banaue

Batad Rice Terraces in Banaue, Ifugao, Philippines

Posted on by One Armed Wanderer

Batad Rice Terraces is one among the five terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras inscribed in the UNESCO World heritage. Built around 2,000 years ago, this breathtaking site is a must see when you are travelling to the Philippines.

Located 18 km. (mi) from Banaue, Batad, home of the breathtaking Batad Rice Terraces is 1 hour and 30 minute tricycle ride to Batad junction.


Captured this wonderful moment of a group of friends while I was on a tricycle back ride to Batad Saddle

Alternatively, you can take jeepneys from Banaue to Batad junction. Note that the Batad junction is the farthest place motorized vehicles can reach. From junction, one must trek 3 km downhill to reach the place they call as Batad Saddle.

The trek from the Batad saddle to the viewing deck is quite challenging for first time trekkers and to those who are unfit (I’m guilty of this.lol). The trek includes countless downhill steps and steep paths. Needless to say, the uphill trek going back to the Saddle from the terraces is more challenging. It took us an hour to reach Batad town proper from the Batad Junction.

Jana and our tour guide Martin on a very steep downhill path to Batad Saddle


There are parts of the trail with cemented pathways


Downhill path to Batad proper

Unfortunately, I was unable to take photos of the challenging trails from the saddle to the Batad town proper. I was very grateful during the trek as my Banaue travel buddy – Jana and our tour guide Martin were very supportive.

Upon reaching the Batad town proper, tourists must register and pay 50 pesos environmental fee.


The majestic amphitheater-like Batad Rice Terraces


Short video of the Batad Rice Terraces from viewing deck


Selfie with the beautiful Batad Rice Terraces


Viewing deck

Despite the grueling trek, seeing the postcard perfect view of the Batad Rice Terraces is such a relief. There is a viewing area where tourists can simply relax and take photos of the breathtaking rice terraces.

Getting Around Batad
There are no vehicles in Batad. Getting around means trekking and walking around in this beautiful town.


Martin, our tour guide and Jana

Some tourits exploring Batad Rice Terraces


Green is relaxing

Rice Terraces is also known as “Hagdan hagdang Palayan” in Filipino

There are lodges in the area if you want to spend the night in this magnificent place. Most of the lodges are situated where guests can enjoy the perfect view of Batad Rice Terraces. Since there are no cellular signal in Batad, this is the perfect place to those who would like disconnect and reflect.

After enjoying the breathtaking views of Batad Rice Terraces, we trekked from the viewing deck to Tappiya falls.

1 Comment

How to Get to Banaue Rice Terraces from Manila

Posted on by One Armed Wanderer
If you are planning to visit the postcard perfect views of Banaue’s rice terraces, the only way to get to Banaue from Manila is via land transportation. There is no direct plane flights from Manila to Banaue, Ifugao province.
Banaue Rice Terraces, Ifugao, Philippines
Batad Rice Terraces, Ifugao, Philippines
The only bus lines catering direct trips from Manila to Banaue is Ohayami Transit.
How to get to Ohayami Trans
Ohayami trans is located along Lacson road and is near España.

If you are coming from Ninoy Aquino International Airport, just inform the airport cab that you will be going to Ohayami trans along Lacson avenue corner Fajardo St. in Manila City.
Trip Schedules from Manila to Banaue
During off-peak season, there is only 1 to 2 trips from Manila to Banaue which departs at 10:00 PM.
During peak season and Fridays, there are numerous trips where the first bus also departs at 9:00 PM

          Bus Trip schedule during peak season

Fare 
One way trip costs 450 Pesos.  It is highly recommended to reserve a ticket and your way back to Manila. There were instances, especially during peak seasons, that trips from Banaue to Manila easily get fully booked.
What to expect
Ohayami buses are quite smaller than the usual buses travelling long trips. I find the seats quite small compared with that of other provincial tourist buses in the Philippines.

The trip from Manila to Banaue is 8 to 9 hours which includes 2 stopovers. The first stopover is in San Miguel, Bulacan and the second one is in Nueva Vizcaya. Passengers are given ample time to have their snacks and take restroom breaks during these stopovers.

As for the safety, I should say that the bus trip is very safe. There are two drivers during the entire trip. The first one will drive during the first half of the trip and the other one on the remaining hours of the trip. Being seated at the back of the driver, I witnessed how careful they were during the entire trip.
How to get to the Banaue Rice Terraces from Ohayami bus terminal in Banaue
Once you arrive in Banaue, the Banaue Rice terraces is 2.1 km from the Ohayami trans bus terminal. You can walk from the terminal to get to the terraces or you can simply wait for tricycles or jeepneys leading you the Banaue town proper.