Philippines – Rice Terraces

In the high mountainous regions, the world-famous rice terraces can be found on the mountain slopes in the north of Luzon. After a dizzying approach via the spa town of Baguio, the trading town of Bontoc is reached. Rice grows on the laboriously laid out stepped fields, which has great religious significance as a gift from the gods for the tradition-conscious mountain tribes. The Ifugao living further north call the Rice Terraces Steps to Heaven.

The ancestors have been building them for over 2000 years despite earthquakes and hurricanes over gorges and rivers. The greatest threats today, however, are dam projects and the rural exodus of the young generation. It is an impressive experience to see these huge rice terraces, created and maintained only by hand.

They have been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Further north of Bontoc, the road conditions become more and more impassable. At many curves, it goes vertically several hundred meters into the depth. The roads are completely unsecured, so driving here requires absolute attention. A small mistake can have fatal consequences here, especially since the ground, softened by continuous rain, is slippery and slippery. The crops built by the farmers look like small works of art.

Jürgen has chosen a vantage point for a rest, from which you have a wonderful view of a deserted valley. A small river meanders from the high mountains to the sea. The mountain ranges are covered with subtropical vegetation. Unfortunately, we can’t stay here too long, as we still have a long way to go.