Ultimate Travel Guide to Banaue & Batad Rice Terraces: Stay, Eat, See (2024)

I was hesitant to see yet another set of rice terraces in Southeast Asia as I literally had just been to the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces in Bali, which are also appointed as UNESCO World Heritage and are certainly impressive!

And getting to Banaue is not exactly a smooth trip on the Autobahn. However, once I got there I was simply blownaway. Lying at 1500 meter above sea level, the Banaue Rice Terraces are proclaimed the “Eighth Wonder of the World” andknown for its majestic natural stairway to heaven.

The terraces were originally built almost entirely by hand to solve the problem of growing rice on land prone to erosion. Even today, the terraces are still fed by an ancient irrigation system.

If you have the time, I highly recommend you include Banaue and moreover Batad in your overall Philippines travel itinerary! You definitely don't want to miss those 2000-year-old rice terraces, no matter if you have seen others around Southeast Asia.

When To Visit Banaue Rice Terraces

If you want to witness the terraces at their greenest, then the best time to visit the Banaue Rice Terraces is during April-May or October-November.

But if you prefer to see the terraces ripe for harvesting, you can enjoy its golden hue during the months of June and December.

July and August are a no-no for travellers since the rainy season makes the area very landslide-prone and you wouldn't want to go hiking here around then.

Things To See In & Around Banaue

Hapao Rice Terraces And Hot Springs

Take a beautiful walk through the rice Hapao rice terraces and take a bath in the Bogyah hot springs at the end of it.

The walk is very scenic and this was probably one of my favourite adventures in Banaue as we got surprised by rain and thunderstorms which added to the fun of the slippery narrow track right through the rice fields. Entrance to the hot springs is free.

Banaue Rice Terraces

The 2000-year-old rice terraces you probably came here for, are also commonly referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World” however they are unfortunately not as well-maintained anymore.

Tam-an Village

This village is located 240 steps down fromBanaue Hotelwhereyou can experience the typical daily life of the Filipinos and purchase wood carvings and woven products made by locals.

It's the most visited village by tourists because of its proximity and accessibility.

Mayoyao Rice Terraces

Mayoyao rice terraces are the least visited terraces in the area due to their remote location.

It's also another 2.5 to 3-hour ride on a narrow dirt road in one of the Jeepneys.

Batad Rice Terraces

The most beautiful and best-maintained rice terraces out of the five different areas around here you have to visit, even though it takes another good hour driving from Batad.

The Batad Rice Terraces were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995 and are located at Barangay Batad, a small and remote village with a population of fewer than 1500 people.

The Batad rice terraces are only accessible by foot and will differ in color depending on the month.You can opt for a variety of treks to see the rice terraces.

If you want to get the best view of the amphitheater-like grandeur of Batad, take the 2-hour trail from Ramon’s Native Homestay to Awa View Deck. It’s challenging but worth it!

Tappiya Waterfalls

See Also

Top 18 Banaue Tourist Spots: Rice Terraces and Nature Trips | Guide to the Philippines

Your Batad visit would be incomplete without seeing the beautiful Tappiya Waterfalls. The beauty of this spot is not just from the view itself but the entire experience that begins with the physically challenging trek towards the waterfalls.

Mind you, the trek in itself is an adventure. You will pass up and down uneven steps. You'll balance yourself through the narrow rice terraces and the muddy path.

One cool part of the trek is that you get to stop and have afresh coconut at one of the few little huts on the way.

The Tappiya Falls are 230 ft high and more or less a 1-hour walk from Ramon's Native Homestay where you can sleep the Ifugao way in traditional huts.

If you are keen on swimming here, head downstream where you can wade in the river. After your refreshing swim, prepare yourself for another 1-hour challenging way back.

How To Get To Banaue Rice Terraces

To get to Banaue in the Ifugao province, you will have to take a 9-hour bus ride from Manila. Depending on traffic this can take more like 10 to 15 hours.

The roads are windy and crowded with cars and trucks travelling up on Luzon island, which is also the largest and most important island in the whole Philippines. Hop on the evening bus, you get to wake up to the pristine view of the rice terraces.

There is one official bus company that I recommend using is called Ohayami Trans. Take a jumper on the bus and stock up on a few snacks as there are not many stops on the way and air-con can be very cold. Alternatively, have a look at the Florida Bus.

How Much Time To Spend In Banaue

I'd recommend spending at least 3 days, better 4 or 5 so you have time for all the hikes and maybe even travel further to explore Sagadawith its amazingly creepy hanging coffins.

Where To Stay Near Banaue Rice Terraces

I stayed at Native Village Inn which proved to be an amazing choice and I cannot recommend this place enough. It's certainly nothing fancy but you get to sleep in little wooden huts among a lush green garden and the views you get all around over the rice terraces are absolutely incredible.

Almost all days, there was hot water and electricity only at certain times of the day as outages are common especially when the storms and monsoon hit in the afternoon.

Native Village Inn is actually not right in the town of Banaue but about 9km outside so you'll need to get a Jeepney or tricycle to take you there but the staff was really helpful in calling transportation whenever needed.

If you are looking to relax after a long day of exploring the eco-lodge Native Village Inn really hits it. There's Wi-Fi too but it is a bit shaky and definitely not the fastest as it is unfortunately in most parts, including the Philippines islands.

If you are looking for another alternative, check out the following options:

• Rice Homestay: A simple guest house overlooking Banaue Town. Check availability & best rates
• Banaue Grandview Hotel: A slightly more luxurious and modern choice. Check availability & best rates
• Banaue Homestay: Cozy guest house right in the center of Banaue. Check availability & best rates

Where To Stay Near Batad Rice Terraces

Another option for accommodation would be staying directly in Batad. Check out the following accommodation options in Batad directly:

• Batad Hillside Inn: Right in the heart of town with a view over Batad Rice Terraces. Check availability & best rates
• Batad Transient House: The rooms are basic but the experience of staying between the rice terraces will take your breath away. Check availability & best rates

All are fairly basic but the views and surroundings are just killing it. Who wouldn't want to wake up to these views!!

Where To Eat In Banaue

I almost ate every day at Native Village Inn as they prepared the meals freshly and the curries were especially delicious.

For other options in town, check out the popular Las Vegas Lodge & Restaurant as they serve very affordable and flavourful meals.

Or try the homely 7th Heaven's Café where the proportions are big enough for sharing and the staff is friendly plus you get a view overlooking the town.

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