Private Tour
Banaue & Batad UNESCO 3days 2 nights Tour ( Private Group Tour Max 6 Travelers)
Overview
Available languages
72 hours
Mobile ticket
The Banaue Rice Terraces are a breathtaking testament to human ingenuity and harmony with nature. Carved into the mountains of the Cordilleras by the Ifugao people. These terraces are often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World” and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rising to about 1,500 meters above sea level, they stand as living proof of sustainable farming and timeless tradition.
Our Private Tour offers an intimate experience, limited to a maximum of six guests, with comfortable private transportation from Manila.
For over 15 years, our company has specialized in journeys to the north, guiding travelers through the highlands with care and respect. More than just sightseeing, our advocacy is to support the mountain communities by creating meaningful encounters between visitors and locals. In this way, your journey becomes not only memorable and enjoyable, but also part of something larger — sustaining culture, connection, and community.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
What To Expect
Travel to Banaue Ifugao via Private Transportation
Accommodations
Overnight in Banaue Homestay Bed & Breakfast (private room)
Banaue Rice Terraces Hiking Tours
Day 1: Departure from Manila to Banaue, Ifugao (420 km | 9–10 hours drive) Your journey to the mountains begins early in the morning. At 5:30–6:00 AM, our driver will pick you up from your residence. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic drive as we traverse different cities and provinces on the way to Banaue. Along the route, we will stop 2–3 times for breaks and enjoy a hearty lunch at a local restaurant — a first taste of the flavors of the north. By afternoon, we’ll arrive at the Banaue Viewpoint Terraces. Here, you’ll stand before the legendary 2,000-year-old rice terraces, hand-carved by the Ifugao people into the Cordillera mountainsides. Often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World” and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the terraces rise about 1,500 meters above sea level of rugged mountain landscape. After visiting the viewpoint, we will continue to your accommodation in Banaue, where you can rest and prepare for the days ahead in the highlands.
Discover of Batad Rice Terraces a Unesco world heritage and Tappia WaterFalls
Accommodations
1 night in Batad Village Simons Inn (Private Room)
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Batad Rice Terraces
Day 2: Discovery of Banaue – Batad Village Begin your morning at 7:00 AM with breakfast overlooking the Banaue Rice Terraces, a serene backdrop to start your day. At 8:00 AM, your guide will meet you for a ride on your private jeepney, the classic mountain vehicle. Along the way, we’ll pause at two village viewpoints for photos of grandeur landscapes. around 9:00 AM, we’ll reach the end of the road. a 15minute walk to Batad Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the dramatic amphitheater Batad Rice Terraces. After settling into your accommodation, prepare for a full day of discovery. we will continue with a guided trek through the rice paddies, climbing toward the highest viewpoint for the most breathtaking panorama of Batad. The journey then leads us further to Tappiya Waterfalls, where you relax with a swim beneath its cascading waters. By 2:00 PM, we hike back to the village and back to your accommodation. The rest of the afternoon and evening are yours to savor.
Batad to Manila
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Banaue Rice Terraces Hiking Tours
Day 3: Batad – Banaue – Manila Wake up early to the quiet beauty of Batad. At 6:30 AM, enjoy breakfast and coffee with sweeping views of the terraces — a final moment to take in the stillness of the mountains. By 7:30 AM, begin your walk back to the end of the road, where your jeepney awaits for the ride to Banaue. Along the way, take one last look at the timeless rice terraces — a farewell to a landscape carved by hand, spirit, and centuries of tradition. At 9:00 AM, we arrive in Banaue, where you will meet your private transportation. Here, we say goodbye to our local guide and begin the long journey back to Manila. After a full day’s drive, we arrive in the city by 6:30 PM. You will be dropped off at your hotel, marking the end of our service — and the beginning of your memories of the Cordillera highlands, a journey that lingers long after the roads are left behind.
What‘s Included
2 nights Accommodation
Round-trip Private Air-conditioned van with English speaking driver. Maximum 6 Persons per tour
English Speaking Guide
Private Jeepney Ride to Batad
Department of Tourism Accredited Local Guide
Gratuities
Lunches and Dinners
Pickup points
Ninoy Aquino Intl Airport
Andrews Ave Pasay Philippines
Hotel Celeste
02 San Lorenzo Drive corner A. Arnaiz Avenue, San Lorenzo Village Makati Philippines
Options
Banaue & Batad UNESCO 3days 2 nights Tour ( Private Group Tour Max 6 Travelers)
Pickup included
Reviews
31 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
The 8th wonder of the world
Allan J,,Feb 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This is a part of the Philippines that should not be missed! Yes the 8 hour drive from Manila is a bit of a trek but once you see the terraces you realize it’s totally worth it. Our guide Jonathon was extremely knowledgeable and personally invested in the terraces since his family has a plot in one of them. If you get the chance ride on the top of the Jeepnie and not on the inside. It was an OMG moment and the views from the top are stunning. At no time did I feel unsafe up there.
Best NYE celebration!! 🥳
Q2869QNmelanier,,Jan 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A group of us from the USA decided to do something different for NYE and hike the rice terraces. First we staying a local homestay where the staff was welcoming and accommodating. Dinner provided was tasty and rooms were tidy and comfy. Next day we ventured to the rice terraces in Batad where we were educated by our local guide Oliver and supported by our Tour guide Bryan. These gentlemen were patient with us and never made us feel rushed. We were able to take in the amazing beauty of the rice terraces at our own pace. We even participated in the local tradition of rice pounding. Upon our return to our accommodations, some of us took advantage of much needed massages, while others were serenaded by our local guide. What a way to spend NYE!!! :D Would recommend this tour to anyone looking for an adventure with no crowds, spectacular views, and amazing locals that are nothing but hospitable.
Great care with memorable experiences
74cathleenm,,Sep 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My parents, fiancé and I took a trip with Vagabondpinas to Banaue, Batad, and Kalinga in September 2025. JP was attentive and accommodating during the planning stage. Brayan, Jeff in Banaue, Arlene in Batad and our guide to see Whang Od took such great care of us! Special thanks for Brayan who was such a thoughtful and knowledgeable guide. He made sure my parents (in their 60s) were well equipped and cared for during the challenging treks and rainy weather. Dood and our Banaue jeepney driver made us feel safe during our journeys across the mountains with their experienced driving. This heritage trip meant a lot for me and my family. Thanks to the team and JP, we had an unforgettable trip of a lifetime. Highly recommend this group of caring and experienced professionals!
10/10 experience while in the Philippines!!
Ellie F,,Sep 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Could not recommend this experience more! We had a great time and owe it all to Brayan and Jeffrey!! They could not have been more kind, welcoming, and knowledgeable. We would recommend this experience over and over again!
Legendary trip to Banaue- Batad
talt912,,Jun 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My trip to Banaue-Batad ancient rice terraces was an amazing, once-in-a-life-time experience. While considered low season for tourism, it was THE BEST time to be there. The rice was high and stood out in its green and yellow colors, making all my pictures breathtakingly beautiful. The weather was perfect temperature wise (although very humid), which made the swim at the waterfall possible and very refreshing. The Vegabondpinas team took great care of me, anticipating my every need, reassuring and encouraging when the steep climb seemed beyond my reach, and super professional when it came to coordinating all the logistics for this trip. The home stay was very clean and both Inns offered a hot shower which I don’t take for granted. I want to call out the outstanding communication with JP (the owner) from planning stage to my return to my hotel in Manila. He and his crew (driver, guide, inn managers) treated me like family - truly invested in my trip being everything I could hope for and more. Having them navigate the local environment allowed me to focus on the beauty surrounding me and the epic adventure I was on. Being there, I can fully understand why Batad is considered the eighth wonder of the world.
Well planned and worry-free tour with great staff from Vagabondpinas
mlansang2018,,Jan 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a spectacular and unforgettable experience for me and my niece! The private tour arranged by Vagabondpinas was planned to a perfect T and allowed for a worry-free holiday trip. Many thanks to our very experienced guide, Kenneth, who was very patient with us neophyte hikers (one of whom is a septuagenarian) and anticipated our every need (and shortcomings). Our very experienced and accommodating driver, Bong, made the 9-hour trip to and from Banaue-Manila fly by in a comfy Toyota Fortuner. He even showed us where to shop for local produce/veggies in Nueva Vizcaya and Nueva Ecija1. Beatrice of Banaue Homestay welcomed us warmly. Our room had a wonderful view of part of the rice terraces, and the roosters crowing in the cool dawn mist provided a great bucolic touch. Simon's Inn in Batad had more spartan amenities (as with other inns in the village, I believe) - be prepared with your own towel and toiletries. We realized that those who don't proceed to the 800-step one way hike to the Tappiah Falls could actually complete the arduous walk to the Batad top viewpoint (where there is, amazingly, internet connectivity by the hour) by early afternoon, rest and have a snack at Simon's Inn, then head back to the more comfy Banaue Homestay (tip). Another tip: ensure you're in tiptop physical condition to do the hikes - the sturdy walking sticks provided by Kenneth were truly a Godsend. Thanks a lot to Vagabondpinas and partner Expedia Philippines for this super memorable trip!!!
Banaue Batad Epic Adventures!
Valerie B,,Nov 3, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My husband, adult daughter and I made our first trek to the Philippines with the goal to experience the people, culture and different regions of Luzon. Our excursion with Vagabondpinas Outdoor Travel will be remembered as an experience of a lifetime. JP’s communication and planning with our specific itinerary was outstanding. We met Edmon in Manila and grateful to be in his care for our long journey north to Banaue. We were concerned about motion sickness so loaded up with ginger chews, wrist acupressure bands and Dramamine. Upon arrival to Banaue Edmon stopped at a lovely lunch spot overlooking the terraces and town. We stopped at overlooks for photos and to stretch our legs before checking in to Banaue Homestay. Miss Beatrice is a kind and welcoming hostess. She provided us with delicious breakfasts and dinners during our stay. Nothing better than coffee and fresh fruit on the view deck! The 2nd day we were greeted by Edmon, Michael (jeepney owner/driver) and Jonathan (local guide extraordinaire) for our adventure to Batad. Jonathan is very knowledgeable about the history of the Ifugao people and the rice terrace. We had a spectacular day hiking and taking in the breathtaking sights. We decided to skip the hike down to the waterfall given our out of shape bodies and the heat. Enjoyed a lovely lunch in Batad overlooking the rice terraces. My favorite part of the day was riding on top of the jeepney all the way back to Banaue. Jonathon was able to communicate with local museum which opened for us to tour in the late afternoon. The museum was one of our favorite stops as the artifacts collection is superb- black and white photos of the people, rattan baskets, spears, clothing and tools all depicting an extraordinary way of life.
It's like seeing the Ifugao Rice Terraces with your best mates
H8643KIjeffw,,Oct 15, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00If you're short on time while in Manila but want to take in the wonders of the Ifugao Rice Terraces, then this is the tour for you. We cannot say enough about the team of people who looked after us – from Edmond who drove us from Manila to Banaue and back again, Michael who expertly piloted his Jeepney from Banaue to Batad and back again, Jonathan our guide extraordinaire and took us into the rice terraces themselves, Beatrice who looked after us at her homestay in Banaue, and Simon, who did the same with the help of his daughter in Batad. I am mentioning these people by name because I feel like we became good friends with all of them. And behind the scenes, making sure everything was ok, was JP. He checked on us regularly via WhatsApp (before, during and after), which was so appreciated. And then to the tour itself! We got to see the rice terraces of Banaue (Beatrice’s place looks right over them), Bayninan, Bangaan and Batad (the latter two being UNESCO World Heritage Sites along with their villages). We explored the rice terraces of Batad as well as a hike out to the Tappiyah Waterfall. Guide Jonathan was awesome assessing our fitness levels and tailoring the pace of the hikes accordingly. He also assessed weather conditions to a tee (it rains a lot this time of year) to make sure we got the best photo opportunities. A big part for us though, is that we were trialling a drone for the first time. The team just absolutely embraced and encouraged us using the drone, and helped with suggestions which led to some amazing footage. We just had so much fun! A big thank you to all at VagabondPinas. You guys absolutely rock!
It's like seeing the Ifugao Rice Terraces with your best mates
Jeff W,,Oct 15, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00If you're short on time while in Manila but want to take in the wonders of the Ifugao Rice Terraces, then this is the tour for you. We cannot say enough about the team of people who looked after us – from Edmond who drove us from Manila to Banaue and back again, Michael who expertly piloted his Jeepney from Banaue to Batad and back again, Jonathan our guide extraordinaire and took us into the rice terraces themselves, Beatrice who looked after us at her homestay in Banaue, and Simon, who did the same with the help of his daughter in Batad. I am mentioning these people by name because I feel like we became good friends with all of them. And behind the scenes, making sure everything was ok, was JP. He checked on us regularly via WhatsApp (before, during and after), which was so appreciated. And then to the tour itself! We got to see the rice terraces of Banaue (Beatrice’s place looks right over them), Bayninan, Bangaan and Batad (the latter two being UNESCO World Heritage Sites along with their villages). We explored the rice terraces of Batad as well as a hike out to the Tappiyah Waterfall. Guide Jonathan was awesome assessing our fitness levels and tailoring the pace of the hikes accordingly. He also assessed weather conditions to a tee (it rains a lot this time of year) to make sure we got the best photo opportunities. A big part for us though, is that we were trialling a drone for the first time. The team just absolutely embraced and encouraged us using the drone, and helped with suggestions which led to some amazing footage. We just had so much fun! A big thank you to all at VagabondPinas. You guys absolutely rock!
A highly recommended adventure!
EirenneR,,Jun 10, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We are very grateful to have had Vagabond Pinas as our tour guide on our Banaue- Batad trip. They offered comfortable and safe transportation, good accommodation with the best views, some history and stories on the rice terraces and its people, and an overall stress free trip. We enjoyed the whole trip and are still awed with the beauty and culture of the rice terraces. It was more than we expected. Thank you Vagabond Pinas for making this experience extra personal, memorable and comfortable. It was truly an unforgettable and highly recommended adventure!💯🙌 We also very much appreciated their extra patience, care and guidance towards us as we are not a fit couple, and going through some of those rocky and narrow tracks was a bit of a challenge. 😄 It was definitely an amazing adventure! And the rooftop jeepney ride was a great experience and a must! 👍👍
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Operated by Vagabondpinas Outdoor Travel and Tours