Hapao Rice Terraces
About
A whole valley of UNESCO rice terraces, and you can see it straight from the road! Hapao, at the Banaue end of Hungduan, is one of the five Ifugao terrace clusters on the UNESCO World Heritage list, with paddies stepping down to the Hapao River. Walk the terrace walls past village houses, then follow the trail to Boyah (Bogyah) Hot Spring, where 39 to 41 degree water bubbles up right beside the cold river. Come April or May when the fields are at their greenest, or around July and August when they turn gold for harvest. Stay overnight in a local homestay for misty mornings, and bring cash, because there's no ATM in town!
Go before 11 AM today. Rain likely after.
- Half day to overnightTime to spend
- April to May for the greenest terraces; July to August for golden harvest fields. Dry months (December to June) are easiest on the roads.Best time to go
- variesEntrance and budget
- Bus or jeep, then a tricycleNo car needed
What to do here
- Walk the stone terrace walls through Hapao
- Soak at Boyah Hot Spring
- Photograph the valley from the roadside viewpoint
- Stay overnight in a local homestay
Know before you go
Walk on the main dikes only and give way to farmers; never step on walls being repaired.
Ifugao mountain roads see landslides in the rainy season (a Kiangan landslide broke a temporary footbridge in September 2026), so check road conditions before you go.
Mobile signal is weak and there is no ATM, so bring cash and tell someone your plans.
Ask the Hungduan tourism office about any environmental fee and local guides on arrival.
Walk the terrace walls past village houses, then follow the trail to Boyah (Bogyah) Hot Spring, where 39 to 41 degree water bubbles up right beside the cold river.
Stay overnight in a local homestay for misty mornings, and bring cash, because there's no ATM in town!
Where it is
Barangay Hapao, Hungduan, Ifugao
No car neededHapao sits on the road from Banaue to Hungduan town (Hungduan is about 24 km southwest of Banaue). Jeepneys to Hungduan leave from the terminal in front of Banaue Public Market, or hire a tricycle or van in Banaue. Buses from Manila run overnight to Banaue.
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FAQ
Is Hapao part of the UNESCO rice terraces?
Yes! Hungduan, including Hapao, is one of the five Ifugao terrace clusters inscribed by UNESCO in 1995.
Where is the hot spring?
Boyah (Bogyah) Hot Spring is in the upper part of Hapao, with warm water next to the cold Hapao River.
When are the terraces greenest?
Around April and May. July to August is harvest season, when the paddies turn gold.
Can I pay by card?
No. There is no ATM in town and shops do not take cards, so bring enough cash.