trip to banaue movie

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about the movie

When a gawky American engineer discovers the real truth about the stunning woman he fell for, he must seek help from his best friend while grappling with a deal from a businesswoman, all as he tries to make it to Banaue… for that woman he loves.

This romantic comedy follows Hank in his pursuit of finding love. He thinks he’s found the perfect match with Grace until he quickly discovers that she has ulterior motives, creating havoc in Hank’s hotel room and getting him in trouble with the hotel manager, Jinky. Hank now needs the help of his best friend, Jordan, to get him out of the hole he’s dug for himself. Join Hank on this wild adventure in ‘Take Me To Banaue.’

We all deserve grace every once in a while…

• Written By: Jason Rogers and Danny Aguilar
• Director: Danny Aguilar
• Produced by: Carpe Diem Pictures
• Genre: Romantic Comedy

Director Statement

When we think of the Philippines landscape, the first thing that comes to mind is beautiful beaches with white sands and crystal clear water. But there are beautiful mountain areas that inspire love.

The country is a magnet for tourists and those who desire to look for lifetime partners. Because of this, I always thought about a romantic story with cross cultural flare while showcasing the beauty of the Philippines and its culture. In addition, I also wanted the story to highlight another area of the country that possesses under rated beauty with its landscape. I have a special attachment and affiliation with the Cordillera Region of the Philippines. Although I did not grow up in that area, it holds a dear place in my heart. I spent seven years in Baguio City and completed my bachelor’s degree at a premier university there. And there is Banaue, which is also part of the Cordillera Region and is considered as the eighth wonder of the world.

Thus, the film Take Me To Banaue was born, which I co-wrote with a talented writer. The film follows Hank, a gawky American Engineer in his pursuit to meet the perfect girlfriend who he hopes will become his wife. After discovering that Grace (the woman he fell for) is in fact a stunning escort and that she was staying with him so that she could get financial help, Hank has to spend the days and hours grappling with a deal from a businesswoman and listening to his friend’s advice—all as he tries to make it to Banaue…for the woman he loves.

The primary theme of Take Me To Banaue is Justification. The four major characters, Hank, our protagonist; Grace, Hank’s love interest; Jinky, an entrepreneur with a colonial mentally that Americans are superior race; and Jordan, a doctor and Hank’s best friend who is suave, smart and confident, all try to justify their actions and choices in life. This script was conceptualized and developed taking into account that something personal is also universal. I have an interracial marriage (I am a Filipino married to a Japanese woman). The journey of the Protagonist embodies an authenticity that I believed many people from all walks of life can relate with.

Danny Aguilar

Producer, director, co-writer take me to banaue.

Born and raised in the Philippines, Danny Aguilar has a passion for storytelling specially in the areas of fiction and non-fiction.

After completing his degree in Chemical Engineering, Danny Aguilar came to the U.S. He then continued his studies in Master of Science (MS) and followed by Master of Business Administration (MBA). He founded Quality Eagle Consulting Services in Dallas, Texas, advising Fortune 500 companies in the areas of engineering, quality, compliance, and process improvement. 

His entry into film started as a hobby, then became a passion. He did a short stint as a volunteer at Sundance Film Festival and other festivals, then studied with the Hollywood Film Institute. He was accepted at the Sundance Collab Director’s Mentorship Program, where was mentored by a Sundance award-winning director.

His practical business acumen and engineering skill helped him quickly master the work of producing and directing film. In 2017, Danny founded Carpe Diem Pictures, LLC, based in Dallas, aim to produce and finance independent films. In a few short years, Carpe Diem Pictures has launched 10 film projects, both documentary and narrative.

Jason Rogers

Take me to banaue co-writer.

Writing (poetry, academic writing, etc.) has always been part of Jason’s life. He has an MA in both Korean Literature and Shakespeare, which followed a degree in English Literature. There was no Screenwriting major in Korea, so he picked the next best thing: Korean poetry. This ended up becoming an eye-opening experience and introduced him to a new world. Jason inevitably became a published poet in Korea with his book Table War. During these years, he worked as an educator and a technical writer for the Engineering and Physics departments at the university where he worked. In the last few years, Jason has also worked as a legal writer and has published numerous books under many pen names. Jason’s screenwriting career started when he was seventeen years old and sold his first screenplay titled Right Below The Cloak Of Elves to a small production company.

Cast & Crew Members

Brandon Melo

Maureen Wroblewitz

Thea Tolentino

Dylan Rogers

Norman Azurin Balbuena

MJ Lastimosa

Carla Guevara LaForteza

Archi Adamos

Lorian Fausto

Hilliard Paul Puguon

Glenn Franklin

Megan Guthrie

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Take me to banaue.

Directed by Danny Aguilar

What's Grace got to do with it?

When a gawky American engineer discovers the real truth of the stunning woman he fell for, he must seek help from his best friend while grappling with a deal from a businesswoman, all as he tries to make it to Banaue... for that woman he loves.

Maureen Wroblewitz Brandon Melo Thea Tolentino Mary Jean Lastimosa Archie Adamos Dylan Rogers Boobay Glenn Franklin Megan Gutrie Lorian Fausto Hilliard Paul Puguon

Director Director

Danny Aguilar

Writer Writer

Jason Rogers

Carpe Diem Pictures

Philippines

Primary language, spoken languages.

English Tagalog

Comedy Romance

Releases by Date

10 feb 2023, theatrical limited, 12 feb 2024, 15 mar 2024, releases by country.

• Theatrical limited R-13
• Digital iWantTFC

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Take Me to Banaue (2023)

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Take Me to Banaue

When a gawky American engineer discovers the real truth of the stunning woman he fell for, he must seek help from his best friend while grappling with a deal from a businesswoman, all as he tries to make it to Banaue... for that woman he loves.

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February 10, 2023,

Danny Aguilar

Maureen Wroblewitz, Brandon Melo, Thea Tolentino, Mary Jean Lastimosa, Archie Adamos, Dylan Rogers

Comedy, Romance

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Take Me to Banaue (2023)

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Thea Tolentino enjoys offbeat comic role in Take Me To Banaue movie

Kasama si Thea Tolentino sa pelikulang Take Me To Banaue .

Paglalahad ni Thea tungkol sa kanyang papel sa pelikula, “I play the role of Jinky Pascual. Jinky is a Filipina who lives in Baguio, na businesswoman siya, very independent.

“Pero at the same time gusto niyang magkaroon ng baby na kahit siya lang yung magpalaki and ang catch dito is ang gusto niya is mixed-race baby.

“So, kahit magpabuntis siya sa foreigner, okay lang kahit hindi panagutan kasi iyon yung dream niya.

"Kasi ang tingin niya is any Filipina na mixed yung lahi is magiging successful dito sa Philippines, iyon yung tingin niya sa life.”

Bida rin sa pelikula sina Maureen Wroblewitz (bilang si Grace) at ang American actor na si Brandon Melo (bilang si Hank).

Read: Take Me To Banaue starring Maureen Wroblewitz at Brandon Melo, puwedeng i-rent o bilhin

Ayon pa kay Thea na natatawa, “For a change hindi ako third party."

Kuwento pa niya, "Yung characters namin ni Maureen ay hindi nagtagpo dito, pero yung characters namin ni Brandon nagtagpo dito.

"And may scene na pinag-uusapan namin ni Brandon si Maureen, and that’s how I know Maureen lang thru the entire movie, ganun lang.

“Pero dito sa movie na ito kakaiba kesa sa mga ginawa kong roles, usually kasi kontrabida yung roles ko, at saka very serious yung mga roles ko.

"Dito sa Take Me To Banaue , I explored the comedic side of acting naman.”

Read: Thea Tolentino proud of being able to juggle showbiz career and studies

THE TOLENTINO: COMEDIENNE OR CONTRAVIDA?

Talaga, komedyana si Thea sa pelikula?

Lahad niya, “Sobrang nagulat din ako kasi off-cam tumatawa din yung mga… yung mga nasa taping, tumatawa din sila.

"Kaya ko palang maging funny kahit papaano,” at muling tumawa si Thea.

Kaugnay ng kanyang pahayag, naungkat ni Thea ang Hollywood actor na si Dylan Rogers, ang kanyang co-star na hindi nakadalo sa red -carpet premiere ng Take Me To Banaue nitong Pebrero 10 sa Cinema 2 ng EDSA Shangri-La Plaza.

Aniya, “Sayang nga lang wala dito si Dylan, kasi siya yung kasama ko dun sa lighter comedic side nung movie.”

Natanong si Thea during the premiere kung saan siya mas kumportable, sa ganitong character niya sa Take Me To Banaue o doon sa nakasanayan na niyang mga kontrabida roles?

“Kumportable pa din ako sa pagtataray,” ang muling tumatawang sambit ng aktres.

“Medyo kabado pa din ako kasi pag sa comedy. Dapat may timing. Ako alam ko sa sarili ko, wala akong timing,” at muling natawa si Thea.

Pero ang mga naiibang papel raw ay nasa bucket list ni Thea.

“Yes, kasi if I don’t do new things, if I don’t explore new things, how will I learn?”

Mapapanood ang Take Me To Banaue via streaming sa www.takemetobanauefilm.com na nagkaroon na rin ng mga special premieres at screenings sa iba-ibang bansa tulad ng Amerika.

Ang iba nga rito ay dinaluhan pa ni Thea.

Masayang pagbabalita niya, “Yes, parang may ten screenings dun tapos dun sa ten, tatlo lang yung napuntahan ko.

“Sobrang saya kasi first time ko ding mag-U.S,, and iba. Iba yung pagtanggap ng mga kababayan natin dun, kasi nami-miss nila ang Pilipinas.

“Tuwang-tuwa sila na napapanood nila sa big screen ang Pilipinas, kung gaano kaganda ito.”

Read: Thea Tolentino admits 'matigas ang ulo ko' when it comes to love

SHOWING SOON ON BIG SCREEN

At nito ngang Pebrero 10 ay unang beses na napanood dito mismo sa Pilipinas ang Take Me To Banaue .

Bulalas ni Thea, “Sobrang happy ako na finally napanood niyo ito, napanood ng family and friends ko.

"It’s something new for me because I always do antagonist roles, very serious characters.

"Pero sa Take Me to Banaue nakita niyo yung puwede pala akong maging funny kahit papaano, and puwede ding malandi.

“Sobrang thankful ako for this opportunity kasi it’s really something new na iyon nga, pumunta sa ibang bansa and ngayon na makikita ito ng mga Pilipino dito sa Pilipinas.

"Sobrang nakakakaba pero at the same time sobrang nakakataba ng puso.”

Unang proyekto rin ito ni Thea na may mga kasamang foreign actors tulad nga nina Brandon at Dylan.

“Yes po, it’s my first.”

“Sobrang nakakakaba,” unang bulalas ni Thea. “Nung una kasi iniisip ko na baka different yung styles ng acting when it comes sa U.S, at saka dito sa Pilipinas, pero parang parehas lang naman pala.

“And I’m very blessed to be part of this film kasi yung lahat ng kasama kong artista dito they’re very kind.

"Talagang approachable, wala kang mapi-feel na pressure, talagang nag-e-enjoy lang sa set, and that is important para magawa ko ng maayos yung trabaho ko.”

Ang Take Me To Banaue ay sinulat nina Jason Rogers at Danny Aguilar.

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Banaue Travel Guide: Home of Rice Terraces in the Philippines

Best Time to Go to Banaue

• How to Get to Banaue

By Bus From Manila

By bus from baguio, by bus from sagada, where to stay in banaue, what to see and do in banaue, see the banaue rice terraces.

• Immerse in the Ifugao culture at Tam-An Village

Hike to Tappiyah and Chappah Falls

Learn at the cordillera sculpture museum.

• Discover Batad’s Unique Charm

What to Eat in Banaue

• Practical Information and Tips

Sample Itinerary in Banaue

Day 0: travel from manila, day 1: arrival + falls excursion + souvenir shopping, day 2: trekking + heritage tour + departure.

See the majestic rice terraces of Banaue in the Philippines. What else is there to see and do in this rustic province in the Cordillera region? Learn everything there is to know in this guide. 

The mountainous Banaue in Ifugao province located in the northern part of Luzon has captured the interest of both local and international travelers because of its rich culture, cool weather, untouched mountain ranges and the warmth of the local Ifugao people.

Banaue is also home to the most picturesque and awe-inspiring rice terraces that stretch for miles into the horizon. Amongst the most popular are the Banaue Rice Terraces and Batad Rice Terraces, the latter being recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

See our popular Banaue Tours and Activities

2-day adventure to buscalan kalinga tattoo village of apo whang-od from manila with homestay & meals, scenic 3-day sagada shared tour package from manila with side trip to banaue & baguio highlands, 2-week scenic adventure tour package to highlands of north luzon from manila.

The rice terraces and its people coexist in a way that makes you appreciate the stunning view more and more as you take it all in.

Knowing that the wide expanse of lined rice terraces all the way to the sky is the fruit of labor of the generations of Ifugao people’s drive and workmanship makes it more iconic and remarkable.

There are no huge buildings or busy streets here, just vast lands of farms and humble huts or simple houses. Banaue also offers unique cultural experiences, outdoor activities, and culinary adventures for tourists.

Because of its proximity to other North Luzon destinations like Baguio City and Sagada , Banaue is usually a part of a longer itinerary covering those areas. But if you’re the type who wants to simply get away from the stresses of life, a longer stay in Banaue comes highly recommended.

Curious to learn more about this peaceful province in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR)? Read this ultimate guide to know everything about it and plan out your Banaue escape. 

The best months to visit Banaue are during the months of April to May and October to November since these are the times when the rice terraces are at their greenest and most scenic state.

Visiting during the rainy seasons of July and August is not recommended due to the possibility of landslides in some areas making it difficult for activities like hiking and trekking.

How to Get to Banaue

But as they say, the journey is indeed worth it once you see the postcard-perfect view of the Banaue Rice Terraces. There are a number of routes that you can take when going to Banaue:

It takes about 9 hours (depending on traffic) to get from Manila to Banaue and the only way to get there is via land transportation. There are no direct plane flights available to the province of Ifugao. Most people choose to travel by bus during nighttime so that you can arrive early in Banaue the next day and have more time to explore it.

The Ohayami Bus Transit which can be found in the corner of Fajardo Street and Lacson Avenue in Sampaloc Manilla operates from 9PM daily. If you want to reserve seats in advance, they accept booking online through their website.

Another option is Dangwa Transit which has their terminal in Cubao. Be sure to arrive at the station early if you plan to go by Dangwa bus since they operate only one trip daily and accommodates passengers on a first come, first serve basis. Their earliest schedule leaves at around 8PM.

The bus from Baguio to Banaue takes approximately 3 hours including transfers and departs at least three times a day. You can go by Ohayami Bus transit stationed along Otek Street near Burnham Park or KMS bus that offers two trips daily and can be found near Rizal Park.

See our popular Baguio Tours and Activities

2-day sagada adventure shared tour from manila with hotel & trip to banaue & baguio highlands, atok gardens day tour with transfers from baguio | northern blossom, sakura park, mt. olis & more, baguio city creative private day tour with snacks & transfers + optional lunch & upgrades.

If you’re coming from Sagada, it’s advisable to get to the terminal early. At the Sagada Municipal Hall, there are jeepneys going to Bontoc (the capital of Mountain Province). Travel time is around an hour and the trip starts as early as 6:30 a.m. There’s an available trip that leaves every half hour until 9:00 a.m to 1 p.m. 

From Bontoc, you can take the local bus to Banaue. The first trip leaves at 7:00 a.m and takes around 2 hours. Another option is to ride a van that leaves at 8:30 a.m., 10:00 a.m., and 1:00 p.m.

See our popular Sagada Tours and Activities

The top places to stay here are in the Banaue town proper or Batad. However, you must consider that Batad is less accessible since there is no road that directly leads to the village. It takes approximately 20 minutes to walk/hike in and out of this place.  Given that it is more secluded, there is no proper signal in Batad, therefore, be prepared to unplug and disconnect.

As they say, there’s no better way to spend your vacation than to be one with nature. Banaue will surely not disappoint.

Here are some of the most recommended places to stay in Banaue:

Batad Top View Homestay and Restaurant

Popular with backpackers and tourists alike, Batad Top View Homestay is at the end of a 100-yard side trail off the main Batad rice paddies. It’s like a hidden gem in the middle of nowhere. What visitors love most about this place is that it gives you a front-row seat to an unobstructed view of the Amphitheater Rice Terraces.

Uyami’s Greenview Lodge

A family-friendly basic hotel that’s conveniently located near the Banaue Rice Terraces. The hotel also has its own restaurant for guests who would rather stay, relax and enjoy the view within the area.

Bogah Homestay

Located 10 minutes away from the town center, Bogah Homestay offers a convenient location for guests coming from the city. It offers a relaxing ambiance as it provides a beautiful overlooking view of the rice terraces and the town’s river valley.

Ramon’s Home Stay in Batad

Experience the traditional Ifugao houses and wake up to the magnificent view of the Batad Rice Terraces. Their huts are simple, but the breathtaking views make up for it.

You’re also in for a treat as the owner Ramon goes the extra mile by organizing bonfires and storytelling sessions at night. Guests are encouraged to join and socialize as Ramon shares stories about Batad and the Ifugao culture. Truly a recommended place to stay if you want to immerse in the local’s way of living.

Banaue Homestay

The cozy Banaue Homestay is right in the center of town, which makes it the easiest choice for tourists. With its perfect location, it is close to everything and is literally just 10 minutes’ walk from Banaue town proper and the bus station. The homely and friendly atmosphere of this place is the top reason why it is listed as one of the best places to stay in Banaue.

On a good day, the view from their balcony makes you feel like you’re looking at a little piece of heaven with the clouds almost touching some of Banaue’s beautiful rice fields.

Native Village Inn

Upon entering the driveway to the Native Village Inn, you’ll be welcomed by a sign that reads: “Welcome to Paradise. We hope you have a pleasant stay.” Indeed, the place is a paradise in its own way.

Imagine looking at the green, luscious stretch of rice terraces while having your coffee in the morning or over a bottle of beer during dinner. Imagine listening to the sound of nothing but the flowing river or the cheerful tunes of the playful birds as the sunsets. Nature at its finest is what you will get from staying at the Native Village Inn. 

A part of its charm is also the fact that you can experience their traditional Ifugao tribal huts while savoring all that Banaue has to offer. The owners and staff show genuine friendliness that makes you feel a part of their community.

Video by the Philippine Department of Tourism

There’s more to Banaue than rice terraces. The place is full of spots to discover that you will surely not run out of things to do here. Just make sure to fuel up and energize since most of the activities almost always involve a bit of trekking and walking. Nothing that you can’t handle anyway!

It’s amazing to think that these rice terraces were created thousands 2000 years ago by the Ifugao people and still stands marvelously up to this as a symbol of the impressive skills and hard work of the Ifugao people who cultivate them through the years.

The rice terraces of the Philippines in the Cordillera region were built to address the problem of rice farming up the slopes of mountains.

Surrounded by rugged terrain, the Ifugao people had to find a way to grow rice despite the landslides and erosion around the area. You would be amazed to know that they are using the same ancient irrigation system up to this day.

Commonly referred to by the locals as the 8th Wonder of the World, Banaue Rice Terraces is more than just a sight to behold but a bewildering remnants of the years and years of the Ifugao’s inspiring way of preserving and cultivating their rice culture – a culture that have been intricately woven in their way of living.

For instance, their major traditions are closely tied to their planting and harvesting seasons. They perform thanksgiving celebrations during harvest season and strictly observe “tungo or tungul”, known to be their days of rest during the off season.

Immerse in the Ifugao culture at Tam-An Village

Aside from souvenirs, the village is also known for its native Ifugao houses referred to as the “no-nail houses”. These houses are built out of Amugawan trees, carefully and sturdily used as timbers to hold the houses together.

Upon entering, you can see authentic wooden carvings and designs that ultimately represent the owner’s cultural heritage. Visiting this side of town gives you a quick glimpse of the Ifugao’s way of living through the years.

The one-hour trek from Poblacion to Chappah Falls in Barangay Bocos is surely worth it with its cold and refreshing water. It also offers a panoramic view of the whole town, as well as a close perspective of the rice terraces.

The Tappiyah Falls in Barangay Batad is also popular among tourists.  You’re in for a treat with its enormous natural swimming pool. Don’t forget to bring your swimming gear and packed lunch as you enjoy the sight and sound of this magnificent waterfall.

See our popular Waterfalls Tours

Cebu oslob whale shark watching, sumilon sandbar, tumalog falls tour with lunch & transfers, cebu oslob whale shark watching & kawasan canyoneering tour with safety gear, lunch & transfers, cebu oslob whale shark watching & tumalog falls private tour with transfers.

For those who would like to delve deeper into the Ifugao culture, this museum showcases some of the cultural treasures of the ancient Ifugao people.

The museum displays over a thousand pieces of indigenous artifacts. It is located 1.8 kilometers south of downtown Banaue and is accessible via a 10-minute tricycle ride from the town center.

Discover Batad’s Unique Charm

It’s admirable how the culture and heritage of Batad have remained untouched despite more and more people discovering its magnificence. The locals still speak their mother tongue, practice their ancient rituals and remained unmoved amidst the current flow of tourists visiting the place.

You are surrounded by nothing but nature’s beauty in Batad. Everything is a sight and memory to hold on to. Savor these moments and make them count more with other suggested activities in the list below:

Be one with nature as you walk along the rice fields

Trek to Mount Amuyao

Stay in a native Ifugao hut

Don’t miss out on the native Ifugao coffee

Hike to Awa View Deck to get the best views of the rice terraces

Join bonfires where the locals share their daily life stories

Try the native rice wine

Mingle and chat with the locals and be amazed with their stories of old folklores and myths

Try the local dish, pinikpikan and other traditional delicacies

Watch the locals create the handcrafted souvenirs and support the local community by buying some as souvenirs

Hike to Kinakin and Cambulo 

Watch the sunset at the Top View deck over a bottle of beer or two

• Read our article on the  Top Banuae Tourist Spots  to learn more

See our popular Hiking Tours

Scenic 2-day treasure mountain rizal camping package with daranak falls side trip & transfers, rizal treasure mountain day pass with breakfast, obstacle course, giant seesaw & bosay falls trek.

Banaue has a number of rustic restaurants with scenic views that make every dining experience unlike any other. Most of the accommodations in Banaue also have their own restaurants that offer traditional Filipino food at an affordable rate which makes it convenient for most of the tourists. Here are some must-try restaurants when in Banaue:

7th Heaven’s Café

It offers a good selection of breakfast and other comfort food while your eyes feast on the amazing views of the rice terraces. Don’t miss out on their famous honey-cured liempo and tinocenturi, their own version of the popular Filipino dish tinola.

Sanafe Lodge and Restaurant

A popular choice among tourists because of its lovely outdoor restaurant with a stunning view. Perched on the side of the hill, you can enjoy eating outside as you relax and breathe in the cool, fresh breeze.

Their best seller list includes their own take on homemade meals such as Chicken Curry, Beef Salpicao, and Sweet & Sour Pork.

Native Village Inn Restaurant

As you enter their lovely restaurant, you know you’re going to have a good time because of the unbelievably beautiful view of the Hapao Terraces right in front of you and the warm hospitality of the staff. The place is quiet and romantic. You can choose to eat in one of their huts outside as you enjoy both the food and the view.

Their restaurant’s menu offers a wide selection from western to traditional Filipino food but their Spicy Pork and Chicken Curry with Ifugao Rice is a must-try. Have a cheesecake for dessert too.

Las Vegas Lodge

You can never go wrong with a scenic view, live music, and great food. Good thing, Las Vegas Lodge offers all of them. Known for their variety of both local and international cuisine, this place is visited by travelers who are after affordability and tasty meals.

Home-cooked meal at a very affordable price makes you feel like you’ve never really left home. For about PHP100 (USD 2), you already have a complete set of meal consists of the main course dishes, rice and ripe mango for dessert. Not a bad deal! 

Practical Information and Tips

Activities and itineraries in Banaue require a great deal of walking, hiking and trekking so it’s better to be physically prepared.

You will get a weak mobile signal and sometimes even none in Batad so make sure you won’t be needing your phone for work or any urgent matters while you’re there. You’re on vacation anyway!

If it’s your first time, drop by the Tourism Office of Banaue so that they can orient you about available tours and transportation transfers.

Some tours don’t require you to get a guide but for someone not familiar with a place like Batad, it would be better to have one to walk you through and lead your path. You’d rather spend your precious time ticking off the itineraries on your list than being lost.

Be mindful of the schedule and availability of public transportation especially in Batad to avoid spending more. Public jeepneys leave Batad at 9AM and returns from Banaue at 3PM.

Bring clothes that are appropriate for trekking and the cold weather. Bear in mind that the temperature in the mountains can be unpredictable, so bring an extra jacket wouldn’t hurt.

Bring enough cash with you. There are no accessible ATMs, especially in Batad.

Everything is on cash basis. The homestays and restaurants don’t accept credit cards so having cash handy will save you from any inconvenience.

Appreciate the beauty around you but leave no trace of trash or rubbish.

Buy locally produced souvenirs as your way of support to the local community.

Respect the local culture. Be considerate of the Ifugao people. Bear in mind that this is their home. This is their way of living, their beliefs, and their ancestor’s heritage.

09:00 PM - Departure from Manila

06:00 AM - Arrival in Banaue/Breakfast

07:00 AM - Tricycle to Batad

08:00 AM - ETA Batad drop off point. Trek to Village and the chosen accommodation

09:00 AM - Hotel. Check-in. Rest

10:00 AM – 03:00 PM: Trek to Top View, Tappiyah Falls and if time permits, drop by the Awa View

04:00 PM - Head back to homestay. Freshen up and rest

05:00 PM - Walk around the village. Watch the locals create the handmade souvenirs. Souvenir shopping

06:00 PM - Dinner

07:00 PM - Socials and bonfire session

10:00 PM - Lights Out

06:00 AM - Wake Up. Freshen Up

07:00 AM - Breakfast

08:00 AM - Pack up. Trek back to the main road where the drop off point is

09:00 AM - ETD Banaue

10:00 AM - ETA Banaue. Check-in. Rest

11:00 AM - Banaue Rice Terraces Viewing Deck

12:00 NN - Lunch

01:00 PM – 05:00 PM - Try a Banaue Heritage tour and visit Ambuklo Dam, Banaue Museum, and more

06:00 PM - Early dinner. Proceed to bus terminal

08:00 PM - ETD Banaue to Manila

Escape to Rustic but Charming Banaue

Photo from the Philippine Department of Tourism

Truly, Banaue is a paradise in its own way, a place of exceptional happiness and delight. A place where you can be one with nature. A place that encourages you to be fully present.

A place that gives you a glimpse of a rich culture lived centuries ago and has been cultivated by its younger generations. There might have been a bit of a modern touch into it now but Banaue still has its inexplicable charm – one that makes you want to be in the moment.

As they say, it’s nice to be in places that make you realize how small you and your worries or concerns are. Banaue is one of them. It reminds you of how simple and humble life in the mountains is.

Despite the lack of modern facilities, the Ifugao people were able to survive and thrive for centuries. Moreover, it’s such a moving thought to ponder how these world-renowned rice terraces were built with almost nothing but their bare hands.

Imagine the sun as it slowly peaks in between the mountains. Imagine the morning light as it strikes the Banaue Rice Terraces that glimmers in the morning. Imagine the cool breeze as it softly touches your face while walking amidst the luscious rice fields in Batad. Imagine listening to the sound of the river as it flows down the valley.  

Imagine the sky as it changes its color from blue to a shade of sea green as you watch the sunset at the top of the mountain overlooking the magical rice terraces of Banaue.

The next time you find yourself dreaming of your next adventure, think no more. Banaue is the place to be. Go ahead and see it for yourself.

The stretch of green mountains that expands its way into the horizon, the warmth of the Ifugao people, the untouched forests, river valleys and waterfalls are more than enough reasons to tease and satisfy your wanderlust.

Start planning your trip to Banaue today. Explore the  Philippine tours and activities that you can add to your itinerary to this charming destination in North Luzon. 

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