The rice terraces of Banaue

Two millennia old and utterly bewitching, whether you’re here for the brilliant greens before harvest, when hillsides positively glow, or during the earthy reds and browns displayed at planting time, it doesn’t really matter – Banaue’s collaboration between man and nature quickly cast its spell on all who visit. Walking is the best way to appreciate the terraces, getting you to the best viewpoints, far from towns, past waterfalls and giving opportunities to meet locals too. It’s slow progress – the trails are relatively easy, but the views demand many a stop for gawping and exercising your camera trigger-finger. Simply stand in awe of these fabled hills and it’s difficult to dispute the contention that Banaue offers the Philippines’ defining, most glorious moment.