Banaue’s Breathtaking wonders: Batad Rice Terraces and Tappiya Falls
What’s a trip to Banaue without seeing the 2,000 year-old Rice Terraces, up close and personal?
BATAD TREK. From here, the 5-hour trek shall start
As one of the most famous terraces in Banaue, Batad Rice Terraces is a well-known attraction where people can trek and see the wonderful lush forests and rugged terrains that the place is celebrated for. According to locals, Batad can be visited throughout the year. However, it’s best to go here during dry season (December to June) so that it wouldn’t be rainy and you’ll be able to see the transition of colors from green to gold (golden season) during harvest time.
THE BATAD RICE TERRACES. This manmade terraces is such a majestic sight to see.
From the town proper, you can either ride a public jeepney (P150/person), hire your own jeepney (P2,800/jeep), or hire a tricycle (P700/tricycle). If you wish to go there with your own vehicle, you can still do so but there is a parking fee at the Saddle Point. We recommend that you rent a walking stick (P10/person) to help you at the trek as it may be rocky along the way. Also, it’s best to get a tour guide (P400 to P1,500, depending on the destination) to help you with your itinerary. Here, we paid P800 for a guide that took us from Batad, the highest view point, Tappiya Falls and the main village. All tourists are encouraged to register at the Municipal Tourism Center upon arrival, where an environmental fee of P20 will be collected. It is also recommended to visit the Tourism Center at the town proper for licensed guides and to get information for accredited establishments and also, for safety reasons.
TAPPIYA WATERFALLS. According to our tour guide, it’s called Tappiya because it means “trap.”
For about 20 minutes, you will reach the Batad Tourist Information Center, where you will be asked to pay P50 for heritage fee. Then, you can now start trekking the mountainous village. The best time to trek is at daytime. Be sure to wear comfortable clothes and trekking shoes! Bringing a jacket is optional, depending on the weather as it gets cold during the rainy season. Also, bring snacks and water as it can be exhausting. There are several stores where you can rest for a few minutes and buy bottled water and energy drinks. There are also souvenir shops along the way.
The trek may take 2 to 3 hours (depending on your speed) down to Tappiya Falls. This waterfall is found at the bottom of the terraces where you can swim and rest for a while as you marvel at this beautiful scenery. Bring your swimming attire with you as you get to try the cold waters of Ifugao!
The whole trek may last up to 5 hours which is why it is important that you are fit enough to do the trek. It’s like going up and down a long flight of stairs. The roads may be rocky and steep but still manageable. If you wish to spend overnight, there are lodges or huts where you can stay in. There are also cheap restaurants where you can dine in. Locals recommend here to stay overnight (although an additional fee may be required) so that it wouldn’t be tiring.
One thing you should also remember is to respect the local culture. Do not take plants as souvenir, neither should you destroy them. As the saying goes, “Take nothing but pictures. Leave nothing but footprints. Keep nothing but memories.”
Enjoy the pleasurable moment of being able to trek the grand rice terraces of the Philippine Cordillera and have a great time exploring the Ifugao culture through Batad!
Details:
Address: Brgy. Batad, Banaue, Ifugao
Contact:
Banaue Municipal Tourism Office
Mr. Rio Dale T. Humiwat
Supervising Tourism Operations Officer
Mobile: 0917-552-2501
Email: elahd_ban@yahoo.com or lgubanaueifugao@yahoo.com
Banaue Tourism Information Center
Operating Hours: 5:30 am to 7:00 pm (Monday to Sunday)
Tel: 074- 386-40-10 or 386-40-11
