Banaue Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras | Hagdan-hagdang Palayan

Banaue Rice Terraces

The Banaue Rice Terraces, also known as Hagdan-hagdang Palayan in Filipino were declared by the Philippine government as a National Cultural Treasure under Ifugao Rice Terraces by virtue of Presidential Decree No. 260 in 1973. It is also considered to be the 8th Natural Wonder of the World.

Banaue Rice Terraces has a viewing deck particularly close to Banaue downtown to better appreciate the rice terraces in their full glory. They are easily accessible and now surrounded by numerous modern structures for tourism, causing them to score low in the UNESCO inscription.

There are five clusters inscribed as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras. They are Batad, Bangaan, Hungduan, Mayoyao Central, and Nagacadan. Batad and Bangaan are under the jurisdiction of the Municipality of Banaue but are not called the Banaue Rice Terraces.

Banaue Rice Terraces became a main tourist attraction. We went to visit after our Batad trip on our way to Sagada. It’s amazing to see in person these rice terraces that were created 2000 years ago and carved into the mountain by hand. It is indeed a symbol of the impressive skills and hard work of the Ifugao people. The entire valley is covered with green steps.

How fascinating it is to know that this is their way to solve the problem of rice farming up the slopes of mountains. Surrounded by rugged terrain, the Ifugao people had to find a way to grow rice despite the landslides and erosion around the area. Even passing this ancient water irrigation system to today’s generation.

Best Time to Go to Banaue

For vising tourists, it is important to note that the color of the rice terraces depends on the time of year. The best time to visit Banaue/Batad rice terraces is between April and May, and then between October and November when the terraces are at their greenest. Between July and September, it is the rainy season and from December and March, it is the season after harvest, and terraces are often muddy and not that green.

How to go to Banaue Rice Terraces?

To get to the Bsnaue Rice Terraces, you need to take a bus bound for Banaue first.

By Bus From Manila – Most people choose to travel by bus during nighttime so that they can arrive early in Banaue the next day and have more time to explore it.

1. From Cubao or Sampaloc in Manila, take a bus bound for Banaue. There are two bus lines that go directly to Banaue: Coda Lines and Ohayami Trans. Travel time is about 9 hours. The bus fare will be around Php 850 to Php 1200. You can book online via Klook – Manila to Banaue P2P Bus Ticket (Deluxe/Super Deluxe) or book via 12G0 –From Manila to Benguet
2. Upon arrival at the Banaue bus terminal, you can take a tricycle to your hotel or you can start your tour right away. The Banaue Rice Terraces can be viewed directly from the roadsides and view deck.

By Bus From Baguio – Take Ohayami Bus transit stationed along Otek Street near Burnham Park or KMS bus that offers two trips daily and can be found near Rizal Park. It takes approximately 3 hours including transfers and departs at least three times a day.

By Bus From Sagada – At the Sagada Municipal Hall, there are jeepneys going to Bontoc (the capital of Mountain Province). Make sure to get to the terminal early as they are first-come-first-serve basis. Travel time is around an hour and the trip starts as early as 6:30 a.m. There’s an available trip that leaves every half hour until 9:00 a.m to 1 p.m. 

By Bus From Batad – From Saddle Point, take a jeepney going to Banaue downtown. The fare is Php 50.

Where to Stay in Banaue

Manage your expectation because there is no fancy Banaue hotels or resorts around. The top places to stay here are in the Banaue town proper or Batad if you will visit Batad Rice Terraces and Tappiya Falls.

Here are some of the most recommended places to stay in Banaue: Klook.com

1. Banaue Homestay – Banaue Town Proper

2. Uyami’s Green View Lodge – Banaue Town Proper

3. Hillside Inn and Restaurant – Batad

4. Ramon Homestay – Batad this is where we stayed. Here’s my experience in staying at this homestay – Ramon’s Native Homestay – Experiencing Ifugao Nipa hut in Batad

You can also try checking some accommodations using the AGODA link below.

WHAT TO BRING IN BANAUE?

Prepare for your trip with our must-have travel essentials.

Waterproof backpack & phone case: Dry Bag (2L 3L 5L 10L) Ocean Pack Waterproof Bag and Universal Waterproof Glow Dark Case for Mobile Phone Pouch
Quick dry microfiber travel towel: Naturehike Quick Drying Pocket Bath Towel
Action camera:  KIMSTORE GoPro Hero 11 – Black Aqua Shoes: Aqua shoes Summer Unisex No-Slip Prevention Rubber Beach Shoes Men & Women
Aqua Shoes: Aqua shoes Summer Unisex No-Slip Prevention Rubber Beach Shoes Men & Women
Rash Guard: rash guard for men and Rash Guard for women Blanket – Portable Flannel Blanket Plain Foldable Travel Pillow Powerbank – Multi-Functional Portable Powerbank Fast Charging Headlamp – Waterproof Headlamp

Have you been to Ifugao already? Feel free to share your experience in the comments below!

You may also check our Tappiya Falls – Behold to this Majestic Falls in Batad and Batad Rice Terraces in Ifugao Province – Travel Guide

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Klook.com