Banaue, municipality of the Philippines in the province of Ifugao
Banaue is a small town in the mountain region of Ifugao in the Philippines, known for its rice terraces that are carved into the hillsides like giant steps. These terraces stretch across the landscape, are still farmed by local people, and feature a system of water channels that irrigate the fields.
The rice terraces were built by the Ifugao people over 2000 years ago and represent an ancient farming method that has endured through millennia. This practice has been passed from elders to younger generations and continues to shape life in the region today.
Banaue is a place where the Ifugao community speaks its own language and maintains customs passed down through generations. Visitors can see local crafts like woven mats and carved wood items, and observe festivals with music, dance, and rituals that honor ancestors and the land.
The town is best visited during the dry season from January to May when weather is clear and hiking is easier. Come prepared with suitable footwear, sufficient cash, and respect for local customs, as there are no ATMs in remote areas.
The rice terraces are not a museum but living farms where farmers still grow rice and vegetables today and bring produce to local markets. Visitors can witness how this centuries-old practice continues as part of the community's daily life.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
