BANAUE: THE LAND OF THE RICE TERRACES

It was not my plan neither my travel buddies' but because  the bond we created in Sagada seems very hard to break we all decided to travel to Banaue in the province of Ifugao to accompany our two companions.

 The town is very famous for its Rice Terraces.  It is even printed at the back of the Philippine twenty peso bill. This Rice Terraces were built   some two thousand(2000) years ago by the indigenous people  using only their farm tools and hands , they were able to make rice paddies on  the mountains.


 There are several view decks in town and two of the more famous are the Chango Viewpoint and Viewpoint.  

Coming here from Sagada requires two transfer. First we took the jeepney from Sagada to Bontoc  then change ride and took the  Bontoc to Banaue route. Both of the two-segment- rides were fun. Some of us even tried  riding " topload", its riding on top of the jeepney instead of seating inside.

jeepney topload ride

 Upon arrival at the town proper, expect to be welcome by locals peddling their tour packages. I would advise to haggle  hard the price they are offering because sometimes they double or even triple the real price. For accredited tour guides visit the the Banaue Tourist Information Center which is conveniently located right at the town center. When in the highway, take the stairs, go down  and turn right you will then see the Banaue Public Market, in front of it  is the Tourism office. 

 

For a few hours in Banaue, we were able to visit two view decks namely; The Viewpoint  and Chango Viewpoint. According to our driver these two are the most visited view decks. Aside from the view decks, it is also possible to tour the village at the foot of the rice terraces to see and observe the native's way of living.

 

 

Click here for more photos: Banaue Rice Terraces