Excursion de 3 jours à l'UNESCO à Banaue et Batad (visite privée en groupe de 6 voyageurs maximum)

Vagabond Pinas Review Vagabond Pinas (VGP) was recommended to my family by a Filipino cousin (pinsan) who travels often. After this trip, we intend to plan a future 2028 trip to other locations in the Philippines because: 1. VGP customized our trip to fit our timeline, trip goals, and fitness level. 2. Coordinated entire trip and detailed all inclusive and exclusive fees to fit our budget. 3. Guides were knowledgeable, friendly, and adjusted our trip according to weather, energy levels, and unforeseen events. Recommendation: Plan a rest day before going on this tour especially if you are arriving to the Philippines from overseas. The day helps with the time zone, temperature, and humidity adjustment. Our group consisted of 6 travelers ranging from 18 - 56 years old and varying fitness levels but active lifestyle and background. We had a very tight schedule for our trip to fit during this family visit to the Philippines but recommend others to take the entire 3 days / 2 nights (3D/2N). JP from VGP coordinated and customized our trip prior to our arrival to the Philippines via FB then WhatsApp. He was very responsive and flexible with customizing our tour. We finalized a private van pickup and drop off for 6 passengers. Our tour package started with a 2100 pickup in Metro Manila with Edmon (driver) and Brayan (VGP guide) followed by a 8-hour overnight drive in a 10-passenger van with 3 stops for comfort room (CR) and fuel stops. We arrived in Banaue around 0515 the following morning in time for a sunrise viewing of the Banaue rices terraces. We then went to Banaue for a Filipino breakfast before transferring to a local jeepney and meeting with Marvin (local guide). The breakfast was delicious and generous in portion size. The jeepney took us and our bags to Batad with two viewpoints before we hiked to our Batad rice terraces homestay at Simon’s Restaurant and Homestay. We secured our bags in a private room containing six double beds with an en-suite connected from the room balcony. The rooms, CR (both private and public), dining area and common areas were clean and well-maintained. We were able to order sandwiches for our hike over the terraces before Brayan and Marvin took us on a hike over the Batad rices terraces, down the rice terraces, and to the waterfall. Out of our party of 6, only 4 of 6 made it down the rice terrace, and 2 of 6 made it to the waterfalls. Brayan and Marvin were superb guides that adjusted our hike based on our capabilities to handle the tour. If we allowed a day to adjust to the time zone, temperature, and humidity in the Philippines, all 6 would likely have made it which is why we strongly recommend a rest day. Simon’s Restaurant and Homestay had traditional Filipino food and beverages that were delicious with generous portion sizes. We enjoyed dinner and breakfast the following morning. We hiked back to our jeepney and returned to Banaue market place to shop for souvenirs and have lunch before returning to metro Manila via private 10-passenger van. We enjoyed our tour and hike. We appreciate Brayan, Marvin, and Edmon for their professionalism, knowledge of the region, and flexibility to assist my family during our tour. We hope to revisit the region again and use VGP during our next trip to the Philippines in 2028.

My wife and I had a great time on our three day two night adventure. Our driver, Edmund was wonderful, our guide through the terraces, Marvin was very informative. The accommodations were a bit rustic as to be expected but the terraces were magical

This is a part of the Philippines that should not be missed! Yes the 8 hour drive from Manila is a bit of a trek but once you see the terraces you realize it’s totally worth it. Our guide Jonathon was extremely knowledgeable and personally invested in the terraces since his family has a plot in one of them. If you get the chance ride on the top of the Jeepnie and not on the inside. It was an OMG moment and the views from the top are stunning. At no time did I feel unsafe up there.

A group of us from the USA decided to do something different for NYE and hike the rice terraces. First we staying a local homestay where the staff was welcoming and accommodating. Dinner provided was tasty and rooms were tidy and comfy. Next day we ventured to the rice terraces in Batad where we were educated by our local guide Oliver and supported by our Tour guide Bryan. These gentlemen were patient with us and never made us feel rushed. We were able to take in the amazing beauty of the rice terraces at our own pace. We even participated in the local tradition of rice pounding. Upon our return to our accommodations, some of us took advantage of much needed massages, while others were serenaded by our local guide. What a way to spend NYE!!! :D Would recommend this tour to anyone looking for an adventure with no crowds, spectacular views, and amazing locals that are nothing but hospitable.

My parents, fiancé and I took a trip with Vagabondpinas to Banaue, Batad, and Kalinga in September 2025. JP was attentive and accommodating during the planning stage. Brayan, Jeff in Banaue, Arlene in Batad and our guide to see Whang Od took such great care of us! Special thanks for Brayan who was such a thoughtful and knowledgeable guide. He made sure my parents (in their 60s) were well equipped and cared for during the challenging treks and rainy weather. Dood and our Banaue jeepney driver made us feel safe during our journeys across the mountains with their experienced driving. This heritage trip meant a lot for me and my family. Thanks to the team and JP, we had an unforgettable trip of a lifetime. Highly recommend this group of caring and experienced professionals!

Could not recommend this experience more! We had a great time and owe it all to Brayan and Jeffrey!! They could not have been more kind, welcoming, and knowledgeable. We would recommend this experience over and over again!

My trip to Banaue-Batad ancient rice terraces was an amazing, once-in-a-life-time experience. While considered low season for tourism, it was THE BEST time to be there. The rice was high and stood out in its green and yellow colors, making all my pictures breathtakingly beautiful. The weather was perfect temperature wise (although very humid), which made the swim at the waterfall possible and very refreshing. The Vegabondpinas team took great care of me, anticipating my every need, reassuring and encouraging when the steep climb seemed beyond my reach, and super professional when it came to coordinating all the logistics for this trip. The home stay was very clean and both Inns offered a hot shower which I don’t take for granted. I want to call out the outstanding communication with JP (the owner) from planning stage to my return to my hotel in Manila. He and his crew (driver, guide, inn managers) treated me like family - truly invested in my trip being everything I could hope for and more. Having them navigate the local environment allowed me to focus on the beauty surrounding me and the epic adventure I was on. Being there, I can fully understand why Batad is considered the eighth wonder of the world.

This was a spectacular and unforgettable experience for me and my niece! The private tour arranged by Vagabondpinas was planned to a perfect T and allowed for a worry-free holiday trip. Many thanks to our very experienced guide, Kenneth, who was very patient with us neophyte hikers (one of whom is a septuagenarian) and anticipated our every need (and shortcomings). Our very experienced and accommodating driver, Bong, made the 9-hour trip to and from Banaue-Manila fly by in a comfy Toyota Fortuner. He even showed us where to shop for local produce/veggies in Nueva Vizcaya and Nueva Ecija1. Beatrice of Banaue Homestay welcomed us warmly. Our room had a wonderful view of part of the rice terraces, and the roosters crowing in the cool dawn mist provided a great bucolic touch. Simon's Inn in Batad had more spartan amenities (as with other inns in the village, I believe) - be prepared with your own towel and toiletries. We realized that those who don't proceed to the 800-step one way hike to the Tappiah Falls could actually complete the arduous walk to the Batad top viewpoint (where there is, amazingly, internet connectivity by the hour) by early afternoon, rest and have a snack at Simon's Inn, then head back to the more comfy Banaue Homestay (tip). Another tip: ensure you're in tiptop physical condition to do the hikes - the sturdy walking sticks provided by Kenneth were truly a Godsend. Thanks a lot to Vagabondpinas and partner Expedia Philippines for this super memorable trip!!!

My husband, adult daughter and I made our first trek to the Philippines with the goal to experience the people, culture and different regions of Luzon. Our excursion with Vagabondpinas Outdoor Travel will be remembered as an experience of a lifetime. JP’s communication and planning with our specific itinerary was outstanding. We met Edmon in Manila and grateful to be in his care for our long journey north to Banaue. We were concerned about motion sickness so loaded up with ginger chews, wrist acupressure bands and Dramamine. Upon arrival to Banaue Edmon stopped at a lovely lunch spot overlooking the terraces and town. We stopped at overlooks for photos and to stretch our legs before checking in to Banaue Homestay. Miss Beatrice is a kind and welcoming hostess. She provided us with delicious breakfasts and dinners during our stay. Nothing better than coffee and fresh fruit on the view deck! The 2nd day we were greeted by Edmon, Michael (jeepney owner/driver) and Jonathan (local guide extraordinaire) for our adventure to Batad. Jonathan is very knowledgeable about the history of the Ifugao people and the rice terrace. We had a spectacular day hiking and taking in the breathtaking sights. We decided to skip the hike down to the waterfall given our out of shape bodies and the heat. Enjoyed a lovely lunch in Batad overlooking the rice terraces. My favorite part of the day was riding on top of the jeepney all the way back to Banaue. Jonathon was able to communicate with local museum which opened for us to tour in the late afternoon. The museum was one of our favorite stops as the artifacts collection is superb- black and white photos of the people, rattan baskets, spears, clothing and tools all depicting an extraordinary way of life.

If you're short on time while in Manila but want to take in the wonders of the Ifugao Rice Terraces, then this is the tour for you. We cannot say enough about the team of people who looked after us – from Edmond who drove us from Manila to Banaue and back again, Michael who expertly piloted his Jeepney from Banaue to Batad and back again, Jonathan our guide extraordinaire and took us into the rice terraces themselves, Beatrice who looked after us at her homestay in Banaue, and Simon, who did the same with the help of his daughter in Batad. I am mentioning these people by name because I feel like we became good friends with all of them. And behind the scenes, making sure everything was ok, was JP. He checked on us regularly via WhatsApp (before, during and after), which was so appreciated. And then to the tour itself! We got to see the rice terraces of Banaue (Beatrice’s place looks right over them), Bayninan, Bangaan and Batad (the latter two being UNESCO World Heritage Sites along with their villages). We explored the rice terraces of Batad as well as a hike out to the Tappiyah Waterfall. Guide Jonathan was awesome assessing our fitness levels and tailoring the pace of the hikes accordingly. He also assessed weather conditions to a tee (it rains a lot this time of year) to make sure we got the best photo opportunities. A big part for us though, is that we were trialling a drone for the first time. The team just absolutely embraced and encouraged us using the drone, and helped with suggestions which led to some amazing footage. We just had so much fun! A big thank you to all at VagabondPinas. You guys absolutely rock!