VI
EN
The Banaue rice terraces were created by human hands between 2,000 and 6,000 years ago in the Ifugao region. With its spectacular natural scenery, especially during the rice harvest and the rainy season, it is revered by travelers as the "Eighth Wonder of Nature" of the world.
The picturesque landscapes of Banaua captivate many travelers. Photo: Papalengtraveladventure
Terrace farming along mountain slopes is not unfamiliar to the people of Southeast Asia's rice-growing civilizations. But for Western tourists, gazing at the gently sloping, golden rice paddies in bloom or shimmering with water is truly an unforgettable experience. They call Banaue a giant hanging garden on the mountaintop.
Banaue is situated at an altitude of 1,500 meters above sea level and spans an area of 10,360 square kilometers. The ancestors of the indigenous people of the Cordillera Mountains used a unique and highly efficient irrigation system to provide water for their crops, drawing water from nearby tropical rainforests.
The beautiful scenery of the terraced rice fields is an endless source of inspiration for photographers.
Beyond providing food for the people, the terraced rice fields of Banaue also hold significant cultural and traditional values for the local inhabitants. Every aspect of society, farming, and festivals is intertwined with each square meter of these terraced fields. Whenever someone comes to buy a plot of land, the Ifugao people hold a special feast, deeply rooted in their ethnic traditions, to pray for a bountiful harvest.
However, since 2001, due to external threats, UNESCO has included the Banaue rice terraces on its list of endangered heritage sites, as the blending of different cultures and economic and political factors have significantly impacted the core traditional values of Ifugao.
This place is also an endless source of inspiration for photographers from all over the world. In recent years, tourism in Banaue has attracted more and more attention, especially after stunning photos of the rice paddies and the rice paddies were posted on social media by photographers.
Unlike the vast, open fields of the lowlands, terraced rice paddies are stacked and gently undulating along the high mountain slopes like steps leading up to the green. During the rice harvest season, the entire landscape is a breathtaking golden hue, creating a spectacular, picturesque scene. And during the rainy season, under the sunlight, each terrace, covered in shimmering water, reflects the shadows of people and the sky, enhancing its beauty even more.
Vehicle
From Manila, travelers can buy high-quality long-distance bus tickets to Banaue, a journey of approximately 9 hours covering nearly 400km. These buses are air-conditioned and cost around 400-550 pesos (approximately 600,000 to over 800,000 VND). There are many stops along the way, such as in Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, and Nueva Vizcaya provinces, so if you're not departing from Manila, you can board at any of these stops. A list of these stops can be found at the bus companies' offices or on their official websites.
Dangwa Transit operates daily services to Banaue. Their stations are located along Dimasalang Road, Sampaloc, Manila and Aurora Boulevard, Cubao, Quezon City (telephone: +63 731-2879 and 410-1991).
Also operating the Banaue route, tourists have another option: Auto Bus (phone: +63 735-8098) with its terminal at the corner of España Blvd and G. Tolentino, Manila. Buses depart daily at 10:00 AM and arrive around 7:00 PM. There are also direct buses from Bagio City to Banaue.
Accommodation
Finding accommodation in Banaue isn't a major issue. You can find guesthouses at various price points in town, such as Banaue View Inn, People's Lodge, Banaue Hotel, etc. You can also choose to stay with locals in a homestay to save money and have a more unique experience.
Restaurants in Banaue aren't very diverse. Visitors can try: Sanafe Lodge & Restaurant (telephone +63 74 386 4085), open from 6 am to 9 pm. Or Ilob Village Inn (Poblacion, Banaue, about 1 km from the bus station), which offers many traditional Ifugao dishes; you can also request to see cultural performances at the restaurant.
The ideal time
You should visit Banaue around June – harvest season when the rice fields turn golden yellow across the hillsides. Avoid the rainy season as it will prevent you from getting beautiful photos. A good time to visit Banaue is from December of the previous year to June of the following year.
