Batad is an ancient village, home to some of the area's oldest by that I mean years old rice terraces. The village has changed little over the past two millennia, although tourism and development are slowly creeping in. There is a small guesthouse and restaurant with a balcony overlooking the rice terraces called Rita's.
Rita is a kind old woman, about 70 by her best estimate, but they didn't keep track of age when she was born, so she's not sure. She is one of the last two living practitioners of the traditional local weaving process.
Rita can take plants from the jungle, separate their leaves into fibres to create thread, and then weave the thread into clothes, all by hand. She is a living piece of history and, if you find yourself in Batad, you must not miss the chance to meet her. The resort is built on a hillside with a majestic view looking up a valley of vibrant green rice terraces. The rooms are traditional native thatched-roofed huts built in the traditional style.
It's a unique and beautiful way to experience one of the Philippines greatest man-made treasures. They are very accommodating.
They are always smiling. One thing you might notice when you meet Ifugaos is that their mouth and teeth are red. This is because of nganga or betel nuts.
Nganga is like an alternative to tobacco or cigarettes. Basically, a regular meal will already cost you around P but the serving is generous. You must try their native rice and longganisa! A common misconception among tourists is that they often think that the Ifugao Rice Terraces and Banaue Rice Terraces are the same. This is one of the Banaue Rice Terraces facts that every traveler must know. While the stunning attraction covers an extensive area, the inscribed property consists of five clusters of the most intact and impressive rice terraces, located in four municipalities.
Unlike other waterfalls that are easy to reach, Tappiya Falls is a challenge but definitely worth it. Expect a not so easy trek by any stretch, the path to the falls will take you up and down steep uneven steps, narrow rice terraces, and muddy slippery trails. The trek will take about an hour or two depending on your pace. Also, the water here is freezing cold!
The word imbayah itself comes from the Ifugao word bayah , or rice wine, which signifies nobility and high stature in the community. During the festival, rice wine from antique Chinese jars overflows, and a banquet is arranged for the mortals and the gods. The Ifugao elderly say that this celebration has been their way of thanksgiving and is a season of merry-making after a bountiful harvest.
Tappiyah or splash Falls is a meter tall waterfalls located in the mountains of Banaue. It's a sight to behold as well! Of the six, Batad Rice Terraces is the largest.
And if each rice terrace was connected end to end, the combined distance would reach halfway across the globe! Although some trips to Banaue can be arranged via travel groups or agencies which is more convenient , most travelers head to Banaue via bus with travel time usually taking around hours via North Luzon Expressway.
However, as of June of , traveling to Banaue is possible in 5 hours with the introduction of chartered flights via Clark International Airport in Pampanga to Bagabag Airport in Nueva Vizcaya. Tell the driver to drop you at Solano, Nueva Vizcaya. From there you will need to ride a jeep from Lagawe, Ifugao and another jeep to reach Banaue proper. The rooms are not well-equipped but if you just want to chill and enjoy the amazing view of the terraces, this is the best bet for you.
Most accommodations in Banaue have restaurants where guests can dine, and in some cases, enjoy the view while eating. Food in Banaue is a good mix of the traditional, local, and international which uses mostly local produce and caters to travelers at different price points.
Since it opened in , Sanafe Lodge and Restaurant has become the place of choice for most travelers in Banaue because of its location as well as the service of its staff.
Named after Susan the owner , Ana her mother , and Fe her sister , Sanafe is located only a few steps from the bus and jeepney terminal and is next to the market in downtown Banaue. Sanafe Lodge and Restaurant serves local dishes and comfort food as well as pasta and vegetables for the healthy eaters.
It also has its own mini bar where guests can have a sampling of their selection of international wines and spirits. Since many young Ifugaos are not interested in farming, the soil on the terraces has started eroding and some of the terraces had to be redone.
The people of the province love having fun during the festival of tunggul. During the festival, they drink bayah or rice beer, eat rice cakes, and chew betel nut. If you are lucky, you will be greeted by an Ifugao warrior who may scare you with his weapons, appearance, and demeanor but he is part of the spectacle that makes the Banaue Terrace amazing and worth seeing.
I fear no challenges in my life from trekking the Sagada cave, hiking the Alps in Switzerland, zip lining in Costa Rica, river rafting in the cold waters of the West Virginia mountains, to showing my bravery to fight an Ifugao tribesman.
This is the adventure of traveling. Nothing ventured — nothing earned. While I was up in the mountains, I was very lucky to have met an Ifugao tribesman who showed me how to handle a spear which his weapon to hunt or defend himself.
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