Well, we finally got to Batad village. The village is actually composed of two parts, the first part where we are, are where all the inns are, all this is sitting on a ridge overlooking the ampitheater-like Batad Rice Terraces. The second major cluster of houses is the one on the terraces itself. This is where most of the farmers live, it even has their own small church.
It was my first time to explore any rice terraces and I had no idea what to expect. I was under the impression that each terrace is just a step away. I realized my mistake when we started exploring the terraces themselves. Most of the terraces I passed through were at least waist level high, there were a lot of them which are higher than a the height of a person.
So how do you climb from one terrace to another? There are stone steps protruding from the side the terrace. It really takes a little getting used to because some of the steps could be quite small. One has to be balanced when climbing up the “stairs”, if not get ready to fall into the mud below.
Getting from one side of the terraces to another is another challenge. The walls of the terraces are made out of mud and stone. They have to reguarly maintained else the terrace collapses under its own weight. These same walls also serve as pathways from one part of the mountain to another. Sometimes you may find that the walls are a little soft, or that the walls are narrower than usual, so it is best to be careful. If one falls, there can only be two scenarios, one is you fall onto mud of the same terrace, or second, you fall onto the mud of the terrace below you, which can be quite a fall. Yes, the rice terraces are truly a sight to behold, just don’t forget to watch your step.
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I am planning a visit to the Banaue and Batad rice terraces region. What was your experience with the bus ride there? Did you feel if there were any safety concern on crime or kidnapping? and how far are the distances to hike from Banaue to Batad to Bangaan? Thank you
unfortunately, i don’t have any information as to how long a hike from banaue to batad will take. you would probaby need a guide to get there though. batad to bangaan can be covered in 4 to 5 hours via the scenic route which takes you around the mountain. you should be able to get one in town.
as for your safety concerns, these should not be an issue, at least during my visits. people only harrass you to join their tour or ask you to buy souvenirs, if not they leave you alone. as with everywhere else, people are actually nicer in the provinces. numerous independent local and foreign tourists go this this part of the country with no untowards incidents. tourism is their lifeblood here, if something happens it will be to their detriment. just go, it will be worth the trip.