Batad Rice Terraces

What is there to see?

In Batad, Cordillera Mountains, you will get to see a lot of rice terraces! These rice terraces are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Be prepared for a walk. It takes about 1.5 to 2 hours walk from where your Jeepney stops.

The rice terraces are huge and look like an amphitheater.

In the evening you may get to join in a traditional Ifugao dance.

At night you will get to stay in a traditional Ifugao House on stilts. Watch out for the locals though! (actually he's a systems analyst by day)

The next day you can start your trek home!

On your way to and from the rice terraces you will find the 21m high Tappia waterfall....

......where you can take a dip and cool off!

Where do I stay?

Accomodation in Batad is very basic, but it is clean and affords you the opportunity to stay in a traditional Ifugao house. Accomodation is very cheap. The atmosphere is fantastic so if you don't mind a camping-style holiday then you will enjoy it!

In Banaue a range of cheap and clean accomodation is available. The Banaue Hotel is the best place to stay and is moderately priced.

How do I get there?

Head to Banaue by bus. From Manila there are a number of bus services available (at specific times, not regular). Buses take around 9 hours. A web seach will reveal more information on buses or alternatively simply ask locals who will more than happily help you out.

How long shall I stay?

Overnight in Batad is sufficient to see the rice terraces! The journey from Manila basically takes a day each way, so you'll have to factor this in.

Tips and Comments

Take a sweatshirt as air conditioned buses can get cold and Batad is also at a moderately high elevation.

Don't expect western foods. You'll have to try the local food!