The Batad Rice Terraces are not to be confused with the Banaue Rice Terraces. Although both of them are in Ifugao, only the former is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s common to mistake the two because they’re both in Banaue.
What sets the Batad Rice Terraces apart from the other rice terraces in the Philippines is that it resembles an amphitheater. Amazingly, most of it was built by hand. Don’t believe me? Go see for yourself!
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Best Time to Visit Batad Rice Terraces
You’ll want to catch the Batad Rice Terraces when they’re lush green—and that’s usually from August to November. However, it gets rainy from August to September. Landslides occur more frequently and trekking will be dangerous. Your best bet would be to visit sometime in October or November when the wet season is over. Summertime is also an option, but keep in mind that the rice terraces in Banaue won’t be the ideal color you’re expecting.
How to Get To Banaue, Ifugao
To get to the Batad Rice Terraces, you need to take a bus bound for Banaue first. There are two bus companies that operate a Manila to Banaue route. Coda Lines in Cubao, Quezon City and Ohayami Trans in Sampaloc, Manila. Bring a jacket or a small pillow to make yourself more comfortable on the 9-hour trip. Take your pick from the different departure times below.
Coda Lines Manila to Banaue Daily Schedule
8:00 PM | 9:00 PM | 10:00 PM | 10:30 PM
Ohayami Trans Manila to Banaue Daily Schedule
9:30 PM | 10:00 PM
Coda Lines Banaue to Manila Daily Schedule
1:00 PM | 4:30 PM | 5:30 PM | 6:30 PM
Ohayami Trans Banaue to Manila Daily Schedule
7:00 PM
Since the rice terraces in the Philippines are quite popular, expect more people during weekends and holidays. It’s recommended to reserve seats in advance because the buses will be packed with other visitors. Purchase a Coda Lines bus ticket or Ohayami Trans bus ticket to Banaue via online booking. Don’t forget to book your return ticket too!
Once you’re in Banaue, head to the tourism office to pay for a small environmental fee. Next, you’ll want to hire a tricycle to take you to the Saddle for about 150 PHP. If you’re traveling as a big group, then hiring a jeepney for 1,500 PHP might be more practical. From the Saddle, you’ll have to hike down to get to Batad Village. Consider this 15-minute trek as a warm-up for all the hiking you’ll do! When you finally reach the village, prepare to pay another environmental fee.
What to Expect at Batad Rice Terraces Banaue
It is generally cooler up north, bring a few layers to keep yourself warm. There will be no ATMs in the village so have enough cash for the trip. If you can, try to break your pesos into smaller denominations since stores may not be able to give you exact changes.
As you may have already guessed, you will be hiking A LOT. The only way to get around the Batad Rice Terraces is by foot. It is also little to no cellular signal in Banaue. Popular activities include visiting the Awa View Deck and the Tappiya waterfalls. Both of which will require trekking. Don’t leave Banaue without trying the local food like pinikpikan and rice wine!
If you thirst for more adventure, you can take a side trip to either Baguio or Sagada. Might as well explore the north while you’re there!
Where To Stay In Batad
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*Last updated: April 25, 2024