Batad & Bangaan
Rice Terraces

Candid tips & insights

 

Batad & Bangaan

Technically, they are geographically distinct from the Banaue Rice Terraces. However, in the tourism industry, the general "Banaue Rice Terraces" term often encompasses nearby rice terraces, including those of Batad and Bangaan.

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Getting to Batad & Bangaan

Reaching Batad and Bangaan from Banaue is not a piece of cake. It entails a bumpy, jerky drive over rutted dirt roads. Then, you must hike the final leg. The rewards are worth the effort.

Be aware that heavy rains can cause landslides and muddy conditions that make the roads impassable. This occurs mostly in the middle of the wet season, from June to August.

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Batad
pronounced bah-tahd'

Setting
Its extensive terraces cling to a grand amphitheatre-shaped slope. The small Batad village sits at the bottom (see photo).

Visitor fitness
Those traveling to Batad should be fit hikers.

Accommodations
Most travelers wisely stay over in Batad rather than making a daytrip. There are casual inns with breathtaking views of the rice terraces. You can book them when you arrive.

Nearby attractions
The village is also a good jumping-off place for exploring other remote settlements and rice terraces. And, you can simply take a 2-hour trek to Tappiya Falls.

Traveling to Batad
The drive from Banaue to the Batad Junction (see guide map) takes about one hour. Driving up the road extension from the junction to the trail head at the Saddle ridge consumes another half hour or, if you have to hike it because the road is washed out or blocked by landsides, one hour. From the Saddle it takes the average hiker about 1.5 hours to reach Batad.

Return trip from Batad
It is much more strenuous and time consuming than getting there because you have to trudge up the steep mountainous path from Batad to the Saddle. It can be hot and humid in midday.

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Bangaan
pronounced bahn-nah'-ahn)

Setting
Bangaan, like Batad, has an amphitheater-shaped rice terrace slope, though on a less grand scale.

Easier to visit than Batad
I recommend Bangaan to travelers who are unable to visit Batad because of time or fitness limitations. Bangaan is also a must-see for those who have been to Batad.

Best photo vantage
It is from the road, just before you reach Bangaan (see my photo).

Final leg
It's an easy 15-minute hike from the road down to the Bangaan village.

Accommodations
Local, basic lodging is available. Or, you can visit Bangaan as a daytrip from Banaue.

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Other attractions near Banaue

They include:

Mayoyao
It has stone-wall rice terraces (most other areas have clay walls).

Poitan Village
This settlement is known for its artisan weaving and wood carving.

Guihob Natural Pool
The cold mountain-spring pool is a refreshing dip on hot-humid days.

Sagada
It's renowned for its hanging coffins and many caves. Note: This destination is too far from Banaue for a daytrip.

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