Thank the Rice God I survived!

I CONQUERED BATAD, IFUGAO!

I can proudly say that! Raaaaarrrr! Because my legs are literally aching all over. I can’t even walk decent…I think I will be wobbling like a penguin for the next few (I hope!) days.

But inspite of the physical pain, I highly encourage you to pack your bags and head up north to Batad, Ifugao. Why? I give you a few reasons why…

A chance to visit the almost virgin part of the famous Rice Terraces

Nice nice nice!

The Batad Rice Terraces is one of the almost virgin parts of the Ifugao Rice terraces. So best to visit a place that is still undiscovered by the mainstream tourists and with its natural beauty right? Unlike the famous counterpart in Banaue, which is said to be highly commercialized already filled with souvenir shops. The next point will explain why Batad, Ifugao is still an almost virgin place.

A chance to EXERCISE!

To get to Batad, Ifugao from the town of Banaue, you have the option to take the 1-hour jeepney ride with a 1-1.5 hour trek to the village of Batad. So this will require lots of walking both up and down with your backpack. And I guess, this is one main reason why people would rather not go to Batad Ifugao. Hehehe. The effort to get there is WOW. Kalurkey!

A chance to dip in the Tappiya Waterfalls

Brrrrr cold cold water!

You must not miss the chance to take a dip in the hidden Tappiya falls. Walk through the rice terraces and the mountains to refresh and relax at the Tappiya falls. This I think is the main attraction of Batad, Ifugao.

A chance to interact with the English speaking locals

Dance, Dance, Dance the Ifugao Dance!

YES! Nosebleed ang pakikipagusap kay lolo at lola. Because they are so used to foreign tourists, they speak english beautifully…for their level ha na kahit na nakatago ang village nila sa kabundukan. Sad lang na masmadami pang foreigners ang nagpupunta sa Batad, Ifugao versus local tourists.

A chance to enjoy the cool weather at the peak of tropical summer heat

Cloudy / Foggy in the morning...Lamig!!!!

With the scorching heat here in Metro Manila, Batad, Ifugao is a welcome break from the heat. The cold weather was bearable naman. You’d enjoy it especially if you’ve been sweating like a pig in the past weeks. Just make sure to bring along a lightweight jacket, a pair of jogging pants / leggings and a pair of socks to get you through the night

A chance to practice your photography skills

With or without a DSLR camera, you’d definitely enjoy snapping away at Batad, Ifugao…the rice terraces, the Tappiya falls, the Ifugao locals, the foreigners (especially the hot ones! Hehehe!). I only had my camera phone and managed to take some photos. I’m pretty much relying on my friend’s and travel group’s photos from their pimped up DSLR cameras. Hehehe. Uploads soon!

Excited to share more stories about Batad, Ifugao this week  So ano? Game na ba kayo mag-Batad Ifugao?

Live Wais-ly,

Juana B. Wais