10 Banaue Hotels and Native Accommodations to Feel the Ifugao Old World Charm
There is no question that Banaue, Ifugao carries a serene persona that appeals to local and foreign tourists alike. Gratefully, the municipality lacks for nothing when it comes to native houses—which let you live like a local—and hotels carrying old world charms.
As Philippine Primer sojourned in the scenic Banaue, we share with you ten of the best hotels and native villages to shelter you during your retreat to the province!
Banaue Hotel & Youth Hostel
If you feel like going all out with your Banaue vacation, book yourself at the Banaue Hotel & Youth Hostel, which emanates elegance like no other.
A TIEZA-accredited hotel, Banaue Hotel is known as the first-ever hotel built in 1969 in Ifugao, making it among the most popular accommodations in town.
The place will remind you of an old, wooden mansion with its simple and yet grand lobby made of floor-to-ceiling pinewood to welcome you upon entering.
This hotel has a total of 110 rooms, consisting of 4 suites (Php 7,000/night), 36 deluxe rooms (Php 3,000/night), and 34 standard rooms (Php 2,300/night).
The good news is that whatever type of room you get, you will witness the breathtaking view of the Cordillera mountains with either the sunrise or sunset as the backdrop.
You may also witness and experience a one-of-a-kind cultural presentation with the Ifugaos in their grand lobby. This presentation happens during the peak season from October to May, but you may also watch it by request for Php 2,000.
Native Ifugao cultural presentation held inside Banaue Hotel
Address: Ilogue, Brgy. Tam-an, Banaue, Ifugao
Contact: 0927-570-2355 / 0908-400-7596
Check-in: 2 pm (4 am cut-off) / Check out: 12 pm
Website: tieza.gov.ph/operating-entities/banaue-hotel-youth-hostel
Facebook: Banaue Hotel
Tam-an Hotel
Established only in 2017, Tam-an Hotel has been recognized as a modern hotel, believed to be the only one in Banaue offering flat screen TVs in each room. Along with the pioneer, Banaue Hotel, Tam-an Hotel is among the most expensive hotels in the area.
On the first floor, you’ll see Tam-an Hotel’s in-house restaurant and lobby, where a small canteen can be found. The hotel is also equipped with free WiFi so you don’t have to worry about getting your internet connection.
They have Suite Rooms (Php 3,500) good for two to three persons. Each suite room is spacious enough for guests with its one single bed and one queen-sized bed. It is also equipped with a flat-screen TV, hot and cold shower, and an air conditioner.
Address: Bissang, Brgy. Tam-an, Banaue, Ifugao
Check-in: 1 pm or anytime / Check-out: 12 pm
Contact: 0927-252-0147 / 0956-357-7560
Facebook: Tam-an Hotel
Baleh Boble
With an aim to make you feel at home while experiencing native-style lodging, Baleh Boble treats its guests with its comfortable, modern guesthouse. The accommodation is fairly new, opening just in late 2018. The name, in local dialect, translates to “home in a native village.”
Currently, there are three cottages available. Two are modernized Ifugao huts, fitted with two beds and a pull-out bed. One has a loft, which can be turned into an additional bed.
The huts cost Php 1,000 to Php 1,800 for one to two persons (Php 500 charge for every extra guest). For larger groups, they have one nipa hut-style cabin with a private bathroom that can accommodate up to four persons.
Address: Napitang, Brgy. Tam-an, Banaue, Ifugao
Check-in: 1 pm / Check-out: 12 pm
Contact: 0997-895-3798
Facebook: Baleh boble guesthouse
Instagram: @baleh_bobleguesthouse
Native Village
Imagine waking up in this homey cottage and having the best views you can find in the province
Native Village Inn is the place to be if you and your friends are looking for native huts to stay in. It was opened by Graham Taylor, a British expat, in 2009 as a way to offer tourists a place to stay that is similar to what the native Ifugaos used to have back in the day.
Upon entering the “village”, you will first be welcomed to their restaurant, with fantastic views of the rice terraces. Here, you can grab a bite of their famous European and Filipino dishes, such as their Chicken Curry and Pork Tenderloin Stew.
Pork Tenderloin Stew with hash brown and mixed vegetables (Php 320)
Deeper inside the village, you will see their seven cottages, two of which are big enough for a family of four. You can get these cottages for Php 1,950/night (for 2 pax), Php 2,650/night (for 3 pax), and Php 3,350/night (for 4 pax).
Clean, comfortable beds are waiting for you inside every native house.
Address: Native Village Inn Approach Rd., Uhaj Village, Banaue, Ifugao
Check-in: 8 a.m. / Check-out: 10 a.m.
Restaurant: 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Last order at 7:30 p.m.)
Contact: 0917-308-9902
Website: www.nativevillage-inn.com
Las Vegas Lodge and Restaurant
When asked why the restaurant was named after the “Sin City of Las Vegas”, Cloyde Bustamante—the son of the old Bustamante owner—said that the restaurant’s patrons had a habit of gambling while they wait for their food to be served.
You may also be in awe to know that Las Vegas Lodge has put up its own in-house private bar to accommodate guests craving for a drink or two.
While having its own unique charm, many foreigners—mostly Europeans—would book their stay at Las Vegas Lodge. It is one of the most affordable accommodations you can find in the province, with only nine (9) rooms including a common room and a family room for only Php 300 per head.
Common room for 3 persons (Php 300 per bed space)
Address: Banaue-Mayoyao-Alfonso Lista – Isabela Boundary Rd., Banaue, Ifugao
Contact number: 0918-440-9932
Check-in / Check-out: Anytime
Restaurant operating hours: 6 am to 9 pm
Facebook: Las Vegas Lodge and Restaurant
Banaue Ethnic Village and Pine Forest Resort
Majestic views of the mountainside and gentle slopes peppered with pine trees await at this hidden paradise in Aparnga-o in Brgy. Viewpoint. This is Banaue Ethnic Village and Pine Forest Resort–offering you with comfortable accommodations within a serene environment.
Banaue Ethnic Village and Pine Forest Resort was established in the 1990s by the Department of Tourism to showcase the traditions of the North. It was then accredited to be an ecolodge–a village-lodging sanctuary where you may stay in their rooms good for four to eight people (Php 400 per person a night).
Room good for 4 people (Php 1,600/night)
They also have their own native dwellings that they rent to guests. It is best to make room reservations at least 2 days before you plan to stay at the ecolodge.
Address: Aparnga-o, Viewpoint, Banaue, Ifugao
Check-in: Anytime / Check-out: 10 am
Contact: 0995-179-4254
Facebook: Banaue Ethnic Village and Pine Forest Resort
Uyami’s Green View Lodge
Uyami’s Green View Lodge is one of Banaue’s pioneer accommodations established over 30 years ago. The 7-story building located in downtown Banaue is also a go-to lodge for European travelers.
With its overlooking view of the green rice terraces that you can see from Uyami’s, its name’s origin—’Green View’—fits the image.
The scenic view of the rice terraces from Uyami’s Green View Lodge
There are 22 rooms available with both private rooms (Php 900 to Php 2,000) and common rooms (Php 250 per head). Each private room is equipped with a hot and cold shower and can accommodate 2 to 6 persons. Meanwhile, the common rooms come with a shared bathroom and are ideal for those who opt for a cheaper stay.
The Double Private Room (Php 900)
Address: Brgy. Poblacion, Banaue, Ifugao
Check-in: Anytime / Check-out: 10 am
Restaurant hours: 6:30 am to 9 pm
Contact: 0920-540-4225 / 0917-591-0981
Website: ugreenview.wordpress.com
Facebook: Uyami’s Green View Lodge & Restaurant
Sanafe Lodge and Restaurant
Known for being the ultimate backpackers’ lodge in Banaue, Sanafe is the place for those who want to get closer to both nature and the daily routine of the Ifugaos. Situated in the town center itself, Sanafe brings you closer to local restaurants, bakery shops, and transportation.
Banaue Town Center lies just 5 minutes away from Banaue Hotel
It also overlooks the town below, making it a great place to unwind while also feeling Banaue’s energy.
Sanafe has five private room types and a dormitory room that can fit up to 30 persons. They also have an in-house restaurant that serves local and international cuisines, a mini bar, and a semi-private area and garden, where you can enjoy the beauty of Banaue alone or with your companions.
Their rooms and dormitory range from Php 900 to Php 2,000 per night only.
Address: Trade Center, Banaue, Ifugao
Contact: 02-475-5314 / 0918-947-7226
Check-in: Anytime / Check-out: 12 pm
Facebook: Sanafe Lodge and Restaurant
Hiwang Native House Inn and Viewdeck
Hiwang Native House Inn and Viewdeck has been around for at least 50 years. Since May 2019, they now have a total of 10 native houses called the “Bare” for accommodation and two Ifugao Native House Museums.
The accommodations have a private toilet and bathroom nearby, equipped with hot and cold shower. You may book one native house for a night for Php 1,800, good for one to four persons only. For a more memorable experience, you may also request for a bonfire or campfire, priced at Php 120.
Hiwang Native House Inn and Viewdeck also offers free shuttle pick-up at Banaue Town Center upon your arrival via the Coda Lines Bus or Ohayami Bus Transportation.
Address: Hiwang, Brgy. Gohang, Banaue, Ifugao
Check-in: 7:30 am / Check-out: 8:30 am
Contact: 0921-642-8704 / 0927-753-8668 / 0926-434-3030 / 0926-844-4508
Facebook: Hiwang Native House Inn and Viewdeck
Banaue Evergreen Hostel and Restaurant
IMAGE Banaue Evergreen Hostel and Restaurant Facebook
Banaue Evergreen is an Ifugao-owned hostel and restaurant, preferred by budget travelers for its view of the rice terraces. It is one of the favorite accommodation of guests from countries like France and Israel, from whom the resident cook learned how to incorporate their cuisines with the dishes at the in-house restaurant.
View from Banaue Evergreen Hostel
This restaurant is known for their Evergreen Curry with chicken and rice, and the Shaksuka, an Israeli dish made with egg, tomatoes, onion, garlic, and spices.
Their private rooms, on the other hand, are priced from Php 1,400/night, good for 2 persons.
Address: Ilogue, Brgy. Tam-an, Banaue, Ifugao
Check-in: 9:30 am / Check-out: 8:30 am
Contact: 0936-473-5278
Facebook: Banaue Evergreen Hostel and Restaurant
A version of this appeared in Philippine Primer’s Japanese (Vol. 135) and English magazine.