Philippines/Luzon: Banaue Rice Terraces
Banaue Rice Terraces are located in the Cordillera Central mountain range and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The ancient terraces were carved into the slopes at an average elevation of 5,000 feet above sea level as far back as 2,000 years ago. The terraces were a solution invented by the Ifugao people to be able to cultivate rice in an otherwise inhospitable terrain – the retaining walls collected the rainforest water into the terraces pools, perfect for rice agriculture. August is the time when rice is ripe and the terraces turn golden. To be honest, the terraces somewhat failed to impress, perhaps given high expectations for something mind blowing. Urbanization is rapidly encroaching on the beautiful landscape.
