Banaue or Banawe is a municipality that can be found in the province of Ifugao. People visit the place to gaze upon the Banaue Rice Terraces. The Ifugao ancestors carved the terraces and are said to be around 2,000 years old. They are often referred to as The Eight Wonder of the World.
How To Get To Banaue
There is no airport in Banaue thus the route taken can be through Baguio City. Tourists can ride a jeepney, a van, a bus or rent transport to reach the area. Banaue is about 294 km from Baguio and depending on what transportation you take, you will need at least 8 hours travel time.
Refer to http://www.victoryliner.com/ for schedule of Baguio City trips.
From Baguio, take the Ohayami Trans. Refer to http://www.ohayamitrans.com/
There are also buses that go directly to Banaue. The ride is about 11 – 12 hours.
For buses that go directly to Banaue, refer to Ohayami Trans.
Best Time for a Trip to Banaue
The best time to visit Banaue is from December to May which is the dry season and in order to catch the green scenery. It is not advisable to travel there during the rainy season since roads might be closed due to landslides or visibility may be a problem.
Average temperature in Banaue is 24 degrees Celsius or 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Appropriate clothing for cold weather should be brought.
Other places to visit while in the Ifugao region
Mayoyao Rice Terraces – located 44km from the main municipality. The village is surrounded by rice terraces which allows an awesome view of the tiers.
Tam-an Village – visitors can buy hand woven items and woodcarving from the village.
Tappiya Waterfalls – the falls are near Batad Rice Terraces so this could be a good side trip.
Batad Rice Terraces – the terraces were built in the shape of an amphitheater.
Mayoyao Rice Terraces – a variety of rice called “tinawon” is grown in the terraces. There is a white and red variety to the rice planted.
Hapao Rice Terraces – located in Hungduan. The terraces date back to 650AD and are lined with stone walls.
Read more on the Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras.