Baler Beyond Beauty

Close your eyes and you will have this sudden overwhelming awareness of the place's loving and calming energy delicately engulfing you. 

Located some 230 kilometers (143 miles) northeast of Manila is the municipality of Baler, the Capital of Aurora Province. It was recognized by Google as one of the top beach destination and was labeled by Yahoo SEA as one of the top surfing spots here in the Philippines. This is also where the Spaniards made their last stand on what is called ''The Siege of Baler'' making it a famous historical landmark. I personally found the place ''unspoiled'' where the locals are pleasant and amiable. 

Just a fact, Baler, Aurora is not part of Quezon Province. Aurora, Quezon is a totally different place.

As always, the most important thing to consider when planning a trip is the weather. You may check here for updates: Baler, Aurora Weather Forecast.

My friends got there ahead of time by taking a bus at the Genesis Transport terminal in Cubao where the journey is around 6 hours. I, on the other hand, was late and had a ''connecting trip'' from Cubao to Cabanatuan.  In Cabanatuan, I took another bus heading to Baler. The drop-off for passengers is at the terminal also located in the market. Since our accommodation is near Sabang beach, I hired a tricycle to take me there.

We found a place to stay at Jamjen's Lodge. The rooms are really nice and what I love the most is the large bathroom. The staff and the owner Kuya Marlon, who's also an awesome surfer, are very friendly. Though they're not at the shoreline, it's just a few steps away from the beach (call 09292410298 or 09162001731 for inquiries).

I arrived around 10 in the morning and met up with my friends at the lodge. We decided to have an early lunch and rest for a while. At noon, we went to the beach to have a swim and throw some Frisbee. Wanting to try out surfing, we rented surfboards and hired some instructors. One of the locals told me that they already are from the third and fourth generation of surfers in Sabang.

After catching the waves, we went for a tour of the province. We hired a tricycle for a day tour and our first destination is what they call The Ditumabo Mother Falls, located in the town of Ditumabo, San Luis, Aurora. 

We have to walk for about 10 to 15 minutes coming from the parking area. When we arrived, we saw the crystal clear water and jumped in for a swim. I found it to be extremely cold and quite refreshing. Our guide told me that the water comes actually from a spring because it doesn't get muddy even when and after it rains.

Next stop is the one they called The Millenium Tree. It's a 600-year old Balete tree (Ficus stipulosa) and considered to be the largest one in Asia.

Then we headed to the historical Ermita Hill. It serves as a sanctuary to the seven families who fled when the town was hit by a tsunami back in 1735 where the event was commemorated through the sculptures located at the foot of the hill. When pirates attacked and invaded the coastal areas of Tayabas and Baler back in 1798, this place once again became their safe haven.

A view of Baler Bay from Ermita Hill.

A view of the Pacific Ocean.

The Tromba Marina Sculpture

After enjoying the impressive view from the hill, we headed down to Diguisit Beach to check out the rock formation. Here's some of the landscape along the way.

At first glance, the Diguisit Rock Formation is not that impressive and from a distance, I find it to be just ordinary. But as you come closer, you'll discover that the beach is gifted with awesome visual texture and color, making it a perfect subject for photography enthusiasts. My friends decided to climb at the top. I just stayed under the shade of the rock relaxing with other tourists.

The last one from our itinerary is the Baler Museum. Inside, you'll find photo exhibits and artifacts from the Spanish era relevant to the town's culture. 

The following morning, my friends watched the stunning view of the sunrise on the beach which is an ideal setting to just sit on the sand and ponder. (photo credits to Vu Dao)

We calculated the expenses that we incurred in this trip. They are as follows:

Bus Fare from Cubao to Baler -  750 pesos (Joy Bus)
Bus Fare from Baler to Cubao -  750 pesos (Joy Bus)
Day Tour Tricycle Fee -  800 pesos
Balete Tree Entrance Fee - 10 pesos
Ditumabo Mother Falls Entrance fee  - 10 pesos
Baler Museum Entrance Fee - 30 pesos
Surfboard with a surfing instructor per hour - 350 pesos
The rent for the board alone is 200 pesos per hour
Air-conditioned accommodation for 3 days and 2 nights - 2,400 pesos/The room is good for 3 people
The Experience - Priceless!

TIPS AND TRICKS

Allocate your time and save your energy

If you’re planning to visit Baler, 2 to 3 days of stay is fairly enough. Make sure, however, to start or arrive early and don't try to do everything in one day as it is very exhausting. If it’s your first time, you may want to start up with the tour and keep the next day entirely for full surfing pleasure! 

Always have a bottle of water nearby when surfing

Surfing will definitely drain and dehydrate you. Don't waste your time looking for a store or going back to your room for a bottle of water the moment you get thirsty. Bring a bottle of water with you, just keep it in plain sight.

Explore to economize

If for instance, your accommodation is near Sabang beach and you are on a tight budget, stretch your legs and walk a little. The restaurants on the beachfront are a bit expensive compared to the ones outside where you will have more option of delicious food but for a lesser price. Ask the locals or your tour guide about it.

Weekend vs Weekday

If you're not into crowds and don't want to wait too long for your turn to have photos taken at different tourist spots,  it's better to go there on a weekday. Though the bars are open, it's not much of a party. If you're the type who loves to listen to a live band performance when hanging out in a bar, go on a weekend then. 

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