There has been much debate and questions surrounding the Filipino identity and how we are so different from our neighboring countries. Some claim we are too westernized for comfort that we write with the roman alphabet instead of our indigenous writing, baybayin.
Meanwhile, our neighboring Asian countries still use the writing method of their ancestors. I know that the Filipino culture is an amalgamation of different cultures as diverse as its people; however, it still saddens me that many things that are distinctly Filipino have been left to the past and no longer passed down to the younger generation.
I thought that was just it, a sad reality to accept. Until I went to the mountain region in the Philippines and discovered that a significant trace of Filipino culture is still very much intact and practiced by the Ifugaos. This is one of the reasons Ifugao (and the rest of the Cordillera region) is an important destination in the Philippines, not only for foreigners but more so for us Filipinos.
Beautiful… Thanks for the photo Ronald Ruiz!
Ifugao is one of the six provinces of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), the least populous region in the Philippines. It’s a landlocked province with 11 municipalities; its capital city is Lagawe. There are many variations as to the etymology of Ifugao, such as it was derived from the words, i-pugo meaning “people from the hill,” pugaw meaning “the cosmic earth,” and ipugo, a type of grain in local mythology.
Ifugao is among the smallest provinces in the Philippines, with a total land area of 251,778 hectares. The people from this region are called “Ifugaos,” but they are also referred to as “Igorot” or Ygolote, the term used by Spanish conquistadors.
Nice hat. LOL!
Ifugao is one of the best destinations in the Philippines for a number of reasons; the landscape is varied and stunning, the people are friendly and welcoming, and the region is rich in culture and history. If you want to explore Ifugao, the Land of the Eighth World Wonder, here are some of the best tourist spots to visit:
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1. Batad Rice Terraces
Batad Rice Terraces is one of the five included in the list of Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Batad Amphitheater is a sight to behold, but if you want to see it, prepare for the arduous hike ahead.
When I went there with my friends, we took an 11-hour bus ride to Ifugao, then another hour of a jeep ride to Batad. If you’re up for an adventure, you may do it “taplod” style; you’ll be sitting on the jeep’s roof. It was such an exhilarating experience—it might be scary to some—to feel the wind on your face and enjoy the unobstructed views of the mountains.
Star of the trek going to the village.
Our morning at Batad.
After one hour, we reached the jump-off point, where we had to trek for another hour (it felt like forever, to be honest) over steep and coarse trails that were sometimes slippery. Through our walk, we spotted a few locals sitting in front of their houses, carving wooden objects. Wood carving is part of the Ifugao culture; they make wooden trinkets, furniture, and idols of Ifugao deities, which they use for their own home or sell to tourists.
We were rewarded for all of our labor by the sight of the famed Batad Rice Terraces. It’s one of the most majestic views I have ever seen; it is no wonder many people are willing to take the long trek to get there.
READ THE BLOG POST: My Experience Hiking Batad Rice Terraces in Ifugao
2. Banaue Rice Terraces
The most famous attraction in the Ifugao province is the Banaue Rice Terraces, a man-made rice field carved into the mountains over 2,000 years ago. It is sometimes referred to as the 8th Wonder of the World.
The terraces were built at roughly 4,900 feet above sea level and are sustained by an ancient irrigation system from the rainforests.
Despite its popularity, it’s not included in the Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras that were recognized on UNESCO World Heritage List in 1995. It didn’t make it to the list as it received a low score in the integrity criterion of UNESCO due to the numerous modern infrastructures surrounding the terraces.
However, Banaue Rice Terraces remains popular with tourists as it’s easier to visit than other rice terraces in Ifugao.
READ THE FULL STORY: Banaue Rice Terraces in Ifugao: Beyond Textbooks
3. Tappiya Falls
When you visit Batad Rice Terraces, trekking to Tappiya Falls is likely to be your next point of business as it’s just a kilometer away from Batad Amphitheater. The 230-foot waterfall is a popular side trip in Batad, and people go there to appreciate the view, have a picnic, and swim in its cold waters.
the majestic Tappiya Falls from afar.
Enjoying Tappiya Falls with good friends.
According to our guide, it only takes 30 minutes to get there, but based on our experience, it took us about two hours before we reached the waterfalls. It wasn’t an easy hike by any means, so be prepared to walk over narrow trails and uneven, steep stairs.
With your effort, you will see the popular waterfall in all its glory. Get your swimsuit ready to cool off in the waters but remember to stay in the shallow parts because the closer you get to the waterfalls, the deeper the water gets. It could be dangerous, given how strong the impact the waterfalls make as they cascade down the river.
READ THE BLOG POST: Tappiyah Falls in Batad, Ifugao: A Grueling But Worthy Trek
4. Bangaan Rice Terraces
Aside from Batad, Bangaan Rice Terraces is also included in Cordillera Rice Terraces, UNESCO World Heritage List. What makes this site unique is the existence of “ba-leh,” the traditional Ifugao houses; hence it’s been recognized as a Living Cultural Landscape.
Wow! – Photo Credit: Ronald Ruiz 🙂
Smile!
When I went to Banaue in 2015, I didn’t know about Bangaan until one of my travel companions mentioned that we were going there before visiting Batad. A sentiment I shared with most Filipinos, who were only taught about Banaue Rice Terraces back in grade school. It’s a good thing that it was included in our itinerary; otherwise, I would have missed this underrated beauty.
One of the best viewpoints to see Bangaan Rice Terraces is at Batad Junction. Get your camera ready because trust me, you will want to get as many photo souvenirs as you can once you see this attraction.
READ MY STORY HERE: Bangaan Rice Terraces: A UNESCO World Heritage Site in Ifugao
5. Banaue Ethnic Village and Pine Forest Resort
Banaue Ethnic Village and Pine Forest Resort is a small village resort about 6 kilometers away from the city proper. It was built in the 1990s by the Department of Tourism to preserve and help promote the history as well as the old customs and traditions of the Ifugao people.
Photo by Banaue Ethnic Village
The village is open for day trips for a small fee. Visitors may also stay overnight at the Pine Resort (named so as it’s surrounded by pine trees), where they may choose to sleep in traditional Ifugao-styled huts or modern lodging. Other amenities in the village include a restaurant and swimming pools.
6. Hapao Rice Terraces
Hapao Rice Terraces is situated in Hungduan, Ifugao, and is one of the five Cordillera Rice Terraces on the UNESCO World Heritage list. It’s about an hour away from Banaue.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Out of the five terraces, Hapao is the longest. You can easily view Hapao Rice Terraces from the side of the road. The rice fields sit atop stone walls that are 20 feet in height. The place is less touristy, but there are a few accommodations in the area, the most popular of which is the Native Native Village Inn and Restaurant.
You can walk through the rice paddies and enjoy the view of the terraces up close. While you’re there, you may also check out the Hapao river and Bogya hot Springs.
7. Tam-An Village
Immerse in the Ifugao culture at Tam-An Village.
Tam-An Village is an Ifugao community frequently visited by tourists. If you want an opportunity to immerse in the Ifugao culture, this is the place to go. You can stay in the native houses, eat local cuisine, meet and interact with the residents, witness or participate in some traditions like cultural dancing, and even enjoy the view of small rice terraces from the village.
8. Kiangan Shrine
Kiangan National Shrine, also known as the Yamashita Shrine, is a war memorial built to commemorate the surrender of General Tomoyuki Yamashita, a Japanese officer to the Allied Forces. The event is said to have led to the end of the Japanese occupation of the Philippines during World War II. The shrine’s design is modeled after the native Ifugao hut, but it is made with concrete and steel.
Commemorating history at Kiangan Shrine.
It is one of the most popular attractions in the province, declared a National Landmark by the National Historical Commission.
9. Banaue Museum
Banaue Museum sits in a small two-story building that houses artifacts of the Ifugao people. Most of the collections are owned by an American anthropologist known as the Father of Philippine Anthropology, Henry Otley Beyer.
If you want to get deep into the history of the people of the hill, this is a good place to start your education. You will learn about the tribes from Ifugao, Kalinga, and the Mountain Province and see their weapons used for hunting and tribal wars. Ifugao accessories, traditional clothing, and furniture are also on exhibit.
There are also newspaper clippings and old photographs on display, including the story of the trial and eventual execution of General Tomoyuki Yamashita, a Japanese officer and general in the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II.
10. Balentimol Falls
Balentimol Falls, also known as Tobak Falls, is about 25.6 meters in height. It’s found at the foot of Mt. Napulawan in Hungduan, Ifugao, and is a popular side-trip spot for hikers who climb the said mountain.
Photo: Shot by Ifugawak in Balentimol Falls
It’s one of the best off-the-beaten-path destinations in Ifugao but is frequented by the locals. To get there, take a tricycle from either Hapao or Poblacion, followed by a hike that takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
11. Hiwang Village
- Hiwang Village is home to an Ifugao community in Gohang, Banaue, that is said to be about 250 years old. Inside the village is Hiwang Native House Inn and Viewdeck, a lodging option for tourists looking for cultural exchange and a unique experience to sleep in authentic Ifugao traditional huts.
The community is warm and accommodating, eager to share their culture and knowledge of history with the visitors. You will find numerous artworks made of wood around the place, including carved figures of “bulul” known as the rice deity or rice guardians from Ifugao mythology.
12. Bogyah Hot Spring
Bogyah Hot Spring is a small natural swimming pool in Hingduan, Ifugao. It’s a pretty popular spot for the locals who frequent the pools for picnics and to benefit from the alleged healing properties of the water.
You need to hike for about 40 minutes to an hour to get to the hot springs, past the view of mountains, rice fields, and Hapao River. Don’t worry because it will be well worth the effort, especially when the weariness melts away as soon as your body hits the therapeutic, warm water.
13. Mayoyao Rice Terraces
Mayoyao Rice Terraces is located in Mayoyao municipality in Ifugao. It’s included in the five Cordillera Rice Terraces on the UNESCO World Heritage list. It’s less touristy and least visited compared with other rice terraces in the province; however, its charm rivals its counterparts.
Mayoya is not easily accessible to tourists; you need to travel over three hours (or more, depending on the bus schedule) to get there from Banaue. But the beautiful landscapes and the sweeping view of well-preserved, unexploited rice terraces merit the extra time and effort.
READ MORE: Mayoyao Rice Terraces: Trekking the UNESCO World Heritage site
14. Ambuwaya Lake
Photo by Beautiful Ifugao
Small, placid, and non-touristy, Ambuwaya Lake is situated in a modest village in the municipality of Kiangan. It’s about 2.6km away from Poblacion or the city center and a favorite spot for swimming and fishing by some locals. It is named “ambuwayya” because, according to some people, a crocodile used to inhabit the lake.
The tragic story of the Legend of the Ambuwaya Lake is one of the most popular Ifugao folklore in records.
15. Bintakan and Nah-toban Caves
If you’re up for some spelunking adventure, you may visit Bintakan and Nah-toban caves. Both caves are eco-tourism sites that serve as tourist attractions for the town’s inhabitants.
The caves are located in Lagawe, Ifugao, and are often explored together in a single trip. Bintakan is near the Ibunao river and is known for its impressive limestone formation. Nah-toban is located in Boliwong and is larger than Bintakan. It has three caves inside; Lagalag, Magyan, and Bong Bong.
