Banaue, Ifugao offers free wooden scooter ride to tourists

Banaue, Ifugao – To boost the recovery efforts of the Banaue tourism sector in the province of Ifugao after the onslaught of the pandemic, the local officials decided to offer tourists and guests the chance to experience their renowned wooden scooters for free.

The free ride was launched on April 08, 2023, at Viewpoint, Banaue through the initiative of the Office of Board Member Orlando Addug, in coordination with the concerned local government units and national line agencies.

Ifugao’s wooden scooter is an evolved form of the “tal-tallak”, a local term for a truck. Back in the 1900s, the two or four-wheeled cart was used by their ancestors to transport firewood, palay, and sweet potatoes from their swidden or “habal” as they call it.

When the motorcycle was introduced in the locality seven decades after, the natives installed pedal brakes on their two-wheeled contraptions.

In 2005, the province incorporated the first wooden scooter race in their Imbayah Festival, a celebration of a bountiful harvest and thanksgiving.

From the simple wooden scooter, the locals have been enhancing their craft, carving various shapes such as “bulul” and animals like tigers, lions, and horses.

The masterpiece drew attention not only from other people across the country but also worldwide. With many tourists ordering such products, wooden scooters have become a source of livelihood for some woodcarvers in town.

To further support and sustain the stakeholder’s livelihood while promoting their tourism and culture and ensuring that the scooter-making skills will be passed to the next generations, the local officials have agreed to launch the free ride.

The free wooden scooter ride is available every Saturday. From Viewpoint, riders will pass through the majestic view of the Banaue Rice Terraces, often called “The 8th Wonder of the World”. Wooden Scooter Riders are there to assist those who wish to try the free ride.

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