CALABARZON emerges as a magnet for domestic travel

Tourism as PH’s major economic driver

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The Philippine delegation produced more than PHP 80.15 million in sales leads during the four-day event, a 43 percent rise from last year’s PHP 56 million. Hosted at the Parc des Expositions in Paris recently, this event was a crucial platform for enhancing the country’s dive tourism visibility in France and throughout Europe.

The 90-square-meter Philippine Pavilion featured immersive underwater photography panels from 12 Department of Tourism (DOT)-accredited dive establishments, highlighting the country’s rich marine biodiversity, sustainability initiatives, and conservation-driven tourism programs.

Meanwhile, Southern Leyte’s Sogod Bay Dive Sites took the spotlight as the Pavilion’s Featured Destination, through the DOT Regional Office VIII, showcasing the region’s growing profile as a sustainable, conservation-oriented, and biodiversity-rich dive tourism hub.

Global Spotlight on Marine Conservation

Laurent Ballesta, an internationally renowned underwater photographer and four-time Wildlife Photographer of the Year winner, headlined the Philippine Pavilion. His exhibit showcased rare deep-sea images from his Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park expedition, taken at depths of up to 150 meters. Titled “Far from the Sky,” the display was complemented by film screenings and public talks, highlighting the Philippines’ reputation as a top dive destination and a leader in marine conservation and scientific research.

Ballesta also presented insights from his recent Gombessa Expeditions to Tubbataha, where he documented previously unseen marine species and collected groundbreaking scientific data. His acclaimed series from Pangatalan Island, focusing on reef recovery and ecosystem resilience, also premiered at the event. This highlighted the Philippines’ dedication to sustainable tourism, marine conservation, and protecting UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The Philippines regularly exhibits at the annual Paris Dive Show (Salon de la Plongée Sous-Marine), as part of the Department’s sustained market development and brand positioning strategy to expand the country’s footprint in the French and European markets, while reinforcing the country’s global identity as a diverse, world-class, sustainable, and conservation-driven dive destination.

Participating Philippine companies and agencies included Seadoors Liveaboard, Sea Explorers, Solitude Acacia Resort, Ticao Island Resort, Blue Lagoon Dive Resort, El Galleon Resort/Asia Divers, M/Y Resolute, Thalatta Resort, Casalay Boutique Villas and Dive Resort, Atmosphere Resorts& Spa, Magic Resorts Philippines, Abyssworld Philippines, Inc, Peter’s Dive Resort, and Sogod Bay Scuba Resort. Government representatives were led by Governor Manuel Sagarbarria of Negros Oriental, Provincial Tourism Executive Director Woodrow C. Maquiling, Jr., and Board Members Erwin Michael Macias, Jessica Jane Villanueva, and Bruno Bouffard, III.

In 2025, the country secured its seventh consecutive title as the World’s Leading Dive Destination at the World Travel Awards (WTA), prevailing over 12 global contenders.

Read: DOT Chief: VietJet’s inaugural Ho Chi Minh-Manila flight to boost PHL connectivity

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Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco praised this new route as a significant milestone for Philippine tourism. She highlighted the critical importance of fortifying ties with Vietnam, one of the region’s most dynamic and rapidly growing economies, paving the way for increased travel and cultural exchange between the two nations.

“We are delighted to welcome VietJet’s new direct flight, as this development aligns with the Marcos administration’s thrust to expand international connectivity and position the Philippines as a primary tourism hub in Asia,” Secretary Frasco said.

“As one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic outbound markets, Vietnam presents promising potential for tourism growth. The strengthened air links allow us to welcome more Vietnamese visitors to experience the warmth of Filipino hospitality and the beauty of our destinations,” the tourism chief added.

The inaugural flight, boasting a maximum seating capacity of 240 passengers, gracefully touched down at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 at precisely 2:50 a.m. On board were 213 eager travelers, marking a celebratory beginning to this new route. Shortly after, the return voyage departed Manila at 3:45 a.m., carrying 189 passengers excitedly heading to the vibrant city of Ho Chi Minh.

To warmly welcome arriving guests, the Department of Tourism (DOT) – National Capital Region organized a charming lei reception, complemented by an array of captivating cultural performances showcasing the Philippines’ rich heritage. The event was graced by VietJet executives, including the Director of the Commercial Division, Ha Nang Viet, as well as Assistant Terminal Manager Apolonio Mendoza and various airport officials. Adding a touch of glamour to the occasion, Miss Cosmo Philippines 2025, Chelsea Fernandez, and representatives from the DOT Office of Market Development participated in the festivities.

VietJet Airlines now proudly operates five weekly round-trip flights between the Philippines and Vietnam. Flights depart from Tan Son Nhat International Airport on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, arriving in Manila the following morning. Meanwhile, return flights from Manila embark on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays, ensuring a smooth journey back to Ho Chi Minh City within the same morning cycle.

Boosting air connectivity

The newly introduced direct flight significantly enhances the Department of Transportation’s strategic initiative to bolster the Philippines’ burgeoning presence in the outbound travel market to Vietnam. From January to November 30, 2025, the Philippines welcomed an impressive 31,085 arrivals from Vietnam, capturing a noteworthy 0.60% market share.

Presently, the vibrant cities of Manila and Cebu enjoy direct connections to bustling Ho Chi Minh City, the historic capital Hanoi, and the picturesque coastal city of Da Nang through various airlines, including the budget-friendly Cebu Pacific Air, the esteemed Philippine Airlines, and the well-established Vietnam Airlines.

The addition of the Ho Chi Minh–Manila route not only strengthens this connectivity but also enriches the Philippines’ expanding network of direct international flights. This includes the newly established service linking New Delhi and Manila via Air India, along with recently launched routes to Australia, such as the Manila–Perth and Cebu–Brisbane connections. Furthermore, travelers can now enjoy direct flights from Canada, Paris, and numerous cities across the United States, making the Philippines an increasingly accessible and attractive destination for global tourists.

“As an archipelagic nation with 7,641 islands, over 99% of Philippine international tourism is dependent on air travel. That is how important air connectivity is for us, and that is also why we continue to strengthen our air connectivity with multiple countries so that tourists have easier access and seamless travel,” Secretary Frasco said, reaffirming the Department’s commitment to ensuring robust air connectivity.

Read: Philippine delegation generates over PHP 600 million in sales leads at ITB Asia

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The three-day event gathered over 18,000 trade attendees and more than 1,500 quality buyers from across the globe to engage in business-to-business (B2B) meetings with over a thousand exhibiting companies from all sectors of the tourism value chain, including airlines, hotels, theme park attractions, tour operators, cruise lines, spas, travel technology companies, and meeting facilities.

Featuring a 171-square-meter booth adorned with capiz shells and striking visuals of famous tourist destinations, the Philippines forged meaningful partnerships and drew steady traffic from buyers across leisure, corporate, and MICE sectors. The 23 participating accredited sellers, including destination management companies, hotels, resorts, airlines, and travel & tour operators, collectively secured 842 business appointments, generating over PHP 600 million in sales leads.

“The continued interest in Philippine tourism’s offerings at ITB Asia 2025 is a reflection of the growing demand for authentic and unique experiences that meet travel expectations,” said TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles. “By engaging with highly diverse tourism players, TPB continues to build momentum and strengthen partnerships across global markets.”

On its opening day, the Philippine Ambassador to Singapore, Medardo Macaraig, visited the Philippine booth to show his support. He was welcomed by Marivic Sevilla, Acting Head of TPB’s Corporate Planning and Business Development Department, and Micaela Ochoa, Acting Head of TPB’s ASEAN and the Pacific Division. Ms. Sevilla also met with Palawan Governor Amy Roa Alvarez, whose province secured a separate booth at ITB Asia, to discuss how they can further participate in international trade and tourism fairs and increase Palawan’s global presence.

Throughout the event, the Philippines showcased a wide range of destinations and products catering to the diverse needs of leisure and corporate travel companies. MICE, adventure/sports, and beach holidays were of prime interest to ITB Asia buyers as well as destinations like Cebu, Boracay, and Palawan.

The Philippines also highlighted diving and halal tourism, underscoring TPB and its partners’ commitment to sustaining the country’s competitive position as a top tourism destination in the Asia-Pacific region.

Read: DOT welcomes PHL’s recognition as among “rising Muslim-friendly destinations” in Global Muslim Travel Index 2025

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Steadily positioning itself as a Muslim-friendly destination

 Advancing Inclusive Tourism

Read: DOT welcomes WTTC’s “record-breaking” economic tourism forecast for 2025

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Read: DOT Chief: lowering of Japan’s travel advisory affirms Mindanao is safe destination for tourists

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This follows the advisory from Japan’s Foreign Ministry easing travel to certain areas in the Philippines among its residents recently.

According to the revised classification, the Davao region, composed of Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, and Davao Occidental, was lowered from Level 2 to Level 1. These areas now join the cities of Mati, Tagum, Samal, Davao, and Digos, which remain at Level 1.

The Province of Misamis Oriental was downgraded from Level 2 to Level 1. Cagayan de Oro City, Jasaan, Villanueva, and Tagoloan have remained at Level 1.

In the Caraga Region, Surigao City, a component city of the provincial capital, was also lowered from Level 2 to Level 1, joining the Siargao Islands at Level 1.

While in the Soccsksargen region, the eastern part of Sarangani Province, which is Malungon, Alabel, Malapatan, and Glan was lowered from Level 3 to Level 2.

Level 1 travel advisory advises Japanese travelers to take extra care; Level 2 means refrain from traveling if non-essential and non-urgent; while Level 3 refrains traveling at any time.

As a response, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco shares her optimism in the lowering of the advisory levels.
“We are grateful to the Government of Japan for this downgrading of the travel advisory in parts of Mindanao. This is a significant move that attests to the improved safety and security in the region as an aim to bolster tourism not only in the usual destinations but most importantly, in the emerging and lesser-known ones. This is also a fulfillment of the formal pact we had with the Department of National Defense and the Department of the Interior and Local Government when Zamboanga City bore witness to the first-ever Mindanao Tourism Convergence last year which aims to promote the region as a peaceful and viable destination both for domestic and international travelers,” Frasco said.

The Secretary noted that it would further boost the country’s tourism revenue, with partially estimated visitor receipts accounting for P712 billion from January 01 to December 15, 2024, representing a 119 percent recovery rate from the 2019 pre-pandemic numbers.

“Allowing foreigners to visit Mindanao likewise clearly manifests that the current administration promotes an inclusive environment that fosters equal growth and opportunities for Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. With this move from Japan, we wish that other nations will follow suit as the Philippines offers so much more than our sun and beach destinations. The milestones we have achieved this year are a product of our hard work, and the arrivals of foreign guests mean jobs and livelihoods for our people. The DOT wishes to replicate, if not, surpass, those figures,” she noted.

As of December 28, 2024, Japan ranks as the third country to deliver the highest tourist arrivals into the country, with 378,935 visitors. As one of the key tourism markets of the Philippines, the DOT, through its foreign and regional offices, is working together by luring Japanese travelers to visit Mindanao in particular by promoting Davao and Siargao Island to experience its gastronomy, culture, beach, and surfing scenes. In Northern Mindanao, the Japanese are fond of golfing, swimming, and diving; some also do birdwatching.

Among the efforts being done by the DOT to bolster revenue and arrivals for the tourism industry include the launching of the Philippine Dive Experience, a new tourism program to showcase the Philippines’ unparalleled underwater landscapes and promote sustainable diving practices that benefit local communities while safeguarding the nation’s natural marine heritage, and the Philippine Experience program, a cultural tourism program also piloted under the current administration that aims to promote the Philippines’ culture, heritage, and arts through thematic and immersive tours.

Read: Philippine Department of Tourism gains back-to-back wins at GovMedia Conference & Awards 2024

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Philippine Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, who personally received the awards in a ceremony held Thursday (June 13) at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre, conveyed her gratitude for the recognition.

“In behalf of the people of the Philippines, I would like to thank Govmedia Awards for this affirmation of the vision of our President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. for tourism transformation where every journey to the Philippines provides an enhanced overall tourism experience. Through our Tourist Rest Areas, we ensure the comfort and convenience of our tourists as they visit our destinations.

Through our Filipino Brand of Service Excellence Program, every visit to the Philippines is not just enjoyable but also filled with the profound love and hospitality that sets our country apart. Thank you to our team at the Department of Tourism, TIEZA, and to all our private tourism stakeholders and partners for working with us on this transformative journey as we continue to strive for sustainability, excellence, and innovation in Philippine tourism,” said the Philippine Tourism Chief.

Frasco received the awards together with TIEZA Assistant Chief Operating Officer Joy Bulauitan and DOT-Office of Industry and Manpower Development (OIMD) Officer-in-Charge Director Arlene Alipio.

“I invite everyone to visit our nation where there are countless reasons to celebrate and love the Philippines,” added Frasco.
The TRA, a brainchild of Secretary Frasco, features the provision for clean restrooms with showers for tourists in transit to different tourist destinations. It also has a coffee shop, pasalubong and tourist information area, a charging station, and a souvenir store carrying a variety of products that are proudly made in the Philippines. It adopts the use of local materials and design elements.

With the help of the government’s tourism infrastructure arm, the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), and the DOT’s strong partnership with local government units (LGU), there have been as many as 10 TRAs built in major tourist destinations across the Philippines with more than 20 expected to be built in the coming months.

This year, new TRAs will be spread out across different tourist destinations. DOT expects to open its doors in Batanes, Pangasinan, Bulacan, Palawan, Camarines Sur, Albay, Panay Island, Tacloban City, Eastern Samar, Misamis Oriental, Tacurong City in Sultan Kudarat, Siargao in Surigao Del Norte, to Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, among others.

TIEZA is in charge of the funding and construction of the TRAs, while the DOT serves as the overall monitor and evaluator of the project as its primary concept originator, whilst the LGUs are tasked with the day-to-day operation and maintenance of the area.
The TRA brought the Philippines DOT the win in the Infrastructure Project of the Year – Tourism category while the DOT bagged the Training Program of the Year – Tourism for the FBSE training.

The FBSE training program is a game-changing initiative from DOT born out of the intention to provide excellent service to both local and international tourists visiting the Philippines. It includes one of the warm and sincere ways of welcoming tourists, the “Mabuhay and Salamat” gestures throughout their arrival and until they leave, serving guests under the seven values of Filipino hospitality where there will be an opportunity to showcase the Filipino brand of service excellence at tourist touchpoints.

Since its inception, the program has made significant strides, conducting 2,997 trainings and empowering a total of 148,710 trained stakeholders in all regions of the Philippines by the end of 2023. This monumental effort is supported by a robust network of trainers through dedicated train-the-trainer program. Presently, stakeholders from different sectors of society around the country have recognised the program and requested the DOT to conduct the FBSE to their personnel and staff.

Meanwhile, the DOT’s marketing arm, the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines also bagged the Tourism Initiative of the Year with the agency’s Chief Operating Officer Marga Nograles receiving the award together with Secretary Frasco.
The GovMedia Conference & Awards is a prestigious event that spotlights outstanding government projects and initiatives in Asia that contributes to the well-being of the people in the region.

Read: DOT brings listening tours to Middle East travel and tourism partners, positions PHL as “Muslim-friendly” destination

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On the sidelines of the opening day of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024, Secretary Frasco met with some 90 travel and tourism stakeholders from the Middle East, and thanked them for their continued support to Philippine tourism, evinced by the promising results of the country’s participation to the ATM last year.

“Coming on the heels of the very successful recently held Mindanao Expo, a flagship program of the Marcos administration that recognizes the potential of Muslim and halal tourism in Mindanao, we find ourselves here in the Middle East where we certainly share many commonalities in our culture, history. Needless to say, the Philippines and Middle Eastern countries share a multitude of cultural, historical, and religious commonalities that have shaped our nations. One prominent one is our rich Islamic heritage that evinces a deep influence that Islam has had, particularly in the southern regions of the country. The Islamic influence connects the Philippines to the broader Islamic world, including the Middle East, fostering a shared appreciation for Islamic traditions, architecture and cultural customs,” Secretary Frasco said.

The tourism chief gave an overview of the Philippine government’s tourism strategies and direction under the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., particularly in reinforcing the country’s position as an emerging muslim-friendly destination, a citation it earned during the Halal in Travel Global Summit 2023.

“Since then, we have eyed this niche market by strategically developing our Halal Tourism portfolio, offering Halal-certified dining, increasing halal accreditations, and conducting Halal awareness orientations,” the DOT chief shared.

Secretary Frasco also bared promising updates in terms of the recovery of international arrivals from the Middle East into the Philippines, noting that 2023 arrivals from UAE (419% recovery from 2019), Qatar (547,97%) and Kuwait (130%), recovered more than 100% of pre pandemic levels in 2019.

In addition to enhancing the country’s halal- and muslim-friendly tourism standards, ensuring a strong presence in the Middle East market through participation in key travel and trade events abroad, and carrying out other strategies under the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023-2028 approved by the President, Secretary Frasco noted that the DOT is actively working with its private and public sector partners in addressing developmental factors to tourism development, including enhancing air connectivity into the country.

“Being an archipelagic nation that can only be reached via air connectivity unless you take a cruise, we have worked hard with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) as well as our partners in the private sector to really increase connectivity into the country,” the DOT chief said, noting that there are already over one million seats from the region coming into the Philippines in 2023.

The Muslim travel market is poised to significantly contribute to the growth of the global tourism industry, with arrivals expected to reach 140 million by the end of 2023 and an estimated expenditure of USD 225 billion by 2028.

Middle East travel and tourism stakeholders expressed their appreciation to the DOT chief for the initiative.

“On behalf of the GCC travel agents, I would like to say thank you so much for such a detailed presentation here. I think this is the right time for you to be here because not only we welcome you here for this gathering, but we welcome you to the UAE, especially to the beautiful event of Arabian Travel Market,” Al Naboodah Travels CEO Mr. Nasir Jamal Khan said.

“What was said by you, the Philippine Tourism Minister Christina, that Qatar today has entered to be one of the major [partnership] to develop tourism, has made me proud of my country because we love the Philippines. Qatar is a major partner and we are very happy that Manila, as one of my colleagues said– is one of the best destination for muslim tourism, halal tourism. I will share about the quality of the manpower of employees from the Philippines. We are proud and my travel agent that 40% of my manpower are from the Philippines. We love the Philippines,” General Manager and Expert of Travel & Tourism of Falcon Travels Mr. Ayman Al Qudwa enthused.

The Philippines makes mark at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024

Secretary Frasco led the opening of the Philippine Pavillion at the ATM 2024 at the Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC), where she underscored the significance of the country’s participation at the event.

“I’m so happy to join all of you today at the Arabian Travel Market where the Philippines will make its mark as the Emerging Muslim-friendly Destination for 2023, and hopefully we would be able to defend that very same title especially considering all the strides that have been made by our government to prioritize Muslim travelers from this region coming into our country,” Secretary Frasco said.

Last year, the Philippine delegation to ATM 2024 generated over a Php 1 billion in sales leads. This year, the DOT and its marketing and promotions arm, the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines hope to exceed this number.

Secretary Frasco attributed the successful ATM participation of the country last year to the hardwork of the tourism stakeholders, particularly the tireless sellers who serve as “frontliners” of Philippine tourism.

Highlighting the opening of the Philippine Pavilion at the ATM 2024 is the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) led by Secretary Frasco and Megaworld Hotels and Resorts (MHR) Managing Director Cleofe C. Albiso to establish more Muslim- friendly properties in the Philippines.

“Through the signing of this memorandum of agreement all of the MegaWorld properties commit their properties to be Halal- and Muslim-friendly properties and, in addition to that, they will be our partners in furthering our country brand, Love the Philippines as well as to ensure the Filipinization of resort properties all over the country,” Secretary Frasco said.

“We know that we are looking forward to our full support and utmost cooperation and making sure that we attract and also create stronger ties in attracting our Muslim brothers and sisters, which we need so much in our country. So, I hope that this MOU is just the start, and we also entice many of our stakeholders to do the same. Secretary, you have our full commitment, and we look forward to enliven this partnership,” Albiso replied.

Under the MOU, the DOT will engage MHR as a strategic partner in carrying out initiatives, from country branding, manpower training, product development, and related programs including the 2025 National Accommodation Standards, Halal and Muslim-friendly Tourism Standards and Guidelines, Balik Bayani sa Turismo, Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA)-accredited Merchant, and the Filipino Brand of Wellness.

Also present at the MOU Signing were Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to the United Arab Emirates Alfonso Ferdinand A. Ver, Philippine Consulate General in Dubai Consul General Marford M. Angeles, TPB Philippines Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Nograles, Undersecretary Myra Paz Valderrosa-Abubakar, OIC-Undersecretary Verna Buensuceso, Assistant Secretary Maria Rica Bueno, and MHR Head of Hotel Sales and Strategic Partnership Claire D. Bernabe.

Read: How to Easily Reach Batad Rice Terraces in Banaue, Ifugao

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Batad Rice Terraces is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Philippines, located in the province of Ifugao. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Cultural Landscape that showcases the ingenuity of the indigenous people of the Cordillera region. The terraces are carved into the mountainside and are still being used for farming rice, which makes it a unique and breathtaking sight to behold.

Getting to Batad Rice Terraces can be a bit challenging, but the journey is definitely worth it. The closest town to Batad is Banaue, which is approximately 20 kilometers away. From Banaue, visitors can take a jeepney or a tricycle to the jump-off point of Batad. The ride takes about an hour and a half and is an adventure in itself, as the road is narrow and winding, with stunning views of the mountains and rice terraces along the way.

Once visitors reach the jump-off point, they will have to trek for about an hour to reach the village of Batad. The trek is not difficult, but it can be slippery and muddy, especially during the rainy season. Visitors are advised to wear comfortable shoes and bring water and snacks for the hike. Upon arrival in Batad, visitors will be rewarded with a stunning view of the rice terraces and the village, which is nestled in the middle of the terraces.

Planning Your Trip

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Batad Rice Terraces is during the dry season, which is from November to May. During this season, the weather is sunny and cool, making it perfect for outdoor activities. The rainy season, which is from June to October, can cause landslides and make the trek to the terraces more difficult. It is also important to take note of the harvest season, which typically takes place from April to May and October to November. During these months, the rice terraces are filled with lush green rice plants, making for a picturesque view.

Transportation Options

To get to Batad Rice Terraces, travelers can take a bus or van from Manila to Banaue, Ifugao. Ohayami Trans and Coda Lines are two bus companies that offer trips to Banaue. From Banaue, travelers can take a jeepney or tricycle to the saddle point. From the saddle point, it is a 30-minute hike to the Batad Rice Terraces. Alternatively, travelers can hire a van to take them directly to Batad.

Accommodation Choices

There are several accommodation choices in Batad, including hotels, hostels, and homestays. Hillside Inn, Batad Transient House, and Batad View Inn and Restaurant are popular choices for travelers. It is important to note that there are no ATMs in Batad, so travelers should bring enough cash with them. Additionally, travelers should bring their vaccination card as it may be required at some accommodations.

Trekking to Batad

Starting the Trek

To get to Batad Rice Terraces, one must trek from the Saddle Point, which is located about 12 kilometers away from Banaue Rice Terraces. The trek to Batad takes around 2-3 hours depending on one’s fitness level. It is recommended to hire a guide for the trek as it can be challenging and the trail can be confusing at times.

Before starting the trek, visitors must pay an environmental fee at the registration booth. The fee is used for the maintenance and preservation of the rice terraces and the surrounding environment.

Exploring Batad Village

Upon reaching Batad Village, visitors will be greeted by the stunning Amphitheater-like view of the rice terraces. Batad Village is a small community of the Indigenous Ifugao people who have been farming the terraces for over 2000 years. Visitors can learn about the cultural landscape and the farming practices of the Ifugao people by exploring the village and talking to the locals.

Attractions and Activities

One of the main attractions in Batad is the Tappiya Falls, which is located about 30 minutes away from the village. Visitors can trek to the waterfall and take a refreshing dip in the cool water. It is recommended to wear proper hiking shoes and bring a change of clothes for the trek.

Visitors can also explore the nearby villages of Cambulo and Pula by trekking through the rice terraces. The trek can take around 6-7 hours depending on one’s fitness level. It is recommended to hire a guide for the trek and to practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve the environment.

Overall, trekking to Batad Rice Terraces is a challenging but rewarding experience that offers visitors a glimpse into the rich culture and natural beauty of the Cordillera Region.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the transportation options from Manila to Batad Rice Terraces?

The easiest way to reach Batad Rice Terraces from Manila is to take a bus to Banaue, Ifugao, which takes around 9 hours. From Banaue, you can hire a tricycle or jeepney to take you to Batad. Alternatively, you can take a private car or van from Manila to Banaue.

Can I travel directly from Baguio to Batad Rice Terraces, and if so, how?

Yes, it is possible to travel directly from Baguio to Batad Rice Terraces. You can take a bus or van from Baguio to Banaue and then hire a tricycle or jeepney to take you to Batad.

Is there a direct route from Sagada to Batad Rice Terraces?

There is no direct route from Sagada to Batad Rice Terraces. You can take a jeepney or bus from Sagada to Bontoc and then take another jeepney or bus to Banaue. From Banaue, you can hire a tricycle or jeepney to take you to Batad.

What is the estimated travel time from Banaue to Batad?

The travel time from Banaue to Batad is around 1 hour. The road is steep and winding, so it is recommended to hire a tricycle or jeepney to take you to Batad.

Are there any accommodations available near Batad Rice Terraces for overnight stays?

Yes, there are several accommodations available near Batad Rice Terraces for overnight stays. These include homestays, guesthouses, and lodges. It is recommended to book in advance, especially during peak season.

What should I prepare for when hiking to Batad Rice Terraces?

When hiking to Batad Rice Terraces, it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for hiking. Bring enough water and snacks, as there are limited shops and restaurants in Batad. It is also recommended to bring a raincoat or umbrella, as the weather can be unpredictable.

Also Read: Top 5 Best Things to Do in Intramuros, Manila

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