Archaeology handicrafts and science and technology sites to visit Philippines

These amphitheatrical rice paddies stretch as far as the eye can see, offering an imposing spectacle in all seasons, whether mist-covered or bathed in sunshine. Walking through them is a real pleasure (provided you're not afraid of heights). Accompanied by an ifugao guide, you climb up and down the low walls that separate the plots. You're likely to come across locals with their arms full of victuals and schoolchildren striding off to school. It's a unique experience, but one that requires a good level of fitness.

A genius invention? The rice fields of Batad are, along with those of Banaue, on UNESCO's World Heritage List. Reflecting the genius of the first inhabitants, they flow over the mountain like silky green drapes. It is said that if they were laid end to end, they would encircle half the globe. In fact, their total length is 20,000 km! Thanks to the audacity of the first Ifugaos, the mountains were shaped, with a system of stone or earthen walls rising up to 23 m. The terraces were built as long ago as the Middle Ages. The terraces were built 2,000 years ago, when members of these tribes set about carving and sculpting them using rudimentary tools. Built and created by free men over whom no authority exercised power and without recourse to slavery, these terraces are viable thanks to a perfect irrigation system. Mountain springs and streams are channeled into gullies. The canals criss-cross the rice paddies down to the base of the mountain. Bamboo trees pierced with a few holes spread the water across the plantations, preventing it from evaporating. The knowledge of nature and the technical skills of the first Ifugaos intrigued and impressed many. However, the existence of terraces remained unknown during Spanish colonization. José Rizal, for example, was unaware of this success.

Ifugaos farmers have been growing rice for generations, and it's their job to keep these terraces intact. The work is physically demanding. They remain bent over from dawn to dusk, after having traveled many kilometers. Planting takes place in February; harvesting in July. From July to September, the terraces are cleaned; in December, the soil is prepared for planting. It's hard to remain indifferent to such a human endeavor, which testifies to the rich knowledge of the Ifugaos, who have known how to take advantage of nature while preserving it.

Located at about 20 kilometers from Banaue, Hungduan is a small village of 1,000 inhabitants renowned for its rice fields. Their visit, accompanied by a local guide, can be easily organized through your Banaue guesthouse. The place is simply sublime. Accompanied by a guide who will provide you with a lot of information, we cross the rice fields by walking on the low stone walls that separate the plots. These rice fields are also about 2,000 years old and are part of the Unesco site. It is a magical experience. They spread out in a staircase on both sides of the river, in the hollow of the mountains. The best time to visit is from January to May. July and August is the rainy season, but if you go in August you can attend the Punnuk festival (no specific day because it marks the end of the rainy season). It takes place in the rice fields and in the rivers, the three villages of the valley including Hapao compete in games and parade in traditional costumes.

It takes about 2 hours to walk in the rice fields with the explanations of your guide on the process of planting and harvesting rice. The rice fields of Hapao unlike those of Banaue are still used by the different owners and therefore maintained, which makes them particularly beautiful. Be careful if you are afraid of heights, there are some paths that are not as high and narrow as others, but tell your guide in advance because it might not be very pleasant for you.

These rice fields, considered the ^8th wonder of the world and classified by Unesco, are 2,000 years old. They are the oldest rice fields in the world. The Viewpoint offers the best panorama on these terraces which rise like steps to the sky. Ifugaos are there in traditional costume and take pictures of tourists for a fee (give 30 PHP if you don't mind this "good exchange"). Go down a few steps and advance to the end of the first rice fields, the view is all the more impressive.

A site of rare beauty, in danger. The site and the view are absolutely grandiose and of a rare beauty. But when you see the rice fields of Batad or Hapao, those of Banaue are very impressive. In fact, there are almost no real rice fields left: some have been transformed into vegetable gardens, others are still devoted to rice cultivation and the majority have fallen into disuse and are covered with grass. This abandonment is explained by the fact that the farmers are getting older, most of them have already passed away and the new generations have neither the desire nor the time to take care of them, they are studying and have other ambitions. It is necessary to understand them, the work in the rice fields is grueling (planting, harvesting, maintenance of the low walls, irrigation systems, heat, physical effort, loads to carry). However, they are aware that this exceptional landscape is a major tourist site and that they therefore need it. They are waiting for the government and UNESCO to take measures to preserve it.

Taal volcano is a volcanic complex composed of a vast caldera of 15 km by 20 km, occupied by Taal Lake. Taal Lake is the^3rd largest body of water in the country (235 ^km2). It is in the center of the lake, on the island-volcano or Taal volcano, that historical eruptions have been recorded. Vulcano Island consists of a cone whose summit crater is also filled by a lake. It is considered the smallest active volcano in the world. Indeed, the most powerful eruptions are capable of generating devastating tsunamis (1 330 victims in 1911). The eruption of 1965 devastated 60 ^km2 and killed a hundred people. An eruptive activity in 1976 and 1977 with fumaroles and projections generated the evacuation of the populations. Between 2020 and 2022, the volcano erupted again, with strong seismic activity, forcing thousands of people to evacuate and the Manila airport to suspend flights.

In 2023, it reopened to the public and is still an important tourist attraction. The walk can be done in one day when conditions permit. On the crater, a one-hour climb leads to the top where you can admire the inner lake and its fumaroles. It is also possible to go for a horse ride (about 500 PHP).

How to get there. From Tagaytay, take a Jeepney (60 PHP, every hour, 20 minutes) or a tricycle (300 PHP) to Talisay, a small village on the lake. From Talisay, take a banca to get to the crater.

The one and only, the underground river of Puerto Princesa! Listed since 1999 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and designated as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature since 2012. It is one of the most spectacular caves in the world, which you can explore by canoe. An out of the ordinary experience guaranteed! After being dropped off by the boat at the entrance, you will be given a life jacket and a helmet. A guide takes the visitors on a small boat. The trip on the river lasts 45 minutes. Armed with a flashlight, the driver paddles around in the back of the small boat and jokes about the shapes of the stalagmites and stalactites. Visits to the cave take place between 8am and 4pm. When it rains, the water becomes murky, even muddy, and the visit is less pleasant. Therefore, if you can, you should choose a day with dry weather. For those who are passionate about the river, it is recommended to ask for an in-depth visit of the river beforehand.

Practical. If you don't want to go through an agency that takes care of the excursion from A to Z from Puerto Princesa, it is possible to go to the underground river alone. In this case, it is necessary to buy a permit, if possible a day earlier, at the Underground River Booking Office in Puerto Princesa (250 PHP). Once at the Sabang pier, you take a boat to the river (15 minutes). The more adventurous can also reach the entrance on foot via the Jungle Trail (5 km, 2 hours).

It is one of the largest and most popular caves in Sagada and requires about 2.5 hours of visit to explore all the chambers, each more impressive than the other. On the way there, you can also enjoy a beautiful view of the Kapay-aw rice terraces and see the hanging coffins in the rock walls. Be careful: the water in the cave can sometimes be quite high (at shoulder height). Take your precautions.

After almost six hundred years of sleep, Le, located on Luzon Island, began showing signs of awakening in April 1991 (seismic and fumaroles secousses). As he was believed to be off, he showed that it was nothing since on June 15, 1991, a powerful explosion occurred. Ash clouds opacifièrent the atmosphere for several days, making it difficult to breathe. The effects of cendres ash, moreover, are cultures located beneath the prevailing winds, as well as the lava flow that dévalèrent from the top in most surrounding valleys. The elements were acharnèrent on the Philippines, as Typhoon Yunya went across the country. Its torrential rains, mixing into the ashes of the eruption, paroxysms powerful mudslides (called lahar). There were between 800 and 1 000 victims. Almost twenty years after the end of the eruption, the volcano remains a killer. Indeed, every year, ash deposits are remobilisés by the heavy rain of the wet season and turn into mud torrents, bringing their destruction and victims.

It is from the city of Angeles that the trekkings to Mount Pinatubo and its slopes are organized to the lunar landscapes. The best period for trekking runs from November to March. It is possible to leave on the sides of the volcano for half a day or to face the 8 km climb of the volcano for the most confirmed walkers. Equipment can be rented from most of the tour operators who also make available to experienced guides.

The Loboc River is one of the jewels of the island of Bohol. Surrounded by dense, lush tropical vegetation, it has been dubbed the Amazon of the Philippines. It crosses the island for almost 60 km before joining the ocean at the mouth of Loay in the north. Depending on the weather, its peaceful waters are sometimes a luminous emerald blue, sometimes green with hints of jade. Always magnificent. Along its shores, a number of ecolodges have sprung up, remaining fairly discreet and in harmony with their surroundings, to welcome travellers in search of tranquillity. Most of them offer the same activities, i.e. an evening ride on a banca to watch the fireflies, massages, Filipino cooking lessons (sometimes) and stand-up paddle trips on the river (500 PHP). This is the nicest way to discover the river, going at your own pace, with no engine noise, alone with a guide who tells stories, it's slow and you take your time to soak up the scenery, a great experience! If you prefer to sit back, you can kayak up the river (400 PHP). Finally, you can embark on a 1-hour boat cruise along the Loboc River, accompanied by a Filipino buffet lunch. On some boats, you'll be treated to more or less authentic music and dance (tips welcome: 20-50 PHP). It's a tourist experience that's sure to please. In any case, the Loboc River is one of Bohol's natural wonders.

Located not far from Mambajao, the volcano or Mount Hibok-Hibok is the only one of Camiguin's seven active volcanoes. However, the volcano last erupted in 1951, causing extensive damage to the town. In the aftermath of this catastrophe, which killed almost 500 people and caused major losses to animals and plants, a national observatory called Philvolcs (Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology) was set up 400 metres up on the mountainside to monitor and analyze the volcano's activity. This observatory is well worth a visit before reaching the foot of the volcano, if you wish to learn more about volcanoes and earthquakes. It is also advisable to consult the observatory before considering climbing the volcano, accompanied by a local guide (your hotel or tourist office will undoubtedly be able to direct you to one). At 1,300 metres high, it takes around eight hours to walk up and back down. It's a real challenge for climbers, but after this effort, which starts gently on the prepared paths, you'll be sure to appreciate the magnificent view over the sea and forest, and further afield to the islands of Bohol, Siquijor, Cebu and Negros. Hibok-Hibok has four craters, some of which have become small lakes. All the more beautiful for the view. A unique hike in an exceptional environment.

They are among the most beautiful rice fields in the archipelago! They can be reached on foot, in 3 hours, above Bontoc. They are built in staircases, with low stone walls to support them. The trek must be undertaken with a guide. Once up there, preferably early in the morning, a breathtakingly beautiful view opens up, often with a gradually dissipating sea of clouds, over the mountains, the village of Bontoc and the Chico River. It's absolute calm, a place that seems frozen in time, untouched by the frenzy of modern life.

Many Filipinos come here on weekends because the hanging coffins are one of Luzon's landmarks. For over 2,000 years, the people of Sagada have practiced a rather unique burial rite. Here, the dead are not buried but on the contrary, the coffins are suspended from the walls of the cliffs because placed in height, the spirits have more chance to reach the afterlife. Some coffins are over a century old. It should be noted that this custom tends to die out.

Bocos, on the road from Banaue to Mayoyao, shows houses decorated with buffalo skulls. Further on, towards Batad, Matanglag is famous for its bronze founders, who work on statuettes and amulets. For the Ifugaos, these silver or bronze pendants represent luck and fertility. Down the road, Poi-Tan, is known for its perfectly preserved traditional culture. In this very pretty village, bordered by a river, problems are solved by a council of elders and the inhabitants are engaged in woodcarving.

Swimming with whale sharks of 20 meters long? If it wasn't already a dream, it should become one at the mere mention of this exceptional experience... Welcome to Donsol, one of the few spots in the world where you can interact with what is considered the biggest fish in the world (the whale is a mammal), in an incredible setting. Here, whale sharks(butanding in Tagalog) are not fed to be attracted like in Oslob, they live their life quietly in freedom, following the plankton. It is up to us to adapt to the animal and not the other way around (this is the principle of ecotourism and we love it!). The downside of this perfect picture? You have no guarantee that the whale sharks will show up the day you will be there. But let's say that this uncertainty is part of the experience, spices it up. However, you should know that the best period is from March to May, and that as early as December it is possible to see them. When it rains, for example, they stay in the background. So, it's up to you to decide. The trip to Donsol and the 3 hours in the boat are still a pleasant moment, sprinkled with adrenaline and the excitement of crossing the path of these big fish. And if you are one of the happy few who have the chance to swim with them, then the pleasure will be multiplied by ten. In summary: an experience recommended when you have time to spare as it easily takes 3-4 days and there is no certainty to see these magnificent marine animals!

Besides its caves and mummies, Kabayan is also known for being surrounded by four lakes in the middle of pine and oak forests and at the foot of the famous Mount Pulog: Lake Tabeyo, Lake Incolos, Lake Bulalakaw and Lake Datep-Ngapos. Like the village, these lakes are surrounded by mysterious legends that a guide will gladly tell you about. It is possible to make hikes accessible to beginners and from the campsite. In the evening, the starry sky is magnificent.

On this tour, the guides can put you in touch with the indigenous Manobos at Sitio Panlabuhan. The best time to visit AgusanMarsh is from October to January, during the rainy season. The lakes are overflowing, so it's easier to travel through the forest by banca. Discovery becomes an extraordinary safari, where you can observe wild birds and endangered species. The arrival of migratory birds in October is a real spectacle. Around a hundred species are listed, from purple herons and wild ducks to storks and sea eagles. Multicolored butterflies are also present (70 species in all). Fish abound: tilapia, haw-an (mudfish), gurami and pantat (catfish). On this walk, you may have the opportunity to meet the danata, a spectacular aquatic species living in freshwater, a kind of giant tortoise without a shell, covered with thick skin and equipped with claws. Other animal species include rare Philippine crocodiles, monitor lizards, macaques, the Philippine cobra and the python. Agusan Marsh is also a botanist's kingdom. The Manobo dialect is a mixture of indigenous dialect and foreign languages, very different from Tagalog and Cebuano. Other tribes derived from the Manobos share the same dialect, such as the forest-dwelling Dibabaons and Manguyangans.

It is a huge landscape of rolling pastures and green meadows reminiscent of the Scottish Highlands. The only "inhabitants" one encounters are a few wild carabaos (Asiatic buffalo). There is nothing around, except a magnificent panoramic view of the sea. In Tukun, where a weather station is located, there is a breathtaking view of the South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean. A must-see in the Batanes.

In Alab, in the municipality of Bontoc, there is a huge rock covered with engravings of arrows, bows and human representations. These rocks would symbolize the warriors buried in the caves at the foot of the rock. These petroglyphs, of more than 3 000 years, would have been carved by the first inhabitants of Bontoc and would date from at least 1500 B.C. They are the most important rock engravings of the Mountain Range and the second of the country.

Established as a national park, Sohoton Cove is famous for its superb scenery of caves set in turquoise lagoons. It is three hours from General Luna. Its subterranean blue lagoons are home to a multitude of harmless fish and jellyfish, and the lush vegetation surrounding the caves will make you wish you'd never come. Jumping, kayaking, snorkeling... Impossible to get bored. The best time to come is between March and July, when the sea is calm and the winds are light. A must-see excursion from Siargao!

Located seven kilometers from Surigao, it takes around 15 minutes to reach Silop Cave, also known as Campamento Cave. The cave consists of four chambers, the central one of impressive size. There are twelve different entrances. Giant stalagmites and stalactites can be seen, as well as different species of bats. During the Second World War, the cave served as a garrison for Japanese soldiers. An interesting visit if you like caves.

Maca means "cave" and hambus means "to fall from the top of the river". This was the site of the Battle of Macahambus Hill. On June 4, 1900, a confrontation took place between the Kagayanon tribe and American soldiers. It is said to have been the first Filipino victory over the Americans during the Philippine uprising. Inside, there's a view of the Cagayan River, where the Spaniards once found gold. Outside the rainy season, the water level is quite low and you can take a dip in the pool.