The Batad Rice Terraces
The main activity at the Batad Rice Terraces in the Philippines is to gape open mouthed at the verdant green rice fields built into the mountains by the Ifgugao people over 2,000 years ago. No matter how beautiful a sight is there must be exciting adventure surrounding the destination to keep the traveler occupied.
Batad Rice Terraces
There are several options once Batad is reached. There are several hiking trails that lead to more rice terraces in nearby villages. This would be an interesting option because most tourists only go to Banaue or Batad, so the nearby rice terraces would definitely lack crowds.
Hike to the waterfall
Some may not have sufficient time to hike to other places as that would take a day or two. For the best day trip from Batad hike down into the village and then find the river and hike to the waterfall.
Batad Rice Terraces hike to the waterfall
The waterfall is easy to find and a guide is not needed; however, for a small fee just about anyone in the village will be happy to guide. On my way down to the waterfall I had several villagers yell out of their huts asking if I wanted company. There was also a young Filipino who came by our guesthouse asking if anyone wanted a guide to the waterfall or the nearby rice terraces.
Guesthouse overlooks Batad Rice Terraces
To get to the waterfall from the guesthouses simply walk down into the rice terraces and cross them into the village below. The stone wall dividers between rice fields make for an easy hike and there are convenient rocks steps on the side to help keep balance.
The photograph above perfectly illustrates the way. One must travel down to the village in the middle of the terraces. Then continue straight across the next set of terraces to the cluster of houses below the mountain with the rock faced cliff in the shade lies. There is a notch there between the rock face and the mountain on the left where the terraces are.
View of the Batad Rice Terraces from ground level
After crossing the next set of terraces there is a path that goes up to the village and it meets a stone path. From here the stone path descends into the river valley. The river can be heard from here and reassures the hiker that they are on the right trail. One can always ask someone if they are unsure of their whereabouts.
Waterfall near the Batad Rice Terraces in the Philippines
Waterfall near the Batad Rice Terraces in the Philippines
Waterfall near the Batad Rice Terraces in the Philippines
The distance from the guesthouse to the waterfall is little over a mile, perhaps two, but the falls and the pool below are worth the trek. Be sure to bring swimming gear as a dip in the pool below is heavenly after the hike in the Philippine humidity.
To get to Batad click here
Adventure on!
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What fabulous photos. I love waterfalls and that looks like a great one!
santafetraveler recently posted..Summer sounds of Santa Fe- there’s music in the air
Last three waterfalls are so similar to each other. I thought it is the same fall taken from different angels 🙂
Vi recently posted..Why you always should wear seat belt on the plane
This article is all about one waterfall. I hiked to this waterfall and went swimming, so you are correct. They are the same one from different angles.
Beautiful waterfalls! This makes me want to get out and hike this year – especially with the waterfalls we are going to have this year!
As for the entrepreneurs, good for them. However, the kids across the street were trying to sell lemonade last week for 75 cents each. Way too expensive – hope the Gatorade was a better deal!
Jeremy Branham recently posted..Travel confessions
Actually the gatorade was like $1.00, which considering the cost of living in the Philippines is probably a 200 percent mark up. Being in the middle of nowhere and on a hot humid trail they could get away with it.
Gorgeous- I love waterfalls and any place that allows me to hike, enjoy the outdoors and have a waterfall pay off at the end, is the perfect afternoon to me!
jade recently posted..Don’t Panic- 8 tips for a Stand-Up Paddleboard Newbie like me
I lived in the Philippines for over 2 years. Regretfully, in my young days, hiking was a foreign word. Seeing these great photos, I see now what I’ve missed.
I’m going to Batad this weekend! I’m excited 😀
Micamyx|Senyorita recently posted..Good Morning, It’s Snowing in Cardiff!