Banaue Greenfields Inn

The owner is incredibly hospitable and really made the stay enjoyable. For sightseeing, it's a good idea to get a guide who knows the area well. Just ask ate Irene. She also has another homestay at Batad rice terraces, where I'm considering staying for at least a week to experience the culture. The rooms are adequate for the location, with hot showers and a nice view from the balcony and restaurant. The restaurant has a few homemade dishes, though sometimes ingredients aren't available or have run out.

Irene and her family were so kind, and the food was delicious. The wifi worked well too. Our clean, simple room had beautiful views. There's no fan or air conditioning, but in early October the nights were comfortable, so that wasn't a problem for us. Before our trip, I asked about a 2-3 day guided hike. Irene arranged for our wonderful guide and driver, Don Don, to collect us from the overnight bus from Manila. When we arrived, she greeted us with coffee and breakfast and let us check in early so we could start exploring. Huge thanks to Don Don for the great hike and stories. Our legs definitely needed that post-hike massage back in Manila!

Ate airene arranged our Batad land tour, and she took great care of us throughout our stay. It's a very peaceful place, with clean rooms, hot showers, and a view of green fields from our terrace. There's an in-house restaurant, and you can order your meals ahead so they can prepare them fresh. Prices range from 150-300.

The countryside around here was my favorite trip in the Philippines. Plan to spend at least two days, bring a car or arrange transport, and expect to do some hiking. The manager knows a lot about the area's history and culture, so you definitely want her as your guide. This is a small family-run place with rooms and a restaurant, and the views are spectacular. Showers have hot water. There’s no air conditioning, but at nearly 6,000 ft, sleeping with the windows open was pleasant. They cook from a menu and the food is great, though some listed items aren't always available, so be flexible. My only drawback was contact: the owner's phone number is listed on the booking site, but he never answers because he works full time and isn't in the area, and cell service is spotty.