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Trek to Tappiya Waterfalls in Batad, Banaue, Ifugao

“This has been my favorite part about the trip so far, this trek to the falls.”

That’s what my buddy Pat said after we made our way back from Tappiya Waterfalls. Arriving in Batad earlier that morning, we had already experienced Sumaguing Cave and Echo Valley’s Hanging Coffins in Sagada, so for him to call this his favorite was saying a lot.

“I really enjoyed everything about it you know? The climbing, the view, the steps, the balancing on rice terraces…it had a little bit of everything.”

So true. An alluring mix of beauty, physicality, remoteness, and manageable danger, this trek to Tappiya isn’t just about the waterfalls. It’s about the entire experience.

Tappiya Waterfalls

About an hour’s trek from Ramon’s Native Homestay, Tappiya Waterfalls is located in the valley just past that ridge circled below. Looks far I know, but you’ll get there in an hour even at a casual pace.
Tappiya Falls in Batad Rice Terraces, Banaue, Ifugao

Not an easy trek by any stretch, the path to the falls will take you up and down steep uneven steps, narrow rice terraces, and muddy slippery trails. A walking stick is absolutely essential. The fancy sticks below sell for around PHP 3,500 apiece, but you can use any old stick. Just ask your guide or inn.
Tappiya Falls in Batad Rice Terraces, Banaue, Ifugao

And off we go! Just leaving the village now…
Tappiya Falls in Batad Rice Terraces, Banaue, Ifugao

Stopping and getting a drink of some real mountain dew
Tappiya Falls in Batad Rice Terraces, Banaue, Ifugao

Standing on the lip of one of many rice terraces en route to the falls. On the far left is Job — our stoic, betel-nut-eating guide who always looks like he got punched in the mouth. He may look scrawny, but don’t let this kid’s slight stature fool you. We watched him carry two cases of unopened San Miguel beer bottles on his head from the saddle all the way to the village. It’s a trip that he makes up to three times a day.
Tappiya Falls in Batad Rice Terraces, Banaue, Ifugao

Carefully making our way down steps between the rice terraces
Tappiya Falls in Batad Rice Terraces, Banaue, Ifugao

I’ve read that April-May and October-November are the best times to view the rice terraces in Batad. They’re just before harvest season so pretty much all the terraces will be fully planted and green like this.
Tappiya Falls in Batad Rice Terraces, Banaue, Ifugao

As previously described, the trek to the falls isn’t without its dangers. Narrow and often slippery, you’ll be crossing several rice terraces like this. On one side is a shallow muddy pool, and on the other a 10 ft drop to another shallow, muddy pool. Time to channel your inner Walenda.
Tappiya Falls in Batad Rice Terraces, Banaue, Ifugao

And finally, Tappiya Falls. Beautiful isn’t it? This picture was taken from a shed about a hundred feet away from the surface of the water. The falls itself is about 230 ft high. You can make your way down to the river and swim if you like, though it’s probably best to leave that for summer. 😉
Tappiya Falls in Batad Rice Terraces, Banaue, Ifugao

TIP: If you want to spend time swimming or taking pictures of the falls, then I suggest going there first thing in the morning. That way you can take your time and not have to rush back.

Lugging my heavy-ass tripod with me, I wanted to take long exposure shots of the falls but I didn’t have time. We left the village at 3PM and didn’t get to the falls until an hour later, leaving us just a few minutes to enjoy the view before making the difficult trek back. If you’re moderately fit, then you need to give yourself about an hour and a half to make it back before sunset. The trek in daylight is diffcult enough. At night, it would be impossible (and suicidal).

To maximize your experience, I suggest starting bright and early at 8AM, right after breakfast. You’ll have plenty of time at the falls before having to make your way back to the village for lunch.

* * * * *

By the way, did I already mention how difficult the trek back is? Here’s my middle-aged ass almost to the top of that stairway to heaven, the first and most difficult leg back to the village. No joke, you’re climbing up a steep, uneven, seemingly unending staircase with steps that are frequently a foot high. Happy as I was to see the falls, I don’t think I’ll be doing this again anytime soon. 😆
Tappiya Falls in Batad Rice Terraces, Banaue, Ifugao

How to Get There

Get a guide. Though you can probably find your way to the falls easily enough, it’s best to hire a guide for your own safety and peace of mind. Plus, you’ll be helping the community as well.

Guide Fee: PHP 600 (up to 4 pax, though this may vary from guide to guide)
Length of Trek: 1 – 1.5 hrs each way
Fitness Level: Moderate

For more Batad travel tips, check out our First-Timer’s Travel Guide to Batad Rice Terraces, Banaue, Ifugao, Philippines
 The First-Timer’s Travel Guide to Batad Rice Terraces, Banaue, Ifugao, Philippines

Found this article useful? Help us help other travelers by sharing it!

kimi

Saturday 1st of February 2020

Went there. It was really. Thanks to Tourist Driver Manila for the tour, they have a comfortable private vehicle.

JB & Renée

Sunday 2nd of February 2020

Happy to hear that Kimi! :)

Felix Gomez

Sunday 1st of July 2018

Been chasing waterfalls and this one is on the top of my list aside from the Mantayupan Falls in Cebu. Checkout my blog about my recent trip to Tappiyah Falls.

Capt'n Aimee

Thursday 21st of June 2018

Hello thanks for sharing your experience. It is such a great help. What's the best way and easiest transpo from Banaue to Batad? And do the locals know where the hotels or inns are? Because when you reach Saddle as I've read on your blog you have to trek. Thanks a lot!

JB & Renée

Thursday 21st of June 2018

Hi Aimee, you can hire a tricycle to take you to the Saddle from Banaue. Cementado na yung daan so maiksi lang yung trek to the village. You can't miss it. Have a great time! :)

Ann G.

Monday 9th of May 2016

Thanks for the generous information!

I'm planning to have my first solo travel in Banaue and I've been searching like a madman 'cause I'm a bit scared and I don't want to get lost there! Hahaha!

Having been there many times, do you think that it's really a safe place for a female solo traveler?

(^ _ ^)

JB & Renée

Wednesday 11th of May 2016

Hi Ann, it's about as safe as any other place in Luzon. So long as you observe the usual safe travel practices, then you shouldn't have anything to worry about. Have a great trip. :)

J-an Palanas

Tuesday 16th of February 2016

Hi! Do you have your guide's contact number? Hope you can share it. Thanks!

JB & Renée

Wednesday 17th of February 2016

Hi J-an, no sorry but I don't. There are a surplus of guides in Batad though so I don't think you'll have trouble finding one. In fact, they'll probably find you! Have a good trip. :)