Batad is a small town in the northern Philippines known for its famous rice terraces. If you want to add a different destination in the Philippines that includes something other than beaches and sea activities, I definitely recommend visiting Batad. Although there are 1-day excursions from Manila to spend the day, my recommendation is that you stay at least one night. The environment is incredible, the landscapes are amazing and you will be able to discover and walk among rice paddies, find waterfalls and enjoy the rural environment of the Philippines.
In this post I tell you what to see in Batad, the best trekking to do between rice fields, waterfalls, town...
WHAT TO SEE IN BATAD, PHILIPPINES
Batad is a very small town between mountains full of incredible rice terraces. Upon entering the town you must pay the "rate" of 50 pesos per person. (Something very common in the Philippines and that will be requested in many towns, national parks and areas).
Batad Rice Terraces, Philippines
The main attraction of the area are its rice terraces. They are carved into the slopes of the mountains and you can trek through the winding paths. It is recommended to do the tour with a guide. What's more, you can get lost for free. You can book the treks from your accommodation in Batad or in the town. They leave daily, first thing in the morning and last about 3-4 hours. The cost is around 10 euros per person.
These mountains with green walls, forming these incredible terraces, thanks to stone walls, were declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1995, considered the largest agricultural complex in the world.
20% of the cost of the trekking and the entrance fee to Batad are invested in restoring the rice terraces.
There are several treks that you can do, with or without a guide. It is important not to leave the marked trails if you go without a guide so as not to get lost.
Trekking: Banaue – Pula – Cambulo – Batad
One of the best treks to do in the area and the most popular is the two-day trek that leaves from Banaue, passes through Pula, Cambulo and ends in Batad. It is an intense trekking, only recommended for people who are in good physical condition and used to walking long distances.
The trek leaves from Banaue and after walking for about 6 hours you will arrive in Pula where the first stop is made to stay. The next day, the first journey is around 2 and a half hours until you reach Cambulo, where you will stop to rest, enjoy the area and eat. At noon, the trekking begins again until reaching the next stop, Batad, about 2 and a half hours later.
Throughout the trek you will enjoy incredible landscapes, full of vegetation, rice fields, small towns... it is an incredible experience.
If you do this trekking you should plan it in two days and it is best to stay in Pula.
Trekking: Batad – Lanah – Bangaan
Another trekking that you can do in Batad is the route that goes from Batad to Bangaan making several stops, including in Lanah. It is a relatively short route, it will take around 3 hours. During the tour you will cross rice fields, small villages and have incredible views of the valley, the rice terraces and the mountains in the background. It is a simple and well signposted route. Once in Lanah, you can walk back or return by taxi.
Tappiya waterfalls
In the Batad area you will find the beautiful Tappiya waterfalls with a 21-meter drop of water. To get there you will have to walk about 45 minutes. Under the waterfall a huge pool of water is formed where you can bathe and cool off after the walk.
The town of Batad
The town of Batad is very small and rural. There are hardly any Bed & Breakfast or HomeStay style accommodations. Many of them have views of the rice paddies.
The town is hardly paved and does not have any architectural sites to visit. But it has a lot of charm and it's great to be able to enjoy the atmosphere and its people.
Many travelers who arrive in the Philippines only visit beach destinations, but without a doubt, adding a few days in rural areas of Luzon, such as Batad, is a good opportunity to see another aspect of the Philippines.
Northern Philippines Tour from Manila
Although you can go for free, there is the option of doing a 5-day tour knowing different areas of northern Manila such as. It is the perfect opportunity to see the rice fields of Banaue, Sagada, Baguio... On this tour you do not stop in Batad, but you do visit nearby places with the same landscapes.
POSTS FROM THE NORTHERN PHILIPPINES THAT MAY INTEREST YOU
PLAN YOUR TRIP STEP BY STEP
I hope you enjoy your trip to the Philippines very much and that this article has been useful to you. You can continue reading many more related articles on the blog.
If you liked this article, subscribe to the blog so you don't miss out on upcoming destinations, curiosities, travel tips and inspiration for your trips.
A hug and see you soon!