Baler, a small town situated south east of the island of Luzon, known for its large waves, this destination has become a spot for tourists and surfers alike. Located in the province of Aurora, Baler and its neighbouring municipalities boasts destinations that will surely blow you away! Most people come here to surf and it is indeed a great surfing destination, the waves stand high with the help of the strong winds from the Pacific Ocean. But that's not the only thing you can do here. Baler has a handful of destinations that you may only find in this small town. Want to know how to get here? What to do? Where to eat? Well read along...
Things to do in Aurora
Balete Tree – Php 30 / person & Php 20 Parking
Aurora might be a small province but its destinations are definitely not small. Our first stop was an estimated 400-600 year old Balete Tree. This tree is about 5 storeys high and it has grown so much that the bottom part of the tree is hollow and you could enter for Php 15. This tree is so wide it takes about 60 people holding hands with their arms stretched to hug this huge tree! The view inside is spectacular!
Huge tree can't even fit the camera.
The view inside the enchanted tree.
Mom, Me, Ate Dolly and Kuya Don.
Mother Falls, San Luis, Aurora
After a 20-30 mins drive from the Balete Tree, we’ve arrived at Mother Falls – if you are visiting Baler this should be on the top of your list. Towering at 42 M high this one of Baler’s top destination, the rocks that fell from a storm caused the cascading waters to create a mist that engulfs the vicinity of the waterfalls, leaving you a majestic view! I suggest you bring your waterproof cameras and bags because you will be covered in mist, otherwise if you forgot your camera there is a photographer waiting for you.
ProfilePicMultimedia is a local photo souvenir shop, they take photos at the Mother Falls and at Sabang Beach, avail for your photo and they will post is in Facebook for your convenience. Shout out to Vince and AJ! Thank you guys!
Thank you ProfilePic MultiMedia!
Dicasalarin Cove – In-House Guests of Costa Pacifica Php 150, Walk In Php 300
This private cove was recently opened to the public; it houses a lighthouse and several private huts. Getting to the lighthouse from the parking area was tiring not to mention the 170 steps you have to climb to reach the top of the hill, but the view of the Pacific was breathtaking! Although the beach is tempting to swim at, be cautious as there are no lifeguards in the area, especially if you are visiting in the afternoon, rift currents are rampant and may catch you off guard. Better be safe than sorry. :D
Beautiful Panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean!
How far I'll go?
Hermitanio (Kuya Don) & Diwata (Ate Dolly)
Diguisit Beach and Diguisit Falls
On the way to and back from Dicasalarin Cove is Diguisit Beach and Diguisit Falls; home to towering rock formations this beach is great for non surfers who would like to enjoy the salty waters of the Pacific away from the bugging surfing instructors. You can also visit the Diguisit Falls what you thought would be another trek, this waterfalls is just a few steps away from the main road. No river crossing or 1.3 km trek this is probably the easiest waterfall to spot and its great spot for photos too.
Towering rocks of Diguisit Beach
A work of nature right beside the road
Ermita Hill – did not visit though
A few meters away from Diguisit Beach is Ermita Hill a place of refuge when a tsunami known as “Tromba Marina” hit the town of Baler in 1735; washing out all of its residents but seven (7) survivors. These survivors made their way to Ermita Hill amidst the strong current. A monument is erected in honour of these 7 individuals.
Hanging Bridge – Donation
Our last stop before heading back to Costa Pacifica was the Hanging Bridge an iconic landmark in Baler over the deep green waters of Tibag – Sabang River. This foot bridge is not that scary as people might see it, it’s one of those hanging bridges you can bike across – HAHA! There are numerous souvenir shops alongside the river too you can do your souvenir shopping here, if you don’t want to read along...
Museo de Baler – Php 30/person (entrance fee also covers Dona Aurora’s Ancestral House)
The museum features artefacts from the Spanish colonial period and paintings that reflect the history behind this small town in Aurora. The former president of the Philippines who is native to Baler; President Manuel L. Quezon and his wife Dona Aurora Quezon are also featured in the museum with narratives on their achievements as individuals and as husband and wife during Manuel L. Quezon’s time as president of the Republic of the Philippines. Paintings also depict historical moments that happened in the town of Baler and photos of the natives – The Ilongots – are also found in the museum.
Ilongots - the former settlers of Aurora, their tribes stretches from Aurora province to the province of Nueva Ecija.
The facade maintains the town's Spanish heritage being one of the base during the Spanish colonial period.
President Manuel L. Quezon
Dona Aurora’s Ancestral Home – Php 30/person (entrance fee also covers Museo de Baler)
Now a museum, Dona Aurora’s ancestral home still holds a piece of history. Her family’s library explains why she was a great composer and writer. Their home exhibits various household items used during their days.
The look away pose
An old clothes iron
A really really old sewing machine
How to get here
There are certain provincial buses that travel to Baler, but if you don't have buses in your area that travel straight to Baler, the most convenient way is to travel via Cubao. Genesis Transport Services Inc. is located in the corner of EDSA and New York Avenue (North bound). The have ordinary air-conditioned buses that travel to and from Baler which would take you 8-9 hours on the road.
DEPARTURE ARRIVAL FIRST TRIP INTERVALS LAST TRIP
BALER PASAY 4:30 AM 1 hour 3:00 PM
CUBAO BALER 3:00 AM 1 hour 7:30 AM
*certain trips may be cancelled or merged please contact with their office for better information
Fare ranges from 500-600 will get the updated rates and schedule soon.
They also have JoyBus - the Executive Coach of Genesis Transport Services Inc. equipped with a toilet, blanket, wide seats, wider legroom and snacks! With no stops this is the best option for a fast and comfortable trip. And with their new Premier Class your trip will have a bonus entertainment system! Read all about it here.
ORIGIN DESTINATION DEPARTURE CONFIGURATION
CUBAO BALER 12:30 AM 2X1 WITH TOILET
CUBAO BALER 1:00 AM 2X2 WITH TOILET
CUBAO BALER 1:30 AM 2X1 WITH TOILET
CUBAO BALER 2:30 AM 2X1 WITH TOILET
CUBAO BALER 5:30 AM 2X2 WITH TOILET
BALER CUBAO 4:30 AM 2X2 WITH TOILET
BALER CUBAO 12:00 NN 2X2 WITH TOILET
BALER CUBAO 1:00 PM 2X1 WITH TOILET
BALER CUBAO 2:00 PM 2X1 WITH TOILET
BALER CUBAO 3:30 PM 2X1 WITH TOILET
Rates for Cubao - Baler (and vice versa) is at PHP 730 and the estimated travel time is 6 hours.
The Vibe
From what I've observed Baler is a small developing town, they cater to local establishments like cafes and restaurants rather than having fast food establishments at every corner; although they may welcome giant fast food chains in the near future. The locals in the town proper still maintain its laid back atmosphere; for a more tourist engaging area head to Sabang Beach. Sabang Beach is home to restaurants and activities for tourists and most hotels, transients and home stays are located here.
The Nightlife
I haven't been around much at night because well I wasn't with anyone my age haha and because there wasn't much going around. Although there were sounds coming from Yellow Fin Bar & Grill it wasn't my cup of tea, instead I enjoyed a couple of glasses of Mojito at the BeachHouse that was enough to get me through the night.
Where to Eat
We've only been to a couple of restaurants because some of our meals were already covered by the resort. Here they are:
Charlie Does
For those who don't eat meat this is the place for you! On our way to Baler, my friend Adrianne suggested this restaurant, known for having a meat free menu this place is a haven for vegans. They also have smoothies packed with nutrients for surfers and health enthusiasts. This little restaurant is also a museum and and a merchandise shop, they sell longboards, penny boards and surfing essentials. Their meals are freshly prepared which may take some time, so while you wait board games are available for your convenience. Charlie does is also has gym and yoga studio just above the restaurant. And if you'd like to stay here you can book them through this link.
What we had:
There were so many to choose from and we ordered a lot :D
Mushroom Tapa - a great Vegan version of the Beef Tapa! Served with Egg and Fried Rice and some greens. Scrumptious!
Coco Shroomie Udon - Udon noodles tossed with Mushroom Coconut Cream Sauced topped with Black Sesame Seeds. Delicious!
Hummus and Pita Bread - Mashed Chickpeas mixed with olive oil, tahini sauc, salt, garlic and lemon juice.
CD (Charlie Does) Chips - A mixture of Gabi (Taro), Kamote (Sweet Potato), Potato and Ube (Purple Yam) topped with salt, peper and Paprika
BEACH HOUSE at Costa Pacifica
Majority of our meals were already sponsored so we ate here on a regular basis, the ambiance was bright during the day and night. Food is delicious and the serving is plenty! Price is just right for the quality and quantity of the food. It's not your typical expensive hotel food.
We had so much fun exploring the town of Baler, there are more things to do and hidden gems to see in the province of Aurora. But we'll save that for another adventure! I would like to give a big shoutout to Genesis Transport Services Inc. headed by Ms. Riza A. Moises, Ms. Patricia Moises-Afuang and Mr. Carlo Moises for this amazing adventure!