Batad Guided Tour: Explore Rice Terraces with Local Guide

Embark on a guided tour of Batad’s rice terraces, led by a local guide with deep connections to the community. Explore the rich history and traditions of this historical site, meet farmers and rice wine makers, and hike at your own pace.

Duration: 6 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Banaue Rice Terraces - 3-DAY Trek (Duration; 7 hrs/day)
    • DAY 1 itinerary
    • Banaue Viewpoint Rice Terraces
    • Pula village and Rice Terraces
    • Cambulo village and Rice Terraces
    • Overnight stay
    • DAY 2 Itinerary
    • Cambulo and Rice Terraces
    • Batad Rice Terraces
    • Tappiya waterfall
    • Overnight stay
  • DAY 3 Itinerary
    • Batad - Ducligan Rice Terraces…
What's Included
  • Rice Grain Milling by hand
  • Rice Wine Tasting
What's Not Included
  • Environmental Fee
  • Private transportation
  • Hiking Rod/Stick Rental
  • Heritage Fee
  • Tourism Registration Fee
Additional Information

Embark on a trek across the rice terraces under the guide of an individual whose family resides in the very heart of the terraces. Due to their strong links with the locals of Batad, Banaue, you’ll gain extensive insights into the life and heritage of this extraordinary historical site. Engage with the farmers and skilled rice wine craftsmen, and…

Location
Banaue Tourism Office
Front of Tourism office/Bus drop off
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(53 Ratings)
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Y9679rmbenjaminc
Dec 5, 2024
Fantastic tour, able to appreciate the terraces with Miller and Brijhet who are knowledgeable kind and humorous - The tour started by Miller picking me up from the banaue bus station by ohayami trans, you pay an environmental registration fee and then on your way. Since I arrived Monday morning and would only be two days in banaue, the tour was accommodated for two days, instead of the usual three day tour. Miller took me to a breakfast spot in a homestay and from there I was taken to several viewpoints and key points overlooking the beautiful terraces. It was around a 30 minute ride over to Bataad in a motor tricycle. Miller's wife, Brijhet was going to be leading the main tour of Bataad and surrounding areas, for day 1 we had a tour into the village of the Bataad terraces, and throughout the hike down Brijhet was very attentive and accommodating in both the hikes, bedroom accomodations, and in general needs throughout the tour, and finished with a demonstration of how local rice is processed manually. The people of Bataad and banaue have some unparalleled strength! Day two was a hike down to tappiya falls, it's about an hour and back, two hours total, for someone that never hiked before this was a challenge coming back up, and I started cramping up at one point! Thankfully Brijhet was patient and would pace to allow me to rest on the way back. The stay in the homestay was great, since I was alone i was given a common room in the under area of the homestay, with its own shower and bathroom. A warning that electricity is quite limited in this area and there was a specific time where the generators would turn on to allow charging of devices. Throughout the tour Miller and Brijhet would offer to take pictures and videos, and at time help me out in carrying some of my items, or offering the portable fan that Brijhet would let me use. This is a fantastic tour and Miller and Brijhet are not only great tour guides and provide in depth information to any questions about the surrounding area, lifestyle, and other agricultural questions, but they also had a great sense of humor. I was also able to meet some of Miller's cousins which were great people and hard workers. This would be an ideal tour for more people and more days, since the area of Banaue and Bataad is so large that it would be good to plan your tour to start on a morning, and also bring some good hiking shoes because there's some hiking in rocks at times. I would recommend that you would ask for a tour map and also ask questions about the locations since most of these are stretched out and if you'd like to visit all of them, you'd either need more days, or have really strong calves since they are long hikes! I'm glad I was able to book with them, and I'll be looking to meet with them soon the next time I go with more friends or family! Maraning Salamat po!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Gp_m
Dec 3, 2024
Great day tour operators - our party of 3 had a great tour with Miller and his wife Bridgette. we had a fast tracked trip so we were only able to do a day tour with them, which they were very flexible on. Bridgette did most of the guiding for us, where Miller arranged transport for us on his trike and his cousin’s (extra fee, which we expected). we got to see several rice terraces beyond Banaue and Batad, including one that was still green late into the harvest season. it was great having Bridgette walk us down to the terraces and to her family’s home in the village (pictured) and to explain lots of interesting facts and details about the history and ecology of the area in English (only one in our party spoke fluent Tagalog). overall, would highly recommend as some other guides in Banaue aren’t from Batad proper, so we felt it was very authentic. when a flash rainstorm came up on us at the end of the day, they even bought us slippers and clean socks from the market so we wouldn’t freeze on the long bus ride back to QC at the end of the day. much appreciated!
Review provided by Viator
H8030zmmariec
Nov 22, 2024
Spectacular tour! - This was s very special trip thanks in large part to Bridget and Miller. My parents came along for one day and Miller and Bridget were so accommodating and flexible with us. I did the one day hike alone with Bridget and it was really amazing- the waterfalls, milling rice, speaking with some of the locals, and not to mention the spectacular views along the trail. They took care of everything except my transport, which I did but I wish I had taken them up on booking transport with them instead. I highly recommend booking with them for transport and accommodations. I booked the transportation online and ended up paying more. Next time I know! Thank you Miller and Bridget for your hospitality and kindness!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Hannah
Oct 21, 2024
Best tour ever! - Best tour I’ve ever been on!! My tour guides picked me up from the bus stop at 8am and having this transportation arranged before arriving really set my mind at ease especially with my internet being unstable. Then we went to their lodge where I had breakfast and we went over my itinerary. My tour guide Bridget grew up in Banaue and was so knowledgeable and friendly. I learned so much about the village, local culture and plants. I even got to have lunch with her family. From the moment I arrived I felt safe which is really important to me especially being a solo female traveler. I’d recommend this tour to everyone! Such a beautiful place and experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
X131hbcynthias
Sep 28, 2024
THE BEST TOUR EVER!!! - WOW! Miller and his wife Bridget were absolutely amazing. Hands down the best tour guides we have ever had, no doubt about it. My husband and I had never been on a tour where the guide was so accommodating, caring, informative, and were willing to go above and beyond every single time. Miller even made sure he got us to the airport on time, driving through the night (9 hr drive to Manila) and dropping us off at the terminal. They made sure we got the best viewpoints for pictures and even took our picture so we could have pictures together. They knew the best angles and where to stand to really get the best view. Miller even arranged for us to get picked up at the end of our trip and ride in a tricycle which was super cool. Bridget even brought us to her parents house on the trek and showed us and taught us how to process rice and even gave us some to take back home. Before our trip even began, Miller was in contact with me and answered every single one of my questions. I never felt like I was annoying him with my millions of questions and would always confirm to make sure we were on the same page and made sure everything was set up and ready for us. His wife Bridget was our tour guide and she was amazing. I had read reviews that mentioned the trek was tough and I didn't believe them, I thought maybe it was difficult but not to the extent that everyone was saying. No, this trek is a major work out and does take a great amount of effort, especially that first day. But was it worth it? Yes, absolutely yes and we would do it again in a heart beat. We did a 3 day trek and when we left, we were left wishing we had more time to spend there. It could have been because we were traveling during the rainy season but be aware, the ground is slippery. Thankfully between Bridget and my husband holding my hand, I survived. Thank you again Bridget for saving my life countless times. My husband on the other hand did not share the same struggles as me. He completed the entire hike in his vans, although he would recommend hiking boots. But both of us agree that we had the best time of our lives. If you are even thinking about going to Banaue and seeing the rice terraces, just book it and make sure you book with Miller. You won't have any regrets. Buy your souvenirs while you're in this area as well, the prices can't be beat.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Celineontheroad
Aug 29, 2024
A must-do - Brijhet is the best tour guide you can find in Banaue. As a native from Batad, she knows the local people and ecosystem through and through. Her tour gives insights into the lives of the Ifugao people, their culture and agriculture, as well as the biodiversity of the rice terrasses. She will adapt to your pace and interests and make your tour very special by bringing you to her parents' house. I recommend her tour 300%. I took her tour in English, but she can also do the tour in French. Just ask for her at the tourist office in Banaue.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Clarenzb2024
Aug 8, 2024
Great views and even greater people - Miller and Bridget were both welcoming and passionate about their work as tour guides. They were kind and supportive throughout my whole stay, and their inside knowledge of their province helped elevate the experience, as with Bridget (my tour guide) being from Batad, she offered an excellent array of trivia and experience to the village that I doubt you will get from other guides. My only regret was that I should’ve done the 3-day hike as opposed to the one, but at least I have an excuse to come back! Highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lydiao701
Aug 1, 2024
Incredible 3 day hike through Banaue and Batad - My partner and I had the most incredible, rewarding and special time hiking through the luscious rice terraces. Organising our hike with Miller was a breeze, he was very flexible, relaxed and accommodating. Miller, his uncle and cousin picked us up from our accommodation in Manila in a luxurious van and drove us back to Banaue. He booked fantastic accommodation for us in Banaue, Cambulo and Batad, which all had showers, meals and wifi available. Brigette was our amazing guide and someone we now call our friend. Her knowledge on the cultivation and history of the terraces and Filipino culture was extensive. I asked many horticulture questions and she answered every single one! Brigette was very calm and supportive amidst the multiple thunderstorms we experienced and she was happy to walk at our pace, even though we knew she would be able to walk faster haha. We shared laughs and stories together and unforgettable moments for my partner and I. For anyone travelling in the wet season, we would recommend an umbrella (also for the sun) and a heavy-duty poncho. For any season, some staircase training beforehand would make the hike easier (my phone estimated we climbed 450 flights of stairs over the 3 days). We had a walking pole each which made the slippery, steep parts a lot easier. We also took Electrolytes/berocca and protein bars, which we would recommend. Added a photo of a menu from the Batad accomm to help anyone thinking of doing this tour make a budget. Overall, the hike was one of the most rewarding experiences of our lives. It challenged us physically, provided a sense of accomplishment and we saw views you could only dream of. The local villagers were very kind and welcoming and we cherished the time we spent in Batad milling rice with Brigettes family. We would do this hike again in a heartbeat. Salamat Po and Thank you so much Brigette and Miller! 😊
Review provided by Tripadvisor
M6370qjjenniferg
Jul 29, 2024
The most amazing experience in the Philippines! - I booked a solo one day tour of the Batad Rice Terraces and Tappiya Falls (about 6 hours total). Miller was amazing at communicating beforehand and was helpful offering additional services and help. He met me at my hotel and from there his wife Bridget took me on the tour. We went to the public market place, a couple of scenic spots, and, of course, the rice terraces and waterfall. Bridget was super knowledgeable about the history, the plants, the processes, just everything. And she shared all that knowledge and answered all my questions. She was wonderful and kind and I had an amazing time with her. Bridget and Miller (and their families) have lived and worked in the Batad Rice Terraces for generations so it was truly an authentic experience. We even stopped at their family home and threshed the rice. Bridget was amazing at explaining the process of what they do and so generous. The hike into the village and to the waterfall and back is no joke!! I’m in pretty good shape and it was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. And even though Bridget walked it like it was a Sunday stroll (lol), she was as patient with me when I had to stop and kept a pace that was comfortable for me. And it was 100% worth it. Words can’t describe the peace and beauty of Batad and it was one of the most humbling experiences I’ve had in my life. It was, hands down, one of the best experiences I had in the Philippines, and honestly, in my whole life. I cannot recommend Bridget and Miller enough and think this is a must do thing if you’re in the Philippines. Heck, you should go just to do this! Make sure you bring lots of water, sunscreen, ponchos in case of rain, and a hat (wide brimmed is ideal). Thank you so much Miller and Bridge for an experience that I will never forget. Can’t wait to go back!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
R9875mnpascald
Jul 12, 2024
An unforgettable trek - Our Guide Charlie was amazing and he concocted a program that fit the whole family very well. The view of the rice fields dazzled us. Beautifully beautiful
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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