4 Days Banaue Rice Terraces Tour from Manila

UNESCO World Heritage Tour to Epic Banaue Rice Terraces

The Banaue Rice Terraces, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, are considered as the "Eighth Wonder of the World" due to their stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. These living cultural landscapes are truly unparalleled in their magnificence. They were carved more than 2000 years ago by the Ifugao people into the mountains of Banaue, Ifugao, in the Philippines.

The Banaue Rice Terraces are located in the north of Manila, about 320 kilometers away, which takes about 10 hours to drive. This 4-day Banaue Rice Terraces tour allows you to explore the terrace clusters and local traditions in-depth. You will have the opportunity to visit two of the most impressive and intact terrace clusters: Batad and Bangaan. The Batad cluster is nestled in a semi-circular amphitheatre of terraces and features a charming village at its base. Meanwhile, the Bangaan cluster boasts a picturesque traditional Ifugao village as its backdrop. By hiking deep into the villages, you will capture the best scenery of the terraces, experience the warmth of the local Ifugao people, and the true harmony between nature and humankind.

Tour Code

PHT-PT-019

Available:

All year

Duration

4 days

Starting time

Flexible

Languages:

English

Difficulty:

Easy

Route

Manila - Banaue - Manila

Features:

Nature, Rice Terraces, World Heritage Site, Ethnic Villages

You Can Experience “Must-see & Must-do” with This Tour

01
Enjoy breathtaking panoramic view of the Banaue Rice Terraces at Banaue Viewpoint, and take good photos of natural wonder cared by the Ifugao people, rising at a height of 1500 meters.
02
Have stunning hiking experience at Batad terrace cluster of the municipality of Banaue that is nestled in amphitheatre-like semi-circular terraces with a village at its base.
03
Embark on a leisurely hiking trip from Batad to Bangaan Village while you can fully immerse yourself in the local culture and experience the natural beauty of the pristine region.
04
Learn more history and culture at Banaue Museum, preserving and showcasing the traditional way of life of the Ifugao people and you can know traditional Ifugao dwelling.

Day by Day Itineray

Day 1 Manila - Banaue

On this day, your guide and driver will pick you up in Manila and transfer you to Banaue, about 320km in the north of Manila, taking 9-10 hours by driving. Upon arrival, you will have a good rest at the hostels in Banaue town proper.

Banaue is a renowned destination in Philippines, celebrated for its UNESCO World Heritage Site status and the breathtaking Batad Rice Terraces and Bangaan Rice Terraces. These terraces are a testament to the rich cultural history of the Philippines, dating back over two millennia to the pre-colonial era. The property's designation as a World Heritage Site recognizes its exceptional value as a living cultural landscape, which has evolved over time. The site comprises five clusters of terraces, spread across four municipalities, each offering an awe-inspiring and well-preserved glimpse into the region's agricultural heritage.

(Transfer Option: Many travelers may prefer taking the 10-hour night bus from Manila to Banaue, which arrives in Banaue early in the morning. This option is convenient, matches their schedule, and can also help save on travel expenses. If you would like to take the night bus instead of using our private car service, please let us know.)

Dining:
None
Accommodation:
Economy Class Hotel in Banaue Town

Day 2 Banaue Rice Terraces Tour | Batad Rice Terraces, Banaue Viewpoint, Banaue Museum

After enjoying breakfast, your guide and driver will accompany you on an exciting adventure to explore the magnificent Banaue Rice Terraces.

Your first stop is to Banaue Viewpoint, where you can get the best panoramic view of Banaue Rice Terraces. The Banaue Rice Terraces are a remarkable feat of ancient engineering, having been carved into the mountains of Ifugao in the Philippines by the ancestors of the indigenous people over 2000 years ago. As you appreciate this awe-inspiring landscape, you will be mesmerized by the lush green rice paddies that seem to rise layer by layer, reaching heights of up to 1500 meters. Amidst this natural wonder, you will also spot local houses nestled harmoniously among the rice paddies, adding to the charm of the terraces. Then, also stop at Aguian View Deck, the famous viewpoint for the Rice Terraces printed on the back of the 20 pesos. There are other views that can give you a wonderful view of the terraces.

Then, head to the Banaue Museum, which houses a collection of artifacts from generations of Ifugaos who have lived in Banaue. The museum showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Ifugao people, particularly their traditional way of life, customs, and beliefs. The collection includes traditional costumes, weapons, tools, and musical instruments, all of which are displayed in an interactive and informative manner. You can fully learn about the history of the region and the significance of the rice terraces through the museum's informative displays.

Afterward, enjoy your highlighted tour to the Batad Rice Terraces, a remote village with around 1,500 residents. This village boasts some of the most well-preserved rice terraces in the Cordillera region. Unlike other rice paddies with mud walls, the ones in Batad are built with stone walls, giving them a more neat and stable appearance. To reach Batad, you will take a privately chartered local jeepney to Batad Saddle Point, where your hiking journey begins. As you embark on your hike, you will pass by verdant paddies, water irrigation channels, charming local houses, and narrow walkways at the rim of the rice terraces. Apart from the amphitheater-like rice terraces with a village at its base and stunning landscape, Batad also has a nearby waterfall that offers a natural swimming pool: the Tappiya Waterfalls. The trek to the falls may take around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your pace. The waterfall is located at the bottom of the terraces, where you can take a refreshing swim and marvel at its breathtaking scenery.

After the tour, arrival back in Batad town proper, overnight at local village inn.

Dining:
Breakfast
Accommodation:
Guest House at Batad Town Proper

Day 3 Banaue Rice Terraces Tour | Bangaan Village

After enjoying breakfast, you will take a hiking trip from Batad to Bangaan village. Bangaan is known for its beautiful rice terraces, which have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the other four rice terraces in the region. Compared to the nearby village of Batad, Bangaan is smaller and less crowded, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a more peaceful and less touristy experience. The village is home to around 200 families, most of whom are engaged in agriculture and rice farming.

During the 3-hour hike, you will leisurely make your way from Batad village via the rice paddies to Bangaan village. Along the way, you will stroll through the village, admiring the stunning views of the rice terraces and the traditional Ifugao houses that dot the landscape. You will have ample time to explore and appreciate the beauty of Bangaan village and its surroundings. In this afternoon, you will begin trekking down to Bangaan Village, and the round trip travel will take about 2 hours. It will be a great opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the local culture and experience the natural beauty of the region.

After the hiking tour at Bangaan, you will take jeepney transfer to Banaue town proper. Visit the market in the town proper and the handicraft center to see samples of Ifugao craftsmanship, including woodcarvings, silver and brass trinkets, baskets, and the weaving of Ifugao cloth, which comes in distinctive patterns. From the market, you can proceed to Poitan village. This is the village of the weavers and carvers. It boasts of magnificently lined Ifugao huts on mountain slopes surrounded by stonewalls that serve as protection of the villagers from the invading tribes. In the village center, there is a large rock believed to be the dwelling place of the spirits of the villagers' ancestors. You learn more about the beliefs and traditions of the Ifugao people.

Stay overnight in Batad town proper.

Dining:
Breakfast
Accommodation:
Economy Class Hotel in Banaue Town

Day 4 Banaue - Manila

After breakfast, your guide and driver will escort you back to Manila. The journey takes about 10 hours. Upon arrival in Manila, you will be dropped at your hotel. Service Ends.

Trip Extension: You can extend your Banaue trip to Manila, El Nido, Boracay, Bohol, Cebu, Dumaguete, Banaue, and other destinations. Please share your ideas with us!

Note: Please be advised that certain sites on the itinerary may be subject to change due to seasonal changes, weather conditions, national holidays, and special events. We reserve the right to modify the itinerary in order to enhance your tour experience in Philippines. Any changes made to the itinerary will be done with your best interests in mind.

Dining:
Breakfast
Accommodation:
None

Price: What’s Included & What’s Excluded

What's included?

Professional licensed English-speaking guide;

Domestic flights (economy class) or ferries as listed in the itinerary;

Admission tickets for all attractions listed in the itinerary;

Accommodation as listed in the itinerary (economy class hotels);

Necessary vehicle transfers as listed in the itinerary;

Airport transfers: it include airport transfers to and from the hotel.

Meals listed in “breakfast” or “lunch” in the above day to day itinerary;

Travel insurance

24/7 customer support

What's excluded?

Entry visa fees

Arrival/departure flights or ferries on the first and last day

Personal expenses

Single room supplement

Recommended optional activities: It may offer optional activities that are not included in the tour price, such as scuba diving, hot spring, etc.

Tips or gratuities for guides and drivers

Important Trip Notes for Booking This Tour

Traveler Tips

"Plan your itinerary in advance to make the most of your trip. There are many things to see and do in the Philippines, so plan your itinerary in advance to ensure you don't miss out on anything."

"Respect the local culture and customs. The Philippines has a rich and diverse culture, so be respectful of local customs and traditions."

"Research the weather and climate of the places you'll be visiting. The Philippines has a tropical climate, but weather conditions can vary depending on the time of year and location."

"Bring cash, as many places in the Philippines still prefer cash over credit cards."

For more travel tips in the Philippines, please contact us to plan your trip now.

What to Bring for the Philippines Tour

  • Passport (Valid for 6 months from date of departure)
  • Vaccination Card
  • Camera, phone, charger, and power bank
  • Personal sanitizing alcohol and face mask
  • Personal drinking water and or snacks
  • Personal Medicine
  • Extra money in Philippine Peso Currency
  • Sunblock, umbrella
  • Swimwear and extra clothes

Cancellation Policy

  • Cancellation requests made 15 days or more prior to the start of the tour will receive a full refund.
  • Cancellation requests made between 7-14 days or more prior to the start of the tour will receive 50% refund.
  • Cancellation requests made less than 7 days prior to the start of the tour are non-refundable.
  • All cancellation requests must be made in writing and sent to Philippines Discovery via email or letter.
  • Hotels once booked are non-refundable.
  • Philippines Discovery reserves the right to cancel a tour due to unforeseen circumstances. In the event of a cancellation, customers will receive a full refund or the option to reschedule to an alternative date.

Hotel Class & Where to Stay for Philippines Tour

When planning a tour of the Philippines, choosing the right hotel class and accommodation can greatly impact your overall experience. Hotels in the Philippines are classified as Deluxe Class, First Class, Standard Class, and Economy Class. We have carefully selected hotels from different classes to offer you a range of options.

Typically, our Philippines tour packages are based on Economy Class hotels in different destinations. If you want to upgrade your hotel class, simply inform your travel expert and they will assist you. Please note that we usually recommend staying in the downtown area or town proper of each location, but we can also arrange for accommodations on nearby islands for a fantastic experience that meets your needs.

Photo Gallery: Enjoy Stunning Photos for the Trip

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Your Worry-free Choices with Philippines Discovery

Cancellation Policy

We provide a transparent overview of applicable fees.

Travel Insurance

Be covered for any unforseen circumatances.

Read Latest Reviews about This Tour

Overall Rating

Excellent

4.8

Itinerary

Excellent

4.8

Guide

Excellent

4.8

Transport

Excellent

4.8

Accommodation

Excellent

4.8

Food

Excellent

4.8

Tour Operator

Excellent

4.8
Nancy & Kay
Rating:
Reviewed on April 21, 2023
Amazing Trip to Palawan, especially had great fun in EI Nido
I went on a tour of the Palawan islands and it was absolutely breathtaking. The crystal clear waters and stunning limestone cliffs left me in awe. I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Palawan.
Kristine C
Rating:
Reviewed on March 17, 2023
Lots of interesting things to see and spots to visit
The El Nido island hopping tour was a lot of fun. We got to visit several beautiful islands and lagoons, and even went snorkeling. It's a great way to explore the natural beauty of Palawan. And, I highly recommend the Underground River tour in Puerto Princesa. The cave system is incredible and our guide was very knowledgeable.
Jenniferf563
Rating:
Reviewed on February,13 2023
A Trip to Bohol and around
The Bohol Countryside tour was a great way to experience the local culture and history. My tour of the Chocolate Hills in Bohol was one of the highlights of my trip. The unique geological formations were unlike anything I had ever seen before. The Tarsier Sanctuary in Bohol was a must-see on my tour. These tiny primates were adorable and the sanctuary did an amazing job of educating visitors about conservation efforts.
ChampBo
Rating:
Reviewed on March 25, 2023
Coron Island Hopping Tour - Just AMAZING!!!
The Coron Island Hopping Tour was a lot of fun. We got to visit several beautiful islands and lagoons, and even went snorkeling. It's a must-do when visiting Coron. On my fourth day in Coron, the Coron Wreck Diving tour was an amazing experience. The World War II shipwrecks were hauntingly beautiful, and it was incredible to see so much marine life thriving in and around the wrecks.
JS-JN
Rating:
Reviewed on February 21, 2023
Enjoyed a great trip to Apo Island
The Apo Island in Bohol snorkeling tour was an incredible experience. The marine life was abundant and we even saw sea turtles up close.
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