You may discover Asia’s beautiful rice terraces or visit some of the world famous rice terraces like Tegalalang Rice Terraces of Bali and Yuanyang Rice Terrace of China. But today we are so excited to present to you one of the world’s most breathtaking yet most loved Rice Terraces in the Philippines that is; Banaue Rice Terraces.
As we already knew, the Philippines is a kind of country in Asia where nature touches the soul of every backpacker, likewise exploring the country’s vast area of rice terraces will be in the first place. We simply can’t conclude Banaue Rice Terrace is a natural attraction, moreover it has many historical and cultural values which are deep rooted even today in Philippines people’s beliefs and customs.
Visitors simply wonder why it is so important to explore these Banaue Rice Terraces despite the country holding other massive and impressive rice terraces like Cordilleras, Mayoyao and Kiangan. But here the truth is, Banaue is the most underrated, historically significant and stunning natural beauty captivating the minds of every traveller who visits, not from the 21st century or even from the 2nd or 3rd century.
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Banuae Rice Terraces Location
If you want to visit Banaue RiceTerraces you need to go to Ifugo province under Cordillera Mountains in the north central Luzon region, Philippines. Today these Banaue rice terraces spread across 10,360 square kilometres with unique irrigation systems where water comes from rainforest above the terraces.
Banaue Rice Terraces History
Before visiting Banaue Rice Terraces it is crucial to understand its historical background. As we discussed earlier it has a valid history background where many tourists came and learned about the rice cultivation process even during the 2nd or 3rd century. Ifugao people’s spiritual and ingenuity add to its historical values and the same people who have been cultivating rice here over many centuries feel that they are the most sacred activity they can make in their lifetime.
If we go more deep about its history we surely land 2000 years ago, when the Igorto tribe (ancestors of present Ifugo tribes) carved the mountainsides as these step-like terraces, especially mountains bare lands. The main intention of making this kind of terrace system is to make it convenient to pass the water irrigation to cultivation land through these terraces, which help to strengthen their community and sustainable farming techniques.
But the interesting fact here is that after the creation of these beautiful Banaue rice terraces by the Igorto peoples, they called it the “8th wonders of the world” in 2000 years ago. However, these rice terraces witnessed as many historical and natural influences making it often visited travel destinations during the 2nd and 3rd centuries. History explains that there are number of international visitors from Spain, Portugal and the American continents who came and explored these massive and unique terraces, not just that they try to retain their cultures and traditional practices.
After passing from many centuries this traditional terrace rice cultivation was preserved and continued its legacy by its tribe ancestors. We also call it one of the living cultural landscapes in the world, representing important cultural practices and symbols of the Iugao way of life. Even today despite being a source for food and livelihood, terrace cultivation is the pride, belief and cultural identity of the local indigenous people. Perhaps it’s historical and cultural legacy and other key facts like religious, political and social culture helps Banaue Rice Terraces be eligible to sit in the row of UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Cultural Treasure.
Farming Techniques of Ifugo’s Tribal Peoples?
Till now there is no such kind of advanced or machine techniques used to cultivate rice here. Even today people of Ifugo continue ancient traditional farming techniques that include manual labour force and minimum use of machinery. People use water buffalo’s to plow the fields and after 1 or 2 weeks people can plant rice/ vegetable by hand only.
These mountainous slope rice terraces are perfectly made by the ancestors of Ifugo people, they are arranged in a series of slope benches that follow the counter of other terrains. Purpose of making such a unique cultivation land to simplify the irrigation system where water is easily moved from one terrace to another.
Its Unique Irrigation System
If cultivation land is different and unique, surely the chances of its irrigation system could be different. First we should appreciate the engineering excellence of the Igorot tribes, they used the most advanced irrigation techniques that you were unable to see anywhere in the world during 2000 years ago.
Irrigation techniques included canals, dams, and reservoirs that are strategically placed to shift water through the rice terraces. The total complex irrigation system contains valves and gate systems to control speed flow of water and help to bifurcate sufficient amounts of water to each terraces.
Banaue Rice Terraces Being a Part of the Cultural Heritage of Ifugo Peoples
Despite being a food and livelihood, Banaue Rice Terraces is deeply connected to local Ifugao people’s cultural heritages. There is some cultural evidence and historical proof showcasing how rice terraces and its irrigation were made and passed over many centuries.
It also provides more valuable insights about creativity, resilience and ingenuity of local tribes, and explains how a group of peoples or society can work with environment/ nature to create one of the most futuristic and sustainable productive landscapes to the upcoming generations.
After being listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site and other international bodies, cultural values of Ifugo peoples have gone high. This boasts outstanding universal values and examples of living cultural landscapes that evolved over thousands of years from generation to generation.
Ifugo peoples hold a more consistent tie up with the Banaue Rice Terraces system in order to maintain their dignity, beliefs and values expressing their culture is all about nature, cooperation and reciprocity. Here we’ll also understand how physical, socio- cultural, economic, religious and political influences are heavily affected.
Best Time to Visit
Visiting when the weather is ideal to explore its breathtaking beauty of Banaue Rice Terraces is a crucial task. So, not every season is going to help a journey worth one, but the dry season is the most recommended one which is always ideal to get everything exactly what a backpacker needs here in Banaue.
Dry Season runs from February to June, when travelers expect more clear skies and ideal weather conditions to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of rice cultivation. Its sunny weather is an ideal season for trekkings to explore unobstructed views of the terraces and surrounding landscapes. Since the season when plantations and harvesting just start visitors can’t expect much to see more lush green rice terraces.
If you love photographic scenes, visit the wet season (from June to November) when the season runs rain and help to see local cultures and natural beauty, but not recommended for other activities.
Wish to see its unique harvest or rice cultivation process then better to be there during Harvest Season (from September to November). Season filled with working processes, rice harvesting from terraces and other agricultural practices.
How to Get There?
To reach Banaue Rice Terraces is truly based on where you are coming from. Whether you are an international traveler, it is better to book your flight ticket to Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila. From Manila to Banaue, ample public transportation is available which takes around 8 to 9 hours to reach.
We suggest you take the Coda Lines bus company, depart from metro Manila, and arrive early in the morning straight to Batad Rice Terraces. The ticket price includes 690 PHP ($13.50) from Manila to Banaue but it is worth one, visitors are going to enjoy clear skies, sunny weather conditions and stunning views of terraces throughout their journey. Visit Gecko Routes to know more about bus services from Manila to Banaue.
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