Banaue Rice Terraces is one of the popular tourist destinations in Northern Philippines. Tourists visit Banaue to enjoy the scenery from one of the many view points and to hike through it. It has been in existence for 2000 years old and has been declared in 1995 as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This amazing mountain terraces were carved by the indigenous people called Ifugao and is one of the greatest engineering achievement thousand years ago. It was said that if Banaue Rice terraces will be connected end to end, then its length will be ten times longer than the Great Wall of China.
The mountain covers an area of more than 4,000 square miles and it is 5,000 feet above sea level. Ifugaos used minimal equipment and most of the time they used their hands to built the terraces. You will be amazed how it was made because it looks like a stairway heading upward in the sky. The ranges of the mountain is awesome view and it is a breath taking scenery.
This mountain also plays a significant role in agriculture production. Its ancient irrigation system helps the farmers grow their crops. The terraces were designed to provide sufficient water from the rainforests above the terraces.
How to get there
If you are planning to visit Banaue Terraces then my advice to you is to plan your journey ahead of time.The best time to visit this region is February to May when the rice is set for harvest and at its greenest. If you will visit this place during Holy Week then it is better to reserve your bus ticket and your accommodation as early as possible.
There are lots of buses in Manila going to Banaue. The following are bus companies that have good recommendation from travelers who visited Banaue: GV Florida Transport, Autobus and Ohayami. You can find these buses stationed in Sampaloc in the Espana area near Sto. Tomas University.Make it sure you check their schedule before you buy a ticket. These buses always leave their stations during night time.
Bus Company Contact Information:
- GV Florida Transport Contact Information: 027433809, Earnshaw Street, Sampaloc, Manila
- Autobus Transport Contact Information: (02)740 7959 and (02)493 4111, Dimasalang corner Laon-Laan, Sampaloc, Manila
- Ohayami Transport Contact Information: Tel No. +63 2 516-05-01 & cellphone no. +639175060817)
There are lots of places for you to stay if you are planning to visit Banaue Rice Terraces.
Banaue Hotel & Youth Hostel
FairView Inn
People’s Lodge and Restaurant
Stairway Lodge and Restaurant
Spring Village
Terraceville Inn
Uyami Green View Lodge
Things to do in Banaue
Let me share things that you can do in Banaue. These are collections of ideas and tips from real travelers who have visited these wonderful place.
- Enjoy the view of Rice Terraces while you eat. There are some restaurants and hotels in Banaue that faces the rice terraces of Banaue. Enjoy your meal or your snack while viewing the magnificent and awesome view of the terraces.
- Try their local wine made of rice and sugarcane. This is one the things that you shouldn’t missed.
- Walk around the town of Banaue and hunt for local handmade crafts souvenirs that you can bring home.
- Don’t forget to visit Batad, an amphitheater shaped rice terraces. You will also see here a beautiful water fall named Tappia hidden at the far side of the terraces.
- Visit Tam Am village. This is a preserved Ifugao village below Banaue Hotel.
- Visit Banaue Museum. This is a private museum next to View Inn. This is a two storey museum that exhibits old pictures, old rare books, jewelries, some furniture and tools.
- Watch the Cultural Show at Banaue Hotel.
