Rice Terraces in Banaue

Banaue, Ifugao – The world-renowned Banaue Rice Terraces is dubbed as The Eight Wonder of the World. Because it appeared on the old twenty peso bill, most people believe that Banaue Rice Terraces is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Batad, Hungduan, Mayoyao Central, Nagacadan and Bangaan (Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras). Banaue Rice Terraces is not included in the UNESCO list but it is a National Cultural Treasure. When thinking of traveling the Philippines, the first things you’ll find while researching are amazing beaches, blue lagoons and wide eyed miniature monkeys, called tarsiers. When my wife and I were looking for a place to chill out on our honeymoon, that’s exactly what we found. However, being a backpacker by nature, I also looked for something off the beaten path. That’s how I found a place that locals refer to as “The 8th World Wonder” – the Banaue rice terraces. Banaue is in Luzon Island in the north of the Philippines, in an area called Ifugao. It has one of the most amazing mountain views you’ll ever see. These mountains are the home of 2,000-year-old rice terraces, and is, in my opinion, a place you shouldn’t miss if you visit the Philippines. The area has several villages that have become tourist attractions. Banaue is the region's biggest town and the gateway to all other places, while Batad, Sagada, Hapao and Cambulo are a few of the villages in the area. If you enjoy trekking, it's possible to walk for a few days between these villages. (Ask locals for recommended routes.) #urbanexplorer #maydaytrip