Tours Banaue - Rice Terraces Off the Beaten Track

PRIVATE Tours	SHARED Tours
Departure: on any date Private tours are scheduled at your preferred date	Departure: on fixed dates Shared tours are scheduled on fixed dates
Group: just you You will travel privately with only your own group	Group: shared You will share the tour with other travelers
Pickup: any location We will arrange for free pickup at any location	Pickup: fixed location A shared tour starts at a fixed location
Itinerary: flexible Your itinerary can be customised and extensions are available	Itinerary: fixed The itinerary is fixed, extensions are not possible

PRIVATE Tours
Departure: on any date Private tours are scheduled at your preferred date
Group: just you You will travel privately with only your own group
Pickup: any location We will arrange for free pickup at any location
Itinerary: flexible Your itinerary can be customised and extensions are available

SHARED Tours
Departure: on fixed dates Shared tours are scheduled on fixed dates
Group: shared You will share the tour with other travelers
Pickup: fixed location A shared tour starts at a fixed location
Itinerary: fixed The itinerary is fixed, extensions are not possible

PRIVATE Tour	SHARED Tour (min. 2 pax)
Departure: on any date	Departure: only every wednesday during January to June
Participants: No maximum	Participants: If alone you will share a car with maximum 7 other travellers
Pricing: 1 Person: Php 53,000.00 2 Persons: Php 26,500.00 per person 3 Persons: php 19,500.00 per person 4 Persons: Php 16,500.00 per person	Pricing: Php 24,000.00 per person
Book Now Customize	Book Now

PRIVATE Tour
Departure: on any date
Participants: No maximum
Pricing: 1 Person: Php 53,000.00 2 Persons: Php 26,500.00 per person 3 Persons: php 19,500.00 per person 4 Persons: Php 16,500.00 per person
Book Now Customize Book Now Customize

SHARED Tour (min. 2 pax)
Departure: only every wednesday during Januray to June
Participants: If alone you will share a car with maximum 7 other travellers
Pricing: Php 24,000.00 per person
Book Now Book Now

PRIVATE Tour
SHARED Tour

Itinerary
PRIVATE Tour Itinerary
Day 1: ManilaCauayan airport Mayoyao

06:30 – Pick up at your hotel and brought to the airport for catching a flight with Cebu pacific at 855 am and arriving in Cauayan at 1005 am. Our driver/guide will pick you up and than we drive via Elysia to Mayoyao in 2-3 hours along very scenic roads with deep cliffs along the side when approaching our destination. Underway there are a few scenic lookout points before arriving around 1-2 pm in Mayoyao where we stay overnight in Helens place. After lunch we will tour the area and enjoy the Mayoyao rice terraces and have a panoramic view of the villages. The Abfo'or are domed-shaped Burial Tombs, found only in Mayoyao and use to house the bodies of the town's ancient warriors and elite. General Tomoyuki Yamashita of the Japanese Imperial army in the Philippines was captured here in August 1945 and brought to Kiangan where he surrendered before he was taken to Baguio City where is formal surrender was staged, tried for war crimes and hanged in Los banos in 1946.

.

Day 2: Mayoyao Batad Village Banaue

08:00 – We have an early breakfast and then we depart for Batad which is a 2 hour drive. We will make a (photo) stop at the Bangaan rice terraces. Our driver will arrange a local guide and drop you at the Batad saddle and the rest of the distance is on foot using a mountain trail, takes only a 30 minutes hike to Batad viewpoint(*). The trip to Barangay Batad in Banaue, to witness the amphitheater shaped terraces located at 3600 ft. At Batad viewpoint you can take your lunch while enjoying the scenery.

.
(*) Provided you have a good level of physical fitness (expect unpaved and narrow mountain trails with steep irregular terrain, usually under a hot sun) and should you wish to trek for three further demanding hours we can offer you:
.
a) the Tappiya waterfall after Batad. With a phenomenal 70 metre fall in rainy season and a naturally formed pool at its bottom suitable for a cooling swim ( dress conservatively), Tappiya waterfall is an unique location in the area.
.
b) Banga-an village instead of Batad. Banga-an village showcases a typical Ifugao community. Wet weather causes damage so the steps need constant renovation. You are rewarded with spectacular views.
.

If you are not into hiking we have time to stop at the panoramic Banaue viewpoint at 4800 Ft. that provides a perfect experience of the enormity & extent of the terraces followed by a visit to the Banaue Museum. Banaue Museum features decades-old books by anthropologist Otley Beyer and Igorot artefacts collected by his son William. The museum is on two floors featuring weaponry, jewellery, traditional dress and photographs of Banaue 100 years ago and or can stop at the market and souvenir shop before dinner.

Stay overnight in Banaue hotel.

.

Day 3: Banaue Sagada

After breakfast in the hotel, we will start the day with a 2,5 hours ride (one way) to picturesque Sagada with its ancient burial caves and mummified coffins at Sugong & Echo Valley. Under guidance of a local English speaking guide you will glimpse Lumiang Burial Cave which houses more than 100 coffins are stacked in the entrance. The oldest around 500 years old. Many of them have images of lizards carved on them which are symbols of fertility and long life. Visit Bontoc's tribal museum with artifacts and unique pictures from the mountain tribes.

We then enter the impressive Sumaguing Cave, known for it's rock formations and impressive chambers. We then enter the impressive Sumaguing Cave, known for it's rock formations and impressive chambers. In the afternoon (optional and when times allows) we visit the Bomo ok waterfalls. The track to the waterfalls takes a total of 3 hours.

Overnight in Masferrer guesthouse.

.

Day 4: Sagada Manila

Leave at 07:00am after breakfast going to Baguio in 5 hours where you may take your lunch at Camp John Hay manor hotel. After lunch we proceed to manila where we will arrive at approximately 18:30 pm, depending on weather and traffic conditions.

.
Pickup & Drop off

Pickup

FREE Pick up 06:30 am from your hotel / home in Manila (*) on Day 1.
(*) If you wish to be picked up either straight from a Manila airport or from Angeles airport, please let us know your details and this can be discussed. Extra costs apply. Please indicate this in your Booking Request Form.

Drop off

FREE Drop off at your hotel / home in Manila estimated at 18:30 pm on Day 4 (depending on weather and traffic conditions).
Things to bring

Sunscreen, hat, insect repellent, refillable water container, walking shoes or strong sandals, swim wear, waterproof jacket, spare dry clothes, (optional) educational giveaways like crayons for children in place of money/candy.

Note: Baggage allowance limited to max. 20 kg per person.

Inclusions & Exclusions

Tour Inclusions

Fuel, toll fees, parking fees & registration fee and taxes.

Tour Exclusions

Customised extensions not included , but available upon your request:

Option 1.) Witness the historic, old Spanish towns Vigan and Laoag.

Option 2.) Visit Lingayen Gulf and go half day island hopping amongst the Hundred Islands

Option 3.) Witness remote Kalinga

Option 4.) Go Trek Mount Pinatubo Volcano

Option 5.) Visit Subic, Philippines former US Naval Base and now a free port zone

Option 6.) Visit Baguio the summer capital of North Luzon

Additional Information about guide

The local regulations insist on the need of a local guide in Banaue and Sagada. Our Banaue Tours include already local guide hire (with basic English language skills) in Banaue and Sagada. Should you wish a German, Dutch , Spanish, Russian or French speaking guide (on top of the local guides) throughout your whole tour, this can be arranged by us upon your request in advance and costs approximately Php 4,000.00 additional per day. Food and accommodation for this guide comes still on top of this. Please indicate this as a request in your Booking Form.
Accommodations
Most Hotels in North Luzon are lacking quality, service and the (slightly) better beach resorts are overrated so if you are expecting 5 star level of a ccommodation its better to avoid beautiful North. Keep in mind that many smaller places are family run. Some hotels in Vigan and San Juan are exception and offer good value of money. We visited all places and made a selection of our own and our client experiences: logistics, service, food quality, ambiance, value-for-money and location. Room rate is per night twin/double sharing and includes breakfast where indicated. Of course, we can also book your own suggested hotel.
- Banaue Province
  
  Banaue Hotel
  
  Php 2,500.00 per room per night base in twin share with breakfast.
  
  This is the hotel in Banaue that may be especially attractive to those who want the best available in town and parking space (something quite hard to find in Banaue). It offers dining, a large lobby with souvenir shops, swimming pool, and weekly cultural shows. The Hotel has 84 and 2 types of rooms: Standard rooms with 3 single beds located on the lower floors and "renovated" deluxe rooms (included in our package) located on the ground and first floor with double bed and extra bed. They also have backpacker-type rooms at Php 250 a bed in both the older building as well as the new adjacent Hostel.
  
  Bangaan & Batad Hillside Inn
  
  Both Inns are located near the rice terraces, Batad Hillside inn Offers great view of Batad Village and the Batad rice Terraces. The rooms of Bangaan Inn are slight;y more convenient than their cottages. Both Inns have shared bathroom with cold summer using Mandy. Both family run Inns have electricity and good kitchen.
  
  Sanafe Lodge
  
  Php 2,340.00 per room per night base in twin share with breakfast.
  
  Sanafe Lodge is Centrally located near the market place. DOT and few steps from the bus and jeepney arrivals. This well run Family place has an outdoo dining area overlooking the Banaue Valley and the hanging bridge just below. They have rooms starting at Php 800.00 but we suggest their deluxe and double deluxe rooms with private bathroom and hot water for your stay. The best rooms are included in our package if you choose Sanafe Lodge. Here you will feel very welcome and at home.
  
  Ujah Native Village Inn
  
  Php 2,250.00 per room per night base in twin share with breakfast.
  
  Native Village Inn Offers unique Native Ifugao cottages which are overlooking the Hapao rice Terraces. The Resort has a lovely garden setting with the many flowers and sitting area's from where you can enjoy breathtaking views. The cozy restaurant with open fireplace has European and Filipino food on the Menu. The toilets and showers with hot water are shared and outside cottage. Its located 9 km away from the downtown Banaue or 30 minutes by trike or jeepney. Parking is available for eight cars.
- Sagada & Bontoc
  
  Archog Hotel
  
  Archog Hotel is probably the place to stay overnight in Bontoc, the getaway for trips to Kalinga. The facilities are less developed than in the cities, but given the hill climate a fan is fine without AC but with hot water. The hotel is right in the center of Bontoc on the main street, so a quite room at the back is preferred by our guests. Their restaurant offers suprizingly tasty and fresh food.
  
  Masferre Country Inn
  
  Php 2,140.00 per room per night base in twin share with breakfast.
  
  Well-placed in the sightseeing, culture area of Sagada city, Masferre Country Inn and Restaurant provides a most conducive spot for you to take a break from your busy days, offering hotel guests a good breakfast, dinner and a broad range of amenities. All guestrooms feature a variety of comforts. Some rooms have wireless internet access, non smoking, desk, balcony/terrace, blackout curtains to please the most discerning guests.
  
  Saint Joseph Resthouse
  
  Php 1,800.00 per room per night base in twin share (cottage) with breakfast.
  
  Saint Joseph Lodge is located in the Hilltop from where you have a great view and can enjoy the freshest breeze of Sagada, have a picnic on its grassy grounds in summer days, or enjoy the warmth of the fireplace during the cold months.
  
  Facilities include stand alone cottages with a capacity of 2-6 pax, which we recommend to our guests, rooms with private bath, dorm-type rooms in their main building, spacious parking area, picnic area, restaurant and conference, meeting hall.
- Mayoyao
  
  Helens Guest House
  
  Helen's Guest House was built for the Family, but they decided to offer their house to tourists. The rooms are well built, very clean and have the best-looking bathrooms in Mayoyao. The family is very accommodating. Our package rate includes breakfast and dinner. They have a family room with 2 twin sized bed, 4 rooms with 1 twin/double size bed with private bathroom which we book for our guests and 2 rooms with standard beds and shared bathroom.

Itinerary
SHARED Tour Itinerary
Day 1: ManilaCauayan airport Mayoyao

06:30 – Pick up at your hotel and brought to the airport for catching a flight with Cebu pacific at 855 am and arriving in Cauayan at 1005 am. Our driver/guide will pick you up and than we drive via Elysia to Mayoyao in 2-3 hours along very scenic roads with deep cliffs along the side when approaching our destination. Underway there are a few scenic lookout points before arriving around 1-2 pm in Mayoyao where we stay overnight in Helens place. After lunch we will tour the area and enjoy the Mayoyao rice terraces and have a panoramic view of the villages. The Abfo'or are domed-shaped Burial Tombs, found only in Mayoyao and use to house the bodies of the town's ancient warriors and elite. General Tomoyuki Yamashita of the Japanese Imperial army in the Philippines was captured here in August 1945 and brought to Kiangan where he surrendered before he was taken to Baguio City where is formal surrender was staged, tried for war crimes and hanged in Los banos in 1946.

.

Day 2: Mayoyao Batad Village Banaue

08:00 – We have an early breakfast and then we depart for Batad which is a 2 hour drive. We will make a (photo) stop at the Bangaan rice terraces. Our driver will arrange a local guide and drop you at the Batad saddle and the rest of the distance is on foot using a mountain trail, takes only a 30 minutes hike to Batad viewpoint(*). The trip to Barangay Batad in Banaue, to witness the amphitheater shaped terraces located at 3600 ft. At Batad viewpoint you can take your lunch while enjoying the scenery.

.
(*) Provided you have a good level of physical fitness (expect unpaved and narrow mountain trails with steep irregular terrain, usually under a hot sun) and should you wish to trek for three further demanding hours we can offer you:
.
a) the Tappiya waterfall after Batad. With a phenomenal 70 metre fall in rainy season and a naturally formed pool at its bottom suitable for a cooling swim ( dress conservatively), Tappiya waterfall is an unique location in the area.
.
b) Banga-an village instead of Batad. Banga-an village showcases a typical Ifugao community. Wet weather causes damage so the steps need constant renovation. You are rewarded with spectacular views.
.

If you are not into hiking we have time to stop at the panoramic Banaue viewpoint at 4800 Ft. that provides a perfect experience of the enormity & extent of the terraces followed by a visit to the Banaue Museum. Banaue Museum features decades-old books by anthropologist Otley Beyer and Igorot artefacts collected by his son William. The museum is on two floors featuring weaponry, jewellery, traditional dress and photographs of Banaue 100 years ago and or can stop at the market and souvenir shop before dinner.

Stay overnight in Banaue hotel.

.

Day 3: Banaue Sagada

After breakfast in the hotel, we will start the day with a 2,5 hours ride (one way) to picturesque Sagada with its ancient burial caves and mummified coffins at Sugong & Echo Valley. Under guidance of a local English speaking guide you will glimpse Lumiang Burial Cave which houses more than 100 coffins are stacked in the entrance. The oldest around 500 years old. Many of them have images of lizards carved on them which are symbols of fertility and long life. Visit Bontoc's tribal museum with artifacts and unique pictures from the mountain tribes.

We then enter the impressive Sumaguing Cave, known for it's rock formations and impressive chambers. We then enter the impressive Sumaguing Cave, known for it's rock formations and impressive chambers. In the afternoon (optional and when times allows) we visit the Bomo ok waterfalls. The track to the waterfalls takes a total of 3 hours.

Overnight in Masferrer guesthouse.

.

Day 4: Sagada Manila

Leave at 07:00am after breakfast going to Baguio in 5 hours where you may take your lunch at Camp John Hay manor hotel. After lunch we proceed to manila where we will arrive at approximately 18:30 pm, depending on weather and traffic conditions.

.
Pickup & Drop off

Pickup

06:00 am : Assembly and boarding at Starbucks located opposite of Shangri-la hotel, Makati or next to Malate Pension at Erras Vest ramen Bar & Grill.

Drop off

18.30 pm estimated arrival in Manila at Starbucks located opposite of Shangri-la hotel, Makati or next to Malate Pension at Erras Vest ramen Bar & Grill.
Things to bring

Sunscreen, hat, insect repellent, refillable water container, walking shoes or strong sandals, swim wear, waterproof jacket, spare dry clothes, (optional) educational giveaways like crayons for children in place of money/candy.

Note: Baggage allowance limited to max. 20 kg per person.

Inclusions & Exclusions

Tour Inclusions

Fuel, toll fees, parking fees & registration fee and taxes.

Tour Exclusions

Customised extensions not available. Should you wish so, please book the PRIVATE version of this Rice terraces off the beaten track tour.

Accommodations
Most Hotels in North Luzon are lacking quality, service and the (slightly) better beach resorts are overrated so if you are expecting 5 star level of a ccommodation its better to avoid beautiful North. Keep in mind that many smaller places are family run. Some hotels in Vigan and San Juan are exception and offer good value of money. We visited all places and made a selection of our own and our client experiences: logistics, service, food quality, ambiance, value-for-money and location. Room rate is per night twin/double sharing and includes breakfast where indicated. Of course, we can also book your own suggested hotel.
- Banaue Province
  
  Banaue Hotel
  
  Php 2,500.00 per room per night base in twin share with breakfast.
  
  This is the hotel in Banaue that may be especially attractive to those who want the best available in town and parking space (something quite hard to find in Banaue). It offers dining, a large lobby with souvenir shops, swimming pool, and weekly cultural shows. The Hotel has 84 and 2 types of rooms: Standard rooms with 3 single beds located on the lower floors and "renovated" deluxe rooms (included in our package) located on the ground and first floor with double bed and extra bed. They also have backpacker-type rooms at Php 250 a bed in both the older building as well as the new adjacent Hostel.
  
  Bangaan & Batad Hillside Inn
  
  Both Inns are located near the rice terraces, Batad Hillside inn Offers great view of Batad Village and the Batad rice Terraces. The rooms of Bangaan Inn are slight;y more convenient than their cottages. Both Inns have shared bathroom with cold summer using Mandy. Both family run Inns have electricity and good kitchen.
  
  Sanafe Lodge
  
  Php 2,340.00 per room per night base in twin share with breakfast.
  
  Sanafe Lodge is Centrally located near the market place. DOT and few steps from the bus and jeepney arrivals. This well run Family place has an outdoo dining area overlooking the Banaue Valley and the hanging bridge just below. They have rooms starting at Php 800.00 but we suggest their deluxe and double deluxe rooms with private bathroom and hot water for your stay. The best rooms are included in our package if you choose Sanafe Lodge. Here you will feel very welcome and at home.
  
  Ujah Native Village Inn
  
  Php 2,250.00 per room per night base in twin share with breakfast.
  
  Native Village Inn Offers unique Native Ifugao cottages which are overlooking the Hapao rice Terraces. The Resort has a lovely garden setting with the many flowers and sitting area's from where you can enjoy breathtaking views. The cozy restaurant with open fireplace has European and Filipino food on the Menu. The toilets and showers with hot water are shared and outside cottage. Its located 9 km away from the downtown Banaue or 30 minutes by trike or jeepney. Parking is available for eight cars.
- Sagada & Bontoc
  
  Archog Hotel
  
  Archog Hotel is probably the place to stay overnight in Bontoc, the getaway for trips to Kalinga. The facilities are less developed than in the cities, but given the hill climate a fan is fine without AC but with hot water. The hotel is right in the center of Bontoc on the main street, so a quite room at the back is preferred by our guests. Their restaurant offers suprizingly tasty and fresh food.
  
  Masferre Country Inn
  
  Php 2,140.00 per room per night base in twin share with breakfast.
  
  Well-placed in the sightseeing, culture area of Sagada city, Masferre Country Inn and Restaurant provides a most conducive spot for you to take a break from your busy days, offering hotel guests a good breakfast, dinner and a broad range of amenities. All guestrooms feature a variety of comforts. Some rooms have wireless internet access, non smoking, desk, balcony/terrace, blackout curtains to please the most discerning guests.
  
  Saint Joseph Resthouse
  
  Php 1,800.00 per room per night base in twin share (cottage) with breakfast.
  
  Saint Joseph Lodge is located in the Hilltop from where you have a great view and can enjoy the freshest breeze of Sagada, have a picnic on its grassy grounds in summer days, or enjoy the warmth of the fireplace during the cold months.
  
  Facilities include stand alone cottages with a capacity of 2-6 pax, which we recommend to our guests, rooms with private bath, dorm-type rooms in their main building, spacious parking area, picnic area, restaurant and conference, meeting hall.
- Mayoyao
  
  Helens Guest House
  
  Helen's Guest House was built for the Family, but they decided to offer their house to tourists. The rooms are well built, very clean and have the best-looking bathrooms in Mayoyao. The family is very accommodating. Our package rate includes breakfast and dinner. They have a family room with 2 twin sized bed, 4 rooms with 1 twin/double size bed with private bathroom which we book for our guests and 2 rooms with standard beds and shared bathroom.