My husband, adult daughter and I made our first trek to the Philippines with the goal to experience the people, culture and different regions of Luzon. Our excursion with Vagabondpinas Outdoor Travel will be remembered as an experience of a lifetime. JP’s communication and planning with our specific itinerary was outstanding. We met Edmon in Manila and grateful to be in his care for our long journey north to Banaue. We were concerned about motion sickness so loaded up with ginger chews, wrist acupressure bands and Dramamine. Upon arrival to Banaue Edmon stopped at a lovely lunch spot overlooking the terraces and town. We stopped at overlooks for photos and to stretch our legs before checking in to Banaue Homestay. Miss Beatrice is a kind and welcoming hostess. She provided us with delicious breakfasts and dinners during our stay. Nothing better than coffee and fresh fruit on the view deck! The 2nd day we were greeted by Edmon, Michael (jeepney owner/driver) and Jonathan (local guide extraordinaire) for our adventure to Batad. Jonathan is very knowledgeable about the history of the Ifugao people and the rice terrace. We had a spectacular day hiking and taking in the breathtaking sights. We decided to skip the hike down to the waterfall given our out of shape bodies and the heat. Enjoyed a lovely lunch in Batad overlooking the rice terraces. My favorite part of the day was riding on top of the jeepney all the way back to Banaue. Jonathon was able to communicate with local museum which opened for us to tour in the late afternoon. The museum was one of our favorite stops as the artifacts collection is superb- black and white photos of the people, rattan baskets, spears, clothing and tools all depicting an extraordinary way of life.

If you're short on time while in Manila but want to take in the wonders of the Ifugao Rice Terraces, then this is the tour for you. We cannot say enough about the team of people who looked after us – from Edmond who drove us from Manila to Banaue and back again, Michael who expertly piloted his Jeepney from Banaue to Batad and back again, Jonathan our guide extraordinaire and took us into the rice terraces themselves, Beatrice who looked after us at her homestay in Banaue, and Simon, who did the same with the help of his daughter in Batad. I am mentioning these people by name because I feel like we became good friends with all of them. And behind the scenes, making sure everything was ok, was JP. He checked on us regularly via WhatsApp (before, during and after), which was so appreciated. And then to the tour itself! We got to see the rice terraces of Banaue (Beatrice’s place looks right over them), Bayninan, Bangaan and Batad (the latter two being UNESCO World Heritage Sites along with their villages). We explored the rice terraces of Batad as well as a hike out to the Tappiyah Waterfall. Guide Jonathan was awesome assessing our fitness levels and tailoring the pace of the hikes accordingly. He also assessed weather conditions to a tee (it rains a lot this time of year) to make sure we got the best photo opportunities. A big part for us though, is that we were trialling a drone for the first time. The team just absolutely embraced and encouraged us using the drone, and helped with suggestions which led to some amazing footage. We just had so much fun! A big thank you to all at VagabondPinas. You guys absolutely rock!

We are very grateful to have had Vagabond Pinas as our tour guide on our Banaue- Batad trip. They offered comfortable and safe transportation, good accommodation with the best views, some history and stories on the rice terraces and its people, and an overall stress free trip. We enjoyed the whole trip and are still awed with the beauty and culture of the rice terraces. It was more than we expected. Thank you Vagabond Pinas for making this experience extra personal, memorable and comfortable. It was truly an unforgettable and highly recommended adventure!💯🙌 We also very much appreciated their extra patience, care and guidance towards us as we are not a fit couple, and going through some of those rocky and narrow tracks was a bit of a challenge. 😄 It was definitely an amazing adventure! And the rooftop jeepney ride was a great experience and a must! 👍👍

I can’t recommend this tour enough. It’s was such an amazing experience. We were pick up from our hotel by our driver Emmanuel. Who was so lovely and took good care of us for the long drive up to Banaue and explain bit of local information to us along the way. On arrival in Banaue he took us to some beautiful view point and explain about the local area. We stayed at the most beautiful Homestead, ( Banaue Homestead) with the lovely Beatrice, who instantly made us feel at home and cook us a beautiful dinner and breakfast. We meet our lovely local guide Jonathan who would be bringing us on the trek and explains all about the rice fields and local culture. Banaue itself was beautiful, but the next day we got a bus ride to the drop off point. Make sure to ride up top and then hiked a short distance to our Batad homestead. Batad itself was amazing and breathtaking. Jonathan took us around the rice terrace field and down the many steps to the beautiful waterfall for a swim. Overall this was one of the best tours I have ever done and it’s so lovely to see such a beautiful culture and area. Thanks you so much to the whole Vangabondpin team but most expecially to Jonathan and Emmanuel who took such amazing care off us.

We had a superb trip to the UNESCO Batad rice terraces in the Philippines. Our host Jonathan was truly exceptional and the comfortable transfer from Manila made the expedition so easy

As a Filipino who grew up in the US, it is really important for me to learn about our culture, our history, our connection to the land, and particularly to rice, which is such a cornerstone of Filipino food. Learning how it's cultivated, the history of the women who tend these crops, experiencing firsthand the beauty and wonder of these terraces, and imagining how they were built and the ancient practices that created them. It's breathtaking. I would recommend Vagabond Pinas Banaue and Batad rice terraces tour over and over again. Our main tour guide JP felt like pamilya (family) immediately. He took care of us like a cousin would, arranged excellent lodging and food, incredible activities like riding on top of a jeepney for the most scenic views...and the rice terraces themselves were nothing short of awe-inspiring. JP was joined by another tour guide Jun who literally helped us every step of the way. They said they have even given a tour to a woman with blindness and her husband! If you're Pinoy and rice terraces are not on your bucket list, I would add it immediately - the connection you feel with your Filipino ancestors is life-changing and profound. Do it with a local tour company you can trust: Vagabond Pinas. I can’t wait to return with family and friends <3

I just returned from my first time ever to the Philippines and my favorite part of the trip was visiting the Banaue-Batad rice terraces with JP and the Vagabond Pinas team. For a Filipina American like me, it was really meaningful to see these ancient terraces carved into the mountains by the ancestors and still in use today. My husband and I were traveling with friends, and I’m not sure we would have gotten the same experience if we tried to do it on our own. But JP was very knowledgeable and he and Jun were great guides on the long hike around the Batad rice terrace - which is not an easy one! but so worth the effort and the sore legs. They also arranged our home stays, and we were happy to have nice clean beds and hot delicious Filipino meals. The rooftop Jeepney ride to Batad gave us breathtaking views. And the van ride back to and from Manila was nice and comfy, with a couple much needed stops and Max’s and Jollibee for lunch. ;P Truly an amazing experience of the Philippines that I will never forget.

This is a fantastic tour. Our driver for the eight hour plus drive from Manila was very friendly and helpful. Our guide was excellent - he took us round the rice paddies and through the little villages, which was an amazing experience. The scenery up this way is outstanding. We highly recommend this company for this, or any other, tour they offer.

The tour started off on a good start with our tour guides showing up ahead of time with a comfy van for our 9h drive to Banaue. JP was friendly, gave some explanations on areas we visited and tips on food to try out. We had a good time and saw amazing views during our trip. JP and Geoffrey kept us safe during our hikes :-) This is not a beginner's hike but definitely worth it!! and our drivers kept us safe throughout the zigzagging roads. It is one of those hikes where the views are breathtaking and you can't find that in many places. I definitely recommend it! Thank you Vagabondpinas for the great tour!

This trip was an absolute experience of a lifetime! Vagabondpinas provided me and my wife with an amazing experience in the mountain towns of Banaue and Batad. Their entire team was nothing but professional and courteous throughout the entire trip. They were so warm and welcoming to us foreigners as we came in to experience their lives and culture. JP, Jay, Marvin, Beatrice, Brian, John and Mike were all amazing, and they will ensure that you enjoy every second of your trip. JP and Jay were exactly on time when meeting us at our hotel to pick us up for our trip, and Jay ensured we were comfortable for the entire ride from Manila to Banaue (9 hours with stops). Once we arrived at our homestay in Banaue, we were warmly welcomed by Beatrice and her family. They showed us to our room which was very comfy and had its own private bathroom. Marvin (our guide) met us that evening to go over the plan for the next morning. The next morning we were met by Marvin, Jay and Mike for our Jeepney ride to Batad junction. The ride was absolutely stunning! Be sure to ride on top! Once we arrived to the junction, Marvin guided us on the hike to Batad and our next homestay. The hike through the rice terraces of Batad was beautiful and serene. Definitely a once in a lifetime experience! You will also have a chance to hike to Tappiya falls and you should not pass up this opportunity! It’s a tedious hike but well worth it! Overall, we had an amazing experience with the Vagabondpinas team and couldn’t recommend them more to anyone looking to experience the culture of the rice terraces. Sundin ang puso po!

We wanted to see and experience Sagada but I know that it will be hard to do a DIY trip so, thru a referral, I decided to inquire to Vagabond Pinas for a tour package and Sir JP kindly prepared a tour wherein a family of four with 2 young kids will be able to enjoy at a very reasonable price. Vagabond Pinas' driver Kuya Bong and guide Sir Brayan fetched us from our house earlier than our schedule so we were able to arrive earlier than expected to our inn and was able to rest before we had our hiking activity. Sir brayan, our guide, was very helpful, and was always ready to lend a hand and encouraging words as we hiked the mountainous path up to see the Hanging coffins and see the beauty of the Sagada rice terraces and the Bomod-ok Falls. Thanks to Vagabond Pinas, our Sagada experience was truly an enjoyable, hassle free and truly a memorable experience for us.

My husband and I survived Batad…Banaue and it was all worth it. Vagabondpinas team made our first time experience of the Rice terraces mixed of comfort and thrill (walking through the paddies scared me) but was fun. From the pick up time to drop off at our hotel, our van driver Jay was prompt and professional in what he does. Our tireless tour guide Jonathan was very patient with our slow trekking 😅. Thanks JP and to all of your team! I’ll recommend Vagabondpinas to friends 100%.

We spent a great time hiking the rice terraces around Banaue for 3 days. Our guide June Ognayon (you find him on Facebook looking for “Banaue Tour Guide - June Ognayon”) made the experience very special as he told us a lot about the local history, culture and tradition. It felt like travelling with a friend as we we talking so much with him. He shared valuable insights and we highly recommend to go on a tour with him. The scenery was just beautiful and we slept in two very nice homestays along the way. It was very insightful for us to see how the people in the northern Philippines live and we recommend this experience to every traveler!

I will keep this short and to the point. I would highly recommend Vagabond Pinas for anyone wanting to see the rice terraces in the Banaue and Batad areas. JP put us together with Marvin our guide and Edmond our driver. Both were wonderful company and were instrumental in our fantastic time spent in the north Philippines. The homestay and hotel they used were great. We enjoyed our trip there very much. If you are thinking about driving north out of Manila on your own, forget it. I spent a lot of windshield time as a salesman and think I am a decent driver. But driving in the Philippines would have been a nightmare for me. Our driver Edmond was great. He earned every penny of his salary. I think the same goes for our guide Marvin. I think that trying to see the rice terraces without a guide would have been a certain reduction in the quality of our trip. Vagabond Pinas made our trip to the rice terraces easy and enjoyable.

We recommend this tour 100%! From the moment we booked the tour up until our return to Manila, our experience was incredible! When planning the tour, communication with JP was very easy. He answered all our questions super quickly and was very accomodating. He organized our tour to Banaue to make sure we got to make the most out of our experience with the little time we had. He also made sure to tell us what to pack and what to expect. When we landed in Manila in the middle of the night, JP and our driver Alex were there to welcome us with a big smile although our flight was very delayed! Our driver Alex was incredibly kind and knowledgable and made the long ride pass very quickly, making sure we were comfortable and had everything we needed, and stopped at some great local spots to eat. When we arrived in Banaue, we met with our guide Jonathan, who made us feel welcome right away. Jonathan was extremely kind, friendly and so knowledgable. All throughout the trip, Jonathan shared stories and history with us and made us fall in love with the region and the culture. Jonathan was extremely patient and encouraging during the hike and adapted to our pace very well (I am amputated and have a prosthetic leg) giving us the boost we needed to complete the beautiful hike through the Batad rice terraces and to the waterfall! We spent the evening hanging out with Jonathan and other guests at the inn. The hotel we stayed at in Batad (Simon’s inn) was spacious, clean and had a breathtaking view! The owner was kind and welcoming and breakfast, lunch and dinner was delicious. It felt so good and resourcing to leave the fast pace of the city behind and simply enjoy the peace and quiet of the nature surrounding us. All in all, this was an experience of a lifetime and exceeded our expectations, thanks to all these amazing people. We strongly recommend you book with Vagabond Pinas, you won’t regret it !