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Bucket List: Top 12 Best Things to See and Do in Ifugao Province
The Philippines is known all over the world as a country incredibly blessed with breathtaking natural wonders such as world-class beaches, islands, limestone cliffs, waterfalls, rivers, and mountains. A tropical paradise truly worth visiting, as most people say. A few places automatically come to mind whenever we think about the best places to visit in the Philippines like Palawan, Boracay, Siargao, Bohol, Manila, and many more!
But aside from these popular tourist destinations in the country that captured the hearts of many people from different parts of the world, the Philippines is still full of hidden gems whose beauty will certainly blow you away. And one of those places is no other than the Ifugao Province.
Situated in the mountainous region of Cordillera, this beautiful province is known for its rich culture, majestic mountain ranges, cool weather, and famous rice terraces. So, are you ready to explore more of the north? Well, suit yourself because here are the 15 Best Things to do in Ifugao Province!
Witness the Marvelous Beauty of Banaue Rice Terraces
Of course, there’s no better way to start our Ifugao adventure than by visiting the iconic Banaue Rice Terraces that are famously known all over the world. The Igorot people built this amazing man-made creation was built 2,000 years ago by the Igorot people as an ancient irrigation system. The marvelous beauty of the rice terraces has also been featured in one of the greatest movies of all time, Avengers: Infinity War.
There’s no doubt that the Banaue Rice Terraces deserve to be hailed as the “Eighth Wonder in the World” simply because of its stunning and captivating beauty. It is the pride of the Philippines indeed.
Visit the Iconic Batad Rice Terraces
Ah, another famous tourist attraction is yet again a marvelous creation of the Igorot people. The Batad Rice Terraces is actually also within the area where Banaue Rice Terraces are but they are two different places. Batad Rice Terraces is famously recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The view of the rice terraces is extremely scenic, and its scale is simply jaw-dropping. There’s even a mind-blowing rumor saying that if you align the steps from end to end, it would encircle half the circumference of the Earth!
Explore the Banaue Museum
Exploring the Banaue Museum or the Museum of Cordillera Cultural Heritage is one of the most anticipated tourist attractions in Ifugao. Featuring a complete collection of sculptures, statues, jars, and ancient weapons belonging to significant persons from the ethnic history of Cordillera are all available on display. There’s really a whole lot more to see here so if you’re an avid fan of antique collections, I guarantee that you’ll have the best time.
Hike Atop the Majestic Mt. Amuyao
Ifugao is also blessed with several amazing natural wonders including the majestic Mt. Amuyao. Standing tall at 862 feet above sea level, Mt. Amuyao has long been the favorite hiking spot of countless tourists visiting Ifugao province. Feel free to enjoy the astonishing view of the sea of clouds after a challenging day of hiking, trekking, and even camping!
Discover the Beautiful Tappiya Falls
A lot of people say that Ifugao’s Tappiya Falls deserves to be called one of the world’s best waterfalls and I think the best way to confirm that is to see it with our own eyes, right? Well, I’m sure we won’t be disappointed because this enchanting natural wonder has already captured the hearts of countless tourists from different parts of the globe.
From its beautiful rock formations, wide natural pools, and crystal clear cascades of ice-cold water, an unforgettable adventure always awaits here at Ifugao’s Tappiya Falls.
Walk Across the Famous Banaue Hanging Bridge
They say that you’ve never really reached Ifugao if you haven’t tried to cross the iconic Banaue Hanging Bridge. This nerve-tingling experience is surely something you’ll never forget as you walk across the swaying wooden bridge. Oh, don’t try to look down the river if you’re scared of heights!
Have a Relaxing Bath at Bogyah Hot Springs
After all the fun and exciting adventures we’ve gone through, it’s now the perfect time to relax and just enjoy a soothing bath at Bogyah Hot Springs. The natural rock pools here promise a warm and relaxing wellness experience where the water temperatures range from 39 to 40 degrees Celsius.
The water consists mostly of Sulphur, which relieves several skin diseases, stress, and body pains.
Reach the Summit of Mt. Napulawan
Another grand summit we should conquer in Ifugao is no other than Mt. Napulawan which mightily stands tall at 8,566 feet above sea level and is currently the 15th highest peak in the Philippines. Moreover, this mountain poses as one of the most challenging hiking trails in the country because of its mossy forests.
Nevertheless, countless hiking enthusiasts from different parts of the world still visit Ifugao just to conquer the majestic summit of Mt. Napulawan.
Enjoy the Breathtaking View of Banaue Viewpoint
There’s a certain spot in Ifugao called the Banaue Viewpoint. Tourists can enjoy the unmatched breathtaking view of the rice terraces as well as some majestic mountains and rivers. Get ready to fall in love with the picture-perfect scenery that you will witness as you casually stand there and admire the beautiful creation of both man and God.
Visit the Famous Tam-An Village
Although the rice terraces were built more than 2,000 years ago, there’s still a community that preserves and continues the ancient tradition of farming in Ifugao and they live in the Tam-An Village. Here, you can meet several friendly locals that are more than happy to take you for a quick tour around.
Visiting Tam-An Village is the perfect opportunity for tourists to learn more about the rich tradition and culture of Ifugao as well as having the chance to patronize their products and handicrafts.
Discover the Banaue Ethnic Village
Banaue Ethnic Village and Pine Forest Resort is one of the most popular destinations whenever you visit Ifugao. It offers an authentic Ifugao experience to every guest where everything starting from the native Ifugao Huts, food, and even facilities are all inspired by the beautiful culture of Ifugao.
The place is also surrounded by countless natural wonders such as pine trees, rice paddies, birds, and even the chilly breeze of the riverside.
Take a Picture at the Banaue Arch
Another historical landmark you should visit in Ifugao is the iconic Banaue Arch that’s situated along the Nueva Vizcaya – Ifugao – Mountain Province Road. Posting for a photo here means that you have successfully reached the mesmerizing province of Ifugao. It’s one of the traditions every tourist is told to follow so better not miss it!
Check Out the Hapao Rice Terraces
Yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Ifugao is the Hapao Rice Terraces. Like all the other rice terraces in the province, you would be equally amazed and mesmerized by the unique beauty of Hapao Rice Terraces. It also has a massive size that it’s impossible to see both ends at a single look.
Compared to the Banaue and Batad Rice Terraces, the slopes and terrains here in Hapao are more manageable so hiking and trekking are a lot easier.
Catch the Exciting Imbayah Festival
The Imbayah Festival is a 3-day harvest festival and celebration that was founded in 1979 and highlights the rich ethnic tradition of Ifugao. There are lots of highly anticipated activities that everyone must experience, such as parades, friendly costume competitions, bazaars, and the famous wooden scooter race where locals and tourists are invited to participate!
Have a Food Trip, the Ifugao Way!
Finally, our Ifugao trip wouldn’t be complete without being able to try the specialty food and delicacies of the province. So, before we wrap things up, let us first dine like the Ifugaos! Some of their most popular delicacies include the Ifugao Coffee, Camote Chips, Taro Chips, and Ifugao Pinuneg, or the famous Blood Sausage.
There’s still a lot of must-try food and delicacies to discover in Ifugao so you should go around for a food trip and enjoy a gastronomic adventure!
Our Top Hotel Picks for Ifugao
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Ifugao Travel and Tour Packages
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Read:
- Travel Guide: How To Get To Batad Rice Terraces In Banaue, Ifugao
- Photo Essay: Missing Batad And Banaue
