A Journey to Batad and back: Batad, Ifugao: a UNESCO World Heritage Site

I knew in my gut that I should not miss this trip. I am glad I didn't. An experience I am so glad to have gone through but will never dare do again........ ever.

This is my most difficult trip by far in terms of strength. No wonder a tagline in one of the souvenir shirts says "trek til you drop" because it really is. Literally and figuratively.

Our journey started with an assembly in Ohayami bus terminal in Sampaloc, Manila. We left at 9 PM and arrived in Banaue quarter to 7AM.

Our contact person was already waiting for us when we arrived in Banuae terminal. Bus/vans plying to Sagada are available here. Just ask around how to get a ride.

Our contact person/guide took care of us, he suggested where to eat, what to buy and our itinerary. He stayed with us until we boarded the bus going back home.

In Banaue, we had our breakfast and purchased food, toiletries, etc as prices in Batad doubles especially water.

We surely did not miss doing top loading. The road is uphill and curvy, regardless it didn't scare us. Seeing the entire view of the mountain was so much fun!!

We arrived at the Saddle Point after an hour. This is the drop off and from here, we trekked going to Batad. Sticks are for rent. Seriously, they are life saver! Renting one is highly recommended.

Finally, we reached the Batad main view deck. This is also where we paid 50 pesos for the tourist fee.

Then we proceed to Ramon's homestay, where we spent the night sleeping in one of the nipa huts. Mang Ramon aims for his visitor to bring back experience of how it was living in a Nipa hut. 

We did the tour the afternoon, few hours after we arrived in Batad. Our guide planned to hike to the best peak (there is what they call the highest peak, with the larger view of Batad). Then, visit the falls and Main village. 

From the homestay, we hiked up the rice terraces until we reached the peak. There we got to see a nice of the entire terrances. It's like an ampitheater.

After reaching the peak, we went to the falls and with this, it requires us to go down the steep steps. And so when I though climbing the stairs is difficult, well, going down is so much more! My knees were trembling at this point. Lol. 

Tappiyah Falls

The falls is magnificent. This 70-meter falls, with its strong power and cool water, it is worth checking out. Don't jump into the water immediately or you might get cramps. Rest your legs for few minutes before dipping in its ice cold water.

We passed by the main village and we saw their livestock like chicken, pigs, fish. It is nice to see a glimpse of there community.

That night we had a bonfire with Kuya Ramon, the owner, and guests were given a chance to ask questions. It was a nice talk.

Our body ached that night. My friends called in for a massage and they said it was nice. I took Alaxan FR and doze off. :)

The following day, we left Batad at 10AM, just right for the check out time. We went back to Banaue where we had a view of Banaue rice terraces and purchase pasalubong/souvenirs.

Currently, roads going to Batad is in work in progress. Once this is done, this will cut the trek and make the place more accessible to tourists/travellers. 

Definitely, this trip will stick in my mind for the rest of my life. It was very challenging being the person who does not do physical activities. My legs ached for few days and it was difficult to use the stairs. 

But was it all worth it? DEFINITELY!!! I am glad to have seen the beauty of rice terraces in person. No lens can give justice to the greatness of this amazing man-made wonder.

For our expenses, our contact person charged us P8,400 inclusive of overnight accommodation, Banaue-Batad- Banaue transportation and guide fee. Divide this by 7 pesons, it is 1,200 pesos per person. Not bad!!

Our contact person is Lemas, one of Kuya Ramon's nieces. Contact number is 0935-980-7939.

As of this writing, Ohayami bus charges 450 pesos one way. Better reserve seats a week before the trip as there are only limited number of buses.

Food is expensive in Batad. In Ramon's homestay, their viand (same amount of serving as in carinderia) costs 175 average. To cut food costs, bring your own burner and cook your own food. I see one couple who did this and the owner and staff did not mind at all. Charging of phones, power banks etc are not free. It costs around 20-30 pesos per charge.