IFUGAO TOURIST SPOT
Top 20 Must-See Tourist Spots in Ifugao 2019
Ifugao is world-renowned for its majestic Banaue Rice Terraces. These man-made structures signify the brilliant and ancient engineering skills of the Ifugao people. If connected from one end to another, these terraces can span halfway around the globe.
Ifugao is world-renowned for its majestic Banaue Rice Terraces. These man-made structures signify the brilliant and ancient engineering skills of the Ifugao people. If connected from one end to another, these terraces can span halfway around the globe.
But more than these earthen masterpieces, Ifugao also boasts of other eco-cultural wonders. In fact, the rice terraces are just icing to what Ifugao could potentially offer.
As usual, many of the spots I included are off-beaten. This means that they are unspoiled by the impacts of mass tourism. It is my hope that showcasing them would lead to sustainable management. This will not only sustain the natural environment and protect local culture but also promote community-based development.
Now, here are the top 20 must-see tourist spots in Ifugao.
1. Tappiyah Falls (Banaue), Ifugao
This is one of the most popular tourist spots in Ifugao. It cascades on the face of a massive rock cliff for more than 75 meters. Because of its sheer water volume and force, it created a wide and deep pool. To get here, one needs to hike for about an hour. The initial trail cuts across the famed Batad Rice Terraces. Later, one then needs to hike down a steep slope. This is the most challenging part of the trek especially during the ascend back. But the exhaustion will eventually dissipate as one finally gazes on the majestic beauty of Tappiyah falls. Its waters are cold and crystal-clear. They emanate from the mossy forests of Mt. Amuyao and its adjacent ridges.
This is one of the most popular tourist spots in Ifugao. It cascades on the face of a massive rock cliff for more than 75 meters. Because of its sheer water volume and force, it created a wide and deep pool. To get here, one needs to hike for about an hour. The initial trail cuts across the famed Batad Rice Terraces. Later, one then needs to hike down a steep slope. This is the most challenging part of the trek especially during the ascend back. But the exhaustion will eventually dissipate as one finally gazes on the majestic beauty of Tappiyah falls. Its waters are cold and crystal-clear. They emanate from the mossy forests of Mt. Amuyao and its adjacent ridges.
Tappiyah Falls. One of the tourist spots of Ifugao.
Tappiyah falls.//Photo by No Juan is an Island.
2. Batad Amphitheater Terraces (Banaue)
This is an easily recognizable tourist spot in Ifugao. From the vantage viewpoint, the terraces look like a cascading waterfall. One could just imagine how the Ifugao’s ancestors were able to build such an earthen structure using only wooden tools and stones. For sure, the locals were would have a lot of stories to share. Not just historical stories but legends as well. Far from what many of us know, the rice terraces are not merely a showcase for tourism. They are lasting testimonies of the ancient engineering skills of the people. They provide rice and vegetables for the community. And these terraces show how the people and their natural environment have been living in harmony for centuries.
Tappiyah falls.//Photo by No Juan is an Island.
2. Batad Amphitheater Terraces (Banaue)
This is an easily recognizable tourist spot in Ifugao. From the vantage viewpoint, the terraces look like a cascading waterfall. One could just imagine how the Ifugao’s ancestors were able to build such an earthen structure using only wooden tools and stones. For sure, the locals were would have a lot of stories to share. Not just historical stories but legends as well. Far from what many of us know, the rice terraces are not merely a showcase for tourism. They are lasting testimonies of the ancient engineering skills of the people. They provide rice and vegetables for the community. And these terraces show how the people and their natural environment have been living in harmony for centuries.
Batad Rice Terraces. One of the tourist spots of Ifugao.
3. Mt. Napulawan (Hungduan), Ifugao
Mt. Napulawan projects one of the most fascinating views in Ifugao. It rises to more than 2,642 meters above sea level. Mt. Napulawan is derived from the Ifugao term, “Tuwale,” which literally means, white. Perhaps, this is because of the cloud and fog which perpetually cover the mountain. Locals also say that Bibiyo ( a fairy) guard the mountain. To reach its peak, one needs to hike for six to seven hours from Ny-o campsite. The trail passes along beautiful mossy forests. One notable spot is the so-called dead lake. It could be a quicksand covered in dense moss, similar to the Siblaw Taraw of Barlig. The summit of Mt. Napulawan offers breathtaking sights of Ifugao and the adjacent mountain ranges. Mt. Tabayoc, Mt. Pulag, and Mt. Amuyao are visible from here. Occasionally, a stunning sea of cloud formations can also be seen.
3. Mt. Napulawan (Hungduan), Ifugao
Mt. Napulawan projects one of the most fascinating views in Ifugao. It rises to more than 2,642 meters above sea level. Mt. Napulawan is derived from the Ifugao term, “Tuwale,” which literally means, white. Perhaps, this is because of the cloud and fog which perpetually cover the mountain. Locals also say that Bibiyo ( a fairy) guard the mountain. To reach its peak, one needs to hike for six to seven hours from Ny-o campsite. The trail passes along beautiful mossy forests. One notable spot is the so-called dead lake. It could be a quicksand covered in dense moss, similar to the Siblaw Taraw of Barlig. The summit of Mt. Napulawan offers breathtaking sights of Ifugao and the adjacent mountain ranges. Mt. Tabayoc, Mt. Pulag, and Mt. Amuyao are visible from here. Occasionally, a stunning sea of cloud formations can also be seen.
Mt Napulawan. One of the tourist spots of Ifugao.
4. Hungduan Rice Terraces (Hungduan)
Banaue Rice terraces are obviously overrated. If you are looking for a more rustic view of terraces, then do visit those of Hungduan. They don’t make it to the top of Ifugao’s tourist spots. But visiting them would really make a difference in your trip. The most popular in Hungduan are Hapao Rice Terraces, the Bacung Spider Web Terraces, and the Dakkitan Rice Terraces. Each of these has a unique feature to offer. Abundant brooks and rivers from the mountains provide water to these terraces all year round. They yield premium heirloom rice varieties. For those who don’t know, heirloom rice is organically-grown. They are known for their distinct taste and nutritional value as compared to commercial rice.
4. Hungduan Rice Terraces (Hungduan)
Banaue Rice terraces are obviously overrated. If you are looking for a more rustic view of terraces, then do visit those of Hungduan. They don’t make it to the top of Ifugao’s tourist spots. But visiting them would really make a difference in your trip. The most popular in Hungduan are Hapao Rice Terraces, the Bacung Spider Web Terraces, and the Dakkitan Rice Terraces. Each of these has a unique feature to offer. Abundant brooks and rivers from the mountains provide water to these terraces all year round. They yield premium heirloom rice varieties. For those who don’t know, heirloom rice is organically-grown. They are known for their distinct taste and nutritional value as compared to commercial rice.
5. Mayoyao Rice Terraces (Mayoyao), Ifugao
These are clusters of beautifully-carved terraces of the said municipality. They are some 44 kilometers away from Banaue proper. The municipal center of Mayoyao itself is surrounded amidst majestic rice terraces. One interesting spot here are the dikes which are tiered with flat stones. Just like most of Ifugao’s rice terraces, the forested mountains provide abundant water supply all year round. Locals say that tourists could side trip to several uncharted falls of Mayoyao. These nestle deep on the distant mountains, bordering the municipalities of Barlig and Natonin in Mountain Province. These mountains are also local game reserves. They are home to endangered species such as deer and wild pigs.
These are clusters of beautifully-carved terraces of the said municipality. They are some 44 kilometers away from Banaue proper. The municipal center of Mayoyao itself is surrounded amidst majestic rice terraces. One interesting spot here are the dikes which are tiered with flat stones. Just like most of Ifugao’s rice terraces, the forested mountains provide abundant water supply all year round. Locals say that tourists could side trip to several uncharted falls of Mayoyao. These nestle deep on the distant mountains, bordering the municipalities of Barlig and Natonin in Mountain Province. These mountains are also local game reserves. They are home to endangered species such as deer and wild pigs.
6. Kiangan Shrine (Kiangan), Ifugao
This is one of the historical tourists’ spots in Ifugao. It signifies the locals valiant resistance against the Japanese invaders. In fact, this is where Gen. Yamashita and his troops informally surrendered, thus, ending World War II in the Philippines. Upon the orders of former Pres. Ferdinand E. Marcos, the Shrine was established by the Philippine Tourism Authority with the cooperation of the provincial government of Ifugao and the municipality of Kiangan, on April 19, 1973. A museum is also built within the shrine’s compound. This showcases the rich culture and traditions of the locals. Visiting this place, therefore, leads you into both historical and cultural fabrics of Ifugao.
This is one of the historical tourists’ spots in Ifugao. It signifies the locals valiant resistance against the Japanese invaders. In fact, this is where Gen. Yamashita and his troops informally surrendered, thus, ending World War II in the Philippines. Upon the orders of former Pres. Ferdinand E. Marcos, the Shrine was established by the Philippine Tourism Authority with the cooperation of the provincial government of Ifugao and the municipality of Kiangan, on April 19, 1973. A museum is also built within the shrine’s compound. This showcases the rich culture and traditions of the locals. Visiting this place, therefore, leads you into both historical and cultural fabrics of Ifugao.
7. Mt. Nagchayan (Mayoyao), Ifugao
It is not that high. But this mountain certainly catches the interest of those who are interested in history. Why? Well, this was actually a fierce battleground during the Japanese invasion. Both the locals and the Americans pursued relentless drives until the Japanese finally surrendered. Several grottos AND stone walled trenches and foxholes can be found here. There are also old rustic shells scattered on the site. Still, this mountain can make up your trek worth if you simply want to experience nature’s beauty. After all, climbing here would reward you views of rice terraces and surrounding mountain ranges. And the trail to its summit is just as rustic as in many other famous mountains.
It is not that high. But this mountain certainly catches the interest of those who are interested in history. Why? Well, this was actually a fierce battleground during the Japanese invasion. Both the locals and the Americans pursued relentless drives until the Japanese finally surrendered. Several grottos AND stone walled trenches and foxholes can be found here. There are also old rustic shells scattered on the site. Still, this mountain can make up your trek worth if you simply want to experience nature’s beauty. After all, climbing here would reward you views of rice terraces and surrounding mountain ranges. And the trail to its summit is just as rustic as in many other famous mountains.
8. Bintakan and Nah-toban Caves (Lagawe)
Bintakan cave is nestled on the slopes of Ibulao, some 2 kilometers away from the provincial capitol. It contains three major chambers. The dripping waters formed various stalactite and stalagmite rock formations of various shapes and sizes. To get here, ride a tricycle and from the trailhead, walk for some 20 minutes to reach the cave’s mouth. By the way, the entrance overlooks the Ibulao River. On the other hand, Nah-toban has much bigger rooms. So far, only four of these have been explored and assessed for tourism. It hosts colonies of bats. Thus, guano (bat pooping) can be seen all around.
Bintakan cave is nestled on the slopes of Ibulao, some 2 kilometers away from the provincial capitol. It contains three major chambers. The dripping waters formed various stalactite and stalagmite rock formations of various shapes and sizes. To get here, ride a tricycle and from the trailhead, walk for some 20 minutes to reach the cave’s mouth. By the way, the entrance overlooks the Ibulao River. On the other hand, Nah-toban has much bigger rooms. So far, only four of these have been explored and assessed for tourism. It hosts colonies of bats. Thus, guano (bat pooping) can be seen all around.
9. Buyukan Falls (Hungduan)
This can be reached via a three-hour walk from Poblacion. Again, expect to walk along forested trails. Thus, falls like this one are only recommended for experienced hikers. During rainy months, leeches abound. So it’s best to visit the falls during the summer. By the way, this is already between the border of Tinoc and Hungduan. The waters of the falls emanate from the mossy forests upstream. Take note. The mountain ridges of Tinoc and Hungduan along with Banaue and Mayoyao still hosts pristine forests. These are also a potential come-on. Thus, the local authorities must implement strict measures to protect and sustainably manage these resources.
This can be reached via a three-hour walk from Poblacion. Again, expect to walk along forested trails. Thus, falls like this one are only recommended for experienced hikers. During rainy months, leeches abound. So it’s best to visit the falls during the summer. By the way, this is already between the border of Tinoc and Hungduan. The waters of the falls emanate from the mossy forests upstream. Take note. The mountain ridges of Tinoc and Hungduan along with Banaue and Mayoyao still hosts pristine forests. These are also a potential come-on. Thus, the local authorities must implement strict measures to protect and sustainably manage these resources.
10. Ambuwaya Lake (Kiangan), Ifugao
Don’t expect buwaya (Filipino term for crocodiles) when you come here. Because there are none. However, the lake does hold mysteries of its own. According to a local legend.
Don’t expect buwaya (Filipino term for crocodiles) when you come here. Because there are none. However, the lake does hold mysteries of its own. According to a local legend.
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