Banaue Rice Terraces
Banaue, Philippines
Is it really possible to grow rice on mountain sides?
The Banaue rice terraces were actually carved out that way by Ifugao tribes people over 2000 years ago! They obviously didn't have all the modern equipment that we have nowadays.
How in the world could they have accomplished this amazing feat?
And why would they do that?
Scroll down to see many beautiful awesome and very detailed incredible photos of these remarkable achievements!
Please read on...
Plaque at Banaue Rice Terraces Viewpoint
Banaue Rice Terraces, an engineering miracle!
You have to see it to believe it!
They were carved out of the mountains to provide a level ground so that the natives could plant rice. Incredibly they are still in use even now!!
They were finally declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995
Banaue rice terraces stretch like stepping stones to the sky - some reaching an altitude of 1500m or more. I have seen them myself (in Banaue), they are awesome --REALLY--! Yes, it's really amazing.
(photo courtesy of: "Storm Crypt" on Flickr)
It is considered as one of mankind's greatest engineering feats. If the terraces were laid end to end, apparently they would stretch half way around the world.
One of the major attractions of the Banaue rice terraces to the local and international tourists, are the many hiking trails in the area. There are many young locals, mostly college students who serve as guides. But with or without a guide, you will find the friendliness and warmth of the Ifugao people endearing. The trip to get there from Manila is basically an eight hour (nightmare) drive,
depending on your driver!
The Banaue Rice Terraces, unfortunately, are now showing signs of erosion. Some areas need maintenance because some of the new generation Ifugaos are migrating to the cities looking for better opportunities (who can blame them for wanting a higher standard of living). That given, the terraces still never fails to awe the traveler, they are really quite something to see with your own eyes.
Aside from Banaue rice terraces, nearby are 4 other similar Ifugao terraces:
BATAD rice terraces.
(photo courtesy of: "NG71" on Flickr)
Also located in Banaue, it is home to the spectacular tiered, amphitheatre-shaped terraces.
MAYOYAO rice terraces
(photo courtesy of: "fotobumbong" on Flickr)
is similarly situated in Banaue. The organic Ifugao rice called Tinawon, in red and white variety, is harvested here in abundance.
HAPAO rice terraces.
(photo courtesy of: "Timmok" on Flickr)
Its stone-walled rice terraces date back to 650 AD and is located in Hungduan, where Napulawan terraces can also be found.
KIANGAN rice terraces.
(photo courtesy of: "MVI" on Flickr)
It is home to two famous rice terraces sites namely: Nagacadan and Julungan, known for their size and visual impact.
Banaue rice terraces, although a bit far from Manila is one of the most awesome destinations in the Philippines. Visitors never regret spending time and resources to see its beauty and grandeur. One cannot but ponder how the Ifugaos made it all using just their muscle power and simple tools...wow!
Actual Banaue Rice Terraces!
Great video showing the Banaue Rice Terraces - Long (7-1/2 minutes) but worth a look...
If you can't go there to see them for yourself, this is the next best thing! Excellent video.
Banaue Videos - This selection is automatically updated quite often.
Please click on video to watch
...and rate them!Useful Banaue Links - Banaue
- Banaue Rice Terraces, Philippines - Travel Info
The Ifugao Rice Terraces: The 8th wonder of the world. Carved on the mountain side by hand, an engineering marvel and a UNESCO World Heritage Site . - The Banaue Rice Terraces
Banaue Batad rice terraces of the Philippines - Banaue Rice Terraces - Forgotten Wonders
Banaue rice terraces are referred as the eight wonder of the world. Banaue rice terraces were built by applying extraordinary efforts. - Banaue Rice Terraces, Ifugao
Compilation of Philippine Treks, Tourist Destinations and GPS Waypoints! - Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras - UNESCO World Heritage Centre
UNESCO info... - banaue rice terraces on Flickr - Photo Sharing!
Flickr is almost certainly the best online photo management and sharing application in the world. Show off your favorite photos to the world, securely and privately show photos to your friends and family, or blog the photos you take with a cameraphon - 2000 Year Old Terraces Carved By Hand | The Thinking Blog ~ Knowledge Grows When Shared!
Knowledge Grows When Shared! The Thinking Blog is more than just a frequently-updated source of amusing facts and interesting information. It is a stream of consciousness intended to be succinct and thought provoking. A cornucopia of eclectic topics. - Banaue, home of incredible Rice Terraces
Online resources on culture, people, history, geography and climate of the Philippines. With informative dining, entertainment and travel guides, forums, maps and best places to visit. - Philippine Independence Day Celebration - Northeast USA - PIDC, Inc.
The Philippine Independence Day Commemoration - Banaue guide - tips by travel authority Howard Hillman
Read my impartial Banaue Rice Terraces guide to learn candid tips on this Philippines wonder. My candid Banaue Rice Terraces guide gives you info you need to know. View photo.
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