The Batad Rice Terraces
If there is one thing in the Philippines I could say I am proud of, that would be the Rice Terraces in the Ifugao Mountains. This marvel of an architectural and cultural landscape was built by our ancestors more than 2000 years ago. Other countries have terraces as well but none can compare to the height, steepness and intricacy. Even the steps of these terraces when combined end-to-end can encircle half the globe. Truly a deserving site to be included in UNESCO’s World Heritage Lists.
The mountains including Mt Amuyao shelters Bated Rice Terraces
The UNESCO’s World Heritage Site covers not only one place but several terraces in Banaue. The one in Banaue proper is more expansive and easily accessible. But if you ask me, the most breathtaking among the rice terraces is the one in Batad. After a 12km rough road trip and an hour hike from the saddle, we were already basking at the magnificent site of the Batad Rice Terraces carved on a steep side of a mountain embraced by the other mountains as if protecting it.
The village at the center of the terraces
The Batad Rice Terraces are carved along the steep side of a mountain looking more like a giant amphitheater. But in this case, the main show is the terraces itself. It is said that the height of this terrace is higher and older than the coliseum of Rome. It’s the 4th time I’ve seen the Batad terraces and it never fails to amaze me anytime or whatever season it is.
The Stone-walled terraces of Batad
Just the thought of our ancestors building each of these terraces by hand already fills me with wonder. Even designing the irrigation system with water coming from the rainforest down to the fields and the stone-walled terraces withstanding erosion even after 2000 years is just genius.
A closer look of at the Batad Village
But not all is well in this side of the mountains. I remember the first time I went here, there was still no electricity. The third time, I learned electric lines are being installed and they have partial electricity coursing through. Now electricity runs for 24 hours. I have nothing against the locals wishing to improve the quality of their lives but it somehow changed the place. There was a moment I was enjoying the scenery but got distracted when I heard sounds coming from a crazy TV game show.
Local Kids playing at the terrace
The old tradition of building these terraces and farming will soon dissipate as the younger Ifugaos are embracing the modern life. The younger generations would prefer other professions than being a farmer. Then again we can’t blame them.
But all is not lost though, BETGA (Batad Environmental Tourism Guides Association) are making tourism as one of the sources of income to preserve the rice terraces of Batad. I also noticed that the kids here seem to have been educated already. Unlike before, the kids are so accustomed to begging alms to tourist that pass by. Also last 2009, the Ifugao rice Terraces has been declared as an Organic Farm, free from GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms).
The kids, the terraces and the houses
I still think the seclusion of the Batad is a blessing as it helps to keep it from becoming too developed. I really don’t mind the electricity now since it does add a little convenience to the townsfolk there. I just really hope they extend their efforts in preserving this wonder. The terraces of Ifugao are also listed under the endangered sites under UNESCO. If it continues to deteriorate, it will be stripped off from the list.
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i have never seen rice terrace before but, in my country tea are planted in the terrace way… =)
seems like a very nice place to chill and so greenery…
a very nice place to break away from hectic city life =p
It’s good to hear that the Batad terraces have been declared as an organic, GMO-free, farm. That bodes well for a good future. Personally, I really prefer mountain-grown rice myself and if it’s GMO-free, all the better.
I can only imagine what you were saying about going here when there was still no electricity. It’s always a dilemma because with electricity comes the different things that can bring development — whether welcome or unwelcome — to the place. When the lights went off as the town went to sleep, the starry sky revealed its beauty.
Oh I would hate to think that this will be overdeveloped, thus losing its charm. And all before I get a glimpse of it.
sana wag mapabayaan ng mga taga dyan ang beauty ng rice terraces. at sana mas suportahan ng gobyerno ang treasure natin.
Hi Carmen! Are you from Malaysia? Yep, the place is really relaxing
Yep! That’s a good news Og! Especially these times when Organic Farming is popular. It’s different when there’s really no elctricity. It’s pitch black there with no distractions. Except for the moonlight and nature sounds.
I hope it wont be anytime soon Photo Cache! It’s still a blessing the place is hard to reach
Hi Life Moto! I share your sentiments. I hope the people there and also the government would take care of the place.
Hi Ferdz! Yes, you can join, if you can depart from Singapore.
Cheers!
http://travelerfolio.com/devilishly-tasmania/
hi Ferdz! yes i am from Malaysia! =)
i wish i could go every corner of the world!!
experience everything while i still can..
Ferdz, update more ya!!!
kahit na matagal na akong umaakyat ng bundok eh 1st ko mag trek sa terraces sa batad.
thanks for bringing us there.
Thanks Eunice! I’ll try it out
Hi there in Malaysia Carmen! Will try to update as regularly as possible
Haha! Thanks for the company as well Erick!
I missed Battad when I went there last year. I should go back to Banaue!
Yep Inkblots! You should
Wow! I wish to go back there soon. I really love the photos!
love the pics Ferdz. Wish you could give us info on the camera and lens you used for these shots
Thanks Ivy
I used the E-3 here BW! You could also click on the image so you could see the EXIF data on Flickr
I wish someone like the government or a private organization encourage the locals especially the young to continue farming. I think one way to do that is to ease the toil of farming. Introduce other ways of farming like using machines. I don’t know a lot about rice planting in Ifugao but there has to be a way to make the work easier. I saw a machine called rice transplanter which can plant 6 rows of rice at the same time but it’s big and heavy. The machine to be used must be small and light so farmers can easily move them from one level to the next. We know that farming is hard labor and these people should get the rewards they deserve. They should also get modern amenities or even the basic necessities in life like electricity, communication (phone), good roads, water coming from their own faucets, etc. In this way they won’t be attracted to go to the big cities and leave their heritage. If you’re talking about a quiet peaceful night with nature, the place to go is a reserve park where you can go camping. They have to develop this place to preserve it. Build the lives of the people here to sustain it.
Really nice photos.
It was a raining when I was in Batad, didn’t get the chance to capture the real beauty of Batad rice terraces.
it is nice seen i remember my child hood just i gone there in my mind
[...] Batad which I have written here several times before of course is one of the most magnificent looking among the lot but it takes time and a certain level of fitness to reach even the viewing point of these terraces. For those who are not really hard core hikers or are looking for a light trek, Hapao is a good option. The mountain view along the road to Hapao [...]
[...] one of the 5 Rice Terraces enlisted under UNESCO World Heritage Sites which also includes, Batad, Bangaan, Mayoyao and Nagacadan. Banaue Rice Terraces is not part of the UNESCO list but it is [...]