It was only during days before the trip to Sagada that I learned Cordillera has a number of rice terraces. This particular spot in Banaue Rice Terraces is the most popular one for two reasons. This is where the old one-thousand Philippine peso bill derives its sketch. This is also the exact location of the controversial wakeskating video beautifully shot on top of one of the rice terraces in Banaue. That particular video was released (or at least became viral) three days before our intended sidetrip.

How To Get There:
You can take the Ohayami Transit bus that goes to Banaue from its terminal in Sampaloc, Manila. The bus leaves around 10pm and you will spend at least 9 hours in the bus. So prepare your sleeping stuff with you.

How Did I Get There:
It was a sidetrip during the Sagada weekend trip organized by Travel Factor to catch the Panag-apoy Festival. We visited the Banaue Rice Terraces twice, before and after Sagada, and in two different overlooking spots. The last visit is the most exciting because we trekked the pathways of the terraces to shot better photographs and selfies. It is one of the bravest decisions that I made in my life. It is terrifying to follow the narrow and slippery path of mud. One stupid slip and you fall in a terrace 10 to 12 feet below.