The Philippines. Last stop: Banaue rice terraces

I had read about the rice terraces and thought it would be too far and tiring to do them but we did it! I dragged my poor parents on two night buses and two days trekking to see both Banaue and Batad rice terraces! And it was so worth it.

We had been recommended brookside inn to stay by the American couple in El nido and Randy the owner was great. All tired from the first night bus he made us breakfast and sorted out the plan. Day one was banaue where we got a ride to the viewpoint then walked back through the terraces. It was supposed to be an easy trek but we managed to get lost and it turned into a real adventure. We saw the most amazing views and actually walked along the edge of the terraces! We bumped into a man building one of the walls of the structure and them two women busy planting the new rice. Magical!

After a good nights sleep we were ready for batad. The ride up on the sidecar was nerve wracking enough as the roads weren't quite finished and the cliff edge was pretty steep. Then we trekked down down down to the village. We also attempted getting to the waterfalls but we were just too tired so we turned back and started the long trek back up. So we saw and trekked through both places with no guide and no injuries! Then one final night bus later and we were home!

I am very proud of my parents and can see where my adventurous spirit has come from. It was great to share this experience with them too!