Batad Rice Terraces

IT was the breathtaking view of the rice terraces from my bedroom window that captivated me during my first solo backpacking adventure to Batad. I remember how busy that year was, finishing a project that required me to work even on weekends to meet the launch date. When the product was finally launched a few weeks before Christmas, I looked for air, bus, or ferry tickets to take me somewhere I could finally relax, but they were all sold out. The only available option was a bus ticket to Banaue, leaving on the evening of Christmas Day.

I bought the last ticket, boarded the evening bus to Banaue, and only upon arrival did I decide to go to Batad. «Can you take me to Batad, and pick me up two days later?» I asked the tricycle driver upon reaching Banaue. «Yes, sir, but only up to Batad junction at the main road. You have to trek three to four hours to reach Batad proper,» was his reply. He agreed on a pick-up time, drove me for about an hour, then dropped me off at the Batad junction.

Tappiya Falls Amphitheater-like terraces Trekking along the terraces Rice paddies Batad natives Morning in Batad Road going to Batad Native Ifugao guest house Souvenir shop in Batad Set meal in Batad

I started my solo climb immediately and reached the saddle after two hours, then descended to the village in another two hours. I reached Simon's guesthouse by noon. Simon, who owns the guesthouse, was quite surprised to see a guest a day after Christmas. «What do you plan to do?» Simon asked. «Relax,» I replied. For the next two days, Simon took me to some of the hidden spots of Batad. In between, we talked about Batad and its people, their culture, and traditions. It was the best two days I ever had, and the view from the bedroom window made me fall in love with the place even more.

I have returned to Batad many times. It is a great place to get disconnected (actually, you have no choice because of limited mobile phone signal). Every day you wake up in Batad, you only decide which trail to explore, which local food to try, or simply stay in bed and stare through your window at the magnificent terraces.

Understanding Batad

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Batad is a barangay of Banaue and is famous for its