We used a guide recommended from our homestay which was great. He gave us a lot of info about the rice terraces and the families that own them. The trek to the top includes steep stairs and some good cardio but it is well worth it. I wouldn't miss this if you are in the area.
This is a hike down to the Batad rice terraces, which you walk down to reach Tappiya Falls. You need to be fairly fit to reach them and to do the hike back up to where your transport is waiting.
It was a zigzaggy 45 minutes vehicular ride of steeps and slides plus 20 minutes of trekking. Trekking difficulty level is Easy as per Batad Standard. It may be slippery when wet and a stick being sold for 10pesos is a must to keep balanced and avoid the worst fall that could happen. was it worth it? yes, seeing the grandeur of the terraces, not seen anywhere else as far as my eyes is concern. I am proud that foreigners appreciate this preserved UNESCO World Heritage site.We are just bit worried on how this would look like in the next couple of years if the local govt will just allow modern houses built across, everywhere within the terraces. Thank you to the Ifugao people for the pride they shared to fellow Filipinos and the rest of the world.
The place is surreal, we stayed in Batad Transient House overlooking the Banaue Rice Terraces.. It was a great journey, tiring but worth when you see the view.. It was a quiet and peaceful especially there is no internet connection in the area.. Laid back form of living..
Quite a Drive Up to Get There and we got a puncture in one wheel of our car from the sharp stones from the many landslides which was no great. Hard hike to get there and back - you need to be very fit to go down to the village and waterfall and it will take you around 4 hours after you arrive at the initial village/restaurants (which took 30 mins each way). Very photogenic area if the sun is out. Lovely local people and guides, good food in the restaurants and the beers were most welcome.
