Banaue Rice Terraces

They were carved out of the mountains to provide a level ground so that the natives could plant rice. Incredibly they are still in use even now!!

They were finally declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995

Banaue rice terraces stretch like stepping stones to the sky - some reaching an altitude of 1500m or more. I have seen them myself (in Banaue), they are awesome --REALLY--! Yes, it's really amazing.


(photo courtesy of: "Storm Crypt" on Flickr)

It is considered as one of mankind's greatest engineering feats. If the terraces were laid end to end, apparently they would stretch half way around the world.

One of the major attractions of the Banaue rice terraces to the local and international tourists, are the many hiking trails in the area. There are many young locals, mostly college students who serve as guides. But with or without a guide, you will find the friendliness and warmth of the Ifugao people endearing. The trip to get there from Manila is basically an eight hour (nightmare) drive,

depending on your driver!

The Banaue Rice Terraces, unfortunately, are now showing signs of erosion. Some areas need maintenance because some of the new generation Ifugaos are migrating to the cities looking for better opportunities (who can blame them for wanting a higher standard of living). That given, the terraces still never fails to awe the traveler, they are really quite something to see with your own eyes.

Aside from Banaue rice terraces, nearby are 4 other similar Ifugao terraces:

BATAD rice terraces.

(photo courtesy of: "NG71" on Flickr)
Also located in Banaue, it is home to the spectacular tiered, amphitheatre-shaped terraces.

MAYOYAO rice terraces

(photo courtesy of: "fotobumbong" on Flickr)
is similarly situated in Banaue. The organic Ifugao rice called Tinawon, in red and white variety, is harvested here in abundance.

HAPAO rice terraces.

(photo courtesy of: "Timmok" on Flickr)
Its stone-walled rice terraces date back to 650 AD and is located in Hungduan, where Napulawan terraces can also be found.

KIANGAN rice terraces.

(photo courtesy of: "MVI" on Flickr)
It is home to two famous rice terraces sites namely: Nagacadan and Julungan, known for their size and visual impact.

Banaue rice terraces, although a bit far from Manila is one of the most awesome destinations in the Philippines. Visitors never regret spending time and resources to see its beauty and grandeur. One cannot but ponder how the Ifugaos made it all using just their muscle power and simple tools...wow!