We enjoyed our breakfast at the Banaue Police Station, a unique perk of traveling with a friend who’s a police officer. The meal was satisfying, featuring fish and vegetables, accompanied by my morning coffee.
The highlight, however, was the warmth of the people. I chatted with a female police officer, who, while busy typing on her computer, mentioned that Banaue is mostly peaceful, dealing primarily with minor vehicular and parking issues.
Stepping outside for fresh air, I truly appreciated her point: Banaue’s beauty is undeniable.
The view of Banaue Town Proper.
Our rented jeepney was ready to take us to Batad. However, one of my travel companions reminded us that our first stop would be Bangaan. “Bangaan?” I asked, prompting a look from a friend who just smiled at my lack of itinerary awareness.
I had to admit, I hadn’t paid much attention; my excitement was all for Batad, a dream destination of mine. Nevertheless, the detour to the Bangaan rice terraces seemed perfectly fine.
The journey from Banaue town proper, passing through the Batad junction, was brief. We stopped seemingly in the middle of the road, high in the Banaue mountains. I was about to inquire about our location when a friend pointed out, “This is the best top-view spot of Bangaan.”
And indeed, stepping out to gaze over the cliff, I was struck by the jaw-dropping beauty of the sculpted rice terraces. “Wow!” I exclaimed.
The view from the road.
We’re busy taking pictures.
Top View of Bangaan Rice Terraces.
My eyes were captivated by Bangaan as I reached for my phone, eager to capture photos. My mind exclaimed, “Oh my goodness!” That was just stunning.
I found myself pondering, “Why didn’t I know about Bangaan? Why didn’t my Sibika at Kultura or Hekasi classes cover this?” Frustration welled up in me, both at the breathtaking splendor before me and my own unawareness. It sparked a realization about the excessive emphasis on Banaue Rice Terraces in elementary textbooks.
To all students reading this: delve into travel books, blogs, and most importantly, travel if possible! Don’t miss out on discovering the incredible treasures of our country. There is much more to learn beyond your textbooks.
Upon further research, I discovered that Bangaan is one of the five Ifugao rice terraces recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Regrettably, due to the abundance of modern structures, Banaue Rice Terraces did not make it onto the UNESCO list.
That’s us. Ronald and Ma’am Diego trekking down the Bangaan Rice Terraces.
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Trek Down the Bangaan Rice Terraces
After spending about 20 minutes admiring the top view of Bangaan, Mike, a fellow blogger and traveler, urged us to get back into the jeepney. We were heading down to explore the rice terraces. Exciting, indeed!
We parked in a village atop the terraces, and without any stretching, began our trek down to the lush green rice fields.
My friends are so nice to take a photo of me.
Words fall short in capturing the beauty of Bangaan. Being there, amidst the rice terraces, felt surreal. The “hagdan hagdang palayan” (rice terraces), a topic often covered in grade school with a focus on the famed Banaue, now surrounded me.
It was as if time had turned back, bringing to life the images I had envisioned as a child.
Exploring Bangaan Rice Terraces
serenity…
The Canadian travelers…
In the midst of the rice fields, under the scorching sun, we decided it was time to head back.
A word of advice for those planning to explore Bangaan: conserve your energy. The hike back is grueling. Don’t exhaust all your strength too early; you’ll need it for the steep slopes and staircases.
I’m so tired. Haha
Upon finally reaching the village at the top of the terraces, I was so exhausted that I finished all my water. Bangaan served as a sign, a mental preparation for the upcoming hikes – Batad and Mt. Kupapey in Bontoc, Mountain Province.
When we were traveling to Batad, many thoughts ran through my mind. I questioned my past inactivity and lack of fitness. LOL! Tsk tsk… I love this kind of adventure! And if I want to continue this, I know I need to eat healthier and stay active.
Well, after that hike, I have conquered Batad, Tappiya Falls, Mt. Kupapey, and then Mt. Palay Palay in Pico De Loro. I believe I’m on the right track and have planned to climb more mountains.
Green…
I’ll never forget Bangaan, for it didn’t just make me realize the importance of my health but also taught me that experience is indeed the best teacher.
There’s no better way to learn than to travel and experience things firsthand. Sure, I learned about the “hagdan hagdang palayan” in my grade school textbooks, but I never fully understood it until I was actually there, breathing in the aroma of the rice fields, greeting the locals, and feeling the sun’s heat on my skin.
I have to do this more often – to learn, to embark on adventures, to live, and to feel truly alive.
READ THE BLOG POST: 15 Best IFUGAO TOURIST SPOTS (History, Heritage & Nature)
Bangaan Rice Terraces Guide 2024
Bangaan Rice Terraces, located in the province of Ifugao in the Philippines, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning, hand-carved mountain terraces. The terraces offer a picturesque view of the ancient Ifugaos’ marvelous creation, ideal for those interested in trekking and cultural heritage.
How to Get There
To visit Bangaan Rice Terraces, your starting point is Banaue, which is the jump-off point to Bangaan. There are multiple ways to reach Banaue from Manila:
- Direct Manila-Banaue Bus: Ohayami and Coda Lines offer a 9-hour bus ride from Manila to Banaue.
- Manila-Baguio-Banaue Route: You can take a bus to Baguio, and then from Victory Baguio Terminal, catch a cab to Dangwa Terminal or Rizal Park where buses to Banaue can be found.
From Banaue, you can take jeepneys bound to Bangaan or hire a tricycle for a half-day tour, which includes a visit to the Guihob Cold Spring.
Accommodation
While Bangaan has limited accommodation options, you can stay at the Bangaan Family Inn, which offers native nipa huts with views of the rice terraces.
Alternatively, there are more accommodation options in Banaue, including hotels, pension inns, and lodges.
Activities and Experiences
- Trekking: A trek to Bangaan Rice Terraces is a must-do activity. It’s suitable for beginners and takes about 20-30 minutes.
- Cultural Experience: You can try on the native Ifugao attire and engage in traditional activities like rice pounding.
- Souvenir Shopping: The village offers various local handicrafts, including wood carvings and woven baskets.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to visit Bangaan Rice Terraces is during the summer season, particularly from March to May, when you can witness the lush green fields.
Additional Tips
- No Environmental Fee: As of the latest information, there is no environmental fee charged for visiting Bangaan Rice Terraces.
- Accessibility: Bangaan is approximately 2 kilometers from the junction road going to Batad, and it’s less strenuous compared to the trek in Batad Rice Terraces.
Update Logs
First published on September 9, 2015
Updated the guide for 2024
2 Comments
Mark Conrad
September 15, 2015 at 9:26 amSo beautiful! I definitely need to go back.
jontotheworld
September 18, 2015 at 2:26 pmHey Mark,
Thanks for your comment. Me too, If given a chance, I would love to go back. Banaue is beautiful, laidback town.
See you on the road.
Regards,
Jon