Nestled deep in the heartlands of the Cordilleras mountains and rising to an altitude of 1525m (5000ft) are the Banaue Rice Terraces. The terraces were carved out of the mountain range over 3000 years ago by the Ifugaos, the oldest mountain tribe in the area, using only the most primitive tools. The irrigation system uses gravity to harness water from the forests 1800m (2185ft) above thus ensuring a continuous supply of crops. Measured from end to end, the terraces would stretch a total length of 22,400km (13,919 miles), enough to encircle half the globe. They are often dubbed the eighth wonder of the ancient world as their age and scale is comparable to that of the official seven wonders, of which only the Pyramids of Giza remain.

Tourism Office, Cordillera Administrative Region, Department of Tourism, DOT Complex, Government Pack Road, 2600 Baguio City, Philippines
Tel: (074) 442 6708 or 442 7014
Website: www.tourism.gov.ph

Air: Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Baguio Airport (domestic flights), Bagabag Airport (domestic flights). Rail: Train: Manila Station. Road: Bus: Publice services.

Philippines Department of Tourism
Department of Tourism Building, T M Kalaw Street, Rizal Park, Manila 1000, Philippines
Tel: (02) 523 8411/30. Fax: (02) 521 7374 or 522 2194. E-mail: rjgordon@tourism.gov.ph
Website: www.wowphilippines.com
Philippine Cultural and Tourism Office
146 Cromwell Road, London SW7 4EF, UK
Tel: (020) 7835 1100. Fax: (020) 7835 1926. E-mail: tourism@pdot.co.uk
Website: www.wowphilippines.com

Philippines