The Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras is an outstanding example of an evolved, living cultural landscape that can be traced as far back as two millennium ago in the pre-colonial Philippines.
The terraces are Philippines Pride and Cultural Treasure. Local folks call them “Stairs to Heaven” because of the ascending stairs of rice fields. Imagine! It takes the Ifugao ancestors 2000 years to build these great wonders. It’s really one of the best attraction to visit while in Banaue.
The terraces are also called by many “Eighth Wonder of the World” as they are listed as UNESCO World Heritage site.
The structures’ original builders used stone and mud walls to carefully carve and construct terraces that could hold flooded pond fields for the cultivation of rice. They also established a system to water these plots by harvesting water from mountaintop forests.
You must see and experience these terraces. Actually Banaue is a region consisting of many hills with terraces and almost each of it is unique somehow. But, It’s not just sightseeing, it is also very nice hikes connected with meeting local people.
During summer and fall abundant rains can sometimes cloud views of the slopes so June is harvest time, so the landscape is golden and activity levels are high.
The Jeepney ride around the mountain roads (even better on top of the Jeepney roof) is an amazing experience, just hold on tight. Then the hike down the mountainside to see the Terraces is quite a challenge for the unfit, but well worth the effort. Whilst there at the terraces you really should take the additional walk across the Terraces and onto the Tappiyah Falls, the water is cold but makes a very refreshing dip after the walk to get there.
It is truly magnificent to stand looking over these man made creations. Beautiful views and very scenic, right?
How do you like the scenery?
100 thoughts on “Stunning Scenery of Rice Terraces in Banaue, the Philippines”
HI Agness, thank you for sharing these wonderful view of Banaue. I’m more inspired to go there when we visit later this year. Your photos are stunning!
It’s been my pleasure. I’m so glad you guys liked it.
I had never heard about or seen these before but they look amazing! I’m sure it looks much better in person. Thanks for sharing!
Stunning captures Agness! I have seen terrace fields on my visits to the Himalayas and they are simply gorgeous. Gateway to Heaven, yes I agree with that!
YES! YES! It was like being in a heaven!
Philippine pride Rice terraces, but not really taken care of by the government. If you look it closer some of the part of rice terraces are damage. The government should take serious action to preserve such beauty!
Oh, I didn’t know. Thanks for the info. I totally agree, these Terraces should be taken care of!
One of my biggest regrets on my trip to the Philippines was not visiting Banaue, but your gorgeous pictures nearly gave all the glory of being there. Thanks for sharing!!
That was a real pitty, but maybe next time you can make it there… :)
Insanely incredible! I went to some rice terraces in Vietnam but they weren’t as incredible as this, although it was very misty so I guess the weather can make a big difference too!
I have not seen the Rice Terraces in Vietnam :(, that was my biggest regret !!
Wow just look at that view! I hope one day I get to visit this amazing place, I loved the terraced rice paddies in Bali and somehow this one looks a little different, both beautiful but a different kind of beauty.
It was truly wonderful!
It’s been too long since I’ve been to the Philippines…especially this place…gorgeous vistas. I would love to hike down through some of the trails and discover a unique villages below!
I’m glad you loved it there. One of my favourite places on this planet!
Great photos!!!! This is one place that I still have yet to visit in the Phils. You guys really do get around. Thanks for sharing — you’ve motivated me to get my butt up there on my next trip over! Happy travels :)
I’m so glad you liked it! The landscape left us speechless…
where is this?
Great pictures! I did not spend a lot of time the terraces in Banaue. It was just a sidetrip on my way to this mountain town called Sagada. Maybe next time you’ll visit Sagada too :)
where is this place? and what is this?
Bad photography. Or is it just that the camera you are using is cheap?
Thanks for feedback, I’ll try to improve my photography skills.
Are you using a DSLR? Considering what you do, I highly suggest investing in a wide-angle lens, or at least an adapter. A gopro would be a great investment, but beware of the very limited battery life. Even just a lens clip for a smartphone would make for breathtaking photos. Ditch point-and-shoot cameras. Either use a smartphone, or a full sized DSLR/Mirrorless Cameras. Point-and-shoot cameras are a waste of space, and money; and most smartphones can do as good or even better.
Also, get a cheap 50mm lens if you’re using a DSLR. :) have fun!
Hi there pretty traveler lady! This post here is really amazing. I’m a Filipino myself yet I’ve not had the opportunity to go visit these terraces.I’m too young, and too preoccupied with studying. But I will definitely visit them one day, before I visit any other country! Thank you for the visuals :) and yes, jeepney rides are AWESOME.
Actually Ate (can I call you Ate? It’s something we call older girls here in our country you see) I only explored your blog coz of your other article. The one with Filipino street food? I honestly just wanted to see a brighter side of your trip here in the Phil, to assure myself that you aren’t one of those bloggers who tear down reputations for the sake of views. People in the net can be really tricky, and as a writer, I hate it when people hide behind words to achieve another goal. I was offended. I wanted to comment back, but that was already done by my fellow Filipinos. But now,I hope they get to see this post of yours. Then, they’d see that you HONESTLY had a rough time during your ‘food trip,’ and that you appreciated other parts of your stay here. Please, please, please come back! :( I won’t promise that you’d learn to love the best of our cuisine, but I want you guys to at least have a decent meal here. Those people you bought your food from? Most of them use the cheapest of ingredients, because they don’t cook to serve great food, but cook to earn money to get them through the day.
Sorry for the long comment! But in the end Ate, you’ve inspired me to travel more! I can’t let a foreigner be more exposed to the wonders of my own country than I am, right, right? :D
Hi Agness,
Ive been to Banaue rice terraces once and the view was so amazing indeed!!! I would say that it was well preserved by the people out there. Great culture was inherited from their ancestors up to present!! Love the article!!! thank you
These are so cool! The views look great from the top. I’ve never traveled anywhere anything like this, so it almost looks like a different planet to me haha (in a good way!).
I absolutely agree, Jessica! The view’s incredible from the top!
In Mountain Province, there is also a beautiful place were you can enjoy so much adventure – spelunking, caving, hiking and river rafting in Sagada, Mountain Province. The Sumaguing cave, the Pongas falls, Bomod-ok falls are great. You can also view the smaller rice terraces known as the Kilte Pan rice terraces there. Try to eat some food in Yoghurt House and Lemon Pie House – they were very convenient places to have some relaxation while enjoying the food that were served. Trust me(it was based on my experience in traveling Sagada with my family)…
Wow! The scenery is incredible. Beautiful pictures. Hope too visit the Philippinees some day.(=
Thanks! Glad you liked it :)!!
Wow, truly beautiful sight and you’ve captured it so well!
Cheers!
Wow that’s an amazing view! I love all the photos!!
Thank you Michelle. Great to hear that!
I am a Filipino and I have never been to rice terraces!!!
Hope you can make it there soon!