Exploring the Batad Rice Terraces and Tappiya Falls: A Practical Guide
Imagine a journey that takes you from Manila’s bustling streets into the heart of the Philippines’ most iconic landscapes. This 3-day, 2-night tour offers a chance to witness the UNESCO-listed Batad Rice Terraces, explore lush mountain scenery, and cool off at the impressive Tappiya Falls. We’ve looked into this tour offered by Juana Travel & Tours, and here’s what you need to know before booking your adventure.
We’re fans of how this experience balances scenic beauty with cultural insight. The guided hikes promise panoramic views—and they’re a great way to connect with the land and its history. Plus, the inclusion of accommodation within the terraces makes for a memorable stay. One consideration is the moderate to high fitness level required; this isn’t a leisurely walk for everyone. Still, if you’re after authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences, this tour fits the bill. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy outdoor activities and don’t mind a bit of a workout while discovering some of the Philippines’ most breathtaking landscapes.
You can check availability for your dates here:Key Points
- UNESCO World Heritage Site: The Batad Rice Terraces are a wonder to behold and a highlight of the trip.
- Guided hikes: Expert guides lead you to viewpoints and waterfalls, enriching your understanding.
- Natural beauty and culture: The tour combines stunning scenery with cultural encounters with the Ifugao people.
- Comfortable yet adventurous: Accommodation within the terraces offers a unique experience, but expect some physical activity.
- All-inclusive value: Transportation, accommodation, guided hikes, and entrance fees are included, ensuring peace of mind.
- Limited group size: Small groups (up to 6) make for a more intimate experience and personalized attention.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Batad Rice Terraces.
The Experience: What You Can Expect from the Tour
This tour is designed to give you an authentic taste of the Ifugao region, emphasizing natural beauty and local traditions. It begins with a pick-up from Manila, either at Malate or SM Mall of Asia, followed by a long but scenic van ride that takes around 10 hours. While that may sound daunting, it’s part of the adventure—passing through lush mountain scenery and small villages that hint at a slower pace of life.
Once you arrive in Banaue, the tour takes you to the Welcome to Banaue Arc, a perfect spot for photos with the famed rice terraces in the background. It’s a quick stop but gives you a taste of what’s to come. Then, the real highlight begins with a guided tour of the Batad Rice Terraces. You’ll visit the Viewpoint, which offers sweeping views of the amphitheater-like terraces carved into the mountainside—a true marvel of ancient engineering.
Walking through the terraces yourself is optional but highly recommended. It’s a chance to observe traditional farming methods and get a sense of the labor involved in maintaining these terraces. The guided hike enhances the experience, with explanations about their history and significance. Many reviews mention how stunning the views are, with one traveler remarking, “The terraces are breathtaking—like stepping back in time.”
The second major activity is the trek to Tappiya Falls. It’s more challenging, involving a trek across uneven terrain, but the sight of the falls makes the effort worthwhile. Once there, you can take a dip in the cool waters or simply relax and soak in the surroundings. The falls are described as majestic and refreshing, with some reviews noting that “the cool water was exactly what I needed after the hike.”
In the evenings, you’ll stay in a guesthouse that offers basic but comfortable accommodations nestled within the terraces, providing scenic views right from your window. Dinner features local Ifugao cuisine—an opportunity to sample authentic flavors and support local communities.
The final day includes free time and another chance to soak in the scenery or explore at your own pace before heading back to Manila. The return trip is long but offers a different perspective on the mountainous landscape.
Deep Dive into the Itinerary
Starting from Manila, the initial 10-hour van ride might be tiring but sets the scene for your immersion into mountain life. The stops along the way—including scenic viewpoints and Banaue Café—break up the long drive and provide memorable photo opportunities. The Banaue Café stands out for its spectacular views of the rice terraces, making it a perfect spot for coffee or a quick snack with a view.
The guided 3-hour tour of the Batad Rice Terraces allows you to appreciate their vast scale and intricate design. You’ll walk along paths that snake through the rice paddies, observing local farmers tending their fields—an insight into the traditional agricultural practices that have persisted for centuries.
The trek to Tappiya Falls is more physically demanding but rewarding. Expect uneven terrain, and if you’re not used to hiking, it might be a challenge, but the cool water and natural beauty make it worth the effort. Many reviewers appreciate the balance of adventure and comfort, with some noting that the guides are very helpful in ensuring safety and sharing knowledge.
The accommodation is simple but authentic, with views of the terraces right outside your window. Staying overnight in Batad provides an authentic experience that day-trippers miss, allowing you to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the mountains after the day-trippers have left.
The Practicalities: Transport, Cost, and Group Size
Transport is fully covered, including pick-up and drop-off in Manila and all internal travel. This simplifies logistics, allowing you to focus on the experience rather than planning every detail. The small group size (up to 6 participants) ensures a more personal touch, and guides are available in English, making explanations clear and engaging.
At $750 per person, the tour offers good value considering all included elements—accommodation, transportation, guided hikes, entrance fees, and some meals. Compared with booking separate transport, guides, and lodging, the package simplifies costs and reduces the hassle, particularly for travelers unfamiliar with the region.
Keep in mind, meals not included mean you’ll want to carry some cash or plan for additional dining options. The tour emphasizes authentic local experiences, so expect to try regional dishes at the guesthouse or local cafes.
More Great Tours NearbyA Realistic Look at the Tour’s Highlights
Many travelers praise the stunning views of the rice terraces as the tour’s main highlight. Several reviews mention how breathtaking the scenery is, with comments like “Even in photos, it doesn’t do justice to the scale and beauty.” The panoramic viewpoints are well worth the effort, providing perfect backdrops for photos or simply soaking in the tranquility.
The Tappiya Falls are another crowd favorite—refreshing and photogenic, with some describing them as a highlight of their trip. The guided nature walks are appreciated for their educational value and the chance to understand local culture and farming practices.
While most reviews are positive, some mention that the long travel time can be tiring, especially if you’re not used to extended van rides. Also, the moderate to high fitness level required for hikes is worth noting; this isn’t a casual stroll but a proper trek through uneven terrain.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This experience is perfect for travelers who enjoy outdoor activities and are eager to see one of the Philippines’ most iconic landscapes. It’s suitable for those who appreciate cultural encounters and don’t mind a bit of physical exertion. If you’re looking for a relaxing beach holiday, this might not be for you, but if you want to see natural wonders and learn about local traditions, it’s a solid choice.
The small group setting makes it ideal for travelers who prefer a more intimate, guided experience rather than a large bus tour. It’s also well-suited for those comfortable with moderate hiking and the unpredictable mountain weather.
The Sum Up
The From Manila: Batad Rice Terraces and Tappiya Falls Tour 3D2N offers a compelling blend of spectacular scenery, cultural insights, and outdoor adventure. The opportunity to see the UNESCO World Heritage rice terraces and cool off beneath a majestic waterfall makes this a memorable journey into the heart of the Philippines’ mountain landscapes.
While the long travel time and physically demanding hikes require some planning, the authentic accommodations and guided experiences ensure you get a true flavor of mountain life. This tour is best suited for adventurous travelers, nature lovers, and anyone eager to explore a less-visited but incredibly scenic part of the country.
If panoramic vistas and the chance to walk among ancient rice paddies sound appealing, this is a trip worth considering. It delivers a genuine sense of place—an opportunity to see the Philippines beyond its beaches—and leaves you with stories and photos to cherish.
FAQ
How long is the van ride from Manila to Batad?
The journey takes approximately 10 hours, including scenic stops like Banaue Café, which breaks up the trip and offers great photo opportunities.
Are meals included in the tour?
No, meals are not included except for daily breakfast. Travelers should plan to bring extra cash for additional meals or snacks.
What is the size of the tour group?
The tour is limited to small groups of up to 6 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.
Is the tour suitable for children or elderly?
The tour requires a moderate to high fitness level due to hikes and uneven terrain, so it may not be suitable for very young children or those with mobility issues.
What kind of accommodation is provided?
You’ll stay in a guesthouse within Batad, offering basic but comfortable lodging with scenic views of the terraces.
Can I see the rice terraces without hiking?
Yes, you can visit the Batad Viewpoint for panoramic photos without walking through the terraces, but exploring closer gives a richer experience.
What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, sunscreen, insect repellent, and extra cash for meals and tips are recommended.
Is there WiFi available?
Yes, WiFi is available for a minimal fee, but expect limited or no signal during parts of the trip.
What is the best time to go?
While not specifically detailed, mountain weather can be unpredictable, so packing layers and rain gear is wise. The dry season typically offers the best conditions.
This tour offers an authentic glimpse into the heart of the Philippines’ mountain landscapes, perfect for those seeking adventure, natural beauty, and cultural richness.
You can check availability for your dates here: