Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Philippines rice terraces are a delight for tourists and travelers. Indeed, the landscapes are considered the eighth wonder of the world by many farmers. Thus, their natural beauty and remote rural culture transform the province into heavenly wonders for those in search of a change of scenery.
Moreover, you can take advantage of your next trip to the Philippines to discover wide open spaces in Batad and Banaue. Moreover, these villages are located at the foot of an amphitheater of rice terraces.
On the other hand, you can combine your trip between rice fields, beautiful paradisiacal beaches, scuba diving, whale sharks and dolphins, coral reefs, turtles, caves, surfing, cruises, cliffs…
Banaue: the rice terraces
North of Manila and at an altitude of about 1,500 meters, Banaue is the center of Ifugao indigenous culture. In fact, the Ifugao Culture Festival is held there every year for several days. Thus, travelers can immerse themselves in ancient traditions, such as:
Discover magnificent traditional costumes, customs and traditions of ethnic groups. Attend several song and dance shows from small islands and islets
Moreover, the rice terraces are 2000 years old. In addition, they were shaped by the hand of the Ifugao tribe. Thus, you can discover the Ephemeral Ifugao, by trekking in the rice fields of Banaue. Indeed, the rice harvested in the terraces is found in every meal.
On the other hand, rice cultivation has been passed down from generation to generation for centuries. In fact, rice farming is as important to locals as white sand beaches and seabeds. In addition, you can enjoy the sunrise as well as the sunset over the rice fields. Likewise, mountains, volcanoes, hills, waterfalls and beaten paths make this tourist landscape one of the must-sees in Southeast Asia.
As the seasons go by, the terraces change from shades of green from February to May to rice fields flooded by rain from October to December.
To visit the rice fields of Banaue
In addition to the Ifugao Culture Festival, you can enjoy hiking and excursions around the village. This way, you will get to know the ethnic minorities of the region up close.
Moreover, you will find stone terraces, hand-carved from the mountain range, drawn with mud. Thus, your hike in the rice terraces of Banaue allows you to pass through small remote villages, including Poitan and Bocos.
Moreover, you can understand the irrigation system used for each rice field by the Filipinos. Likewise, you can be surprised by the ethnicity of the small village of Batad, Luzon.
Finally, you can opt for a tailor-made trip including itineraries passing through the different rice fields and ethnic groups as well as the most important plantation spots. On the other hand, you can also opt for an itinerary off the beaten track and far from the big cities.
The small village of Batad: isolated rice fields
Perfect for a honeymoon or an organized trip, the small village of Batad is one of the must-see sites for nature trips. Accessible from Banaue thanks to a small paved path for a hike, the village is an authentic paradise. For a romantic getaway, this is the place where you can go to recharge your batteries. Indeed, you can enjoy an exceptional view of the breathtaking rice fields. Moreover, this amphitheater of rice fields is a UNESCO heritage site, with the most beautiful sites in the world.
Among the most beautiful in the region, the rice fields of Batad are recognizable by their high altitude and density. Moreover, accommodation is generally done directly with Filipino residents.
To discover all the splendors of Batad, you can indulge in trekking. Similarly, you can take the trail leading to the Tappia Falls, in a small group.
Finally at the waterfall, you will find a height of 30 meters pouring into a natural basin with emerald waters.