Banaue is a municipality in the Luzon region of the Philippines. The place is most popularly known for the Banaue Rice Terraces, which are rice plantation terraces that were carved out by Filipino ancestors from mountain ranges. Up until now the people will see native Ifugaos living in Banaue. The Ifugaos used native tools to carve out the terraces.
You have to be there to believe it, but the view of the terraces promises a magical breathtaking site of beauty. The Banaue Rice Terraces is actually among the world’s greatest natural wonder! The air is clean and you will definitely love to take in pollution free air in the mountains with the friendliest climate.
Aside from visiting the Rice Terraces, people will enjoy the falls in Banaue. There are also the indigenous villages of the Ifugaos. These will show you how rich the Filipino culture is.
Taking in the view of the rice Terraces is not the only thing to do in Banaue. Visiting Bangaan or Batad is strongly advised. You can stay at the only hotel/guesthouse in Bangaan, the Family Inn and Guesthouse. The inn offers clean rooms along with a good restaurant for a price that is not very expensive. The inn also offers a great view of the Banaue Terraces.
After resting and relaxing in the hotel, you can hike from one village to another, like Pula and Cambulo, learning something new from every village. The town is a busy place, too. It is a small town but there will always be place for a little shopping.
Hiking in the mountains is a great activity in Banaue. You can stay in a one mountain and enjoy it for as long as you want, or you can head in further into the mountains. The rice terraces are spread across small farming communities. This will be another magnificent site for you. Banaue has tour guides and maps available for
The Ifugaos have a very distinct culture that everyone will find interesting. The town is a little neglected but this makes it more interesting. Banaue is an old place and every where you go, you will hear the song of untouched nature in the wind and smell history in the air. This only makes a visit to the small municipality all the more fascinating.
Don’t forget to get your hands on one of the local striped textiles of the Ifugaos. It is part of the Ifugaos’ tradition and culture to weave clothes of distinct colors (which, by the way, is what they use for clothing). It’s a perfect souvenir of your visit to Banaue.
After a long day of trekking and hiking in the mountains and braving many of the unexplored parts of Mt. Amuyao, the only thing anyone can think of doing is to rest. There are no pubs or bars in Banaue. But with the warm people and a taste of local food, you will be glad to stay indoors and reflect on the wonders of nature you have witnessed first hand.