The rice terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras are a sight to behold on screen, what more if you visit them in person. Not many travelers have had the chance to visit the destination yet, so if you plan on taking a trip to the province, make sure to make a stop at the rice terraces.
It’s a common misconception that the terraces are all located in one place, but the truth is there are 48 clusters scattered around the Ifugao province. If you want to explore them, here’s a look into the five clusters recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Cordillera Rice Terraces Worth Exploring
Here is a list of rice terraces in the Philippines that you should consider visiting:
Batad Rice Terraces
The first destination on the list is the Batad Rice Terraces. It’s located in Banaue, Ifugao, and its stone walls set it apart from other terraces in the region. Tourists often visit the terraces to go trekking because of its steep location and the natural landscapes you can encounter along the way.
If you plan on hiking the Batad terraces, make sure to hire a guide so they can show you the way and give you in-depth information about the destination. The trek involves walking down to the village and around the edges of the terraces to the highest vantage point. At the top, you’ll get a breathtaking view of the valley.
If you want more adventure, there’s an entrance that can lead you to Tapiya Falls. The trek will only take 2 hours to finish, but you can book accommodations if you want to stay longer in the village. You can find a few options around Batad, but most choose to stay in the nearby town of Banaue.
Bangaan Rice Terraces
The Bangaan Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras is another notable top for adventure seekers. Since it’s much smaller, it’s an easier trek than Batad. At a 900-meter elevation, it will often take you about 20-30 minutes to hike. Thus, it’s perfect for beginner trekkers.
Bangaan is about 2 kilometers away from the junction road going to Batad, and you can get a glimpse of the terraces from the road. If you don’t want to go on a trek, this will be a perfect spot to get snapshots of the view. A fun tidbit about these rice terraces is if you look at it from a certain angle, it’ll look like a jar or ‘banga,’ which is how it got its name.
See also: Banaue Rice Terraces, Philippines
Mayoyao Rice Terraces
One of the most impressive rice terraces in the country is Mayoyao, also known as the “paradise terraces.” Its size and stretch are impressively expansive compared to the two previous destinations. That’s because it consists of several rice paddy clusters that span more than half of the municipality.
The great thing about hiking here is you get to encounter several houses along the way, so you can interact with the locals and get a peek at their daily activities. For instance, some may be loom weaving, making handicrafts, pounding rice, or farming.
Hungduan Rice Terraces
The Hungduan rice terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras spread across three villages of the municipality, namely the Nulungunan, Hapao, and Baang. During your trek, you’ll come across natural springs flowing from the mountains, which irrigate the rice fields and are the village’s primary water source.
A hidden gem that the other rice clusters don’t have is the Bogyah Hot Spring, which you’ll encounter after 1-2 hours of hiking from the main road. It’s the perfect spot to soak in after a long day in the sun. The best time to visit the terraces is between April to September. The farmers will start planting their heirloom rice, called Tinawon, by the beginning of April, so the site will look lush and striking with their emerald green crops.
Nagacadan Rice Terraces
The Nagacadan Rice Terraces may be last on this list, but it’s just as magnificent as the other clusters. It’s located in the town of Kiangan, and it’s easily accessible through a 20-minute ride from the village’s municipal hall.
The Nagacadan terraces appear as two distinct rows since they’re separated by a river. They admittedly look more modest than the Mayoyao, but they provide a tranquil environment in which to take in the local environment and its culture.
See also: Kiangan, Ifugao Adventure
Final Thoughts
The rice terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras may not be as dynamic compared to other tourist spots in the country, but they provide a glimpse of the local culture and hospitality of the people of Banaue. Not many people are aware that you can get a close look at the terraces by hiking, so consider adding this activity to your bucket list when you visit!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If you haven’t had the chance to explore the rice terraces in the country, here’s your chance to learn more about the local natural wonder:
Where is the Philippine Rice Terraces found?
The Philippine rice terraces are found in the Cordillera mountain ranges of the Ifugao province. The terraces are in the remote area of the Cordilleras, so you have to go through mountainous terrain to get to the destination, but the view will be worth it once you get there!
What is the purpose of the rice terraces in the Philippines?
The rice terraces in the country were created to make rice production easier for the farmers. The Ifugaos impressively hand-carved the terraces 2,000 years ago, and it’s been maintained by their predecessors ever since.
Is Banaue Rice Terraces 7 Wonders of the World?
The Banaue Rice Terraces is, unfortunately, not part of the 7 Wonders of the World. However, UNESCO recognized the Cordilleras Rice Terraces as a World Heritage site in 1995.
Related: Maligcong Rice Terraces Travelogue: A Scenic And Cultural Experience