Lost World of Batad

When I prepared for this trip, I read a blog, assuming that what they wrote there was accurate. I planned according to that blog and alas, my expectations did a double dive! The blog said nothing about certain aspects of the trip. So, here is my share in helping you reader plan a better trip for Batad.

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT BATAD

1. Book your trip to Banaue in advance. You can book via Auto Bus or Florida Bus Lines. They have their terminals in Quezon City. It is a 12-hour drive from Manila to Banaue.

2. When you get to Banaue, contact Jun Binalit for an advance booking to Ramon's Homestay. They will coordinate a vehicle for your 1-hour drive to Saddle Point. They will make sure that you safely get to your destination. 09082554657

If you decide to go to Saddle point via commute, you have to catch the daily Batad jeepney at 2:00 pm at the town proper. Fare is 150 pesos per person. If you come in a group of 6 to 8 persons, it is easier to hire an van at 2500 pesos. Of course the public transport will always be cheaper. The only positive thing to look forward to a hired van is that you are not time constricted to meet transport schedules.

3. Saddle Point is where all the vehicle stop and the visitors trek down to Batad. When you contact Jun Binalit, he will also coordinate a guide for your trek to and from Batad. A guide will cost you from 300 to 500 pesos for inexperienced ones. 800 to 1200 pesos for experienced guides. DON'T GET GUIDES FROM BANAUE. They will greet you when you get off the bus and tail you until you see your contacts. They will have triple the amount of the guide fee from Batad. And they don't guide you in Batad. They guide you until Saddle Point only.

4. Get your knees and legs ready for a 1-hour plus trek down to Batad. The trail is very a bit narrow. but it's of a comfortable width with the cliff on the other side, the mountain face on the other. Always get the most out of the huts on the side of the road. They are there so that you can catch your breath and wipe away all the sweat you may have produced. Take advantage of them.

5. When you get to Ramon's homestay, rest until the following day before you decide to go to Tapiya Falls. Tapiya Falls is another hour trek down the mountain side. It's good to start early the following day like around 8 am. Order something from Irene (the Binalit House cook) for your lunch and enjoy the water until 2:00 pm so you can start your trek back to base before rainfall or sundown. (Keep in mind that IT ALWAYS RAINS IN BATAD) It's okay to bring an umbrella.

6. Rest another night in Ramon's Homestay and rest your limbs. You have to have prime energy when you start your trek up to Saddle Point again in the morning. If you want public transport back to Banaue, you have to be at Saddle Point by 9 am. The jeepney leaves when it is full or if not, leaves at 9:30 am.

7. Upon reaching Banaue, you can have several options:
a. Have lunch in one of the local stores or CHOWKING - Banaue
b. Go up to ViewPoint and get photos of the 1000-peso bill shot of the Rice Terraces
c. Whatever else you may think of doing

Batad is a wonderful place, a magical place you can say. It never grows old, it leaves an everlasting imprint in your mind. The people are so gentle and accommodating. I think the legendary Filipino hospitality was preserved in Banaue and Batad. I want to go back