VIEWPOINT BANNER

These rice fields, considered the ^8th wonder of the world and classified by Unesco, are 2,000 years old. They are the oldest rice fields in the world. The Viewpoint offers the best panorama on these terraces which rise like steps to the sky. Ifugaos are there in traditional costume and take pictures of tourists for a fee (give 30 PHP if you don't mind this "good exchange"). Go down a few steps and advance to the end of the first rice fields, the view is all the more impressive.

A site of rare beauty, in danger. The site and the view are absolutely grandiose and of a rare beauty. But when you see the rice fields of Batad or Hapao, those of Banaue are very impressive. In fact, there are almost no real rice fields left: some have been transformed into vegetable gardens, others are still devoted to rice cultivation and the majority have fallen into disuse and are covered with grass. This abandonment is explained by the fact that the farmers are getting older, most of them have already passed away and the new generations have neither the desire nor the time to take care of them, they are studying and have other ambitions. It is necessary to understand them, the work in the rice fields is grueling (planting, harvesting, maintenance of the low walls, irrigation systems, heat, physical effort, loads to carry). However, they are aware that this exceptional landscape is a major tourist site and that they therefore need it. They are waiting for the government and UNESCO to take measures to preserve it.