Banaue Rice Terraces

Banaue rice terraces has been described as the eighth wonder

of the world. Carved out of the hillside by Ifugao tribes people
2000 to 3000 years ago without the aid of machinery to provide
level steps where the natives plant rice. And they are still in use
today. In 1995, they were declared a UNESCO World Heritage
Site.

Banaue rice terraces stretch like stepping stones to the sky -

some reaching an altitude of 1500m (4920ft). It is considered
as one of mankind's greatest engineering feat. If the terraces
were laid end to end, they would stretch half way around the
world.

One of the major appeal of Banaue rice terraces to the local and
international tourist are the many hiking trails in the area. There
are many young locals, mostly college students who serve as
guides. But with or without a guide, you will find the friendliness and warmth of the
Ifugao people endearing.

The Banaue Rice Terraces are now showing signs of erosion.

Some areas needs maintenance as some of the new
generation Ifugaos are migrating to the cities looking for
better opportunities. That given, the terraces still never fails
to awe the traveller.

Aside from Banaue rice terraces, nearby are 4 other similar

Ifugao terraces:

BATAD rice terraces. Also located in Banaue, it is home to the spectacular tiered,
amphitheatre-shaped terraces.

MAYOYAO rice terraces is similarly situated in Banaue. The organic Ifugao rice called
Tinawon, in red and white variety, is harvested here in abundance.
HAPAO rice terraces. Its stone-walled rice
terraces date back to 650 AD and is located in
Hungduan, where Napulawan terraces can also
to be found.

KIANGAN rice terraces. It is home to two

famous rice terraces sites namely: Nagacadan
and Julungan, known for their size and visual
impact.

Banaue rice terraces, although a bit far from Manila is one of the most awesome
destinations in the Philippines. Visitors never regret spending time and resources to
see its beauty and grandeur. One cannot but ponder how the Ifugaos made it all
using just their bare hands...
HOW TO GET TO BANAUE RICE TERRACES:

From Manila there are air-conditioned buses that go straight to Banaue, The trip
takes about 9 hours. The Dangwa Transit have daily trips to Banaue Rice Terraces.
Their terminals are located along Dimasalang St., Sampaloc, Manila and Aurora
Boulevard, Cubao, Q.C. (Tel# 731-2879 & 410-1991). Also plying the Banaue route
is Auto Bus (Tel# 735-8098) with terminals at España Blvd corner G. Tolentino St.,
Manila. The bus leaves at 10 PM daily and arrives at about 7AM. From Baguio City,
there are also buses going to the Banaue Rice Terraces.

The trip will pass through the provinces of Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya then
to Ifugao. Accommodation is no problem, there are several inns in town like the
Banaue View Inn, the Banaue Hotel and other lodging houses with reasonable rates.
Some private homes also accept tourist and transients for a lesser charge.