Photos

this is a native ifugao hut, called BALUY, located at one of the terraces in Banaue (batad). The traditional Ifugao hut is made of local materials such as cogon grass for roofing, pine and narra wood for walling and floorboards and bamboo reeds for ceiling. Just like other Igorot huts, the house is a one-room affair and has a removable bamboo ladder.

This is just a "hang out" area wherein they rest after toiling the terraces. this has been their houses for over hundreds of years yet sadly they no longer build this type of hut. therefore seeing one that houses a family inside is very rare...

The Spaniards wanted to conquer the land so they burned some of the houses in the village. The only ones which were spared from the fire are now dilapidated because no one lives in them.

Aside from the huts, the houses of the bulul (rice diety) called “alang” are also deteriorating and need repairs.

Villagers said Batad has 150 native huts, most of them in need of immediate restoration.

One can still experience the real BALUYS at one of the homestays in batad. It is worth mentioning here because the owner is bent on restoring native huts that are steadily vanishing. He restores native Baluys and makes it available to tourists who are willing to follow his rules (maintain the Blauys, as we know there are insensitive travelers).

There is no electricity, just the tranquil sounds of nature, at Ramon's Homestay you can still experience the real life of an Ifugao. (Ramon's Homestay Contact Number: +63 927 678 3932)

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