 Traveller's Tales: Getting around in Banaue, Philippines
Know the most popular landmarks in Banaue, Philippines. You may read about best transportation, recommended travel itinerary, suggested routes and directions. Also, you might want to read our
Baguio city guide,
Bohol city guide,
Boracay city guide,
Cebu city guide,
El Nido city guide,
Manila city guide,
and Puerto Galera city guide.
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| R Moorani |
18 May 2003 |
Stayed at Banaue Hotel - Banaue, Philippines.
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At the hotel we picked up a map, which showed the various places we could go to or hike to. Others recommended the hike to Batad, where you feel like you are in the middle of an amphitheater totally surrounded by the magnificent rice terraces. That was our first outing. Thankfully our vehicle had 4-wheel drive. From the hotel, the drive along the National Road took us about 1.5 hours. Although it is only about 12 kilometers from Banaue, the road is rough and in places only a single car can pass. Lots of people are also on the road. Along the way, there were so many lovely vistas at which we stopped to get a better look and to snap a few photos. From the National Road, we put the jeep into overdrive and proceeded to the saddle. The other option is to hike for 1.5 to 2 hours, up hill, which we decided against. We bumped and jostled our way up and were convinced the all our inner organs had been rearranged. At the saddle we paid some locals to look after the jeep, purchased a walking stick and then headed down the path to Batad. The hike downhill (better be in shape) was two hours where we were reward by a magnificent view to the terraces. This was well worth it. There are a couple of very rustic inns, which serve an OK meal and allow you to rest. There are toilets here but of a very rustic variety. Make sure you bring toilet paper. To flush, you have a large bucket of water beside the toilet.
If you want, you can stay overnight here and then proceed on foot to another village 1 to 1.5 hours away. For me the accommodations are just too basic, although we saw others opting for this. After a good rest and lots of photos, it was time for us to make the return journey. After the 2-hour trek uphill we were back to the jeep. We still had to get back to our hotel for a rewarding hot shower and a good meal.
Batad is highly recommended, but only for those who are good hikers. You will get rewarded.
We decided that a less strenuous outing should be attempted next. Viewpoint was our destination. Along the way is a village to the right, where an enterprising family builds and maintains typical local style houses that could be view by interested parties. Great views of the terraces as well! At Viewpoint there are many vantage points for great picture taking. The very small museum in Banaue town is worth a visit.
Banaue and its surrounding rice terraces should be included on most people itinerary.
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