Sagada Chronicles: Descending the Steps to Heaven

The day is unwinding and the light of the sun is descending down the glorious rice terraces in Mt. Province. Piece by piece the night whittles away the time we have left in Sagada. Our group decided to make a side trip to Banaue to see the Rice Terraces UNESCO Heritage Site.

Banaue Rice Terraces

The trip from Sagada to Banaue lasted somewhere between 2-3 hours. Everything in Mt. Province seems to be hours apart but the trip was definitely worth it just for the view. We passed Bayyo Rice Terraces first before we went to the majestic Banaue Rice Terraces.

Bayyo Rice Terraces

The smaller rice terraces were still a sight to behold. After taking a few photos, we went to Banaue.

Banaue Rice Terraces

Banaue Rice Terraces

Banaue Rice Terraces

Banaue Rice Terraces

Visitors can take pictures from the Banaue view deck and bask in the glory of the famous Banaue Rice Terraces. Visitors can also buy souvenirs and food in the shops in the area. There are also natives in traditional dress whenever you want to take photos with them. We didn't have time to hike the terraces so we just took a bunch of pictures. There are also traditional head dresses and statues that visitors can use for their pictures. There were also children and locals that walked and sat on the the rails of the view deck like it was nothing.

The way to travel in Banaue

I saw a local riding this thing in Banaue too bad I wasn't able to get a photo.
The rice terraces is deteriorating by the minute because of the trash and lack of maintenance in the area. The government should do their part to preserve this very beautiful place. After viewing the rice terraces, we headed back home to Manila.
 
I will definitely return to Banaue and Sagada in the future.Thanks to Project Dora for this amazing trip!