As I mentioned earlier, I will be traveling to the Philippines for a week and want to spend about half my time hiking around the rice terraces. My friend put me in touch with a guide she used last year - at the time, he charged $100 for three days of guiding, transport, food and accommodation. However, he replied to me with a $400 quote, which seems quite steep. Can you recommend any place to find guides online or any specific guides you traveled with in the past? Or is it fairly easy to find one after arriving in Banaue by night bus from Manila? Thanks.
1
brax
Hi,
Just back from Batad, near to Banaue, done the terraces. Had no problem with guides - easy to find when there. It is expensive to go on own. If Banaue, which is a lot bigger, is the same as Batad I would say the best thing is to arrive there and then book. Only problem is that you don't have a lot of time. Maybe go to Batad - speak to the guy at Simon's about a guide, and try to see if others are going, makes it cheaper. I stayed right down the bottom of the valley at the foreigners inn - no electricity. 150 a night. Did day walks on my own and did o.k. If that is not your way maybe stay at Simon's a go for the best you can get.
As I said earlier Banaue is bigger and you should find it easier to get on a walk with others to keep the price down.
Brax
2
leng77
Actually you don't need a guide but if you think you need one, just head over to the tourist office at the Banaue public market. Somes guides are already waiting as soon at the bus station. If going to Batad, just hop on the passenger jeepney going there. Local guides hang around the guesthouses. Locals are also very helpful showing you the way.
3
brooklynchristina
I've hiked with Freddie from the Greenview and my sister hiked with Charles, also from Greenview (that's a main hotel in Banaue). Freddie was terrific -- very sweet and patient and knew what he was doing. My sister strongly recommended Charles too.
For a day hike to Batad, I forget exactly but I think Freddie's fee was about US$20? I don't remember exactly my figures could be way off... The jeepney we hired for the day was about $40. So I think you could make an arrangement for much cheaper than $400 for 3 days. You could try to call Greenview and see if Freddie can arrange a 3 day hike for you.
But you know, bargaining isn't at all unusual in the PH, so perhaps you should email the guide back and explain your friend did a 3 day hike with him for $100. Even if you adjust for inflation and a depreciating dollar, it should still be in the ballpark of $125 for 3 days for that same guide your friend used. See if he'll do it for that, he might have started out with $400 expecting to be talked down.
4
groline
Hi there!
My girlfriend and I just returned from there Jan/08. Just leaving a more recent post for those searching the Thorn Tree. There are plenty of guides available in both areas, so book when you arrive so you can meet your guide FIRST! Most/All guides are capable, but finding one that is personable should be a top priority. Remember - you're with these people for days on end In Sagada, we hired Pete to take us through the cave connection and he was excellent. Professional, proficient and easy going. In Batad, we had Wilkie take us up through Pula on a two-day trek back to Banaue and he was nice but avoided the cheque at several meal stops. ("Guess we're buying him lunch again" hehe... not that expensive.) I'd recommend both of them, as well as, Simon's Guesthouse in Batad (room facing terrace) and George's in Sagada (great value).
Visit our site to watch some videos from the area: http://www.slyboots.com
Edited by: groline
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