That Traveling Couple

I thought I’d make another post on Banaue because I think there’s lots to discuss about this small mountain town, certainly much more than just the rice terraces that the town is known for.

I’ve included here some of the other things you should do while you’re in Banaue as well as some of the things you should avoid if you can.

For a number of reasons, any writing about Banaue has to begin with an explanation of actually getting there, because it’s a decent journey from Manila and if you get it wrong, you could end up on the wrong side of nowhere… Fortunately I made another post about the bus to Banaue, so I recommend you check out that if you need info on getting there.

Now we can get to the good stuff.

Like I implied in the title, the thing you hear most about Banaue is the splendor of the Banaue rice terraces, but what we found after going there was that Banaue is a beautiful and fascinating town, rice terraces or not!

As I wrote elsewhere, the town is basically a stretch of road along a mountain trail, within which there are other little networks of streets that go up and down the mountain that the town sits on. This brings me to my first point, and tip for Banaue.

You’ll go everywhere in Banaue by trike ride. The little motorbikes with their two seater passenger carriages line the streets in the main part of town and are willing to take you pretty much anywhere around the tiny town you could wish to go. The tip here is:

BANAUE TIP: Don’t plan on walking anywhere in Banaue past where you can see ahead. The roads are all very windy and go up and down the mountain continuously. This makes it both 1. easy to get lost and 2. a serious hike, mostly up hill, where ever you choose to walk in Banaue. If you’re fit and ready, go for it, but just be remember these words as you embark on your journey.

What’s To Do In Banaue?

Here are a few things other than rice terraces that can bring great joy in Banaue.

1. Walk (I know I just said not too, but this part is worth it… AND you can get a trike here if you want) down the road to the village part of Banaue and check out some of the local houses. There are kids playing in the street, houses perched on jutting edges of mountain side, and local animals scampering between houses in search of their next scrap of food. There’s also a cool little bridge over a babbling brook that we didn’t get a chance to walk, but that looked awesome.

Most of the things you do in Banaue you’ll walk UPWARD up the hills from the main hotel area, so this downwards walk is one different road but you won’t miss it.

2. Check out the local shops

Around Banaue there are a multitude of little shops for souvenirs, like wood carvings the locals have made, and the ubiquitous “penis” fertility statues, but there’s also some interesting little grocery stores, as well as spots for clothes, and more. You’ll surely find the shops a treat for the senses; certainly charming and full of character.

3. The Sunday Markets

This one we found completely by accident but on Sunday morning this elaborate street market emerges from nowhere on the main thoroughfare of Banaue. There’s all kinds of local foods and beverages, not one of which I recognized. Stroll around and chat to the local vendors, try some weird and wonderful local treats, and enjoy them at one of the many vantage points looking over the terraces.

Of Course…

Of course there’s the cool “terrace” related stuff to do as well, but I thought I’d mention a couple of the Banaue’s little treats that you can partake of outside of the popular attraction.

Banaue is a quiet, sleepy little town but one who’s offerings you simply must take in, in their entirety.

Author: Andrew Hansen

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