The Rice Terraces In Ifugao

Banaue rice terraces has been described as the eighth wonder of the world. Carved out of the hillside by Ifugao tribes people 2000 to 3000 years ago without the aid of machinery to provide level steps where the natives plant rice. And they are still in use today.

Banaue rice terraces stretch like stepping stones to the sky - some reaching an altitude of 1500m (4920ft). It is considered as one of mankind's greatest engineering feat. If the terraces were laid end to end, they would stretch half way around the world.

One of the major appeal of Banaue rice terraces to the local and international tourist are the many hiking trails in the area. There are many young locals, mostly college students who serve as guides. But with or without a guide, you will find the friendliness and warmth of the Ifugao people endearing.

The Terraces
There are 4 major rice terraces sites in Ifugao. They are similar yet distinct from one another such that the UNESCO has included all of them in the world heritage list, the first to be inscribed as a continuing living cultural landscape.

Banaue

The most famous of all the sites, is a leading tourist destination. The artistic center of the Ifugao, it is a home to the Ifugao carvers (when Hapao used to be part of the municipality) whose marvellous creations are seen throughout the country. Also traded in the daily market different kinds of traditional fabric, like the woven bark cloth and dyed ikat cloth and the traditional jewelry, pfu-ong, representing good luck in hunting or the prosperity of children. These additional sources of income merely supplement what they earn from rice production of "tinawon" rice in red, black and white varieties.

Batad

Located in Banaue is home to the tiered, amphitheater-shaped terraces. A 12 kilometer ride from Banaue Hotel plus a 2 hour hike uphill through mountain trails brings you to a spectacular view of the terraces.

Mayoyao

Lies right within the rice terraces some 44 kilometers from Banaue. Mount Mayoyao marks the border between the majestic Mayoyao Terraces and Banaue Terraces. The Ifugao Hananga and Ayyangan tribes dwell in this area. The mountainous setting makes it a perfect hideaway. In fact, it lies on Gen. Aguinaldo's escape route to the Sierra Madres during the Philippine revolution. At Harvest time in June and July, each house prepares rice wine to offer visitors and everyone rejoices in the bounty of the season. The organic Ifugao rice, Tinawon in red and white varieties is harvested in abundance.
Hapao
 
Located in Hungduan is another important rice terraces site. It's stone-walled rice terraces date back to 650 AD. The ingenious terraces are protected by clean stone walls rising along the Hapao river and irrigated by winding stone canals. Built over time by pounding layers of stones and earth behind the stone wall or dikes, each layer was gradually covered with new and finer soil topped by cleat soil which allows water to fill each terrace with measured precision retaining 1 to 4 mm. of water throughout the year.
The ancient arts of carving and metal smiting are very much alive here. Near Hapao, smiths have been making the Ifugao bolo or machete since the 17th century. It is claimed that the fine Ifugao woodcarving tradition originated in this area.