Stairway to the Sky
Ifugao is best known for its world famous rice terraces that has been
dubbed as the 8th Wonder of the World. In 1996, the United Nations
Education, Scientific and Cultural Education (UNESCO) inscribed the
2,000 year old rice terraces in the World Heritage List characterizing
as a "Living Cultural Landscape". Due to its altitude and landscape,
people often described the rice terraces as "The Giant Steps" or a more
well-known "Stairway to the Sky".
While other world heritage sites are just relics of the ancient world
that were built through forced labor, the rice terraces and the rich
Ifugao culture remain serving their function of sustaining a people in
the modern world. The rice terraces were built for existence purposes.
The Ifugao rice terraces has also been noted as a model of sustainable
development as evidence by its age and integrated development features
that harmonized man, nature and culture in a symbiotic relationship.
Also, the rice terraces has been hailed as one of the soundest soil and
water management system ever developed by a people. The fascination of
American Association of Civil Engineers with the development principles
and grandeur of the rice terraces made them declare it as an
Engineering Marvel.
Spread over the nine of eleven towns of Ifugao are the panoramic rice
terraces manifesting the engineering feat and ingenuity of the Ifugao.
The engineering wisdoms are passing down from older generation to next,
with the tradition and social balance, the great landscape here
resembles synchronization between civilization and natural world. The
major languages spoken here are Ifugao, Ilocano, English and Tagalog.
Batad Rice Terraces and Tappiyah Waterfalls
This terraces resembles a gigantic
amphitheater with a clustered village at the lower portion of the
terraces that continues to practice ancient Ifugao culture and
traditions. The visit to Batad cannot complete without taking a dip
into the Tappiyah Waterfalls that has a height of about 30 meters with
extensive natural swimming pool.
Banaue Viewpoint Rice Terraces
The most accessible rice terraces could
be viewed at Banaue Viewpoint, 15 minutes drive away from Banaue town
center. This terraces starts from the basement of the mountain ranges
and reaches up to thousands of feet high.
Dakkitan Rice Terraces
Located at Poblacian, Hungduan, this
terraces is a heaven for nature lovers. The natural pool beside the
terraces has refreshing cool waters from Mount Napulawan and is a
favorite picnic area for families and groups. Located conveniently
beside the road, it is about 30 minutes from Hapao or an hour from
Banaue.
Ifugao Native House
The Ifugao Native House has a unique
outlook and special features. It is built using pre-fabricated
materials, which requires no nails and no metal fasteners. The house is
easy to assemble and disassemble, but can withstood heavy rains and
typhoon as well. Inside the house is cool when summer and hot during
cold season.
Nahtoban Caves
Located at Boliwong, Lagawe about 20
minutes drive fromtown center of Lagawe, the caves are located in one
single mountain having 3 different entrances. Natural treasures
underneath are awaiting to be explored and discovered by the
adventurous type.
Bangaan Village and Rice Terraces
This village and wave-shaped rice
terraces show the preserved Ifugao land management system. A 15 minutes
trek from the road to the village will expose tourists on the
traditional and cultural practices of the community. Bangaan is 45
minutes from Banaue town center.
Magat Dam
Built in the 1970s during the Marcos
regime, this dam is said to be one of the biggest in Asia. It is
located 25km from town center of Alfonso Lista. Magat Dam is perfect
for fishing and boating activities. Its wide picnic grounds and
peaceful and refreshing environment provides an ideal place for
vacations.
Mayoyao Rice Terraces
Provides an astonishing view of the
villages and hamlets of Mayoyao. The dikes of the terraces are tiered
with flat stones making it unique from the rest in the province. Houses
are built along the terraces using the indigenous Ifugao architectural
design of the Ayangan tribe. Mayoyao is located 44km from Banaue, and
also declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site together with Banaue,
Kiangan and Hungduan villages.
Mount Napulawan
This is the 2nd highest peak in the
province towering to 2,298ft above sea level. The breathtaking
sceneries along the steep trails coupled with the sight of the
preserved flora and fauna provides an interesting challenge to mountain
climbers. Also, one can experience an optical illusion at the peak at
certain times of the day.
Historically, Mount Napulawan was the last refuge of the Japanese
Imperial Army led by General Tomoyuki Yamashita during World War II.
Access to this mountain is a matter of 5-6 hours from Poblacian,
Hungduan or 8-9 hours from Hapao.
Mount Amuyao
This is the 8th highest peak in
Philippines with an elevation of 2,628 meters (8,865ft) above sea
level. It provides the climber the magnificient panorama of the
Cordillera Mountain Ranges. Legend says that the first Ifugao couple,
Bugan and Wigan took refuge to this mountain during the 40 days deluge
that inundated the province. It is located between the boundary of
Banaue and Mayoyao, Ifugao and Barlig, Mountain province.
Ifugao Cultural Festivals
All the eleven municipalities of Ifugao
are celebrating their distinct cultural festivals that strengthen the
continued practice of the rich and diverse Ifugao culture and
traditions. The festivals provide an opportunity for guests to
participate in celebrating an ancient but still prevailing culture.
Generally, the festivals highlight the Ifugao native music and dances,
display of arts and crafts, ethnic games, rituals, and display of
interesting Ifugao products. Likewise, it is the time for the guests to
taste the best of Ifugao "Baya" (rice wine) which is made from native
Ifugao rice varieties and are originally preduced.
|
Event |
Date |
|
Tungoh ad Hungduan |
April 17-19 |
|
Imbayah ad Banaue |
April (every 3 years) |
|
elleng di Tinec |
2nd week of April |
|
Rambakan ti Lamut |
2nd week of April |
|
Kulpi ad Lagawe |
3rd week of April |
|
Gotad ad Hingyon |
3rd week of April |
|
Igkhumtad ad Majawjaw |
3rd week of April |
|
Kulpi ad Asipolo |
3rd week of April |
|
Igkhumtad ad Aguinaldo |
3rd week of April |
|
Urpih ad Banaue |
3rd week of April |
|
Ammung ad Alfonso Lista |
May 11 |
|
Gotad ad Kiangan |
May 1 |
|
Gotad ad Ifugao (Ifugao Provincial Grand
Festival) |
June 18 |
|
Victory day Celebration |
September 2 |
|