Batad is one of the most photographed villages in the Philippines.
It is an easy day trip from Banaue and well worth the effort to get
there. Jeepneys can be hired in Banaue to take you most of the way
there.
These jeepneys stop at the top of the hill and you have 30 - 45 minutes walk to
get to the viewpoint and another 10 - 15 minutes to get to the center of the
little village.
From the drop off point at the "saddle" there is a gently sloping trail leading to Batad or you can take a steeper footpath and connect to the main trail further down the hill. When it's raining it can get slick so take your time.
If you choose to walk to the top from the main road or a point known as the junction it will take another 45 minutes to an hour.
This is where your trek originates if you arrive by tricycle. The driver will wait at the bottom of the hill till you return. Their trikes can't muscle their way up to the saddle like the jeepneys can.
There is also a short cut over the top just past the place where many fill their water bottles from a small stream of water.
Following the road is easier but less interesting.
There is lodging and restaurants in Batad and you might want to spend a night or two up there if you are not too pressed for time.
A big waterfall is just around the corner and other villages are within trekking distance. You could leave your bags in Batad.
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