Batad Travel Guide
Paradise-like beaches and colorful underwater scenery are the clear stars of trips to the Philippines, but the attractions of this country don’t end there. The Cordillera region holds some of the archipelago’s most fascinating landscapes, with spectacular slopes filled with rice terraces standing out. In this Batad Guide we’ll try to convince you why you urgently need to visit them and we’ll give you all the tips to make the most of them.
The Batad rice-terrace amphitheater is, no more and no less, 2.000 years old. Carved by the hands of the Ifugao tribe, it is a true work of art that is still preserved and used as in days past. The Batad rice terraces were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995 and are one of the jewels of the Philippines, which we encourage you to discover. In this Batad Guide you’ll find what you need for your next visit.
THINGS TO DO IN BATAD
You already know that the stars of any trip to Batad are the rice terraces. In this Batad Guide we give you some suggestions so you can enjoy them to the fullest:
- Walk the rice terraces: get a little lost and discover scenes of daily life in Batad.
- A dip at Tappiya Falls: it isn’t warm, but the water of this roughly 70-meter waterfall is a delight. It’s one of the best waterfalls in the Philippines.
- Be amazed at the viewpoints: admire the amphitheater from different perspectives. If you feel up to it, climb the Awa View Deck.
- Learn about Ifugao culture: this age-old tribe has unique customs in the Philippines. Its most characteristic element is the nipa huts, the wooden cabins you’ll see in Batad.
- Do nothing: sip a San Miguel on one of the hostel terraces and contemplate the landscape.
- Visit nearby villages: there are lots of small towns with incredible rice terraces. Cambulo or Pula are good examples.
- Enjoy the Banaue rice terraces: since you’ll pass by, don’t miss the chance to admire the majestic views on the 20‑peso bill.
This is just a preview; you’ll find everything detailed in:
HOW TO GET TO BATAD
Batad is located in the heart of the island of Luzon, in the Cordillera region. About 380 kilometers north of Manila, the most common way to reach the village is by taking an overnight bus to Banaue. From there, you need to cover the 18 kilometers that separate them by jeepney or trycicle.
If you’re traveling through other parts of northern Philippines such as Sagada, La Union or Buscalan, you can also reach Batad by combining different transports. It won’t be easy or quick, but it’s possible.
Find prices, schedules and transport combinations in our very detailed article:
WHEN TO VISIT BATAD AND HOW MANY DAYS TO SPEND THERE
Do you want to see the Batad terraces as green as possible? Then April, May or October would be good times, since that’s when they’re usually greener and taller and when it doesn’t rain as much.
Even so, Batad is beautiful at any time of year. Even when the paddies aren’t very tall or are flooded pools, they’re special, creating unique reflections.
Our advice is to devote, at least, 1,5 days. That is, the arrival day from first thing in the morning and the whole of the following morning. Of course, if you have more time, go for it!
WHERE TO STAY IN BATAD
Our most fervent advice is that you stay overnight in Batad. Truly, the experience changes a lot and waking up in one of the best landscapes in the Philippines is a joy.
Even so, we’ll give you a small heads‑up: accommodation in Batad is very basic. Don’t expect too many comforts, but plenty of hospitality. In addition, some hotels offer the magical experience of staying in a typical Ifugao tribe hut. What more could you ask for?
We’ll leave you wanting more in this Batad Guide, but in Where to stay in Batad you’ll find our suggestions:
TIPS FOR VISITING BATAD
- WARM CLOTHES and GOOD FOOTWEAR: yes! We’re in the mountains, so it gets cool at night. Bring warm clothing, a rain jacket, and hiking shoes or shoes with grip so you don’t slip.
- MONEY IN BATAD: bring cash because there are no ATMs. There are some in Banaue, but keep in mind they may be out of order—better to be safe.
- INTERNET IN BATAD: phone signal is almost nonexistent, so forget about internet and even being able to send an SMS.
- HANDICRAFTS: take the opportunity to do your souvenir shopping here because the handicrafts of the Cordillera region are, in our opinion, the most beautiful in the Philippines.
- BE RESPECTFUL: please walk on the cement or stone paths so as not to damage the rice terraces, and ask people for permission before taking photos. This is responsible tourism, too.
- TRAVEL SAFE: don’t forget to take out a good travel insurance that protects you in case of an accident. There aren’t good hospitals in the region and, in case something happens, you’d have to be urgently transferred to Manila. Here you have a 5% discount on your policy.