I took the 9PM night bus from Manila to Banaue. The trip took 9 hours with 3 stops. We arrived in Banaue at 7:00AM. We took the Ohayami bus because they have an online booking system, next time however I will try the newer bus companies.
Manila to Banaue bus companies:
Ohayami P460
Coda Lines P460
Dangwa Bus (DeLuxe Bus) P520
Tip: Upon arriving in Banaue, there is a free jeepney shuttle from the terminal to the Tourism Center.
Fix your return tickets when you arrive as the buses tend to fill quickly. If you have no reservations you might get assigned an aisle seat. That would be an ordeal!
The Banaue Tourism Center arranged our Batad day tour:
Tricycle (for 3 people) to Saddle P1000
Guide (for whole group) P1200
Tip: Some tricycle drivers can also act as guides so you won’t need to pay double.
From the Saddle, the road down to Batad is already paved. It cuts trekking time by more than half, but removes that “sense of adventure”. The motor bike can take you down but you need to walk back up the cement road or find a vehicle to get back to the Saddle. Then it is another 1 to 2 hours trek to the terraces. The trek down to Batad Village and the waterfalls can be a bit more physically challenging.
Where to eat in Batad: Batad Pension and Restaurant
BANAUE TOWN:
The hostels allow early check-in because most buses arrive in the morning.
Department of Tourism Accredited Hostels
We stayed at Spring Village Hotel close to the bus station. It doesn’t have the hostel vibe and is a bit pricier. I didn’t mind paying a little extra for a clean room with a private bath and hot shower. If you have a car, they are one of the few establishments with parking.
Places to eat in Banaue town : Las Vegas, Sanafe, Café Jam, Halway Lodge, Banaue Hotel
Bars: Reggae, Tavern
NOTE: There is a 10 PM curfew in town
Tricycle to get around town P10
Tricycle to Viewpoint P200 (*do not miss for great pictures)
Guihos Hot Spring
Hapao Rice Terraces
Banaue Museum
Market day – Saturdays
Mayoyao Rice Terraces
Tam-an Village
Poitan Village