Banaue Attractions

Banaue is located at the foot of Mt. Amuyao, the highest peak in the area. It is bordered in the south by the municipality of Hingyon, north by Mt. Province and in the east by the municipality of Hungduan.

The geography of the region is formed by mountains, forests, ravines, waterfalls, rivers and streams. Banaue Rice Terraces is the most popular sight of the destination. These are designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, since 1995. The terraces establish the technical expertise and ingenuity of the Ifugaos. Trekking through the terraces is highly popular.

Another popular sightseeing in Banaue is the Tappiya Waterfalls, which is a popular picnic spot. Another popular picnic spot in Banaue is the Guihob Natural Pool.  The water of the pool is also apt for swimming. A visit to the Gohang Mummified Couple can provide one with an insight into the way the people of Ifugao preserved their dead.

Another popular sight in Banaue is the village of Poitan. One can see the traditional crafts of the weavers, carvers and blacksmiths at this village. To get a glimpse into the lifestyle of the Ifugaos, one can visit the Bocos village. At this village, one can see a cluster of houses having skulls of animals. The Museum of Cordillera Sculpture is a privately owned museum in Banaue that has a vast collection of rare antiques and historic artefacts.

Adventure enthusiasts can enjoy varied activities in Banaue, including mountain climbing and trekking. Tourists can also indulge in camp-fire chats and indoor cosseting at the lodges. Mt. Amuyao provides some of the most challenging climbs. One can also swim in the crystal clear water of the Guihob Natural Pool and the basin of the Tappiya Waterfalls. These two sights are also ideal for a picnic.

In Banaue, one can find many inns and restaurants serving traditional Filipino delicacies like Lechon, Longaniza, Torta, Pan de sal and Kalderetang Kambing. In Buffet Breakfast at the hotels, Longaniza is served, along with tomatoes, cucumber and fried rice. Pork Sinigang is also popular with food lovers. Some of the restaurants and lodges overlooking the terraces also serve western foods like pizza and burgers.

Souvenir hunting for ethnic products and woodcarvings is another popular attraction of the destination. Banaue Viewpoint contains many souvenir shops selling hand-carved curio items and woven fabrics. From the Bangaan Village, one can shop for carved wooden items made by Ifugaos.

Tourists visiting the destination in the month of April can become a part of the Imbayah festival. The three-day Ifugao tribal gathering celebrates Ifugao culture, rice planting and the harvest. Tourists can view the national dance performed by tribal dancers wearing traditional gear.

After a day of touring Banaue, one can head towards Batad, which is famous for its stone walled rice terraces. An excursion can also be taken to Bontoc and Sagada from  Banaue.