Backpack Photography is back and this time we’re offering an exciting Photo Tour at the Ifugao Highlands. We’ll go beyond the usual Banaue – Batad route and go through the scenic backdoor route to Bangaan. Get ready to immerse into the Ifugao culture, walk the UNESCO World Heritage Rice Terraces paddies and most of all enjoy the magnificent views along the way. Backpack Photography will also be there to make sure you take home the most memorable photos during this trip. Join the Backpack Photography Banaue Photo Adventure on May 13-15, 2011.
Dates: May 13-15, 2011
(Deadline for registration and payment is April 29, 2011)
Register here to be part of the Wait List/ Interest List
Fee: P9,000
- includes:
- Transportation (To and from Manila and around Banaue)
- 8 Main Meals
- Accommodations
- Insurance
- Handouts
Mandatories: Participants must be adventurous and willing to hike. Porters can be requested in advance (fees on participant’s expense) • Trip will proceed as scheduled if we meet the minimum number of participants (10-15)
Itinerary:
Day 0
Leave Manila for Banaue via GV Florida at Sampaloc
Day 1
We arrive early morning in Banaue for breakfast then ride a jeep to Batad Saddle to start the hike. We’ll reach Batad proper by lunchtime. In the afternoon, we’ll explore the Batad town and then the Tappia Falls. The trip to the falls is optional: participants can choose to join or stay in the town proper. We will stay overnight in Batad and granted a window of good weather, do nightshooting.
Day 2
We leave in the morning for the Saddle and take the scenic backdoor trail to Bangaan. Porters can be hired by participants at their own expense to carry their bags during the easy trek. By lunchtime, we reach Bangaan. In the afternoon, we will explore the magnificent Bangaan terraces and the community there. We will spend the night at Bangaan.
Day 3
We’ll have mountainside breakfast at Bangaan, then leave for Banaue by mid-morning. Lunch will be at Banaue town proper followed by a closing free-for-all Photo Review Session and formal closing ceremony of the workshop. Free time in the afternoon will allow participants to do some more sightseeing or pasalubong shopping. We leave for Manila in the evening.
Suggested equipment:
- A Digital Camera (Preferred are DSLRs or other Interchangeable Lens Cameras)
- Sturdy tripod
- Filters ND8 (Neutral Density), GND (Gradual Neutral Density) and CPL (Circular Polarizer)
- Flashlight
- Umbrella or Poncho, dry bags in case it rains
- Extra batteries (cold weather makes batteries run out of power faster)
Suggested gear:
- Shirts and pants made of Dri-fit or similar fabric for the hike
- Water bottle and trail food
- Jacket or malong (it can get very cold especially at night)
Must-bring:
- Special medications (there are no pharmacies in the area)
- Extra change of clothes (especially for those taking a dip in Tappia falls)
Register here to be part of the Wait List/ Interest List
Ferdz Decena is an award-winning travel photographer, writer and blogger. His works has found print in publications such as Singapore Airlines’s Silver Kris, Philippine Airlines’ Mabuhay, Cebu Pacific’s Smile and Seair InFlight. He has also lent his expertise to various organizations like the Oceana Philippines, Lopez Group Foundation, Save the Children and World Vision, contributing quality images for their marketing materials.
