Traveling without plan was the main reason why we discovered the breathtaking place of Batad. Our group planned to stay in Sagada for the entire duration of Holy Week, but due to our "negligence" to reserved rooms at least one month before holy week, we were only able to get a two night stay in Shamrock Tavern. Nevertheless, our stay in Sagada was tremendously happy and stomach fulfilling that we decided to proceed in Batad, instead of spending one night in Banaue, before our shed trip to Manila.
From Sagada, we rode a jeepney to Banaue together with a group of Japanese, a local driver offered to drive our group to Saddle point for the amount of Php 3,000.00. To minimise our expenses, we invited the group of Japanese to join us, enticing them that the rice terraces in Batad is better than Banaue.Luckily, the japanese find the word Batad as " interesting". (We later learned that there are two trips in a day travelling to Saddle point and way cheaper than Php 3k.)
From Banaue, we travelled for at least 45 minutes to one hour of rough road to Saddle Point. From there, I paid Php 10.00 for a walking stick. Based on my experience in Sagada, walking stick is a must in walking along "pilapil" or "stairs" of the mountain. We also get tourist guide for the amount of Php 800.00 which include touring the village, going to the Peak and Tappia lake. There are also available porter who are willing to carry backpacks for the amount of Php 100-150.
From Saddle point, there are two roads going down, the long cut, which is 500 meters or the short cut which is 412 steps of very steep stairs.Our group, innocently chose the short cut, and realized that the "stairs", aside from its steepness is "one person lane" only.
Accordingly, from saddle point to Batad Village is only 45 minute walk, but our group walked for about an hour or more. Along the way, there are three (3) stations that are selling souvenirs and beverages. The price of Gatorade is Php 60.00. Although, the road is rough and in some area is dangerously steep, the view is really breathtaking.
We stayed in Mang Ramon Homestay which cost our group Php 1,500.00 for one Ifugao Hut. I'm not really sure, if I am just hungry or the chicken curry really taste good, but I can tell that it was the best curry that I ever tasted. Unfortunately, most of food in Mang Ramon is processed except chicken, veggies and pizza, which accordingly the dough was made from scrath,
At night time, we were able to watch the ifugao dance for the amount of Php 3,000.00 which was divided among visitors ( who are want/willing to watch )
Early in the morning, we met our guide and started our journey to the "PEAK" . literally, it is the highest point of Rice terraces, we walked along the "pilapil" for at least an hour. But from the peak, we again had the breathtaking view of Rice Terraces.
the Peak
The "PEAK"
The beauty of Tappia Lake is not the Lake itself, or its view, but from all the hardship and " buwis buhay" that we encountered along the way. Yes, despite the sweat, muscle pain and "buwis buhay" path, i will still go back to Batad. :-)
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