What to expect when visiting Banaue
Banaue is a popular tourist destination in the Philippines’ Cordillera mountain range. It’s famous for the Banaue Rice Terraces — built over 2,000 years ago and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Home to the Ifugao people, a visit to Banaue gives one a glimpse of their unique customs, beliefs and traditions.
Plenty of activities are on offer for tourists to experience the Ifugao’s way of life first-hand. But we think the touristy town centre doesn’t really give them justice. We recommend exploring other villages like that of Cambulao and Pula to better appreciate the Ifugao culture in Banaue.
1 way to get from Pagudpud to Banaue
The bus is the only suitable way for travellers to cross the distance of 430 km (267 miles) from Pagudpud to Banaue. The journey takes around 10h and costs start from 750 PHP ($13.00).Where to stay in Banaue?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Banaue at the bottom of this page.
Pagudpud to Banaue by Bus
To get from Pagudpud to Banaue, you’ll need to take 2 buses and a jeepney. Total travel time is around 10 hours.
Step 1: Pagudpud to Tuguegarao by Bus
Buses are parked at their own bus terminals within the town centre. You can ask the hotel staff or a local to point you to the correct bus terminal. Just inform them you are heading to Tuguegarao.
GMW Liner and Florida Liner are the two most preferred bus companies operating on this route. When you board the bus, ask to be dropped off at the bus station in Tuguegarao. Travel time is around 4 hours and the bus ticket should not exceed 300 PHP ($5.00).
Step 2: Tuguegarao to Bagabag by Bus
At the bus terminal in Tuguegarao, ask around for buses bound for Bagabag. Be sure to double-check with the driver if they pass through Bagabag, as not all buses take the same route. This way, you won’t end up travelling on the wrong bus. Once in Bagabag, ask the locals for jeepneys heading to Banaue.
Step 3: Bagabag to Banaue by Jeepney
The jeepney to Banaue takes about 2 hours. Note that sometimes, the jeepneys don’t go straight to Banaue but instead, stop in Ifugao. If this happens, you can take another jeepney from Ifugao to Banaue.
Jeepneys usually drop passengers off near the Banaue Municipal Tourist Center.
Our favourite places to stay in Banaue
Banaue is a special place where nature feels alive around you. To match this vibe, the accommodations need to be pretty unique too. And they are!
A lot of people visit Banaue to embark on overnight adventures into the rice paddies. The wooden huts offering spectacular views over the rice fields are the perfect places to stay before and after your adventure. Here are our favourite stays for every budget:
Baleh Boble Guesthouse - Mid Range
Area: 5-minute drive from Banaue Town
Baleh Boble Guesthouse offers similar accommodation to Hiwang, but with more comfort and finishing touches. They also offer cabin-style accommodation where their creativity with wood is fantastic.
It’s clear that the hosts have poured their hearts into creating this place, and their love continues with their huge effort to make sure that every guest has the best time possible.
- Unique and creative huts
- Amazing hosts
- Incredible views
- Garden, terrace and shared kitchen
Double rooms cost $30-$60 per night
Hiwang Native House - Mid Range
Area: Approx. 15-minute drive from Banaue Town
If you’re willing to spend a little more money, you can get incredible views at Hiwang Native House Inn, plus a unique sleeping experience. Situated at the top of the hill are a number of stilted thatch-roofed huts.
You even have your own little open-air dining area under your bedroom. Here you can enjoy food from the onsite restaurant or eat it around the campfire they frequently arrange.
- Panoramic views
- Unique accommodation
- Onsite restaurant
- Nightly campfires
Double rooms cost $30-$60 per night
Banaue Evergreen Hostel - Budget Friendly
Area: Approx. 5-minute drive from Banaue Town
Banaue is blessed with incredible views, and Banaue Evergreen Hostel really makes the most of its landscapes. Open your curtains or head out to the terrace and you’ll be greeted with panoramic views of the rice fields all around.
Inside, the hotel is bursting with colour. Made even brighter by the friendliness and smiles of the amazing hosts.
- Incredible views
- Great hosts
- Complimentary pick-up/drop-off from bus terminals
- Delicious on-site restaurant
Double rooms cost $15-$30 per night
Frequently Asked Questions about Pagudpud to Banaue
What is the distance from Pagudpud to Banaue?
The distance from Pagudpud to Banaue is 430 km (267 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Pagudpud to Banaue?
The fastest way to get from Pagudpud to Banaue is by bus and takes 10 hours.
What is the cheapest way to get from Pagudpud to Banaue?
The cheapest way to get from Pagudpud to Banaue is by bus with ticket costs starting from 750 PHP ($13.00).
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Pagudpud to Banaue. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
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Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she’s not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines… Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she’ll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
Abby is a writer who finds joy in mountains, beaches, and road trips. She considers her solo backpacking trip to the rice terraces of Bontoc one of the most fulfilling moments in her life. She’s loyal to the islands of her home country, the Philippines, but Thailand’s beaches also have a special place in her heart.
