The spectacular view of Banaue Rice Terraces

About 2,000 years ago, the mountain was carved by the Ifugao tribes without the use of any modern tools. Nowadays, locals still plant rice and vegetable on the terraces. These magnificent farm terraces resemble a giant staircase reaching to the sky. The Ifugaos have maintained the identity and cultural heritage of Banaue Rice Terraces. They live in harmony at the Banaue Rice Terraces with the beliefs of their sacred ancestors and they remain proud and independent.

Tourism of Banaue Rice Terraces

Banaue is directly accessible from Manila, as such, can sometimes feel a little overwhelmed by visitors. Tourism industry has developed a number of activities for visitors. These may include the traditional sight seeing of the rice terraces and visits to the tribes at the foot of the terraces. Mumbaki (a traditional Ifugao witch doctor) is also recommended to visitors, these doctors perform spiritual healing rituals.
Banaue has also 4 known similar Ifugao terraces that you may also pay to visit. These are Batad Rice Terraces, Mayoyao Rice Terraces in Mayoyao, Hapao Rice Terraces and Kiangan Rice Terraces.

The Batad Rice Terraces are shaped in a way that resembles an amphitheatre and are located in Barangay Batad. The Mayoyao Rice Terraces are known for a rice variety called “tinawon”.  It is a rare type of organic rice which is grown in red and white variety in these terraces. In Hungduan, the Hapao Rice Terraces are located. these terraces are stone-walled and date back to 650 AD. In Kiangan Rice Terraces, the rice varieties of nagacadan and julungan grow and are similarly located in Banaue.

The Banaue Rice Terraces can be visited anytime of the year, but the best time for a visit is between February and March. It is the time when the people of Banaue clean and plant the mountain.  Between June and July are the time when the harvest occurs.