What to do in Banaue

By Alberto Quintero

High in the mountains, Banaue is a jewel shrouded in mist and cool rain. Due to agricultural engineering, the Ifugao people created rice terraces of inspiration. Some terraces were created 2000 plus years ago and still function and are used today. Since most of the year Banaue is shrouded in clouds the best time of the year to go for the view is between February and the end of May.

Walking through the trails, witnessing the views, or camping out in them are just a few of the many activities that tourists come for to enjoy the scenery.  If time is restricted and you lack your own transportation, the fact that Banaue is a good central hub makes for a great place to stay and see as many of the neighboring sights as achievable. The sights of interwoven buildings along the main street and fresh air, make for a nice afternoon stroll. UNESCO describes the Banaue Rice Terraces thus “The Ifugao Rice Terraces epitomize the absolute blending of the physical, socio-cultural, economic, religious, and political environment. Indeed, it is a living cultural landscape of unparalleled beauty.” In 2001 the Ifugao rice terraces were put on the “List of World Heritage in Danger.” This action shows how the terraces are quickly decaying. As with the newer generations of Ifugao’s culture do not wish to follow in their ancestor’s footsteps. Due to this several of the low-productive and narrower terraces are falling into disorder. If this trend continues the upkeep with increasingly be taken over by contract laborers, possibly from tourism funding, or the terraces will crumple all together.