Banaue: A Stairway to the Sky Built by Hand
In the north of Luzon Island lies the small town of Banaue in the Ifugao province. The town is nestled on the slopes of a mountain range in the Philippine Cordilleras.
In the immediate vicinity of the town are the rice terraces, one of the region's greatest attractions. This masterpiece was built over 2,000 years ago and is considered by many to be the Eighth Wonder of the World. It has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1995.
The rice terraces appear as an endless series of steps stretching as far as the eye can see. The fields begin at an altitude of 1,700 meters and upward, covering approximately 10,500 km² of the mountainside. The total length of the Banaue terraces is about 22,000 meters, with some supporting walls reaching heights of up to 6 meters.
The terraces are a handmade marvel—built stone by stone and supplied by a natural irrigation system. The local population lives in harmony with nature and preserves their traditions; therefore, the roads we are accustomed to do not exist there, nor does electricity.
The importance of the rice terraces for the survival of the local community is evidenced by the fact that the landscape is featured on the 1,000 Philippine peso banknote.
As a unique attraction and wonder, they draw a large number of tourists every year. Hiking tours along numerous trails are organized for visitors. Although smaller, but equally interesting and attractive, the nearby Batad terraces (shaped like an amphitheater), Mayoyao terraces (where red and white Ifugao rice is grown), as well as the Hapao and Kiangan terraces, are also located in the vicinity.
