Ifugao, northern Luzon · Philippines
Two-thousand-year-old rice terraces carved by hand into the Cordillera mountains, a green amphitheatre of stone walls and water.
Photo: CEphoto, Uwe Aranas · CC BY-SA 3.0
In the Cordillera Mountains of northern Luzon, the Ifugao people have shaped whole mountainsides into stepped rice paddies, held by stone or mud walls, watered by a network of channels from the forest above. Built over about 2,000 years, and still farmed by hand, the Ifugao Rice Terraces are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and often called the eighth wonder of the world, although the phrase is a promotional one.
Banaue is the gateway town, with terrace views from the town viewpoints, an Ifugao museum and guesthouses. The most spectacular terraces are at Batad, an hour and a half by jeepney and then a 30-minute walk from the road, where the terraces form a giant amphitheatre around a small village, with a trek to Tappiya Falls. Other terrace clusters include Bangaan, Hapao and Cambulo.
The area is remote, cool in the mornings and misty, and best explored on foot. Many visitors combine Banaue with Sagada, another mountain destination, and it is an eight- to nine-hour overnight bus trip from Manila. Planting season, from February to April, and the golden harvest from May to June, offer contrasting scenery.
Why visit
The rice terraces are one of the most impressive human landscapes in Asia.
Built by hand 2,000 years ago.
The most photogenic terraces.
Through villages and forest.
Living traditions.
Relief from the heat.
Main attractions
Batad is the highlight, with several other terrace sites.
A natural amphitheatre of terraces with a village at the centre, seen from the Tappiya viewpoint.
Tip Stay the night for sunrise.
The main terraces near Banaue town, with viewpoints along the road.
Tip Go at sunrise.
A waterfall at the end of a hike through Batad's terraces.
Tip Bring a swimsuit.
A village with terraces near the road.
Tip A short stop.
A museum with woodcarving and artefacts.
Tip Learn about the culture.
Elders in traditional dress pose for photos in Banaue, for a donation.
Tip Ask permission and tip.
Things to do
This area is for walking.
Through Batad.
Tip Wear grippy shoes.
Wake to the terraces.
Tip Book ahead.
Village trek.
Tip Hire a guide.
Water-filled paddies.
Tip February to April.
Tapuy.
Tip Drink with locals.
A mountain town.
Tip Take a jeepney.
Local food
Ifugao food is simple and mountain-based.
Tinawon rice from the terraces.
Where to try it Homestays.
A chicken dish, a traditional ritual meal.
Where to try it Local restaurants.
Rice wine.
Where to try it Villages.
Staples.
Where to try it Homestays.
Local beans.
Where to try it Cafés.
Accommodation
Stay in Banaue or Batad.
Transport
Banaue is about 350 km from Manila.
Jeepneys and walking.
When to go
The terraces are photogenic at planting and harvest.
Planting, with flooded paddies.
Green and golden.
Wet, with landslides.
Fallow, cool.
Worth planning around: The rainy season.
Itinerary
Banaue, Batad and a trek.
Arrive.
The amphitheatre.
Sunrise.
Travel tips
A few tips help you plan.
FAQ
By overnight bus from Manila.
Yes.
Three.
February to June.
Recommended.
Yes.
Keep exploring
Places that pair well with Banaue and Batad, whether you have a few spare days or are building a longer route.
Ilocos Sur, northern Luzon, Philippines
A UNESCO-listed Spanish colonial town with Calle Crisologo, ancestral houses, calesa rides, the cathedral, pottery, and Ilocano food including empanada and longganisa.
Don't miss Riding a calesa along the cobbled Calle Crisologo lit by old-fashioned lamps at dusk.
Explore Destination — ViganMetro Manila, Luzon, Philippines
The Philippine capital, with the walled city of Intramuros, San Agustin Church, Binondo Chinatown, Rizal Park, museums, malls and nightlife, and the gateway to the country.
Don't miss Walking the ramparts of Fort Santiago in Intramuros as the light softens over the old walled city.
Explore Destination — ManilaPalawan, western Philippines, Philippines
Palawan's gateway city, and the base for the UNESCO-listed Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, plus Honda Bay island hopping, firefly watching and city tours.
Don't miss Paddling in near darkness through the vast chambers of the Puerto Princesa Underground River, lit only by your guide's lamp.
Explore Destination — Puerto Princesa and the Underground RiverRead next
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