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”
The Philippines Rice terraces is truly a great wonder of the world and in just a few hours you could Sagada where you can find the hanging coffins. Have you reached that area on your travel to the Philippines?
Unfortunately not. Cez’s knee is still in recovery so we had to pick up one one spot.
nice click…there is another beautiful location in Philippines is a Cebu. It is an island as well as a province in the Philippines, which comprises 167 surrounding islands. The Cebu city is the capital of the this province. The mainland is surrounded by small islands and narrow plains can be seen along the coastline of the island.
Thank you for sharing the info! We’ve been to Cebu for nearly 5 days.
I really love these pictures! :)
What i don’t understand is: Are they all located only in one place and i would have to travel to this exact location in the philippins to see them? I thought there are plenty of rice terraces all over the country.
Thank Yana.
Banaue Rice Terraces are the most popular, but you can make it to Batad as well. We have not heard of any other, but there must be some more, I bet.
I’ve remember seeing this landscape before and wondering what it is called and where it is. Thanks for posting this!
Also you are super popular. You go girl!
Hi Mark. You should definitely make it there one day. Amazing place, one of my favourite! Thank you for the kind words and stopping by.
I am a Filipino and I’m very proud of our Banaue rice terraces. You would have a perfect view to look when you are standing at the top, you will be amaze how incredibly beautiful the place is.
You should be so proud of it, indeed. One of the most beautiful sceneries I’ve ever seen in my life!
Stunning rice terraces and breathtaking scenery! Glad the eye candy was better than the food. (:
We were lucky with the lovely landscape!
Breathtaking views! :)
This makes me think of the Peruvian Inca agricultural terraces. Though, these are different, they are still green terraces…
Never made it there…!
Your blog is very nice, I’m constantly watching. Also I think your site is very up to date. This article was descriptive and a great article.
Cheers! I’m glad to hear that :) x
Geez! Now I can’t wait to fly their and see them with very own eyes! Nice Shots! Kudos to you Agness and Cez! Be safe!
Hi Richie.
I hope you will have a great time here. Absolutely amazing place! If you need some budget travel tips, let me know!
That’s very nice of you. :) But since you offered that, may i know how much should I be preparing before travelling? :p Just an idea and so I’ll be on a safe side. :) I’d also like to challenge myself to a $25 /day trip. :) Thank you so so much! :) Hope to hear from you soon. Send my regards Cez.
If you travel solo, a budget of $25 is more than enough for the Philippines. One day you might spend $50, but the other day only $10. It all depends on the activities you are planning to do and places you are staying at. Cheap does not mean less fun.
Seriously amazing. Just loved the pics guys. Add to bucket list…. yep!
Awesome!!
I’m from the Philippines but it was only last year that I had the chance to see this magnificent wonder. I would recommend having a quick side-trip to Batad Rice terraces when you visit this place. The planet where Thanos retired in the Avengers movie was actually set in Batad Rice terraces.