Banaue is home to some of the most beautiful rice terraces in the Philippines.
And the home to the most delicious chicken soup I’ve ever had.
Hubby and I are seriously considering the long drive again for this soup.
Growing up in the Philippines, one gets bombarded with photos of Magagandang Tanawin sa Pilipinas (Scenic Spots in the Philippines) in our Sibika at Kultura (Social Studies) classes during our primary years. The Chocolate Hills of Bohol comes to mind; along with Mayon volcano in Albay; Taal volcano in Tagaytay; and of course the hagdan-hagdang palayan (rice terraces) in Banaue.
Standing in front of this thousands of years old man-made wonder is truly awe-inspiring.
Despite being the most widely photographed cluster of rice terraces in the whole Cordillera region, the Banaue rice terraces were not declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Seen from drone shots is a modern road snaking all across the terraces. This and other present-day structures near the area destroyed its integrity.
However, the Philippine government still acknowledged it as a National Cultural Treasure.
If you’re keen on trekking, you can do a day hike in Batad — a 45-minute ride from town. This village is famous for its terraces that form like an amphitheater.
Batad terrace, along with Bangaan, Hungduan, Mayoyao central, and Nagacadan, is among the five clusters of Ifugao Rice Terraces declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
The priceless contribution of Philippine ancestors to humanity.
Viewpoints in Banaue
will get to that chicken soup in a bit
The main viewpoint gives you a wide vista of rice terraces covering many villages in this town.
You can also have your photo taken as a souvenir with the Ifugao ladies donning their traditional costume.
Just maybe drop a little donation for their trouble.
These viewpoints are all within reasonable distance from the town center, just along the main road.
If the weather is nice, you can settle for an early morning hike and come back in time for breakfast.
But, if you’re pressed for time, simply take a tricycle. Those in their way to Sagada, take quick stops here just for photos.
Native Village Inn, Ujah, Banaue
They serve delicious chicken curry in varying degrees of spiciness. And the views here are just as incredible.
The only downside is their location. It’s way out of town.
Be sure to arrange a return pickup before they drop you off.
7th Heaven’s Cafe
Now, we’re talking!
This cafe is on the upper side of Banaue. You’ll get an almost full picture of the town below and a sweeping view of the rice terraces from the windows of the cafe.
Hubby and I love coming back here.
I swear their chicken tinola is the best.
It’s a popular Filipino soup dish made mainly with chicken, chili pepper leaves, papaya or chayote, flavored with ginger and onions. A variation of this dish includes malunggay leaves. Rather than sticking to the classic, 7th Heaven’s Cafe included something in the broth to make it more flavorful. No earthly idea what. I just know it’s tastier compared with the regular chicken tinola.
You might also want to try their crispy fried chicken dipped in chili sauce. It comes with crunchy kropek. Great for munching while killing time.
The place is kept spotlessly clean, too.
One afternoon we were driving around town, it was raining, when I saw these rice paddies along the road. I swear the landscape looked dramatic. I tried to take a photo but I couldn’t quite capture it on cam. So, here’s my failed attempt of rice paddies in the pouring rain.
Banaue Rice Terraces is absolutely one of the most beautiful creations I have ever seen. A living testimony of backbreaking work turned into a work of art.
By the time you’re ready to leave, you’ll certainly have your fill of rice terraces that’ll last you a lifetime.
