Batad Rice Terraces is a picturesque sight that you can’t afford to miss during your trip in Banaue, Ifugao. It’s been visited by tourists across the globe—including an alien from another planet called Thanos. For those who are not yet aware, he’s the main villain in the movie Avengers: Infinity War. This already popular landmark has received greater prominence after it was chosen to be a setting in this movie. A blockbuster hit which earned more than 2 billion dollars worldwide.
You can’t blame the movie directors (Russo Brothers) for picking this location because of its grand and perplexing appearance. It looks one of a kind and out of this world that they literally labeled it a place from another planet in the movie. Watching the film made me more eager to visit the place so I can look for him myself. Thanos’ imposing size and Batad’s massive mountains looks perfectly balanced, as all things should be. Standing in the middle of the rice terraces will make you feel like Ant-Man in a stack of giant pancakes. We hope to see more of Batad Rice Terraces in the sequel of Avengers: Infinity War next year.
Getting to Batad Rice Terraces
Getting here is not a laughing matter so brace yourselves. We hired a tricycle to get us here and it took us 1 hour of a dizzying and scary ride because of squiggly roads and high cliffs. Half-way through, we stopped to take a picture of the smaller rice terraces along the way. We thought that it was already a relief when we got down the tricycle but we were wrong. We had to walk down the rice terraces on a much terrifying path. You will see in the pictures below that we had our guide “Alvin” assist our son in crossing a narrow cliff without rails. We didn’t see this coming and it reminded me of how we asked him if the trip would be safe for kids. He casually said that it’s fine like it was nothing and got us all convinced.
It’s a relief that only a few sections of the way have those perilous paths. Our guide then took us in one part of the residential area where there’s a view deck. That spot has the best view of the Batad Rice Terraces that’s why tourists are lining up to have a photo op there. After getting our chance to take pictures in that view deck, our guide told us that we can go to the next attraction. Since I want to have a better feel of the rice terraces, I asked him if we can go down and explore the rice terraces further. He hesitantly said that we can if that’s what we really like. I recommend getting a bit assertive to your tour guide when you reach this part of the tour if you want to make the most out of your trip.
Extra walk
As agreed, we continued to walk down the steep path. We’ve used the stairs made out carved soil and stones. It seemed close already but it still took us another 15-20 minutes. Along the way, we’ve seen several stores where you can stop by for a drink. We also came across a souvenir shop but they’re not allowing visitors to take pictures of their displays. As we were getting closer, our guide stopped for a drink from one of the springs just beside the bridge. The locals placed hoses where there are spring waters so that everyone can conveniently use them for a drink or store water.
Getting Around Batad Rice Terraces
After a long and tiring walk, we were able to finally take a few steps on the rice terraces. Looking down below, I can say that you still can’t underestimate the narrow path here. They’re less steep but still high enough to cause a bad injury. We were still careful and on guard all the time as we continue to explore the rice terraces.
Batad Rice Terraces’ beauty took away our fatigue and made me sigh that is was all worth it. Like what Thanos said, “This puts a smile on my face!” It was around 11:30 AM in the morning but it never felt that hot because of the fresh cold breeze blowing at us. We went in even further to have a closer look and feel of what it’s like to be at the center of the terraces. An afternoon nap in a hammock under a nearby tree would have been ideal but our time is short.
The sweet smell of fresh plants along with the sound of nature coming from the birds, breeze and the spring’s flowing water is really relaxing. I can feel raw energy getting absorbed by my body in this enchanting paradise. Getting yourself immersed in nature and its beauty is truly a wonderful experience.
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