tours to banaue rice terraces

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• Banaue Rice Terraces Tours

The Ifugao Rice terraces, also called Banaue Rice Terraces, are a Unesco World Heritage Site which is dated to be more than 2000 years old. It’s an example of man’s resourcefulness, and his ability to cultivate nature while living in harmony with it. On top of that, this is one of the most scenic and memorable attractions in the Philippines .

Our Banaue packages can include transportation from Manila, making the way there as swift and easy as can be. Once there, you can choose between touring the terraces in an air-conditioned vehicle or a couple of days trekking tour. All tours are also available as standalones, for those who want to get there independently. This tours take a significant chunk out of your itinerary, but are also some of the most rewarding in the Philippines. One very important thing one should know when planning to visit the Ifugao Rice Terraces, is that getting there is not an easy task. Even when using private transportation, it still takes between 8 to 10 hours. Moreover, it brings the costs up, especially for individuals and small groups. Therefore, public transportation might be the most reasonable solution for couples and small groups.

Accommodation in Banaue is basic, so if you insist on luxury it might be better to skip this place. The rooms aren’t air-conditioned but the cool temperatures at night make it unnecessary, and not all places have hot showers. When sleeping outside of Banaue Village, standards drop drastically, and that will be the case in the overnight trek. Still, we always do our best to choose the best options possible for our clients.

How To Get There?

Getting to Banaue is quite troublesome because the only way is driving for 8-10 hours. That’s why we highly recommend you to choose private rather than public transportation. We provide sedans for individuals and couples, and vans or coasters for larger groups. Our vehicles are new and air-conditioned, and our drivers are professionals and very familiar with the area.

Private transportation from Manila isn’t cheap though, and that’s why many still prefer to take the night bus. Getting to Banaue from Manila, you should take a bus from either Cubao, Quezon City or Sampaloc, Manila. Ohayami Trans, and Coda lines are the good bus companies to do this route. The buses leave Manila between 9:00pm-10:00pm, and leave back to Manila from Banaue at 4:30pm-5:30pm. It’s highly advised to book tickets in advance as they do tend to run out .

Banaue Tours Quick Facts

• Perfect for : Hiking, nature lovers, trekking, families, local culture
• Best time to visit : January to April, and June to July
• Main points of interest : Banaue and Batad Rice Terraces, Tappiya Waterfalls, Banaue Museum
• Starting point : Manila/Your guesthouse in Banaue

What to do?

The main attraction in Banaue are the rice terraces themselves. However there are a few other things to do, and also a couple of different ways to visit the terraces. Based on the time you have, and your personal preferences, we'll create the best itinerary for you.

If you don't like rough treks or you're short on time, it's best to visit the two main terraces, the one in Banaue Village where you'll spend your night, and another in Batad. Those two are the most beautiful ones, and therefore are more touristic. You can also visit other sets of rice terraces in Mayaoyao, Hapao and Kiangan. Visiting each location will require a short hike that is suitable to everyone who's in decent health. Other great short trips are a visit to the Ifugao Museum, Tappiya Waterfalls, and the Awa Viewdeck in Batad.

If you like trekking there are more for you to do. Overnight or 2 nights / 3 days trekking is highly advised for those who want to experience Ifugao to the fullest. Not only you'll get to hike in spectacular mountain ridges marbled with numerous rice terraces, you'll also get to spend the nights in the Ifugao Villages, familiarizing yourself with their culture and habits.

Each of the tours and activities in this page can be booked independently if you're already in Banaue, or planning to get there on your own. Nonetheless, it's much better to book a whole tour package to Banaue for a much smother and better experience. We can include or exclude anything you'd like, to grant you a true VIP experience.

Banaue trip from Manila

For people who only have a limited amount of time, a short 3 days tour from Manila is the best way to visit Banaue and Batad. Since getting there takes between 8-10 hours, virtually one and a half days of your trip will be wasted on transportation alone. We make the drive as enjoyable as possible. We use new cars and vans, and also make sure to stop at the best places for panoramic view and food.

That being said, it is best to combine your visit to Banaue with other nearby destinations like Sagada . Not only it's a great place to visit, it will make the long way there much more worthwhile. If you have the time and the will you can even add Mt. Pinatubo to your package, and have one of the best trips Northern Luzon can offer.

Inclusions : Air-conditioned car or van, local guides, 3 night accommodation in Banaue, breakfasts, environmental and entrance fees.

Not included : Lunch and dinner.

Price : Starting at 650 USD per person.

Day 4 in the sample itinerary above is optional. Meaning, if you want to go to Banaue without Sagada, your itinerary will end on day 3. As mentioned above, we strongly advise to visit Sagada as a day trip from Banaue, and that's why we present day 4 in the itinerary above. The prices mentioned includes a visit to Sagada as well.

Banaue Overnight Treks

As mentioned above, overnight treks will allow you to experience the most out of your visit to the Ifugao land. Going through and staying overnight in the small villages is as close as one can get to the locals and their culture. You can choose between an overnight trek or the more popular option of 2 nights and 3 days, which includes one more destination and is much better paced.

All treks will start and end in Banaue. You'll be picked up in the morning of the first day from your resort by a local guide, and together you'll transfer to the starting point of the trek. You'll walk for about 4-6 hours each day. If you choose the longer trek, your first night's accommodation will be a native Ifugao house/bungalow, but in both cases it's a homestay style of hospitality. During the trek all meals and drinking water are provided.

Inclusions : local guide, transportation needed at the beginning and end of the trek, accommodation, environmental fees, meals and water, lockers in Banaue for your belongings, shower at the end of the trail.

Not included : Breakfast on day 1, drinks other than water, snacks.

Price : Starting at 160 USD per person.

Please contact us for longer trekking tours (including Mayaoyao Village) or a 4N/5D tour in northern Luzon, visiting Sagada and Kalinga as well.

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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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Visiting Banaue Rice Terraces

Known as one of the wonders of the world and on most “must see” lists we recently added the Banaue Rice Terraces to our Extreme Philippines Tour. Was it worth it though and are they really a wonder of the world?

We can only speak for ourselves and our group on this one, but the general consensus was yes, and yes, even if the hike was little more than we were expecting.

What the Banaue Rice Terraces?

Rice terraces are a form of rice farming where terraces are used to make the most of irrigation and indeed land. They can be seen throughout the Philippines, even from when we travel through Sagada. They are also common throughout Asia.

What though is it that makes the Banaue Rice Terraces so unique though is the sheer scale of them and indeed their age. It is estimated by most that they are at least 2000 years old, slightly younger than Jesus. There are though some historians who say that the terraces are much younger. Regardless rice has been harvested in the Philippines since at least 3500 BC (Before Christ) – or BCE if you do not respect the Catholic culture of the Philippines – BURN.

Lengh wise there are lots of cool statistics too, such as they can stretch to the moon and stuff if side by side, but I will not delve too much into this.

Alas they are not a UNESCO , with that being reserved for the Philippines Cordilleras, which we might have to include one day.

The Philippines do though consider them a national treasure and they have been on the 20 PHP note, and are slated to be included on the 1000 Peso note.

Aside from Banaue there is the Batad Rice Terraces, Mayoyao Rice Terraces, Hapao Rice Terraces, and Kiangan Rice Terraces. We spoke to the locals at one sight and amazingly they declared that while they produce lots of different types of rice, very little of it is sold and for the most part it is for local consumption.

Tourism at the Banaue Rice Terraces

While tourism is no doubt important here, the sheer difficulty in getting here means that far less people come than you would expect. This is of course good and bad, with it meaning it is still off the beaten track, but that the locals perhaps do not gain as much from it as they would like.

We though do make the pilgrimage here, with us also including Sagada , as well as the Hanging Coffins as part of this epic trip.

We currently stay at the Banaue Viewpoint Hotel, which as you might imagine has amazing views of this wonder of the world.

For those who do decide to travel here independently its worth noting that they are also close to Whang Od and her famous tattoos (of which I have one).

And Banaue Town

I once stayed at Banaue Town when I got my Wang Od Tattoo, and I have to say there was really not that much going on, although more in fairness than Sagada.

They do though have lots of hotels, mostly cheap as well as restaurants that make a change from just standard hotel grub. But if you are going to travel this far then it is all about the room with a view, so you should stay somewhere with a viewpoint of the rice terraces.

You can visit the Banaue Rice Terraces with me as part of our Extreme Philippines Tour with YPT – right before we head south and into the lips of Vagina Falls – Pun well and truly intended.

About Post Author

Gareth Johnson

Gareth Johnson is the founder of Young Pioneer Tours and has visited over 180+ countries. His passion is opening obscure destinations to tourism and sharing his experience of street food.

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Banaue Rice Terraces: How to Get There and What to Do

Home » Blog » Philippines » Banaue Rice Terraces: How to Get There and What to Do

By Guest Author: Noam Toister

When thinking of traveling the Philippines, the first things you’ll find while researching are amazing beaches , blue lagoons and wide eyed miniature monkeys, called tarsiers .

When my wife and I were looking for a place to chill out on our honeymoon, that’s exactly what we found. However, being a backpacker by nature, I also looked for something off the beaten path. That’s how I found a place that locals refer to as “The 8th World Wonder” – the Banaue rice terraces.

Banaue is in Luzon Island in the north of the Philippines, in an area called Ifugao. It has one of the most amazing mountain views you’ll ever see. These mountains are the home of 2,000-year-old rice terraces, and is, in my opinion, a place you shouldn’t miss if you visit the Philippines .

The area has several villages that have become tourist attractions. Banaue is the region’s biggest town and the gateway to all other places, while Batad, Sagada, Hapao and Cambulo are a few of the villages in the area. If you enjoy trekking, it’s possible to walk for a few days between these villages. (Ask locals for recommended routes.)

In this post I’ll share experiences from the places I’ve visited: Banaue, Hapao rice terraces and Batad.  

Before your trip:

Prior to you packing your bags and booking your flights,  don’t forget to do this … you’ll thank us later. 

Banaue Village

We arrived to Banaue and stayed there one night, before continuing to Batad village.

What to do around Banaue: Hapao rice terraces

Hapao is a village about an hour’s hike from Banaue. While most of the guides mention Batad as the rice terraces, I think Hapao’s terraces are actually the most beautiful.

The hike starts a short car ride from Banaue and goes through the flooded terraces, leading to a hot water spring in which you can bathe. The view of the water in the rice fields reflecting the sky is spectacular, and the spring is a great resting point after the walk.

Caution about organized tours:  From Banaue, you can get a guide and organize a customized tour to the surrounding area. The tours can basically take you wherever you’d like to go and for as long as you want. It’s very easy to organize, as there are lots of tour guides everywhere  –  from certified guides to a random person with a van.

One thing to know is that for most hikes in the area you don’t really need a guide. In most cases you can get along perfectly fine by just asking the locals where to walk. If you feel confident enough, I’d recommend getting a map and trekking independently.

Hotels in Banaue

We stayed at the Uyami Green View Lodge , which was good, with basic facilities and friendly service.  There are a few other hostels on the same main street that offer more or less the same experience – basic rooms with or without A/C.

I’d recommend taking a look at the specific room they offer you, since a private bathroom or 5 extra square meters can be the difference between a cozy room and a cramped room.

When you arrive at the station in Banaue, there will most likely be representatives of different hotels, attempting to lure you to their place. Most of the hotels are pretty close to each other, and it may be a better idea to go on your own and compare the places for yourself. 

Top-Rated Places to Stay in Banaue

Reserve your room in one of the town’s top-rated guesthouses below, or see a list of all Banaue hotels .

Banaue Homestay

Native Village Inn

Bogah Home Stay

Eating in Banaue

Most, if not all, of the restaurants in Banaue are inside the hostels. They have pretty much the same menu, the difference being how well they make it. The restaurant at Uyami Green View was pretty good. 

Although we didn’t have a chance to try it out, we heard from other travelers that the 7th Heaven Cafe has some great food.

How to get to Banaue

Getting to Banaue and Ifugao is difficult and long, but well worth the journey north. The journey from Manila to Banaue takes about 9 hours by bus (traffic can add about 2 hours). The other option is to fly to Baguio and then take a bus from there, but it doesn’t save much time.

The buses are operated by a few companies and the most well known is called Ohayami Transit. They operate night buses, which leave their station (located in the Sampaloc area) every evening between 9 and 10 p.m. (During high season there is often more than one bus leaving each night.) 

Book Your Ticket

The easiest way to buy tickets is to purchase them online from BookAway.com . You’ll pay online and the ticket is sent by email. Making the purchase on this site saves you from making the ride back and forth to the station, which is pretty far away from the city center.

What to Expect on the Bus to Banaue

While the outside temperature may be boiling, the buses have air-conditioning. It’s usually turned up to the level of needing a blanket, so it’s a good idea to wear layers. Any pleads to the driver to turn down the A/C are hopeless. They like it cold. The bus will make three stops along the way for food and bathroom breaks.

Scam Warning: When arriving, someone might tell you that you have to go with them for some reason (getting the return ticket, or they are the “official” hotel ride). Don’t listen to them! They will most likely take you to their hotel and sell you lunch while you wait.

Batad Village

Batad has the biggest rice terraces around, and most people make this village their main attraction in the area.

What to do in Batad

The most common hiking trail in Batad is to the Tappiyah falls . The trip takes a couple of hours, with great views of the terraces on the way. The falls themselves are nice, but there is a pretty steep climb on the way back. In general, the inclines in Batad are cruel – walking from one guesthouse to another involves steep stairs that might leave you breathless. 

Where to stay in Batad

Most guesthouses in Batad are similar, and because it’s a distant village, they’re not well-equipped. Rooms can be dirty and typically don’t have private bathrooms. If you prefer a nicer place to sleep, you might want to return to Banaue on the same day (which is possible).

However, there’s nothing like sitting on the porch of your guesthouse, drinking a beer and taking in the amazing views. That’s exactly what we did at our guesthouse: the Hillside Inn .

Top-Rated Guesthouse in Batad:

Batad View Inn and Restaurant

How to get to Batad

To get to Batad you’ll need to catch a van or a tricycle from Banaue that takes about 1 hour. The road goes almost all the way to the village (a 15-minute walk from where it drops you off).

Beware that some drivers will tell you they can’t go all the way down – either because their bike is not strong enough, or because they want you to schedule a return pickup with them. And they won’t want you to see that there are lots of other vehicles down the road. A jeepney also goes to Batad from Banaue every morning – ask your hotel for specific times.

Banaue Overview

All together, plan 2-3 days for Banaue and Batad (depending if you want to sleep in Batad). It is possible to see the terraces in one day. In order to do this, you’d need to go straight to Batad, then back to Banaue in time to catch the night bus back to Manila on the same evening. Although it’s possible, it would be exhausting and I think you’d miss out on much of the beauty the area has to offer.

Note from Katie and Ben: We so badly wanted to visit the Banaue rice terraces during our trip to the Philippines . But with with only 17 days in this large island nation, we had to pick and choose our destinations, and we decided to save Banaue for next time. Noam, a fellow traveler who loves the Philippines as much as we do, made it up to the stunning villages and rice terraces of Banaue, and he’s here to tell his story.

Noam has some valuable information and inside tips in this guest post that will make it easy for anyone venturing to this magical place. We’re certainly convinced to make it up to Banaue next time we’re in the Philippines!

Are you planning a trip to the Philippines?

We have TONS of resources on travel in the Philippines and destinations throughout the country. Check out our Ultimate Philippines Travel Guide for all the answers to your most burning questions, or read some of our favorite articles below.

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Have you traveled to Banaue? How was your experience? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Comments (3) on “ Banaue Rice Terraces: How to Get There and What to Do ”

I’m so glad I found your page! This is very helpful and very informative. I’ve been wanting to see the rice terraces for a long time, but how to get there is the hardest part I thought. Next time I visit the Philippines, I would definitely go check it out.

Thanks for the info. Much appreciated. Now I am even more convinced to visit Banaue.

Hey Tereso, Glad we were able to convince you! Happy planning!

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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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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

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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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A Travel Guide to the Banaue Rice Terraces

For over two thousand years the mountains of the Ifugao province in the Philippines have been cultivated with endless rice terraces. These terraces follow the curves of the mountains, delighting all who visit with their mesmerizing beauty. The knowledge of farming these fields, along with the lands themselves, have been passed down through families for generations. The Banaue Rice Terraces are the most famous of the Ifugao rice terraces. If you’re looking to enjoy this man-made marvel, here’s everything you need to know to plan your trip to Banaue.

A Trip to Banaue

The Banaue Rice Terraces are located 216 miles from Manila, the capital of the Philippines. There are daily buses available from the capital to the terraces. These trips can be eight to ten hours in length due to stops and the mountainous terrain. Many visitors opt to travel on overnight buses for the trip. The buses are air-conditioned and can be quite chilly, so wear layers to ensure you are comfortable. Most buses will stop three times during the trip for food and bathroom breaks.

Driving from Manila is another option. Driving the 350km from Manila, you travel through the provinces of Nueva Ecija and Nueva Viscaya to San Jose City. Pause for lunch and continue on through Dalton Pass to Bagabag where the spectacular mountains and rivers of Ifugao land first appear. -BanaueRiceTerraces.com

When to Visit the Banaue Rice Terraces

There is no bad time to visit the Banaue Rice Terraces. If you visit during February and March, you will see the cleaning and planting phase of the growing process. Visitors in June and July will get to witness the harvesting process. Summer and fall rains may obscure views of the slopes, so take that into account when planning your visit.

Where to Stay

During your visit to Banaue, there are a variety of guesthouses. These guest houses are very basic and some have shared bathrooms. Many visitors opt to visit just for the day. Be sure to view your hotel room prior to booking if staying in town to ensure you are aware of the level for the accommodations.

Hiking is a popular activity at the Banaue Rice Terraces for natural reasons.

The most popular place to look at the rice terraces is called the Sunrise Viewpoint, where local Igarot tribes people pose for photographs and sell wood carvings. But it is also possible to set out on foot along the pathways across the rice paddies, their banks scattered with scarlet wild flowers that contrast spectacularly with the vivid green of the rice plantings. It is best to hire a guide if you want to adventure yourself in the rice terraces as you might get lost otherwise. These mountain hikes can take hours but the views of the terraced valleys are breathtaking and in one or two places there are waterfalls and natural swimming holes where one can ease away the aches and strains of the hike. – BanaueRiceTerraces.com

Why Visit the Banaue Rice Terraces

Visiting the Banaue Rice Terraces is about more than a pretty view. Tourism to this area helps preserve the heritage of this site.

Increasing numbers of young people are migrating toward urban areas in search of a far different future. With few left to work the fields according to the old ways their future is uncertain. Some 25 to 30 percent of the terraces are abandoned and beginning to deteriorate, along with irrigation systems.  Due to these threats the site was placed on the list of World Heritage in Danger in 2001, and later removed in 2012. Sustainable tourism may offer hope for conservation. In fact, the region’s value to the nation as a tourist destination likely exceeds that of its rice production. – National Geographic

A trip to Banaue and these beautiful rice terraces is a must for anyone traveling to the Phillippines. Be sure to plan your trip to the Banaue Rice Terraces today. For more travel inspiration, explore  Ireland Travel: The Best Locales for Your Next Trip .

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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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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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Banaue, Maligcong, Hapao Rice Terraces Tour

What's the difference between PRIVATE and SHARED tours?

Banaue, Maligcong, Hapao Rice Terraces 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 . . If you wish and times allows, we can visit the Ifugao Museum and the Surrender Site of General Yamashita . General Tomoyuki Yamashita of the Japanese Imperial Army in the Philippines surrendered September 2, 1945 in the Kiangan Central School where now the Kiangan shrine is placed. He was then taken to Baguio City where his formal surrender was staged, tried for war crimes, and hanged in Los Banos in 1946. .
• filter_2 Day 2: Banaue arrow_forward Hapao Viewpoint arrow_forward Batad Village navigate_next 08:00 – After early breakfast we will depart to Hapao viewpoint. After coming back to Banaue 2 hours later we will depart with your English-speaking local guide to the drop off place for going to Batad view point. From Banaue to Batad viewpoint its approximately 16 km, the first 14 km will be traveled by our privately chartered local jeepney, the rest of the distance which takes about 30 min is on foot using an easy mountain trail. At the Batad viewpoint we will witness the amphitheater shaped terraces located at 3600 ft. There is plenty of time to take your well deserved lunch here unless you opt for one of the possible hiking trip extensions. Time permitting we can stop at the market in Banaue and souvenir shops once back. . (*) Provided you have a good level of physical fitness (expect unpaved and small ridges) and should you wish to trek for two-three further demanding hours we can offer you (the guide plus php 300.00 extra): . a) the Tappiya waterfall , its 3 hours strenuous hike (up and down) but you will be awarded with a phenomenal 70 meters waterfall and a naturally formed pool at its bottom suitable for a cooling swim. . b) Batad village is a 2 hours hike(up and down) which you will pass by once you go to the waterfall. . c) Banga-an village is a show case a typical Ifugao community and it's a 3 hour hike from Batad viewpoint. You are rewarded with spectacular views. Plus php 300.00 for jeepney pick up at Bangaan Inn .
• filter_3 Day 3: Banaue arrow_forward Bontoc arrow_forward Sagada navigate_next 07:30 After breakfast in the hotel we stop underway going to Bontoc at the panoramic Banaue viewpoint at 4800 Ft. that provides a perfect experience of the enormity & extent of the terraces. After arriving in Bontoc 2 hours later we will pick up here our local guide and will continue to the evenly beautiful Batad rice terraces but far less visited the rice terraces of Maligcong in Bontoc. We walk around here for about 1 hour and proceed than to the Bontoc museum with artifacts and unique pictures from the mountain tribes. Hereafter we continue to drive to picturesque Sagada (45 minutes) with its ancient burial caves and mummified coffins at Sugong & Echo Valley . Before we continue our tour you can take your lunch one of the restaurants of Sagada. After lunch in Sagada we continue our tour under guidance of a local English speaking guide who will bring you to Echo Valley and the Hanging Coffins of Sagada. Then a short trek to the other side of burial cave to have a glimpse of Lumiang Burial Cave which houses more than 100 coffins and are stacked in the entrance. The oldest coffins are around 500 years old. Many of them have images of lizards carved on them which are symbols of fertility and long life. navigate_next Dinner and overnight in Sagada. . If time allows as you have to enter the Sumaging cave before 4 pm we can include a visit upon your wishes (plus 350.00 per person). The cave is a bit smelly, slippery and therefore especially for the elderly not advisable. But if you are down you will be rewarded with nice views and a refreshing swim. .
• filter_4 Day 4: Sagada arrow_forward Baguio arrow_forward Manila navigate_next Leave at 07:00 am after breakfast for the summer capital of The Philippines, Baguio, a 5 to 6 hours scenic drive along the Halsema Highway (called "the mountain trail of Benguet") and its wonderful photo opportunities. Underway (optional and if open) we can include a visit to Timbac Cave and see the mummies of Kabayan. We will take our lunch at Camp John Hay area before proceeding to manila and drive for another 4-5 hours. navigate_next Arrive in Manila at approximately 7:00 pm, depending on weather and traffic 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 and Sagada. 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

Archog Hotel

Masferre Country Inn

Saint Joseph Resthouse

SHARED Tour Itinerary

• filter_1 Saturday: 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. . If you wish and times allows, we can visit the Ifugao Museum and the Surrender Site of General Yamashita . General Tomoyuki Yamashita of the Japanese Imperial Army in the Philippines surrendered September 2, 1945 in the Kiangan Central School where now the Kiangan shrine is placed. He was then taken to Baguio City where his formal surrender was staged, tried for war crimes, and hanged in Los Banos in 1946. .
• filter_2 Sunday: Banaue arrow_forward Hapao viewpoint arrow_forward Batad Village navigate_next 08:00 – After early breakfast we will depart to Hapao viewpoint. After coming back to Banaue 2 hours later we will depart with your English-speaking local guide to the drop off place for going to Batad view point. From Banaue to Batad viewpoint its approximately 16 km, the first 14 km will be traveled by our privately chartered local jeepney, the rest of the distance which takes about 30 min is on foot using an easy mountain trail. At the Batad viewpoint we will witness the amphitheater shaped terraces located at 3600 ft. There is plenty of time to take your well deserved lunch here unless you opt for one of the possible hiking trip extensions. Time permitting we can stop at the market in Banaue and souvenir shops once back. . (*) Provided you have a good level of physical fitness (expect unpaved and small ridges) and should you wish to trek for two-three further demanding hours we can offer you (the guide plus php 300.00 extra): . a) the Tappiya waterfall , its 3 hours strenuous hike (up and down) but you will be awarded with a phenomenal 70 meters waterfall and a naturally formed pool at its bottom suitable for a cooling swim. . b) Batad village is a 2 hours hike(up and down) which you will pass by once you go to the waterfall. . c) Banga-an village is a show case a typical Ifugao community and it's a 3 hour hike from Batad viewpoint. You are rewarded with spectacular views. Plus php 300.00 for jeepney pick up at Bangaan Inn .
• filter_3 Monday: Banaue arrow_forward Sagada arrow_forward Bontoc arrow_forward Banaue navigate_next 07:30 After breakfast in the hotel we stop underway going to Bontoc at the panoramic Banaue viewpoint at 4800 Ft. that provides a perfect experience of the enormity & extent of the terraces. After arriving in Bontoc 2 hours later we will pick up here our local guide and will continue to the evenly beautiful Batad rice terraces but far less visited the rice terraces of Maligcong in Bontoc. We walk around here for about 1 hour and proceed than to the Bontoc museum with artifacts and unique pictures from the mountain tribes. Hereafter we continue to drive to picturesque Sagada (45 minutes) with its ancient burial caves and mummified coffins at Sugong & Echo Valley . Before we continue our tour you can take your lunch one of the restaurants of Sagada. After lunch in Sagada we continue our tour under guidance of a local English speaking guide who will bring you to Echo Valley and the Hanging Coffins of Sagada. Then a short trek to the other side of burial cave to have a glimpse of Lumiang Burial Cave which houses more than 100 coffins and are stacked in the entrance. The oldest coffins are around 500 years old. Many of them have images of lizards carved on them which are symbols of fertility and long life. navigate_next Dinner and overnight in Sagada. . If time allows as you have to enter the Sumaging cave before 4 pm we can include a visit upon your wishes (plus 350.00 per person). The cave is a bit smelly, slippery and therefore especially for the elderly not advisable. But if you are down you will be rewarded with nice views and a refreshing swim. .
• filter_4 Tuesday: Sagada arrow_forward Baguio arrow_forward Manila navigate_next Leave at 07:00 am after breakfast for the summer capital of The Philippines, Baguio, a 5 to 6 hours scenic drive along the Halsema Highway (called "the mountain trail of Benguet") and its wonderful photo opportunities. Underway (optional and if open) we can include a visit to Timbac Cave and see the mummies of Kabayan. We will take our lunch at Camp John Hay area before proceeding to manila and drive for another 4-5 hours. navigate_next Arrive in Manila at approximately 7:00 pm, depending on weather and traffic conditions. .