Batad Rice Terraces
written by zoe191
on April 27th, 2008
(2 votes)
Rice terraces are common in Asia, but in the Philippines, you can find rice terraces built by the Ifugao tribe over 2000 years ago on steep slopes and at altitudes reaching up to 1500 meters. One of the popular rice terraces that tourists visit is in Batad in Ifugao Province. The Batad rice terraces are beautifully formed in the shape of an ampitheater.
To get to Batad, first take a bus from Manila to Banaue. You can take Dangwa or Autobus from Manila, or Victory Liner from the Kamias terminal in Cubao. When you arrive in Banaue, hire a jeepney to take you to the Batad junction. The trek to the Batad registration center starts there. If road and weather conditions are good, the driver may even take you up to the saddle so you can save a few hours of walking.
The trek is easy for those who are used to physical activity or long walks. You don’t need to bring a heavy backpack anyway as there are inns and restaurants in Batad. There is electricity, too, but cell phone signal is very weak. If you took the evening trip from Manila to Banaue, you will arrive in Batad around lunch time. You can have lunch first and leave your bags in the inn, and then begin your trek to the rice terraces, where you can see the Ifugao huts. You can hire a guide to lead the way. You can also go to Tappiya waterfalls and take a dip in the natural pool. Afterwards, when you get back to the inn, you can order a pizza or pita sandwich and then get a massage.
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