Go trekking in the Batad Rice Terraces, an UNESCO World Heritage site, enjoy plenty of unique local experiences and more with this best-selling 4-day 3-night journey in North Luzon.
DAY 1: MANILA – BANAUE
Depart for Banaue via the Cagayan Valley reaching the mountain ranges of the Cordillera, a region of outstanding natural beauty. The 10–hour journey by land leads you to Banaue, the gateway to Ifugao Province, and site of the world-famous rice terraces. Check in at hotel. (L, D)
DAY 2: BANAUE – BATAD
Board a local jeepney and proceed to the Saddle, the jumping-off point where the trek to Batad begins. Hike through mountain trails until you reach a crest offering a breathtaking view of amphitheatre-like terraces, wooded mountains and finally, the secluded village of Batad. After lunch, embark on a leisurely exploration of the village, which consists of a small huddle of huts dotting the landscape. Tread your way through narrow pathways on rice paddies, to a small wooded hill where a path leads to a river. Continue your walk upstream along the riverbank until the impressive 25-metre-high Tappiya Waterfalls comes into view. Time permitting, enjoy a refreshing dip in the natural pool fronting the waterfalls before returning to the inn. (B, L, D)
DAY 3: BATAD – BANAUE
Check out and begin a 3-hour long trek on high mountain passes, traversing rocky fringes of rice paddies and thick undergrowth of bamboo groves, giant ferns and moss-carpeted rock walls until you reach Bangaan Village. Proceed to Banga-an Family Inn for lunch. After lunch, explore the cluster of humble dwellings that make up the village and mingle with the villagers. Return to Banaue on board a local jeepney. Check in at hotel. (B, L, D)
DAY 4: BANAUE – MANILA
Return to Manila via Cagayan Valley Road and the central plains of Luzon. Arrive in Manila late in the afternoon. (B, L)
Customise the experience by adding a day in Banaue to trek the terraces, a day at Sagada to trek the valleys, or extending the trip in Clark and visiting Pinatubo Volcano.
NOTES
- The best time to see the lush, green rice terraces is April – July
- Tour is available with driver only (no guide)
- The trek to Tappiya Waterfalls may be physically demanding for some due to very narrow pathways on a steep incline
