Philippines

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Banaue

Ancient rice terraces in the Cordilleras

Visa & entry checker Plan a trip to Banaue Plan a trip around Philippines

Best time to visit: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Aug, Nov, Dec
Currency: PHP
Time zone: UTC+8
Country: Philippines

Photo: CEphoto, Uwe Aranas, CC BY-SA 3.0

Banaue is a mountain town in Ifugao province, northern Luzon, famous for the Ifugao Rice Terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Cultural Treasure. Visitors come to hike among the 2,000-year-old terraces, visit Batad and Bangaan, and experience Ifugao culture.

Largest cities

Quezon City
Manila
Davao City
Cebu City
Zamboanga City

Quick facts

Figures are rounded recent official estimates.

Country: Philippines
Capital: Manila
Town population: 20,143
Population of Philippines: 112.7M
Country area: 343,448 km²
Official language: English
Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP) · 1 USD ≈ 62.87 PHP
Time zone: UTC+8
Calling code: +63
Drives on the: Right
Elevation: 1,050 m
Plugs: A / B / C · 220V
Emergency numbers: 911
Best time to visit: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Aug, Nov, Dec

Temperatures through the year

Average daily high and low for each month in °C. Months marked with a drop are often rainy.

Temperatures through the year

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High	20°	21°	23°	25°	26°	26°	25°	25°	25°	24°	23°	21°
Low	16°	16°	16°	17°	18°	19°	19°	18°	18°	18°	18°	17°

Best time to visitOther months

Approximate daily cost

Per adult per day: food, local transport and half a double room, without activities or flights.

ConservativeSimple stays, free and low-cost sights first.$23
HighComfortable hotels, a balanced mix of sights and trips.$50
LuxuryLuxury hotels, more paid experiences and day trips.$95

Plan a trip to Banaue

Top things to do

Free
Banaue Rice Terraces Main Viewdeck
See the iconic terraces from the main viewpoint, open 24 hours and free; go early for clear skies.
- Half day
- Banaue Rice Terraces Viewpoint area
- Good for kids
Free
Batad Rice Terraces Trek
Hike to the amphitheater-like Batad terraces, a UNESCO site; bring water and wear sturdy shoes.
- Full day
- Batad
Free
Bangaan Rice Terraces
Visit a traditional Ifugao village surrounded by terraces, part of the UNESCO inscription.
- Half day
- Bangaan
- Good for kids
≈ $1
Banaue Museum
Small museum with Ifugao artifacts, attire and handicrafts; open 7AM–4PM, ₱50 entry.
- Half day
- Poblacion (town center)
- Good for kids
- Indoors
≈ $2
Museum of Cordilleran Sculpture
Collection of over 1,000 carved Bululs, masks and textiles; check if reopened as it was temporarily closed.
- Half day
- Poblacion (town center)
- Indoors
≈ $1
Banaue Ethnic Village and Pine Forest Resort
Pine forest resort with picnic areas and pools; ₱50 entry, good for a relaxed afternoon.
- Half day
- Poblacion (town center)
- Good for kids
Free
Hot Spring near Hungduan
Geothermal hot spring by a river, reached by walking across rice terraces; arrange locally.
- Half day
- Bangaan
Free
Banaue Welcome Arch
Photo stop with sweeping views and small shops; free and open 24 hours.
- Half day
- Hingyon
- Good for kids
- Good in the evening

Before you go

Entry and visas

Many nationalities, including UK and most EU, US, Indian and Latin American visitors, can enter the Philippines visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism, but rules vary by passport and some nationalities need an e-visa or a visa from a Philippine embassy. All travellers must register on the e-travel system within 72 hours before arrival and show the QR code, and passports must be valid for at least 6 months beyond arrival. Check your own nationality's rules on the official Philippine e-visa site or with the Bureau of Immigration before booking.

Official website

From the airport

The nearest airport is in Manila (NAIA), about 9–10 hours by overnight bus to Banaue; buses like Ohayami Trans and Coda Lines run from Manila and Quezon City. From Baguio or Sagada, buses and jeepneys also connect via Bontoc or Solano.

Getting around

Jeepneys and tricycles are readily available around town, and vans with drivers can be hired for trips to the terraces and nearby villages.

Local tips

Bring cash: there are no ATMs in Banaue, and the nearest reliable ones are in Lagawe or Solano.
Pack warm clothing for the bus and evenings, as mountain temperatures drop to around 16°C.
Pay the ₱50 environmental fee at the Municipal Tourism Office on arrival.
Avoid the rainy months of July, September and October if you plan to hike the terraces.

Areas worth knowing

Batad
Bangaan
Hingyon
Poblacion (town center)
Banaue Rice Terraces Viewpoint area

Official travel advice

The UK Foreign Office last updated its advice for this country on July 15, 2026. The advice includes warnings against travel to some areas. Read it before booking.

Read the advice on GOV.UK