4 Days Banaue Rice Terraces Tour from Manila

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.)

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.

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.

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.