Sep 28, 2024
THE BEST TOUR EVER!!! - WOW! Miller and his wife Bridget were absolutely amazing. Hands down the best tour guides we have ever had, no doubt about it. My husband and I had never been on a tour where the guide was so accommodating, caring, informative, and were willing to go above and beyond every single time. Miller even made sure he got us to the airport on time, driving through the night (9 hr drive to Manila) and dropping us off at the terminal. They made sure we got the best viewpoints for pictures and even took our picture so we could have pictures together. They knew the best angles and where to stand to really get the best view. Miller even arranged for us to get picked up at the end of our trip and ride in a tricycle which was super cool. Bridget even brought us to her parents house on the trek and showed us and taught us how to process rice and even gave us some to take back home.
Before our trip even began, Miller was in contact with me and answered every single one of my questions. I never felt like I was annoying him with my millions of questions and would always confirm to make sure we were on the same page and made sure everything was set up and ready for us.
His wife Bridget was our tour guide and she was amazing. I had read reviews that mentioned the trek was tough and I didn't believe them, I thought maybe it was difficult but not to the extent that everyone was saying. No, this trek is a major work out and does take a great amount of effort, especially that first day. But was it worth it? Yes, absolutely yes and we would do it again in a heart beat. We did a 3 day trek and when we left, we were left wishing we had more time to spend there. It could have been because we were traveling during the rainy season but be aware, the ground is slippery. Thankfully between Bridget and my husband holding my hand, I survived. Thank you again Bridget for saving my life countless times. My husband on the other hand did not share the same struggles as me. He completed the entire hike in his vans, although he would recommend hiking boots. But both of us agree that we had the best time of our lives. If you are even thinking about going to Banaue and seeing the rice terraces, just book it and make sure you book with Miller. You won't have any regrets. Buy your souvenirs while you're in this area as well, the prices can't be beat.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Aug 29, 2024
A must-do - Brijhet is the best tour guide you can find in Banaue. As a native from Batad, she knows the local people and ecosystem through and through. Her tour gives insights into the lives of the Ifugao people, their culture and agriculture, as well as the biodiversity of the rice terrasses. She will adapt to your pace and interests and make your tour very special by bringing you to her parents' house. I recommend her tour 300%. I took her tour in English, but she can also do the tour in French. Just ask for her at the tourist office in Banaue.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Aug 8, 2024
Great views and even greater people - Miller and Bridget were both welcoming and passionate about their work as tour guides. They were kind and supportive throughout my whole stay, and their inside knowledge of their province helped elevate the experience, as with Bridget (my tour guide) being from Batad, she offered an excellent array of trivia and experience to the village that I doubt you will get from other guides.
My only regret was that I should’ve done the 3-day hike as opposed to the one, but at least I have an excuse to come back!
Highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Aug 1, 2024
Incredible 3 day hike through Banaue and Batad - My partner and I had the most incredible, rewarding and special time hiking through the luscious rice terraces. Organising our hike with Miller was a breeze, he was very flexible, relaxed and accommodating. Miller, his uncle and cousin picked us up from our accommodation in Manila in a luxurious van and drove us back to Banaue. He booked fantastic accommodation for us in Banaue, Cambulo and Batad, which all had showers, meals and wifi available. Brigette was our amazing guide and someone we now call our friend. Her knowledge on the cultivation and history of the terraces and Filipino culture was extensive. I asked many horticulture questions and she answered every single one! Brigette was very calm and supportive amidst the multiple thunderstorms we experienced and she was happy to walk at our pace, even though we knew she would be able to walk faster haha. We shared laughs and stories together and unforgettable moments for my partner and I.
For anyone travelling in the wet season, we would recommend an umbrella (also for the sun) and a heavy-duty poncho. For any season, some staircase training beforehand would make the hike easier (my phone estimated we climbed 450 flights of stairs over the 3 days). We had a walking pole each which made the slippery, steep parts a lot easier. We also took Electrolytes/berocca and protein bars, which we would recommend. Added a photo of a menu from the Batad accomm to help anyone thinking of doing this tour make a budget.
Overall, the hike was one of the most rewarding experiences of our lives. It challenged us physically, provided a sense of accomplishment and we saw views you could only dream of. The local villagers were very kind and welcoming and we cherished the time we spent in Batad milling rice with Brigettes family. We would do this hike again in a heartbeat. Salamat Po and Thank you so much Brigette and Miller! 😊
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jul 29, 2024
The most amazing experience in the Philippines! - I booked a solo one day tour of the Batad Rice Terraces and Tappiya Falls (about 6 hours total). Miller was amazing at communicating beforehand and was helpful offering additional services and help. He met me at my hotel and from there his wife Bridget took me on the tour. We went to the public market place, a couple of scenic spots, and, of course, the rice terraces and waterfall. Bridget was super knowledgeable about the history, the plants, the processes, just everything. And she shared all that knowledge and answered all my questions. She was wonderful and kind and I had an amazing time with her. Bridget and Miller (and their families) have lived and worked in the Batad Rice Terraces for generations so it was truly an authentic experience. We even stopped at their family home and threshed the rice. Bridget was amazing at explaining the process of what they do and so generous. The hike into the village and to the waterfall and back is no joke!! I’m in pretty good shape and it was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. And even though Bridget walked it like it was a Sunday stroll (lol), she was as patient with me when I had to stop and kept a pace that was comfortable for me. And it was 100% worth it. Words can’t describe the peace and beauty of Batad and it was one of the most humbling experiences I’ve had in my life. It was, hands down, one of the best experiences I had in the Philippines, and honestly, in my whole life. I cannot recommend Bridget and Miller enough and think this is a must do thing if you’re in the Philippines. Heck, you should go just to do this! Make sure you bring lots of water, sunscreen, ponchos in case of rain, and a hat (wide brimmed is ideal). Thank you so much Miller and Bridge for an experience that I will never forget. Can’t wait to go back!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jul 12, 2024
An unforgettable trek - Our Guide Charlie was amazing and he concocted a program that fit the whole family very well.
The view of the rice fields dazzled us.
Beautifully beautiful
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jul 4, 2024
3 day trek - My husband and I booked a 3 day 2 night Trek with Miller. His communication throughout the trip was excellent.
We opted to fly into Cauayan and they picked us up from there.
The accommodations and guesthouses they booked were very comfortable. Even a hot showere after a day of trekking and comfy beds. The food was good.
The trekking was beautiful through the forest and along rice terraces. The trails are very steep with plenty of steps up and down, so be prepared and fit (if you are afraid of heights, beware). An umbrella is critical for showers or shade, and a trekking pole helpful. Bring sturdy medium backpack with good waist belt for your gear and water.
This operator was born and raised in the area, and have first hand knowledge of the life in the terraces.
I can recommend Miller and his wife Bridgette 100%.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jun 22, 2024
Unforgettable Experience - From beginning to end the trip was great.
I was coming from Sagada and was picked up by Miller straight from the bus stop. I had another friend join in last minute in which Miller was able to slot him in aswell as make changes to the itinerary for an additional price.
We arrived to the rice terraces and our accomodation later at night though the walk down to the accomodation was easy enough with a flashlight. We stayed at Simon's Inn which I couldn't recommend enough.
Come next morning I was blessed with the view of the rice terraces straight from my window and our tour started early as requested at 5:30AM
We made our way through the rice terraces, stopped by a local house and learned how to process rice from raw material aswell as wear traditional clothing which was a great experience.
We then continued our way down to the Tappiyah Falls (Additional) which was quite a hike going back up but way worth it and quite refreshing.
We worked out way back up through the rice terraces and went further into our itinerary which were additional but I recommend to maximize your plans if you're only there 1 day. We added Ducligan to our itinerary and went to the Hotsprings, Snake Riverview Point aswell as the main Viewpoint in Ducligan.
All in all it was a great but tiring day but way worth the trip.
I cannot thank Miller enough for accommodating us and being such a great guide!
Thank you 🙏
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jun 15, 2024
great Batad tour - highly recomended - We traveled with Brijhet on a great private tour. Bridget is full of knowledge and first-hand experience, being a resident of the area. Thanks to the hike with Bridget, we got to see up close the rice fields, the workers in the fields, the houses, and the nature around. Everything was with interesting explanations and with excellent service and a smile.
We had a great time, and I recommend it to everyone.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jun 8, 2024
Local guide Bridget from Barad is the best! - We did a 3-day trekking tour with Bridget, who is born and raised in Batad. It was a great experience with a very nice an good tourguide. Bridget explained us a lot about the local village life and the work on the terrases. She also let us experience local life in her eldery home. Highly recommend !
Review provided by Tripadvisor