Things To Do
in Batad

Batad is a small Ifugao village in the Philippine Cordilleras famous for its dramatic amphitheater-shaped rice terraces carved into steep hillsides. The Batad Rice Terraces — a UNESCO-inscribed cultural landscape — offer spectacular viewpoints, misty mornings, and direct access to traditional Ifugao village life. Access requires a bumpy drive to a trailhead followed by a 20–40 minute downhill hike, which keeps the place relatively remote and peaceful.

Visitors come for trekking to Tappiyah Falls, homestays with local families, and immersive cultural experiences amid living agricultural terraces.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Batad
morning
:

Arrive at the small village of Batad, known for its stunning rice terraces and breathtaking landscapes. Check into a local guesthouse, where you can enjoy a warm welcome from the friendly locals. Spend the rest of the morning soaking in the serene mountain atmosphere.

afternoon
:

After lunch, take a leisurely walk around the village to familiarize yourself with the surroundings and discover local crafts. Visit the Batad rice terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and learn about the ancient Ifugao culture. Capture stunning photographs of the terraces, especially as the sunlight paints them in vibrant colors.

evening
:

As the sun sets, enjoy a traditional Filipino dinner at your guesthouse, savoring local dishes made from fresh ingredients. Gather around a bonfire under the stars to share stories with fellow travelers. Wind down your day with a relaxing evening stroll, experiencing the peaceful ambiance of Batad.

day 2
Trekking to the Tappiya Waterfalls
morning
:

Start your day early with a hearty breakfast before embarking on a scenic trek to the Tappiya Waterfalls. The trail offers breathtaking views of cascading rice terraces and lush greenery, immersing you in nature. Feel the excitement build as you approach the sound of rushing water.

afternoon
:

Upon reaching the waterfalls, take a refreshing dip in the cool, clear water and enjoy a packed lunch amidst this beautiful natural setting. Spend some time exploring the area, capturing the beauty of the falls, and relaxing in the tranquil atmosphere. Return to Batad in the late afternoon, appreciating the unique flora and fauna along the way.

evening
:

After freshening up, indulge in another delightful dinner at your guesthouse, sampling more of the local cuisine. Spend your evening chatting with your hosts, learning about their traditions and lifestyle. If you’re up for it, enjoy a night out in the village, mingling with locals and fellow travelers.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍚Meal at inexpensive restaurant$3-6
Coffee / Snack$0.50-2
🏡Homestay (per night)$15-35
🚐Jeepney/van transfer (short)$1-5
🗺️Guided trek or local guide (half day)$10-25

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Spectacular, UNESCO-listed rice terrace landscapes and dramatic panoramic views.
  • Authentic cultural immersion with Ifugao communities and homestay experiences.
  • Excellent trekking and photography opportunities in a peaceful, low-tourism setting.
  • Remote access with long, bumpy drives and a hike required to reach the village.
  • Limited amenities, few ATMs, inconsistent cellphone coverage, and basic medical facilities.
  • Weather can be unpredictable and trails may be slippery or impassable in heavy rain.
  • "Salamat" - Thank you
  • "Magandang umaga" - Good morning
  • "Magkano ito?" - How much is this?
  • "Pahingi po ng tubig" - May I have some water, please?
  • "Pwede po?" - May I?/Is it okay?

Places to Visit in Batad

Visit one of these nice places.

Batad Rice Terraces Amphitheatre Viewpoint

Iconic panoramic viewpoint offering the classic bowl-shaped view of tiered terraces and the clustered village—best at sunrise or late afternoon for soft light.

Tappiyah Falls

A scenic waterfall set within the terraces reachable by a descending trail; great for long-exposure shots and candid photos of swimmers and locals.

Ridge Trails between Batad and Bangaan

Ridge paths provide elevated lines-of-sight across multiple terrace systems and dramatic cloudscapes—ideal for wide-angle landscape images.

Village Streets and Homestays

Document daily life: farmers working terraces, children playing, traditional houses, and communal activities—ask permission before photographing people closely.

Culinary Guide

Food in Batad

Cuisine around Batad is rooted in Ifugao and northern Filipino traditions, centered on native rice, root crops, vegetables, freshwater fish, and local pork or chicken. Meals are simple, hearty, and often prepared with ingredients from nearby terraces and gardens; expect homestyle cooking in homestays and small eateries.

Batad Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Tinawon Rice

A native heirloom rice grown in Ifugao terraces; firmer and more aromatic than regular rice—try it at homestays and local meals.

Must-Try!

Etag

Cured mountain pork preserved by traditional methods and used to flavor stews and rice—available in some local dishes or prepared by host families.

Freshwater Fish with Herbs

Grilled or stewed river fish seasoned with local herbs—commonly served in homestays and small eateries.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Banaue Market (day trip)

In nearby Banaue town, the market sells fresh vegetables, fruits, rice, eggs, snacks, and prepared local dishes—good for picking up ingredients or trying simple street foods between bus connections.

Trail-side Snacks

Small vendors near trailheads sometimes sell boiled camote (sweet potato), banana, rice cakes, and bottled drinks—bring small change.

Climate Guide

Weather

Batad sits at around 800–1,200 meters elevation, giving it a cooler mountain climate than lowland Philippines. Temperatures typically range from about 12–25°C (54–77°F) depending on season and elevation, with frequent morning fog and significant rainfall in the wet season. Expect damp trails after rain, cool nights year-round, and strong sun at midday—layers are recommended.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Respect Elders

Show deference to elders—greet them politely and accept offers of food or seating; in Filipino culture, using 'po' and 'opo' shows respect when speaking in Tagalog.

Ask Before Photographing People

Request permission before taking close-up photos of individuals or ceremonies; some households or elders may decline.

Respect Sacred Sites and Farming

Avoid walking on planted terraces, trampling seedlings, or disturbing irrigation channels; follow local guidance and stick to paths.

Remove Shoes Where Appropriate

Many households prefer guests remove shoes when entering; follow your host’s cues.

Safety Guide

Safety

Batad is generally safe for tourists, but you should take precautions: watch for slippery steps and loose stones on terraces, use a local guide for unfamiliar trails, avoid hiking alone in bad weather, and be aware of occasional landslides or falling rocks during heavy rains. Mobile reception can be limited; carry a small first-aid kit, enough cash, and inform hosts of your plans. Bring insect repellent to reduce risk of bites and basic medications for stomach ailments.

Tipping in Batad

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; small tips (a few dollars) for guides, drivers, and homestay hosts are customary if service is good. For homestays, a modest tip or gift such as produce, toiletries, or school supplies is often welcomed.

Payment Methods

Cash (Philippine pesos) is king—cards are rarely accepted in Batad, and ATMs are in Banaue or farther away. Bring sufficient cash and small denominations for local purchases and tips.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer (March–May)

Dryer weather and warmer days make trekking easier, with clearer skies for panoramic photos; terraces may be drier except where irrigation maintains rice paddies. Peak travel begins toward the end of this period, so book homestays early.

Rainy Season (June–November)

Expect frequent rain, muddy trails, slippery steps, and occasional landslides on access roads; the terraces are lush and green, waterfalls are impressive, but some trails may be unsafe—check local guidance.

Cool Dry Season (December–February)

Cooler mornings and evenings with foggy landscapes—excellent for dramatic photos and comfortable hiking, though mornings can be cold; this is a popular travel period around holidays.

Nightlife Guide

Batad at Night

Nightlife in Batad is minimal and quiet—there are no bars or clubs like in cities. Evenings are best spent at homestays sharing meals, listening to local music or stories, or enjoying stargazing. For more lively nightlife, travel to Banaue or Baguio where small bars and cafés stay open later.

Hiking in Batad

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Tappiyah Falls Trail

A popular trail leading from Batad village down into the gorge to a scenic waterfall with natural pools—moderately steep with stone steps and river crossings.

Batad to Bangaan Ridge Hike

A longer ridge walk linking Batad and Bangaan hamlets that offers diverse terrace views, village interactions, and varied terrain—good for half-day or full-day treks.

Hapao Rice Terraces Trails

Trails around the Hapao sub-region provide different terrace formations and less-visited paths, suitable for multi-hour hikes and cultural visits.

Mount Amuyao Approach (regional)

For experienced hikers willing to travel farther, Mount Amuyao offers multi-day trekking and high-elevation scenery beyond Batad; plan with guides and arrange logistics in advance.

Airports

How to reach Batad by plane.

Loakan Airport (BAG) — Baguio

Closest major mountain airport with connections to Manila; from Baguio it's a 6–8 hour drive to Banaue area depending on route and road conditions, then onward transport to Batad.

Cauayan Airport (CYZ) — Isabela

A regional airport with some domestic flights; land travel from Cauayan to Banaue takes several hours by road and then transfer to trailheads for Batad.

Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) — Manila

The main international gateway; many travelers fly into Manila then take an overnight bus/van or private transport north to Banaue and Batad (long journey but common and flexible).

Getting Around

Walkability

Batad is highly walkable within the village but requires negotiating steep, narrow steps and uneven paths — comfortable hiking shoes are essential. Expect no paved streets in the heart of Batad; distances are short but physically demanding due to elevation changes.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Ifugao People

Indigenous Ifugao groups form the majority in Batad, practicing traditional agriculture and maintaining cultural rituals tied to rice cultivation and terraces.

Lowland Migrants and Traders

Small numbers of lowland Filipinos work in tourism, shops, and transport services in Banaue and surrounding areas, contributing to a mixed rural community.

Tourists

Domestic and international visitors are common during peak seasons, drawn to hiking, photography, and cultural experiences; numbers are smaller than at more accessible attractions.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Basketball

Basketball is hugely popular across the Philippines and you will often see improvised hoops or small courts in towns and villages; locals of all ages play and spectate.

Traditional Games and Rituals

Ifugao communities maintain traditional dances, ritual games, and communal gatherings tied to agricultural cycles—these are cultural practices rather than competitive sports but are central to local life.

Transportation

Traffic

There is virtually no urban traffic in Batad due to its rural setting; access roads to trailheads are narrow, winding, and sometimes rough—expect slow, bumpy jeepney or van rides. Public transport consists of shared vans and jeepneys between Banaue, nearby towns, and municipal centers; schedules can be irregular, so plan buffer time for transfers.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Batad.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are available (rice, vegetables, eggs) but explain your needs to hosts; protein often comes from pork or fish, so bring snacks and supplements if strict.

Vegan

More challenging—many dishes use fish sauce or animal-based broths; communicate clearly and bring suitable food if you rely on strict vegan options.

Gluten-Free

Rice-based cuisine is naturally gluten-free in many cases, but processed sauces and noodles may contain gluten—ask before consuming prepared food.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare in Batad itself is minimal; for basic needs rely on first-aid kits and local clinics or barangay health centers in nearby towns. The nearest hospitals and more comprehensive medical facilities are in Banaue or Baguio; emergency evacuation may require a long drive. Purchase travel insurance that covers medical evacuation and bring necessary prescription medications.

Discover Philippines

Read more in our Philippines 2025 Travel Guide.

Philippines Travel Guide