|
Batad & Bangaan
Technically,
they are geographically distinct from the Banaue Rice Terraces.
However, in the tourism industry, the general "Banaue Rice Terraces" term often
encompasses nearby rice terraces, including those of Batad and Bangaan.
Getting there
 Reaching
Batad and Bangaan from Banaue is not a piece of cake. It entails a bumpy, jerky drive over rutted dirt roads. Then, you
must hike the final leg. The rewards are worth the effort.
Be
aware that heavy rains can cause landslides and muddy conditions that make the
roads impassable. This occurs mostly in the middle of the wet season, from June to August.
Batad
(bah-tahd')
Its
extensive terraces cling to a grand amphitheatre-shaped slope. The small Batad
village sits at the bottom (see photo).
Most
travelers wisely stay over in Batad rather than making a daytrip. There are
casual inns with breathtaking views of the rice terraces. You can book them when
you arrive.
The
village is also a good jumping-off place for exploring other remote settlements
and rice terraces. And, you can simply take a 2-hour trek to Tappiya Falls.
Those
traveling to Batad should be fit hikers.
The
drive from Banaue to the Batad Junction (see guide map) takes about one hour. Driving
up the road extension from the junction to the trail head at the Saddle ridge
consumes another half hour or, if you have to hike it because the road is washed out or
blocked by landsides, one hour. From the Saddle it takes the average hiker
about 1.5 hours to reach Batad.
The
return trip is much more strenuous and time consuming because you have to trudge
up the steep mountainous path from Batad to the Saddle. It can be hot
and humid in midday.
Bangaan
(bahn-nah'-ahn)
I
recommend Bangaan to travelers who are unable to visit Batad because of time or
fitness limitations. Bangaan is also a must-see for those who have been to Batad.
Bangaan,
like Batad, has an amphitheater-shaped rice terrace slope, though on a less grand
scale.
The
best photo vantage of the rice terraces is from the road, just before you reach
Bangaan (see my photo).
It's an easy 15-minute
hike from the road down to the Bangaan village.
You
can visit Bangaan as a daytrip from Banaue. Or, you can stay over (local accommodations are available).
Other major
attractions
near Banaue
include:
Mayoyao
- Has stone-wall rice terraces (most other areas have clay walls).
Poitan
Village - Known for its artisan weaving and wood carving.
Guihob
Natural Pool - The cold mountain-spring pool is a refreshing dip on
hot-humid days.
Sagada
- Renowned for its hanging coffins and many caves. Note: This destination is too
far from Banaue for a daytrip.
My other Banaue
guide web pages
  
My Philippine
guide web pages
 
Official Philippines tourism link
Department of
Tourism
View my next top 100
Wonders of the World
My Philippine cuisine guide
 |
