Mabuhay Batad Banaue !
Did you know that the Batad Rice Terraces are often referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World”? These terraces, hand-carved over 2,000 years ago by the Ifugaos, are still being cultivated in the traditional way today!
A Village in the Heart of the Rice Fields
Located in the province of Ifugao in northern Luzon, Batad is a small mountain village famous for its amphitheater-shaped rice terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
These emerald green rice fields stretch as far as the eye can see, offering spectacular scenery and a glimpse into the history of indigenous peoples.
Batad is also much more isolated than the town of Banaue, making the experience even more authentic and serene. Here, nature reigns supreme, and visitors can reconnect with ancient agricultural practices while learning about Ifugao culture.
Batad is only accessible by footpath! It takes about 30 to 45 minutes to walk from the vehicle departure point (the “Saddle”) to reach the village. A good pair of hiking shoes is therefore essential.
So what and where to eat?
Batad being a small village, there are no luxury restaurants, but rather inns and small cafes that offer authentic local cuisine:
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Hillside Inn: A simple restaurant with a stunning view of the rice fields. They serve traditional Ifugao dishes, such as inlagim (Ifugao-style grilled chicken) and fresh rice from the terraced rice fields.
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Rita’s Mount View Inn and Restaurant: Known for its warm hospitality, this family-run inn offers homemade dishes, including tinola (chicken soup) and meals made with local vegetables grown in the mountains.
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Batad Pension and Restaurant: This place offers a simple yet memorable experience with local dishes. Try their pinikpikan, a traditional roasted chicken dish, and their rice and egg breakfasts, perfect before a day of hiking.
Must-Do Activities in Batad
- Rice Terraces Hiking: Explore the rice fields on foot, walking on the narrow earthen dikes that separate the terraces. It is an unforgettable experience that allows you to see the ancestral agricultural know-how of the Ifugaos up close.
- Visit Tappiya Waterfall: After trekking through the rice fields, you can cool off at Tappiya Waterfall. The water is cool, and it is a perfect place to relax after a walk.
- Meet the Ifugaos: Learn about the culture and traditions of the Ifugaos, the local ethnic group that created the rice fields. Several families offer guided tours to explain farming techniques and share their history.
- Trek to Banaue: If you are an experienced hiker, you can take a longer walk that will take you all the way to Banaue, passing other beautiful villages and rice terraces.
Best time to travel?
The best time to visit Batad is between March and May, during the dry season, when the rice fields start to turn green. If you want to see the rice fields at their peak beauty, come in June or July when the rice is ripe. Avoid the rainy season (June to October), as the trails can become slippery and dangerous.
