After breaking the ice during our first stop in Baguio, it was a long night, sleeping in a van full of strangers. I figured joining a tour I found online would be more affordable and convenient logistics-wise compared to visiting the Batad Rice Terraces – one of the Philippines’ UNESCO World Heritage Sites – on my own.
A Series of Challenging Steps
From outside the village, we alighted a few kilometers out – our first test before the actual trek up and down the rice terraces. I imagined how some locals could do this routinely whenever they had to make their way out and back in.
The trek to the village from the drop-off point was longer than I thought. Later, I realized it was simply a warm-up for the real upcoming challenge.
From where we stayed, our group could see the rice terraces in all their glory. It made me eager to get on the trail and view it from different angles.
After a short briefing about the hike, including precautions and introductions, we were finally on our way. The trek started off easy with walks along paved but narrow paths. Curious locals smiled and waved at us as we passed by. With only a few houses and structures here and there, there was plenty of green space and beautiful views to admire all around.
Making our way toward the first viewpoint, we had to ascend and descend steep stone paths. I began to feel the strain of constantly climbing up and down such steep steps. However, the views were more than enough reward for the strain on my legs.
I could see vibrant greens as far as my eyes could see. The theater-like terraces were spectacular wherever we stood to view them. I could only imagine the time and effort it took to carve them, plant rice, and harvest it at different times of the year.
It took a few more hours to reach the different viewpoints included in our itinerary. Thankfully, it wasn’t hot and humid that day. The fresh, cool mountain breeze was a welcome respite from the confines and pollution of Manila and made the trek bearable.
Exploring a Waterfall
Our last stop was Tappiyah Falls. The water was extremely cold, but I took a dip anyway to wash off the sweat from our strenuous trek.
After several photos and a refreshing dip, we returned to the village and called it a day. Far away from the hustle and bustle of the metro, nights are quiet in the village, allowing for a bit of contemplation. You can take things slow and forget the stress and worries of deadlines.
Last Stop Before a Return to the City
We stopped by the Banaue Rice Terraces before returning to Manila. We didn’t hike the terraces anymore and just proceeded to a viewpoint to take photos and admire them from afar. It was a brief but amazing weekend adventure – something that I needed at the time.
The Philippines may be famous for its pristine beaches and islands, but the country’s mountainous regions and their unique culture also make for a worthwhile addition to your itinerary. With their stunning rice terraces and mountains – all doable as a short weekend trip or an extended one – they offer a glimpse into a different side of the Philippines.
If you’re ticking off UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Batad should be on your list. Together with other UNESCO-listed Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras – Nagacadan in Kiangan, Hungduan, Mayoyao, and Bangaan – Batad combines the region’s rich cultural landscape, human ingenuity, and beautiful nature.
