Traversing Cambulo to Batad

Looking back at Cambulo behind us

Looking back at Cambulo behind us [E500]

This would be my last post for the Cambulo/Batad series. I’d just like to share the beautiful scenery between the 2 villages in Ifugao. Despite the continues rains, the terraces never fail to mesmerize. In fact, the added mist and fog added to the drama of the scenery, making it more enigmatic to the eyes.

Trekking along the narrow path along amidst rice paddies

Trekking along the narrow path along amidst rice paddies [E500]

It was a bit sad to leave Cambulo behind without fully exploring it yet, but I guess it’s another reason to go back there in the future. Leaving things to discover some other time. So onwards we go towards Batad. It was a 1.5 to 2 hours trek along narrow rice paddies. But every turn would give a different angle of the impressive terraces and the mighty river which gives Batad’s Tappia Falls it’s majestic pour.

Descending Batad

Descending Batad [SE K800i]

Less than a couple of hours later, after a rest stop, and a few steps from there, I was just in awe to find ourselves at the top of mountainside where I could see the whole Batad village and terraces. I actually never expected we’ll end up here. I know there was another path by the river which also leads to the village and thought we were going that way. This is the 3rd time I’ve been here and I was wondering where the staircase going to the top is leading to. Well it was an exciting way to find out.

Trekkers along the terraces

Trekkers along the terraces[E500]

Steadily we descended to hundred of stairs going down the village. We had to trek further again penetrating the village, up to where the lodges are. Going down is easy, but to those who are a bit physically challenged or haven’t done a workout for sometime, brace yourself to more than a hundred steep staircases.

The waypoint

The way point [E500]

There’s an all familiar spot there I called the way point now since this is a rest area which leads to different points. If you go down to the left path you’ll find yourself at the Tappia Falls, on the right is the path back to the village and from where we are is the path back to Cambulo.

The Amphitheater View

The Famous Amphitheater View [SE K800i]

It was nice to be back here again. Nothing much has changed which is a good thing really.

And for anyone wishing to visit this place, it’s quite easy and cheap. I think I spent only around 1800 pesos for this trip but if you are gonna stay longer here around 3-4 days 3000 pesos to 4000pesos would be enough. From Manila you have to take an AutoBus (7358098/96) which have buses going to Banaue nightly at 10pm. Make advance reservations as buses here are always full. Travel time is around 8 to 9 hours. From Banaue go downtown to the market where jeeps heading to Batad Jump-off point are waiting. Frequency is limited and must be full. Fare is around 100-200 pesos per pax if I’m not mistaken. If you are a group it would be beneficial and you could haggle for a good price. If you’re on a small number or traveling alone, a tryke can also take you to the Junction, fare would cost around 200-300 pesos. As always haggle. There are no direct transpo to the village. So once you get to the Jump-off point or the junction, prepare for an hours hike to steep trails. But hey, it’s worth the adventure. Lodging there is very cheap at around 100 pesos per night. Best go from around February to May which is around the harvest season when the place is a lot greener than usual.

Hey! Just realized this is my 400th post! Hurray!

Tags: Batad, Cambulo, Ifugao, Rice Terraces, Transit, UNESCO

Alternati Says:
February 18th, 2007 at 11:35 pm

Hey 400th post! Cool!

The pics are breathtaking! I’ve got Banaue on my “places yet to visit”.

These images just makes me love our beautiful country (despite everything else)

Thanks for the tips.

Wil Says:
February 19th, 2007 at 4:40 am

Nice pics and congrats on your 400th post! Looks like quite a hike. I’ll have to get in shape to do that trek.

tina Says:
February 19th, 2007 at 11:16 am

wow! Even better than mine. 400th post? haha congrats..
and yeah.. leaving a place with all it’s beauty… is… a sad thing.

lagal[og] Says:
February 19th, 2007 at 2:35 pm

congrats for the 400th post milestone. hmmm, an american i befriended in sagada told me about batad. shame on me that it took an american to fill me up with stories of how beautiful the place is. one of these days, i will go there by crook or by crook, hahaha. have a good day bro!

lino Says:
February 19th, 2007 at 4:27 pm

waaaah! ang gaganda ng shots… mapa E500 man o SE K800i…
congrats on the 4ooth mark…

mousey Says:
February 19th, 2007 at 5:14 pm

cheers for your 400th post!

as usual good shots.

meron na din yatang domestic flights sa bagabag airpot from there take jeepneys going to banaue. im not sure.

poypips Says:
February 19th, 2007 at 5:14 pm

Wow breathtaking pictures lalo na siguro sa actual.Congrats on 400 we expect another 400 or more :)

JMom Says:
February 20th, 2007 at 12:17 am

What amazing views! I wish it was more accessible, but at the same time I’m kind of glad that it isn’t. You’re right, it is nice that it doesn’t change much over time. It should stay this way for al long as possible. Like a hidden gem. Awesome photography!

Congrats on the 400th post!

eric aka senor enrique Says:
February 20th, 2007 at 7:32 am

Beautiful, beautiful shots! I feel as I have taken the trip myself, but one of these days, I will

niceheart Says:
February 20th, 2007 at 1:12 pm

I love the pictures of the terraces. Breathtaking views!

lagal[og] Says:
February 20th, 2007 at 1:13 pm

superthanks for the kind words bro. magaling lang yung camera at wide angle lens ko hahaha. anyway, the floating resto is very near the ccp jetty where one boards the ferry to bataan/corregidor. it looks magnificent at night but ordinary by day. minsan, shoot tayo tayo sa baywalk strip.

Toe Says:
February 20th, 2007 at 5:34 pm

Beautiful pictures Ferdz! You really are very talented. And it must have been awesome to really trek the terraces. Congratulations on your 400th post.

Debie Says:
February 20th, 2007 at 9:05 pm

ang gaganda ng pagkakuha mo sa mga pics

wow ang mura ng lodging per night

haha congrats, 400th post mo na!

outdoorexposure Says:
February 21st, 2007 at 1:14 am

nice capture of beautiful valley…i like the patterns of the rice fields they look like mosaic tiles or carpets…lovely capture:-))

jhenny Says:
February 21st, 2007 at 5:29 am

you are a lucky guy to travel this far and able to captured such beauty.

wishing u more travels and more pics ferdz!

Misyel Says:
February 21st, 2007 at 5:32 am

400th post, wow congrats!!! More to come… Nice shots and hope to see it myself too

nikoy Says:
February 21st, 2007 at 5:50 pm

wow! congratulations!

i have yet to visit the place in the future. nice shots.

howling Says:
February 22nd, 2007 at 4:28 am

Excellent pictures befitting a 400th post!!! Wow. What an achievement! It also looks like you poured bucket-loads of of sweat to take this one. LOL! Congrats, Ferdz.