFUL TAPIYA FALLS
Tappiya Falls, unlike other easily accessible waterfalls, is a struggle but worth the attempt. The road to these falls will take you top and down with extremely uneven slopes, muddy, greasy trails, and tiny rice terraces, so you will observe a challenging trek. Depending on your pace, the hike will take an hour or two. In addition, the water is really chilly! But that’s exactly what you will need after a long hike.
DUCLIGAN SNAKE RIVER
Ducligan Snake Mountain and River can be your rest stop on the journey. It is one of the most magnificent mountains in Banaue and also in the country, with a river shaped like a snake, as the name shows.
BOGYAH HOT SPRING
Travelling to the Hot Spring of Bogyah is the same challenging task just like going to Tappiya Falls. For about an hour, you will have to walk through uneven slopes and thin rice terraces, but it will all be worth it when you get to this stunning Hot Spring for a swim. Banaue will undoubtedly provide you with plenty of excitement and adventure!
WHAT TO EAT
The cuisine isn’t low-cost, but it’s also not too costly. In general, a standard meal will set you back roughly PHP 150, although the serving is generous. Their longganisa and local rice are a must-try. They are the best combination especially for breakfast.
WHEN TO GO THERE
The terraces can be visited at any time of year, but the best months to go are February and March, when the planting and cleaning takes place, and June and July, when the harvest takes place.
HOW TO GET THERE
You can only get to Rice Terraces in Banaue by bus. The cheapest method to get from Baguio to Banaue Rice Terraces is via bus, which costs between 380 and 480 pesos and takes 8 hours and 29 minutes. Ohayami Trans and Coda Lines are the only buses that go straight to Banaue. At the very least, the journey will take roughly 8 hours.
You can take a tricycle to your accommodation or tour the region right after arriving at the Banaue bus port. The Philippine Cordilleras Rice Terraces represent the perfect combination of financial, physical, sociological, cultural, and spiritual environments. It is, in fact, a living cultural environment of breathtaking beauty.
WHERE TO STAY
When it comes to Banaue lodging, this is a spot where you get the most worth for your cash. There are no posh Banaue hotels or resorts, but the magnificent view of the rice terraces throughout the day and the soothing sounds of nature are more than enough.
The best spots to stay in Banaue are in the city center or in Batad. However, you should keep in mind that Batad is less accessible due to the lack of a direct road to the village. The hike and walk in and out of this location take about 20 minutes. Because Batad is more remote, there is no reliable signal, so be prepared to unplug and disconnect.