THE NEVER ENDING WALK TO THE BEST RICE FIELDS
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| Hungduan Rice Terraces and its village - one of the many rice terraces |
Through research and with this experience, I have learned that there is a misconception on some facts I have believed in, specifically of the general statement that the Banaue Rice Terraces is a UNESCO World Heritage sight. By walking through the numerous rice fields, you will learn that only those in Batad, Bangaan, Mayoyao, Hungduan and Nagacadan, all in Ifugao are inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Site and that other Banaue rice terraces are not, though considered as National Culture Treasures. We were able to visit Hungduan and of course, the unforgettable Batad Rice Terraces. Witnessing the grandeur of the said terraces carved in the mountains of Ifugao is not an easy feat. It takes perseverance, endurance and strength to be able to finish the very long walk. Once the trail starts, there's definitely no turning back. There's no helicopter or chopper to fetch you up on the mountains, in case you give up.
There were swimming pools in the said resort but who would dare to swim when the weather was freezing. Within the said resort, there is also a display of Ifugao primitive houses which serves as a showroom as well known as the Banaue Ethnic Village.
For our first day, we visited the various rice terraces in the province and we were warned to be relaxed and comfortable, as there is something to reserve our energy for on the following day. Honestly, just like any warning I didn't take it seriously. The usual sightseeing and picture-taking are the activities for the day, and entails a long walk as well. We were informed that the activities for day 1 was just a warm-up for the following day. I wonder what is really in store for the next day.
Day 1 has then ended. Some of my friends did not eat dinner as they were so tired and opted to sleep early and prepare for the big event the following day.
The second day I should say did not disappoint and is one of my most unforgettable travel adventures. First, I was not equipped with the proper attire. But at least my tsinelas (slippers) served me well.
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| a view of our transient houses for three days |
Let me start the adventure by sharing with you where we stayed.
From the choices that were laid down by contacts, the group decided to choose the Banaue Ethnic Village and Pine Forest Resort, to experience primitive living. And by primitive, means staying in cottages with the forest that surrounds and the very cold atmosphere.
For our first day, we visited the various rice terraces in the province and we were warned to be relaxed and comfortable, as there is something to reserve our energy for on the following day. Honestly, just like any warning I didn't take it seriously. The usual sightseeing and picture-taking are the activities for the day, and entails a long walk as well. We were informed that the activities for day 1 was just a warm-up for the following day. I wonder what is really in store for the next day.
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| at the Banaue view point |
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| Banaue View Point during sunset |
The second day I should say did not disappoint and is one of my most unforgettable travel adventures. First, I was not equipped with the proper attire. But at least my tsinelas (slippers) served me well.
First stop was the Bangaan Rice Terraces. Then we proceeded to the Batad Rice Terraces, the highlight of the never ending walk to the best rice fields in the country. While walking, I was thinking if this was all worth-it, every scenery seems the same, I so thought. They are all rice fields.
The itinerary says it should be a two-hour hike to the village, terraces and the waterfalls. But in our case, it was more than that. I'd rather not disclose how many hours we went through this hike, but just for your information we are not official mountaineers and strong hikers. My friends love to hike but speaking for myself, I don't love it but I also don't hate it, it's an activity I take for the sake of adventure and meeting new friends along the way. One of my PE subjects back then during college at UP was Camping, which necessarily includes hikes and short treks but it's something I do not look forward to and will never be get used to. I am even more puzzled at myself that I wore a pair of jeans for this expected activity, as if I'm strolling in a mall. (hahaha!) Mind you, visiting the Batad Rice Terraces is definitely not a walk in the park.
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| mornings at Banaue- getting ready for Batad Rice Terraces |
The itinerary says it should be a two-hour hike to the village, terraces and the waterfalls. But in our case, it was more than that. I'd rather not disclose how many hours we went through this hike, but just for your information we are not official mountaineers and strong hikers. My friends love to hike but speaking for myself, I don't love it but I also don't hate it, it's an activity I take for the sake of adventure and meeting new friends along the way. One of my PE subjects back then during college at UP was Camping, which necessarily includes hikes and short treks but it's something I do not look forward to and will never be get used to. I am even more puzzled at myself that I wore a pair of jeans for this expected activity, as if I'm strolling in a mall. (hahaha!) Mind you, visiting the Batad Rice Terraces is definitely not a walk in the park.
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| Bangaan rice terraces as backdrop |
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| a view of the Batad Rice Terraces |
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| the never ending walk at Batad Rice Terraces |
We dropped by at Simons Place, where food is bearable but not remarkable and of course, we have to rejuvenate, so we have to drink water and eat as much as we can. There are no shortcuts. And so, the trail must be finished whether you like it or not. The way to the Tappiyah Falls is a challenge. I should have stopped by then as the panoramic landscape of the Batad Rice Terraces is already visible from this unassuming eatery (Simons Place) but curiosity got me. And so we moved on after the quick meals.
I don't know how many mountains we have passed enroute to the Falls. And just imagine we have to go back and follow the same trail all over again. The Tappiyah Falls was indeed grand and did not disappoint. We were pressed for time in going back as clouds began to form as if a strong and heavy rain would pour any minute. Unmindful, we still plunged into the water falls to give ourselves a treat.
True enough, we were caught by the heavy rain along the trails on our way back. And the rest is history but we did manage and that is what matters most.
We survived the never ending walk to the best rice fields in the country. The experience was all worth it, but it shall be the first and the last for me. I would recommend it though for adventure-seekers and tag along your friends who would like to experience it but expect the unexpected.
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| the Tappiyah Falls |
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| we finally made it after several hours... |
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| featuring the improvised raincoats |
Below is the proposed itinerary from my contact at the Banaue Tourism Council. There may be deviations and additions, depending on the groups' moods and physical condition. This is actually a Sagada-Banaue trip, but because we were all exhausted by the very long walk on the rice fields, less attractions were visited in Sagada. I highly recommend that you choose one at a time for convenience. Nevertheless, this may serve as your guide on what to expect. Here it is:
***
Hello Sir . Julius!
PROPOSED ITINERARY
DAY 1- 10:00 P.M. Start Manila
6:00-7:00 A.M.- ETA Banaue
-check in-
-breakfast
8:00-10:00 A.M. - REST
10:00 A.M. - Start Banaue tour
- Hapao Rice Terraces- Sighseeing & picture-taking
- Banaue Ethnic Village & Pine Forest Resort
Open showroom of the Ifugao native houses, beauty rest under
pinetrees, strolling, swimming, boating, (can have your picnic lunch
here)
3:00 P.M.- leave for Banaue Viewpoint: sightseeing and picture-taking/souvenir
shops in this area/ Natives in their Ifugao Native attires
5:00 P.M. - Back to Lodge
Dinner
DAY 2- 6:00 A.M. - BREAKFAST
7:00 -BATAD TERRACES & VILLAGE TOUR
This is an hour and 45 mins drive to the saddle point and 2 hrs hike to
village, terraces and water falls. This is recomended for strong hikers.
Bangaan village & terraces is an alternative place for those who cannot
make it to Batad, just 20 minutes hike from road level;
5:00 Back to lodge
DAY 3- 6:00 A.M. breakfast
7:00 Start for SAGADA TOUR
Explore Sumaguing cave/ Echo Valley
6:00 P.M. Back to Lodge
Day 4- Homeward bound
TOUR PACKAGE RATE FOR 12 PAX- P 1,950.00 PER PAX
INCLUSIONS: 3 NIGHTS LODGING WITH BREAKFAST; TRANSPORTATION AND GUIDE FEE-- BANAUE , BATAD & SAGADA TOURS; ENVIRONMENTAL FEE- SAGADA & BANAUE. Other meals are pax account. Food in Banaue & Sagada Ranges
OTHER INFO:
ACCOMMODATION: You may choose from the 2
HALFWAY LODGE & RESTAURANT- Located at the center in Banaue, rooms with private bath & toilet; quite congested with houses and people, vehicles
BANAUE ETHNIC VILLAGE & PINE FOREST RESORT
Lodging in Ifugao Typical Houses; quiet surroundings with pinetrees like Baguio
I am not sure if I have given all the information you need but you are welcome to communicate for verifications and other inquiries!
FOR RESERVATIONS: We experience many no-show reservations that is the reason why we require a 50% downpayment upon confirmation; Bank details: PNB-LAGAWE, Ifugao
ACCT. NO. 00-627-810020-9 in the name of ANDRES DUNUAN. Many thanks!
JANE D. BUYAO
Chairperson- Banaue Tourism Council/
Banaue Food 7 Lodging Establishments
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For this, I am thankful for having been assigned and getting the opportunity to have organized this with my highschool friends and their friends, UP classmates, schoolmates and the SGV friends and to the Buyao Family, especially to Ms. Jane for making us experience and witness another site that our country should be proud of.
2 comments
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI was wondering if you would be able to let me know what tour guide you went with during your trek through Banaue, Batad, and Sagada. If you could give me any type of contact information it would be very appreciated. I'm with one other person and we would be very interested in doing a multi-day trek through the rice-terrices, however your post mentions a 12-person group. Is this something that we can book and expect to have 10 others also be booked with us?
Also, I'm curious if the P1,950.00 that you added in your itinerary was the total you payed with the accommodations, breakfast and the tour guide for the entire trip? Or was the this the charge per day.
Let me know,
I would really appreciate it
Rachel
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI was wondering if you would be able to let me know what tour guide you went with during your trek through Banaue, Batad, and Sagada. If you could give me any type of contact information it would be very appreciated. I'm with one other person and we would be very interested in doing a multi-day trek through the rice-terrices, however your post mentions a 12-person group. Is this something that we can book and expect to have 10 others also be booked with us?
Also, I'm curious if the P1,950.00 that you added in your itinerary was the total you payed with the accommodations, breakfast and the tour guide for the entire trip? Or was the this the charge per day.
Let me know,
I would really appreciate it
Rachel