Banaue/
Sagada
Ancient, eternal rice
terraces
In the northern Philippines, within the rugged mountainside of the Cordilleras that reach thousands of feet high, you will find Banaue’s rice terraces. This system of irrigated rice terraces was created more than 2,000 years ago by the local Ifugao people. They carved out cliffs and diverted water to flow in from nearby jungle forests with tremendous skill and craftsmanship. Unlike some of the world’s iconic man-made structures built through forced labor and slavery, the Ifugao rice terraces are engineering wonders constructed mostly by the hand of free natives of the Cordillera.
The Philippine Rice Terraces in the Cordillera mountains have been declared as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This includes the following five sites in Ifugao Province: the Batad Rice Terraces and Bangaan Rice Terraces in Banaue, Mayoyao Rice Terraces in Mayoyao, Hungduan Rice Terraces in Hungduan, and the Nagacadan Rice Terraces in Kiangan. They serve as an example of sustainable agriculture with traditional techniques. The knowledge to farm these fields has been passed on for centuries.
Sagada is known for its scenic and calming mountain valleys, rice fields, limestone caves, refreshing waterfalls, and cliffs. Tucked in the Cordillera Mountains, shrouded in mist and fog, this Mountain Province town is tiny and peaceful. It’s most important characteristic is the continuation of the local indigenous culture.
Located about 5,300 feet above sea level, Sagada has a noticeably cooler climate compared to other regions of the Philippines. The average yearly temperature ranges from 17 to 20 degrees Celsius.
This Philippine Shangri-La has caves, hiking trails, sculpted rice terraces, lush karst mountains, and ancient coffins hanging in the limestone cliffs. The locals believed that the spirits of the dead liked to be close to the sky. Adventure seekers would love to explore these towns for rural tourism experiences.
- You can travel by bus from Manila directly to Banaue, departing daily and taking up to 10 hours, or you can rent four-wheel-drive vehicles or vans for moving around Sagada.
- Four-wheel drive vehicles and vans can be rented for moving about. Banaue’s local jeepneys and on motorbikes are also available.
- Modest accommodations are found in family-owned inns at the town proper. These also offer hearty home-cooked meals.
- Picky tourists make reservations at the government-run Banaue Hotel and Youth Hostel.
- Some travel guides prefer foreign tourists over domestic travelers.
- Go white water rafting on Kalinga’s upper chico river.
- Go spelunking in the Sumaguing cave. Crawl through tiny tunnels, swim through underground pools, and rappel down underground rock faces.
- Take a 3-day journey and explore the many rice fields, forests and villages.
- Discover the majestic Banaue rice paddies and the old terraces which have existed for millenia.
- Stay in some of the local Ifugao communities and get to know the people.
- Learn about the traditions and culture of the inhabitants in the area.
- Visit the massive natural pools carved out by the Gigira Falls.
- See Echo Valley’s hanging coffins displayed high on cliffs, while centuries-old coffins are stacked in burial sites like Lumiang Cave.
- Sumaguing Cave has unusual limestone formations. To the north, Bomod-ok Falls has a natural swimming pool with rice terraces carved into the surrounding mountainsides.
- Watch the sunrise on 1,636m Mt. Kiltepan, one of the highest peaks in Sagada. Greet the sun as it appears out from behind the Cordillera mountains and low-lying clouds.
- Book a round trip transport here from the town proper.
- Choose from an abundance of dishes made with different rice, local vegetable, and meat combinations.
- Enjoy the local ingredients and spices that are used in the fresh, economically priced meals
- Drink the freshly brewed local coffee that is hot and strong.
- Savour a local Ifugao rice wine after your evening meal in any number of inns, and restaurants in Banaue.
- The restaurants in Banaue usually close their doors at 9pm and travelers are advised to order well before
- This area of the Philippines is home to some of the best artists and craftsmen in the country.
- Purchase world-class weaving, pottery, woodcarving, and leather.
- Get a tattoo from legendary mamba batuk (tattoo artist) Whang Od in Kalinga mountains
- The Patina Artist Gallery sells wood panels, pine tree wood, and stone. The Bul-ol is an Ifugao rice god or guardian associated with good harvests.
- The Banaue Hotel and Youth Hostel have keychains, woven bags and wallets, wood carvings, and Ifugao textiles like Ikat runners, bed covers, and blankets.
- The House of Ekolife souvenir center and cafe sells many Ifugao delicacies, snacks, and food.
- Bangaan Rice Terraces sells necklaces with carved wood pendants, weaved baskets, ref magnets, and wooden balisong or butterfly knives. You can even try on the Ifugao’s native attire called Torke (tor-ke) for free.
HOW TO GET HERE
- Fly from Canada (Nonstop from Vancouver (YVR) and Toronto (YYZ) to Manila (MNL) via Philippine Airlines
- One-stop flights from YVR and YYZ to Manila also via Air Canada, as well as US, Asian and European airlines.
- From Manila, travel by private car or bus for 8-10 hours.
ITINERARY
Vigan Loag
Coming Soon
Banaue Sagada
SEE THE BREATHTAKING VIEWS OF BANAUE AND SAGADA
Get ready to traverse mountains at Banaue and Sagada, where two stunning destinations await you: the UNESCO World Heritage – listed
Banaue Rice Terraces, said by legend to have been made as a stairway to the heavens, and the charming mountain town of
Sagada, home to the hanging coffins and burial caves. This chilly part of the Philippines will make you forget our tropical climate for a while; have your thermal.
Manila
Embrace Manila’s Old-World Charm
Experience the colorful fusion of history and modern Filipino life in the bustling financial, economic, commercial and natonal capital of the Philippines. It is the best start-off point to getting anywhere in the country, and a great introducton to the naton’s historical roots.
Boracay
CHASE THE SUNSETS OF BORACAY
Not only a beach capital but also a cultural experience, the most-visited island in the Philippines is only four miles long and two miles wide, but bury your feet in its
powder-fine white sand beaches, swim in the crystalline blue waters, try a watersport and explore the whole strip of it and find out why everyone who’s ever gone
to Boracay would want to visit again and again.
Palawan
ADMIRE NATURE’S HANDIWORK IN PALAWAN
Accessible only from Manila or Cebu and not from island to island, Palawan is an elongated island you should not miss. With two UNESCO World Heritage sites, lush forests, breathtaking views, spectacular beaches and stunning marine wildlife under its belt, it’s no surprise that everyone says the islands of Palawan have the makings of an adventure like no other. Choose one of these three main islands of Palawan and get your sunscreen, swimsuits, and stamina ready: you’ve never seen the water this blue.
El Nido
Puerto Princesa
Coron
Cebu
LIVE LIKE LOCALS IN CEBU
Right in the middle of Visayas is Cebu, the second interna9onal gateway to the Philippines. Culturally and biologically rich, it is the
country’s secondary. Although more popular as a diving and snorkeling site, Cebu is an exci9ng place to experience authentic Filipino
culture and everyday life.
Bohol
Coming Soon
Siargao
SECRETS OF SIARGAO
Experience the best of both worlds in the Philippine’s largest city outside of Metro Manila and Luzon. Immerse yourselves in the beauty of nature and feel at ease at the some of the most popular amenities Davao has to offer. Get a taste of the freshest produce on the island, as it is known for being the leading exporter of fruits such as mangoes, pomeloes, bananas, coconut products, pineapples, papayas, mangosteens and cacao.
Day Two
| ISLAND HOPPING | Explore and join the amazing Island Hopping Activity to visit the famous 3 islands,Daku, Guyam, and Naked Island! You’ll have a van transfer (roundtrip) to General Luna’s Boulevard where your boat awaits you. Also included is bottled water, towels, a personal butler, and a picnic lunch will be provided in one of the island stops. Naked Island fits the description of this beach destination; fine white sand and cool clear waters. It got its name because of its “nakedness”; there’s no shade or almost anything on the island. This very minimalist island is only a few minutes away by boat from General Luna. It has a small sandbar and about 100 meters of sand. Daku Island is the biggest in the trio and has fine bone-white sand, emerald waters, and swaying coconut trees; all of which make it the perfect spot for lunch. It also has a barangay with friendly locals. Explore the palms, and enjoy your picnic lunch with grilled chicken, adobo, mango, pineapple, salad, and drinks. Guyam Island may be small, but its picturesque beachscape, shallow waters, and tropical paradise appeal more than make up for it. Smiling ladies with a small box will greet you and cheerfully let you know there’s a fee once you set foot on the island, however your entrance fees are covered. It’s small, and one can easily walk from one side of the island to the other, weaving through the 100 coconut palms. The water around the island is crystal clear, however a big reef surrounds the entire island. (Breakfast, Lunch & Accommodations, Siargao) |
Day Three
| Tour | FREE DAY IN SIARGAO Today is a free day to explore Siargao on your own. There are plenty of surfing schools and places to rent boards so newbies can join in, too, and the crystal clear water also provides the perfect place to try paddle boarding or snorkeling. In addition there are lagoons, caves, sand bars, coral reefs, bizarre rock formations, exotic wildlife, waterfalls, and a large mangrove forest reserve to discover. |
Day Four
MAGPUPUNGKO ROCK POOLS
Today you’ll have a tour to Magpupungko Rock Pools, and you’ll have the opportunity to swim with the beautiful underwater life. Part of the attraction is the imposing Magpupungko rock: a huge boulder that serves as the place’s natural monument. Separated from the ocean by a large reef, the water is incredibly clear in all shades of blue, green and everything between. During low tide, the receding coastline reveals natural pools perfect for some leisurely swimming*. Think of it as an all-natural infinity pool. * It’s recommended to check with the hotel staff first as the tour has tidal restrictions and time, as the pools only appears during low tide
Day Five
Departure:
After a leisurely breakfast, it’s time to say good-bye. You’ll have a shared transfer to the airport, and on to your next Avanti Destination!
Davao
ECO-ADVENTURE CAPITAL OF THE PHILIPPINES
Experience the best of both worlds in the Philippine’s largest city outside of Metro Manila and Luzon.
Immerse yourselves in the beauty of nature and feel at ease at the some of the most popular amenities Davao has to offer.
Get a taste of the freshest produce on the island, as it is known for being the leading exporter of fruits such as mangoes, pomeloes, bananas, coconut products, pineapples, papayas, mangosteens and cacao.
Day Two
| Tour | Hijo Resorts and Madaum River Gear up for a Banana Plantation Tour in Hijo Resorts, located in the north of Davao Region. It is recognized as one of the oldest banana and coconut plantations in the country. Admired for its sprawling beach, vast river, lush forest and plantation, the resort is an ideal getaway for those who love being around nature and seek to preserve it in the most delightful way possible. Feel free to relax, sunbathe, swim or snorkel.For young adventurers at heart, you’ll be challenged by locals for a walk across the hanging bridges and forest trails in the area. Go on a scenic cruise on the Madaum River and enjoy its breathtaking scenery. Engulf a sumptuous lunch featuring famous cuisine of the region at the beachfront. Eat freshly picked fruits and vegetables harvested from their nearby garden. And watch a highly anticipated cultural show brimming with talented singers and dancers from local schools, as the highlight of the whole day tour. You will return to the City of Davao late in the afternoon. |
Day Three
| Tour | Davao CityYou will be given a brief announcement of what Davao has in store for you in the afternoon. If you’re brave enough to enter the Crocodile Park, they’ll introduce you to Pangil, the 2nd largest crocodile in captivity and Buloy, the friendly 15-foot python. A few minutes walk from the park is Tribung K’Mindanawan, where it showcases our rich cultural heritage and replicas of different tribal houses in the region. Chow down on the local fruits of Davao such as pomelo, mangosteen, marang, and dare take a whiff of the Durian, the world’s smelliest fruit. Don’t want the smell to rub off on you? No worries, you can settle for the candies at the Durian Candy Factory or take a sip of Durian Flavored Cappuccino. Head over to the wonderful view of Davao from the top of the Shrine hill at the Holy Infant Jesus and at the Jack’s Ridge. Don’t forget to check out Museo Dabawenyo, where it houses a rich collection of Davao’s history through finely displayed galleries, and purchase some of the coolest souvenirs available at the Aldevinco Souvenir Shop. Take pleasure in having lunch at a nearby restaurant. And have some needed R&R at the hotel. |
Day Four
Departure:
Check-out and depart from Davao homeward, or to another exciting Philippine destination.
Note:
Rates available upon request.
Refer to list of hotel options*
Save our Spots – Explore the Philippines while practicing sustainability. Learn how
PLAN YOUR TRIP
DESTINATIONS
Discover what some of the country’s top destinations have to offer.
ACTIVITIES
Explore the unique activities and experiences of each island.
ITINERARIES
Use our itineraries to help you plan your next visit.
TRAVEL EXPERTS
Contact our travel experts to book your vacation now.
WHAT’S NEW
-
15+ Best Filipino Desserts You Must Try in the Philippines
Looking for typical Filipino desserts? This is your ultimate list for must-try traditional desserts in Filipino cuisine! As a travelling foodie, I love trying the local cuisine and traditional desserts when visiting destinations. Born and raised in Manila meant growing up and learning about many delicious Filipino foods, which I’m so grateful for because it’s one of the…
-
Boracay: The Ultimate Guide To The Best Beach In The World
Boracay has long been touted as the best beach in the world. In 2018, it was closed for six months for rehabilitation. The following year, it welcomed over two million visitors, a record high for an island that is only seven kilometers long. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March 2020, Boracay was in the throes of…
-
Five Filipino Restaurants In Manila That Are Worth The Visit
The Philippines is best known for its white beaches, but a trip to the archipelago would be incomplete without a taste of the local cuisine. Filipino food draws on Spanish, Chinese, and Malay influences, which makes the resulting taste profile – sweet, salty, and sour with the occasional fire – very distinct. While Filipino food…
-
7 Unique Ways to Travel in the Philippines
Kw: philippine vacationVisit philippines The Philippines is one of the best countries for sightseeing. When you visit Philippines you’ll quickly notice that everywhere you look you’re bound to see a stunning mountainscape, vibrant jungle foliage and flora, and of course lots and lots of brilliantly bright beaches all surrounded by the most crystal-clear waters. However,…
-
Bacolod: More Than Just The Ruins
Bacolod City is situated in the northwestern part of the island of Negros Occidental. It is home to 600,000 locals and is lovingly called the City of Smiles. The Ruins in Negros Occidental is a sight to behold. Known as the Taj Mahal of the Philippines, the Ruins Mansion was once the centerpiece of a 440-hectare sugar plantation….
-
A Guide to Siargao: The Philippine Island Voted Best in Asia
Siargao is a tiny teardrop-shaped island at the foot of the Philippine archipelago. In 2020, Condé Nast Traveler gave Siargo the distinction of being the best island in Asia. Despite the influx of new infrastructure since, Siargao has retained its unique charm. While we’re more than a little biased, here is a list of why we think this…
Affiliations
Valued Partners
