Banaue Rice Terraces

Hailed as the 8th Wonder of the World, the Banaue Rice Terraces showcase a truly mesmerizing display. These mus-walled rice terraces is North Luzon's most famous sight and has a pleasing, organic quality that differentiate the place from stone-walled terraces in most of the Cordillera.

World Heritage-listed, the Banaue Rice Terraces are impressive not only for their chiseled beauty but because they were created around two thousand years ago.

Here are some more photos I have taken from the place:







The rice terraces were built by the Ifugao. Along with being the most feared head-hunters in Cordillera, they were skilled engineers who invented a sophisticated irrigation system of bamboo tubes and elaborate mud channels to bring water to the terraces.

What's sad however is that some of the terraces are nearing deterioration because of the occurrence of calamities such as earthquakes and storms. Some farmers even opt not to continue farming because of the high costs farm goods as well as high-cost of eradicating pests such as worms and other bugs.

Aesthetically, there are even some houses made of galvanized sheets and cement which encroach on the rice terraces making them an eyesore.

While Banaue remains the center of the rich Ifugao culture, tourism undoubtedly shapes the town. A paved road from the lowlands ensures that thousands of tourists visit the place each year. There are numerous guides, drivers and hawkers around the area so the best option really is to ask the well-staffed Banaue Tourist Information Center in the town center.

It's worth to note that besides Banaue, there are four other Ifugao rice terraces that are included on the UNESCO World Heritage list. These are Batad, Mayoyao, Hapao and Kiangan. I am fortunate enough to trek in the terraces of two of the mentioned places and I will share pics and personal experiences on these places on my up-coming posts.