Planning on trekking in Banaue-Batad Rice Terraces while you’re in the Philippines? In this post, I’m sharing my experience on a 3-day trek.
While in Manila, I met a local blogger who recommended that I take a tour guide as it can be dangerous and tricky to do it by ourselves.
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He convinced me when he told me that he knew a good guy that I could trust. He set up everything for me. I just needed to get there.
Keep reading to learn more about my experience so you can plan your own Banaue hiking trip.
My Experience Hiking Banaue-Batad
I jumped on a busy night bus to head toward Banaue from Manila. I arrived in the morning smiling at John, a tricycle driver, who was waiting for me with a sign with my name on it.
Then, he drove me to a restaurant so I could have breakfast. I had planned four days in the region, which is a bit longer than most tourists.
He recommended a three-day trek which I wasn’t sure about. I asked him if it was for beginners, and he told me it was easy. In the end, he managed to convince me.
Then, I met Benzon, an experienced tour guide. He has been in the industry for 10 years, and he’s probably the best guide around. As we started to walk, I asked him; so what’s the plan? How many kilometres are we going to walk today?
He answered with a big smile; 12 kilometers to get to Pula and then, 4 kilometers to get to Cambulo.
16 kilometres? Let me tell you that I wasn’t ready for that. But, as usual, challenge accepted!
We walked through the jungle, sweating out many litres and slowly making our way to Pula. It wasn’t too hot, and it was okay. He asked me if I was scared of heights, and my answer was a clear no. Ahem.
This was before I started to walk across the rice terraces.
A few minutes later, I was already scared AF. I’ve never done something as dangerous as this. I had never been as scared as I was. I couldn’t walk anymore. I was frozen by fear. He told me; no problem, Mel, I’m here to help you.
He gave me his hand so I could continue. And to be fair, I had no desire to walk back. It was our version of “follow-me-to.” In fact, I would have cried more than once if I had to do it all by myself. I would have turned around if it wasn’t for him.
He was there to motivate me and challenge me when I needed a little push. When we finally reached Pula, I had a big crush on this tiny village in the middle of the mountains and the rice terraces.
Chickens, chicks, and dogs were hanging around with the kids. I was proud of myself. But, I had no idea what was coming next.
On our way between Pula and Cambulo, it started to rain. If there is this one place you don’t want to be around when it rains, I’d say it’s in the rice terraces as everything turns into mud and it becomes very slippery.
Bonus; because of a misunderstanding, I didn’t bring a poncho. I was completely soaking wet. It couldn’t get any better!
I nearly cried when I realized this was the scariest thing I’ve ever done. But, crying wouldn’t have been appropriate when you need all your concentration to survive.A wrong step could be fatal.
When I reached Cambulo, I couldn’t be happier. I knew that the next few days would be easier as we wouldn’t have to walk such a long distance. I was alive, and I was grateful for it. I enjoyed a nice meal, a massage, and a good night’s sleep.
The next day, our goal was to reach Batad, which is protected by UNESCO. We only had to walk 3 kilometres… across the rice terraces. What seems shorter can still be long when you consider the path we have to take. As much as I was scared, it was completely worth it as the views were unbelievable. When we arrived at the viewing point, we took a break, and it felt so good.
I also decided to make a couple of changes to our itinerary as I discovered my physical and mental limits on the way.
So, I thought that I wouldn’t push these limits too much. I had one thing in mind; this is the first, and the last time I’m doing this. I’m glad I’m doing it, but this will not happen again!
Well, this was until I heard about Mount Sapa in Vietnam… We’ll see when I get there, I guess!
On our last day, we reached the saddle point, enjoyed the view from another village, and made our way back to Banaue.
These three days were the scariest, craziest, and most challenging days of my life. But, this was also one of the best experiences I’ve ever had.
If you plan to trek around the rice terraces and the region, I’d recommend you contact John and Benzon. I trust them, and they were the nicest people around!
Are you planning on going to the Philippines? Get your Banaue-Batad rice terraces tour package now by contacting them directly on this Facebook Page. If you do contact them, please tell them I say Hello!
What To Know About Banaue-Batad Trekking Tours
I strongly recommend you take a guide as the paths are tricky and dangerous.
On my second day, we found out that a lady fell on the rice terraces and broke her foot. The guide knows the dangerous spots and will ensure your safety along the way.
Guides are available for 1-day, 2-days, or 3-day tours. You can build the itinerary together. He will organize the accommodation at the guest houses for you and the transport via Jeepneys or tricycles.
If you travel with people, you can share the costs. You’ll have to keep in mind that the guide will have to split his attention between you if you have more people in your group.
Forget about your high standards for a few days.
You’ll experience a crazy adventure across the mountains and the rice terraces… but also across native villages where they struggle with electricity and water. You won’t have any Wi-Fi outside of Banaue.
Be nice. Be friendly. Be grateful.
How Much Does It Cost
There is no ATM in the area, so make sure you have enough money when you leave Manila.
You’ll need around 50000 pesos if you wish to trek for three days, including pick-up, tricycle, private guide, and accommodation for three nights.
Accommodation is around 250-500 pesos depending on your preferences.
You can have a meal for 100 pesos.
How To Get To Banaue-Batad
You’ll have to take a night bus from Manila to Banaue. During the high season, you might have to book it in advance. It costs about $13 for the journey.
Where To Stay In Banaue
There are a few guest houses in every village where you can walk in.
As they don’t have Internet in this area, it could be hard to book accommodation in advance.
If you take a trekking guide, he’ll organize accommodation for you.
If you’d rather stay in Banaue, you can find affordable beds here.
What To Bring For Your Batad Tour
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Mosquito repellant
- Good walking shoes
- Flip-flops
- Poncho
- A lot of water
- Snacks
- A few clothes
- Your camera
- Your travel insurance
Final Thoughts On Banaue Rice Terraces Hiking
Looking back, my experience hiking around Banaue and Batad was tough and challenging.
But, it was also a great travel experience. It was tougher than I had expected, but it was worth it.
If you’re planning your trip to the Philippines, make sure to read the following blog posts:
