Batad & Bangaan

rice terraces guide

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.

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©2008 HQP / Hillman Quality Publications