I first saw the beauty of Hapao Rice Terraces last year when our jeepney stopped at its viewpoint. Immediately, it became one of my most favorite rice terraces in the Cordillera or what others might say, love at first sight.
Seeing it was really awesome but taking a good picture of it requires analytical skills as the cables of the Agricultural Tramline is somehow blocking the way. But I did not mind as the benefit of tramline to the local people outweighs my picture.
I’ll let you in on a little secret. From the viewpoint of Hapao Rice Terraces go down about 300 meters down the road until you pass by a colorful house (I wish the owner does not repaint). You’ll see a gap between the houses where you can see Nungulunan Rice Terraces.
Then go down the a little along the path and you’ll get an unblocked view of the Hapao Rice Terraces.
There are also souvenir shops along the road of Hapao. I did not know that there were souvenir shops there until Ma’am Wena Sicat, the Tourism Operations Officer of Hungduan, pointed it to me.
What’s the next best thing after seeing the Hapao Rice Terraces?
It’s walking on it to get to Bogyah Hot Spring or just simply waking up to know that you are inside the Hapao Rice Terraces.
To get to the viewpoints of Hapao Rice Terraces see the directions on how to get to Bogyah Hot Spring here. When you reach the road in Hapao that’s where the viewpoints are.
Let’s make an effort to preserve Hungduan, Ifugao as enchanting as I have experienced it.
- Keep your trash and throw it on proper disposal bins.
- Respect the locals.
- Keep the noise low as not to disturb locals and other travellers.
- Be mindful of others.
- Do not vandalize.
- And most of all, be contented with the simple life they have. What happens in the city should stay in the city.
- To trip organizers, whether personal or professional, you are responsible to educate the people you are with about responsible travelling and encourage them to practice it before going to any destination.
Let us not change Hungduan, let it change us.
This post is part of my 12 for 2012 Travel Project that aims to create travel guides to help travellers go around the Philippines.
Follow my Hungduan, Ifugao series
- 10 Things to do in Hungduan, Ifugao (overview)
- Hungduan, Ifugao Budget and Itinerary (helpful)
- How much did I spend on my trip to Hungduan, Ifugao
- How to get to Hungduan, Ifugao (helpful)
- Where to stay in Hungduan, Ifugao (helpful)
- Hungduan Rice Terraces
- Bogyah Hot Spings
- Hapao Rice Terraces
- Balentimol Falls
- Native House in Sitio Awa