Batad Rice Terraces
The first part of our trip included a visit to the famous Batad rice terraces. These are a must-see for anyone visiting the Philippines.
These terraces—or “stairs to the sky”—were built approximately 2,000 years ago by the Ifugao tribe, who used only their bare hands and other simple tools. No wonder the terraces are known as the “8th Wonder of the World!”
We had a tour guide who led us on LONG hike to see the rice terraces and the other attractions of the Batad village. The first part of the trail was fairly smooth and easy. But once we reached the viewpoint of the rice terraces, the trail consisted of very steep steps as we weaved around the rice terraces and through the small village.
It was very interesting to hike through the quaint, secluded Batad village and hear the locals singing in the small church building, see handfuls of chickens and small pigs roaming beneath the raised houses, observe the rice drying in the rice huts, and watch a local man sifting rice.
We probably looked like a sight as we carefully and slowly made our way across the narrow walls of the rice terraces, while the local children basically ran across them with such ease! Seeing we had our cameras, our tour guide informed us that if we wanted to capture the Batad villagers on photo, they would want to receive some pesos. (According to what our our guide told us, their going rate was about 20 pesos per photo) :-)
Looking back on the trip, our whole family agreed that the Batad rice terraces were the best part. The weather was wonderful. The scenic views were beautiful. And it was the long, hard hike that enhanced our appreciation and thrill of seeing this 8th Wonder of the World.
This reminded us of how God works in our lives. Sometimes He takes us through challenges or tough experiences so that we may learn an important lesson as well as to know Him more. And when we look back at the challenge, we will appreciate the journey even more as we see the wonderful rewards of enduring to the end.
The first part of our trip included a visit to the famous Batad rice terraces. These are a must-see for anyone visiting the Philippines.
These terraces—or “stairs to the sky”—were built approximately 2,000 years ago by the Ifugao tribe, who used only their bare hands and other simple tools. No wonder the terraces are known as the “8th Wonder of the World!”
We had a tour guide who led us on LONG hike to see the rice terraces and the other attractions of the Batad village. The first part of the trail was fairly smooth and easy. But once we reached the viewpoint of the rice terraces, the trail consisted of very steep steps as we weaved around the rice terraces and through the small village.
Watch your step!:-)
It was very interesting to hike through the quaint, secluded Batad village and hear the locals singing in the small church building, see handfuls of chickens and small pigs roaming beneath the raised houses, observe the rice drying in the rice huts, and watch a local man sifting rice.
We probably looked like a sight as we carefully and slowly made our way across the narrow walls of the rice terraces, while the local children basically ran across them with such ease! Seeing we had our cameras, our tour guide informed us that if we wanted to capture the Batad villagers on photo, they would want to receive some pesos. (According to what our our guide told us, their going rate was about 20 pesos per photo) :-)
Can you find us? :-)
After trekking through the terraces, our tour guide led us down around the other side of the mountain to view the beautiful Tappiya Waterfalls. This part of the hike consisted of very steep stone steps, but the view was worth it! The beauty and coolness of the waterfall lured all of us to hike further down to the basin and wade in the cool, clean water.
The view was enchanting. We sat there for a moment watching the surrounding vegetation sway in unison from the breeze created by the waterfall and the mist covered the area.
We could have stayed down there for hours wading in the water, but we knew that we needed to start hiking back if we wanted to be back at the hotel by nightfall. The hike back was the hardest part. Climbing the seemingly endless steep stone steps from the waterfall back to the beginning of the trail basically drained us of our remaining energy. :-) Our legs felt like noodles by the end the time we finally reached the end of the trail and sat down in the Jeepney.
Yet all of us were so thrilled to have the opportunity to see the rice terraces, even if it took 5 + hours of hiking. :-)
Vigan
The second half of our trip included a visit to the town of Vigan. Our family has been anxiously awaiting the chance when we would visit this town. Vigan is an old Spanish colonial town that was established in the 16th century. It was one of the few towns that was saved from the destruction of WWII.
Although most of Vigan still has the Spanish architectural influence, only a small portion of the town has been designated and is truly preserved for tourism. This area is called Heritage Village of Vigan. We enjoyed strolling Heritage Street shopping for Spanish antiques and riding around Vigan in a kaleca (a horse-drawn buggy). In many places around town, we saw the famous capiz windows. (Capiz is a shell found in the Philippines.)
Rest of the Trip
After Vigan we began our long drive back to Angeles City. Driving through the small towns along the way lengthened our trip, but it also gave us additional opportunities to snap more photos of the Philippines.
The Filipinos can be so friendly! Several times when we would stop to take pictures of things, they would wave their hands and say, “Over here! Over here!” The reason? They also wanted to be in the picture too! :-)
Well, this post is very getting long and you may be getting tired of reading…but there is just so much to say! Since a picture is worth a thousand words, we will spare you more reading by including a link to more pictures of our trip. (Just click here for more pictures)
The view was enchanting. We sat there for a moment watching the surrounding vegetation sway in unison from the breeze created by the waterfall and the mist covered the area.
We could have stayed down there for hours wading in the water, but we knew that we needed to start hiking back if we wanted to be back at the hotel by nightfall. The hike back was the hardest part. Climbing the seemingly endless steep stone steps from the waterfall back to the beginning of the trail basically drained us of our remaining energy. :-) Our legs felt like noodles by the end the time we finally reached the end of the trail and sat down in the Jeepney.
Yet all of us were so thrilled to have the opportunity to see the rice terraces, even if it took 5 + hours of hiking. :-)
Vigan
The second half of our trip included a visit to the town of Vigan. Our family has been anxiously awaiting the chance when we would visit this town. Vigan is an old Spanish colonial town that was established in the 16th century. It was one of the few towns that was saved from the destruction of WWII.
Although most of Vigan still has the Spanish architectural influence, only a small portion of the town has been designated and is truly preserved for tourism. This area is called Heritage Village of Vigan. We enjoyed strolling Heritage Street shopping for Spanish antiques and riding around Vigan in a kaleca (a horse-drawn buggy). In many places around town, we saw the famous capiz windows. (Capiz is a shell found in the Philippines.)Rest of the Trip
After Vigan we began our long drive back to Angeles City. Driving through the small towns along the way lengthened our trip, but it also gave us additional opportunities to snap more photos of the Philippines.
The Filipinos can be so friendly! Several times when we would stop to take pictures of things, they would wave their hands and say, “Over here! Over here!” The reason? They also wanted to be in the picture too! :-)Well, this post is very getting long and you may be getting tired of reading…but there is just so much to say! Since a picture is worth a thousand words, we will spare you more reading by including a link to more pictures of our trip. (Just click here for more pictures)
Looking back on the trip, our whole family agreed that the Batad rice terraces were the best part. The weather was wonderful. The scenic views were beautiful. And it was the long, hard hike that enhanced our appreciation and thrill of seeing this 8th Wonder of the World.
This reminded us of how God works in our lives. Sometimes He takes us through challenges or tough experiences so that we may learn an important lesson as well as to know Him more. And when we look back at the challenge, we will appreciate the journey even more as we see the wonderful rewards of enduring to the end.
"Blessed is the man that endureth [adversities]: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him." James 1:12.
1 comment:
Great pictures!! Especially the waterfall pictures are spectacular! Looking forward to seeing you soon...
The Herter Family
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