The Philippines with a Backpack: Batad as the "8. Wonder of the Ancient World."
Batad, the hidden ancient treasure
One of our stops during our travels through the Philippines was at the village of Batad, which is totally separated from civilization. 3 km from my final destination we were given farewell by our driver of a tricycle, or Jeepney, which is the most common means of transport in the Philippines. We have to continue on our own tho feet. I have the time to clear my head and soak up some of the local atmosphere. We are going through bizarre rock formations bearing the tooth of the time, through tropical jungle until suddenly we find ourselves at the very top of Batad. Before us opens up perhaps the most luxurious view of rice fields, small houses and the green mountains. This unique sight was also recognised by UNESCO which included the total of five most beautiful terraces (Batad, Bangaan, Mayoyao, Hungduan and Nagacadan) on the list of world natural heritage sights.
A place where there is no signal. Happiness for some, disaster for others.
Yes, Batad is a place of genuine, luxurious peace. If there is a place where you can forget everything, it is here. Switch off your phones so as not to discharge them unnecessarily. There is no signal, try as you want. Feast your eyes on the nature here and enjoy the beauty of Batad in full gulps.
Luxurious rice number one
The painstakingly maintained field are cultivated by whole families in order to cover their annual consumption of crop number one, rice. This crop is organic and the taking of care for it employs the whole village. The work is inherited from generation to generation. It is also interesting that no new buildings are built in the village. Be sure to make the local kind people to tell you the story of rice production, it is worth it.
I also recommend a visit to the local waterfall, Tapia, which will totally refresh you. The water is luxuriously ice-cool.
I had the opportunity to cross-question the amazing owner of the Batad Transient House:
1. What is the life like in Batad?
"Life is beautiful here, but difficult. There is no wifi, if you want to make a call, you must go to the neighbouring village of Banaue. You have to order every single thing and then personally bring it."
2. How long do you live here?
"I was born here and I grew up here."
3. The most interesting thing in Batad?
"Definitely the harvest season. Every family, everyone from the village goes to the plantation, they help each other."
4. Why should people visit Batad?
"Because it belongs to the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is one of the most famous places in the whole Philippines. We have an excellent cuisine, everything is really fresh."
5. Does Batad have a specific dish?
"Yes, it is special chicken with rice."
