Overview
Take a trip to Banaue Rice Terraces on your Philippines Vacation
Located north of Manila, in the province of Ifugao, the Banaue Rice Terraces are carved into the region’s mountains. Starting from the base of the Cordilleras, the Banaue Rice Terraces are situated 1500 meters (5000 ft) above sea level, stretching 10,360 sq km (4000 sq miles) wide and 200 meters high. They are often described as the ‘stairway to the sky.’ In fact, if the steps were laid from end to end, they would encircle half the globe.
Known by Filipinos as the “Eighth Wonder of the World”, the Banaue Rice Terraces were built 2000 years ago by the ancestors of the indigenous people of Ifugao and are commonly thought to have been built largely by hand. Sourced by an ancient irrigation system from the rainforests above the terraces, locals still grow rice and vegetables, although the region’s tourism industry has increasingly prevailed.
With the Ifugao people maintaining the Banaue Rice Terraces, their culture revolves around rice and its related rituals and feasts, from rice cultivation to rice consumption. Also known to cultivate edible shells, fruit trees, and other vegetables, the Ifugao recognize the Banaue Rice Terraces as a source of life and art.
A thriving tourism industry has emerged around the Banaue Rice Terraces, offering visitors on Philippines vacation packages beautiful views of the terraces, the chance to meet local tribes, and even a spiritual healing ritual performed by a Mumbai, a traditional Ifugao witch doctor.
Needless to say, they’re a sight that must be seen on a Philippines vacation.
With the Ifugao people maintaining the Banaue Rice Terraces, their culture revolves around rice and its related rituals and feasts, from rice cultivation to rice consumption. Also known to cultivate edible shells, fruit trees, and other vegetables, the Ifugao recognize the Banaue Rice Terraces as a source of life and art.
A thriving tourism industry has emerged around the Banaue Rice Terraces, offering visitors on Philippines vacation packages beautiful views of the terraces, the chance to meet local tribes, and even a spiritual healing ritual performed by a Mumbai, a traditional Ifugao witch doctor.
Needless to say, they’re a sight that must be seen on a Philippines vacation.
At a Glance
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Philippines has three major islands Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao and each of these offer a unique experience in all aspects.
Try to visit during the dry season from Nov to April. The weather is pleasant, with clear skies and minimal rainfall, great for travelling around by land and sea
If you are looking for somewhere off the beaten track, visit Siquijor Island - natural beauty, white sand beaches, waterfalls, and marine life together with a unique cultural traditions of mystic healing
Water and rice terraces in Batad near Banaue
The World Heritage Rice Terraces in Batad are i...
The rice terraces original builders used stone ...
The terraces, dating back 2000-years, are carve...
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