Banaue and Batad

Banaue Banaue is a great little town up in the mountains where many people go to see the rice terraces of northern Luzon. You can catch the Autobus in Manilla at night and you will arrive the next day. Its a bit of a drive but the spectacular view makes it well worth it. There are a number of local woodcarvers that sell their goods in shops alongside the road. There are some pretty interesting finds sometime. They used to sell monkey head ash trays and stuff like that but you don't see that sort of thing anymore. The monkeys are pretty happy about that. Banaue has a number of inexpensive places to stay. Most will be overlooking the canyon that runs alongside the town. You can take day trips to Hapao and Batad from town. If you want to hike around the trails around Batad there is lodging there as well. The whole area is pretty tourist friendly and gets a steady flow of visitors. A tricycle or jeepney can be organized to drop you off at the junction to Batad. If you plan to return that day pay to have your driver wait for your return trip as it might be hard to find a ride back to town late in the day. It is a bit of a walk to Batad so pace yourself. They now have refreshment and t-shirt shops along the way and a small restaraunt when you get there. There are a number of trails that you can hike from Batad if you have a day or two to explore. Rooms are available in the village as well. You don't often see hikers with tents venturing out but this would probably not be a problem if you liked making extended treks and had your own equipment. The people here are pretty mellow and easy going. I have taken the jeepney over the hills to Sagada a number of times. It is really a nice road way up in the hills, usually misty, almost alpine. If you sit on the roof the view is spectacular. Philippines   www.dutchpickle.com

 

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