The Batad Amphitheatre Trek
A 2-day hike with an overnight in a guesthouse in Batad: a spectacular view of a gigantic amphitheatre of green rice paddies and a famous Tappiya Cascades.
DAY 01: Begin the day early, driving by Jeepney past JUNCTION to BORBOR(saddle point) taking about 1 hour to reach, stopping enroute for taking in the magnificent views along the road. The trail begins with a moderate descent for about 1 hour to a viewpoint facing the amphitheatre. The lodges are located close by, high up on the terraces so stop off and leave your baggage and perhaps get a cup of coffee.
Continue carefully down a rather steep flight of concrete stairs for 40 minutes to reach the village of FUBLOY, located at the bottom of the valley. Take a moment to explore this typical village of the region, nothing but the traditional homesteads, the ancient farming implements and the village people way of life. Continue out of the village on an undulating trail that becomes a rather steep descent to reach a point commanding a great view of the TAPPIYA FALLS. A short decent from here and you’re among the pools just below the falls. This is an ideal swimming spot and time to take a break for lunch… so while this is being prepared, dive in to the pools!!
There’s an alternative trail back to lodges, ascending a stone stairway for about an hour before reaching a trail between the terraces. Walk along this, ascending moderately for approximately 30 minutes to reach your lodge. Relax, take a shower, have a great dinner and retire for the night.
DAY 02: After a leisurely breakfast, begin the next part of the trip. The trail moves out of the cluster of lodges and village home descending mainly through forest. It emerges from the forest, skirting grassy hillsides then climbs to a pavilion about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Batad. A slight descent follows then the trail contours between the rice terraces, more or less level. Enter a stand of forest and reach a small grouping of village huts, charmingly situated and amazingly cool. The trail emerges from forest once more then undulates between the hills. Walk once more through rice paddies and a short climb to the road head at NAGGOR/LANAH. Your Jeepney will be waiting for you here, so climb in and drive 1 kilometer ahead to Bangaan. The final part is idle your time gazing or take photo of the stunning view of the Bangaan Village and Rice Terraces and after drive about 1 hour 15 minutes into Banaue.