I've just been to this WH site last weekend and the journey itself was an adventure. From downtown Banaue, we rented a tricycle. It was already noontime and the local we've asked about the trip was quite suprised that we'll be going there late that day. I was thinking it would just take us max of 2hours and we'll be in Batad. After about an hour of driving through very rough terrain, the tricycle driver finally stopped and asked that we walk our way to Batad. At that point, I didn't see any rice terraces anywhere so I asked how far the place was. I saw the grin in his face when he said we just need to walk and we'll see the community in no time. This was the longest trail I've ever walked in my entire life. An hour of rough and stony road, and yet no signs of rice terraces. So much for watching too much TV, I thought it was that simple. Finally, we saw a small hut just a few meters away. I can't believe we made it. There was a jeepney parked, few men offering to be trek guide and a small store with drinks to offer. Imagining how far we've gone and how many mountains we've crossed, I was suprised that they have several beverages, the same stuff sold in city supermarket. We stopped for a few minutes, to rest our feet and replenish with lots of water and energy drink. Finally, we asked where to head next since still, I didn't see a community nearby. To my suprise, a local pointed a red roofed house across a huge mountain, and told us that that was our final destination. My jaw dropped. I can't believe it was that far. From where we stood, it looked to me like an endless foot trek, several mountains ahead. We were half the journey and sadly, there's no way backing out. With all the courage and strengths, we started yet another hour of walking up and down the mountains. Fast forward, after another hour, I can't believe we made it. At first, we found a place to rest and eat. We were so starved by that time. By the time we have finished our meals and rested a bit, that's when I saw the magnificent landscape. It's hard to believe that those rice terraces just in front of us were man made. They were so lovely, you would just stop and stare and wish to live in the same community. Needless to say, the local were so friendly and accomodating. And the sincere welcome smiles they give were enough to forget the journey. Too bad, we just have an hour to spare and we needed to head back just in time to catch a bus that will bring us back to Manila. But I promise to be back but this time, stay longer probably a couple of nights to have a solemn and peaceful vacation in this beautifully sculpted mountains.