Melo Villareal
Banaue Travel Guide Blog: Explore Philippines’ Ancient Man-made Wonder
Banaue is a famous backpacking destination among foreign tourists because of its world-famous rice terraces, cool climate, and tourist-friendly locals. This Banaue Travel Guide lists everything you need to know for your travel planning.
The Banaue Rice Terraces refer to the cluster close to the Banaue Poblacion, as seen from the viewpoint. The Banaue Rice Terraces you see in the twenty peso banknote are not a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Banaue Rice Terraces’ exclusion from the UNESCO inscription was due to numerous modern structures, making it score low in the integrity criterion of UNESCO.
The five clusters inscribed by UNESCO as part of the Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras are Batad, Bangaan, Hungduan, Mayoyao Central, and Nagacadan.
Banaue, Ifugao, in the Philippines, offers a captivating travel experience. Marvel at the breathtaking rice terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with their stunning beauty and rich cultural history. Explore the local villages and immerse yourself in the warm hospitality of the Ifugao people. Engage in hiking and trekking adventures, discovering hidden waterfalls and picturesque landscapes. Visit the Banaue Museum to gain insights into the region’s heritage. Embrace the unique cultural traditions, including the performance of traditional dances and the opportunity to purchase intricate handicrafts. Indulge in delicious local cuisine and stay in traditional inns for an authentic Ifugao experience.
Where is Banaue?
Hapao Rice Terraces in Hungduan
Banaue in North Luzon is a fourth-class municipality in the province of Ifugao. Banaue is the site of two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Batad Rice Terraces and Bangaan Rice Terraces. These rice terraces are 2000 years old monuments of art and grandeur by the indigenous tribe of Ifugao and were constructed out of prehistoric tools by sculpting the earth’s surface.
Best Time to Visit Banaue
The best time to visit Banaue, Philippines, is during the dry season, which typically runs from November to April. This period offers more favorable weather conditions for outdoor activities and sightseeing. December to February are particularly popular due to cooler temperatures and lower humidity. It’s important to note that Banaue’s weather can be unpredictable, so checking the forecast is advisable. May to June is also an excellent time to visit, as the rice terraces are lush and green during the planting season. It’s best to avoid the typhoon season from July to October, as heavy rains can disrupt travel plans.
Getting to Banaue
Ifugao Ethnic Games
From Metro Manila
Ohayami Trans provides trips directly to Banaue. Banaue is 333 km from Manila, and it takes 9-10 hrs to reach Banaue, Ifugao Province.
Terminal Location: Lacson Ave. cor. Fajardo St., Sampaloc, Manila (Just near the University of Sto. Tomas)
Telephone Numbers: +63 927 649 3055, +63 917 561 7344, +63 2 516-0501. They have three daily trips – 21:00, 21:45, and 22:00 leaving their terminal in Manila.
From Baguio City
Banaue can be reached by jeepney, bus, or private car from Baguio City. For bus transportation, Ohayami Trans have a 9PM daily trip from Baguio City.
Related Article: How to reach Banaue Ifugao
Getting around Banaue
Native Huts in Hungduan
Jeepneys and tricycles (little motorcycles with sidecars) are the two most common modes of transport around Banaue. Vans can be hired with a driver/guide via local tour operators. There is a public jeepney plying the Banaue-Batad (Saddle-point) (start of the trek to Batad village) route daily.
Hotels in Banaue
There are various hotels and accommodations options in Banaue, most of which are located in the center of the town. Here are some popular places to stay in Banaue, complete with contact info.
Banaue Ethnic Village and Pine Forest Resort
Apar Nga’-o Viewpoint, Banaue Ifugao
Tel: (074) 386.4082
Manang Jane : (63) 928-5214533
Banaue Hotel & Youth Hostel (Book Online)
Tel.(632) 8121984/8103655/8103703 (6374) 3864087-88
People’s Lodge & Restaurant (internet cafe also)
Tel. (6374) 3864014
Stairway Lodge & Restaurant (with Internet cafe available)
contact number: 0639164567346
Spring Village
Tel. (6374) 4037
Terraceville Inn
Tel. (6374) 3864094
Cozy Nook Inn
Tel. (6374) 3864003
Fairview Inn
Telephone (6374) 3864002.
Small guesthouse some meters up the ill from center.
Greenview Lodge
Telephone (6374) 3864022
Native Village Inn, Uhaj village
9 km from Banaue, Telephone (63)9164056743
Banaue Homestay
Poblacion Banaue Ifugao,
email: beatrizbandao@rocketmail.com)
Sanafe Lodge and Restaurant, (next door to the market)
Telephone 6374-386-4085.
Nice balcony at the back with a pleasant view of the rice terraces.
Banaue View Inn
Telephone (6374) 386-40-78
Halfway Lodge, Banaue, Ifugao
Telephone (6374) 3864082.
Randy’s Brookside Inn
Poblacion,Banaue,Ifugao.
email add: randy_ifugao@yahoo.com
Telephone +63 (0)917 577 2010.
Restaurants in Banaue
Sanafe Lodge & Restaurant
Location: Banaue Trade Center
Telephone: ? +63 74 386 4085
Operating Hours: 6am – 9pm.
Offers Indoor and al fresco dining on a wide veranda with great views. Filipino, Asian & Western dishes.
Ilob Village Inn
Location: Poblacion, Banaue, 1 km from bus terminals).
Native Ifugao house with restaurant, surrounded by rice terraces. You can also request to see a traditional Ifugao show.
Things to do and see in Banaue
Melo Villareal with Ifugao Ladies
- Banaue Museum of Cordilleran Sculpture – A proud repository of rare photographs and artifacts that includes beads, baskets, pottery, woodcraft, and woven materials, all of which depict various aspects of Ifugao history and material culture, the Banaue Museum is housed at the Banaue View Inn, a short walk away from the Banaue town proper.
- Visit Banaue Rice Terraces
- Banaue Rice Terraces Viewpoints and Souvenir Shops – Located along the Bontoc-Banaue Road, the viewpoint is an excellent 45-minute hike from the Banaue town proper. For viewers, the Banaue Viewpoint provides a panoramic perspective of the terraces. The viewpoint offers a perfect photographic angle of the terraces for camera bugs and photo enthusiasts.
- Visit Batad Village – Batad Village is suitably made famous by its stunning amphitheater-shaped rice terraces and the cascading waters and natural swimming pools of the Tappiyah Waterfalls. An hour`s ride from Poblacion Banaue, the village proper can be reached after a 30-minute hike through mountain trails.
- Visit Bangaan Village Rice Terraces – The beauty of these rice terraces along the mountain ranges of Bangaan is best viewed on the road to Mayoyao. This rice terrace cluster and village represent the native Ifugao. It is a forty-minute drive from Poblacion, Banaue, and a twenty-minute hike to the village.
- Visit Hapao Rice Terraces
- Visit Mayoyao Rice Terraces
Souvenir Shopping in Banaue
There are a lot of souvenir shops located in various viewpoints, town centers, hotels, and near the public market. The most common souvenirs are wood carvings, hand-woven cloths, and other handicrafts.
More Banaue Ifugao Travel Tips
Ifugao Cultural Dancers
- Flashlights: Banaue and the surrounding villages have poor lighting at night.
- The best time to see many wonders in Banaue if you want to see the green terraces is from April to August. The rainy season is from July to January, and cool months are from November to February.
- Bring Umbrella
- Bring Jacket
Banaue Tourism Contact Info
Banaue Tourist Information Center
Location: Poblacion, Banaue, Ifugao Near Public Market
Telephone: +63 74 386-4010 / 4011
Department of Tourism – Cordillera Administrative Region
Gov. Pack Road, Baguio City
Tel. No. – (074) 442-70-14
Tel. Fax No. (074) 442 – 88 – 48
E-Mail Address: dotcar@pldtdsl.net
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