By: Cherrymiah Alluso
Summer is fast approaching. Calling all the surfers and beach lovers out there. It’s time to take a break with workloads and enjoy the refreshing summer vibe together with your family, friends and loved ones. Beat the heat and explore the historic place of the “Surfing Capital of the Philippines” Baler, Aurora with a lots of exciting activities and breathtaking scenario that will surely make your summer, a summer to remember.
HOW TO GET TO BALER FROM MANILA?
GENESIS BUS
contact #: +63 2853 3115 /+63 2709 0803 / +63 2421 1422
Genesis has air-conditioned daily buses en route to Baler from their Cubao Bus Terminal. Daily trips run from 3:00 AM to 7:30 AM (5-6 trips daily, 1 hour interval). Travel time 6-7 hours, bus fare is around Php 550.
JOY BUS
CONTACT#(02) 421-145/ (02) 709-0803
For those who want to splurge, reserve ahead for an executive luxury trip via Joy Bus (also owned by Genesis). Their non-stop service trip provides passengers with pillows, blankets and snacks and a bus stewardess to assist you with your needs. Fare is Php 750, travel time is 5 hours. Joy Bus can get too cold, so wear a thick jacket.
WHERE TO STAY?
There are plenty of different types of accommodations around the town of baler, I would highly suggest that you book in advance to get a perfect spot that will make your vacation enjoyable.
Recommended:
📍Costa Pacifica
📍Playa Azul
📍Nalu Surf Camp
📍Zen Breezelands
📍Bayler’s Inn
Photo from Google 
Photo from Google 
Photo from Google
Most Visitors prefer to check in within the beach front to enjoy the relaxing view and feel the fresh air and the sound of the waves!!
Here’s tourist favorite spot when in Baler:
Photo from Google
1. Museo De Baler
Museo De Baler is also one of the most top visited places in Baler, Aurora because it showcase the history of Baler and contains several historical artifacts that link it closely to the Philippines’ first and longest colonizer, Spain. President Manuel Quezon, who was born in Baler, has a statue in the center of the park named in his honor. Even his restored presidential car is showcased among the museum’s many artifacts.
Reading through it’s walls and manuscripts, if you’re a fund of the Filipino history and culture, you should pay a visit.
On the other note, it has spots which are Instagram worthy; take a shot at the right angle and it’s definitely worth dozens of double-taps!
Entrance Fee: 30 php (include a tour in Donya Aurora House which is nearby the museum)
2. Sabang Beach
The waves are calling surfers.. Sabang Beach is one of the most visited beach in Baler, Aurora where most of the surfers play with the waves. Another amazing thing here is entrance fees and camping fees are FREE!! So you just need to bring your camping materials, set it up. You can also bring foods but there are also restaurants, bars and stall near the beach. Just a walking distance.
If you don’t know how to surf, this is your chance to learn. Don’t miss this chance because it is worth giving a try!
- Surfing Lesson Rates: P350/hr (surfing instructor and surfboard); P200/hr & P800/day (surfboard rental only)
After thoroughly enjoying riding the waves, lay or sit on the fine dark sand while watching other people surf and swim.
When the water is flat and calm, take the chance to swim leisurely with friends and family. In addition, The sunset is worth the wait.
3. Mother Falls
Your baler trip won’t be completed without a visit at Diguisit Mother Falls!! Towering at around 140 feet and with the cold water from the highland of Sierra Madre Mountain Range, Ditumabo Falls is an imposing icon of the province. The freely cascading water drops into a wide rocky basin forming a natural pool ideal for swimming.
But getting to Ditumabo Falls is not a walk in the park. From Baler, one needs to ride a tricycle or a van to get to Barangay Ditumabo and trek for approximately an hour to see the waterfalls. It is not an easy trek, it involves river crossings and the trail is generally rough and rocky (and quite slippery specially after the rain), but it is one rewarding trek.
Entrance Fee: 30php
Tour Guide Fee: 200php
Friendly Tip: Wear sensible hiking shoes
4. Balete Tree
After going to the beach, spend some time taking picture at Balete Tree, you can also go inside the balete tree and see with your eyes the big branch and trunks of the tree
The 600-year old Balete Tree in the town of Maria Aurora next to Baler, towers more than five stories high. It is said that it would take 60 people holding hands with arms outstretched to encircle it. Locals claim that it’s the largest tree of its kind in Asia. Though it hasn’t quite lived up to its moniker yet, it’s been dubbed “The Millennium Tree” and is now the province of Aurora’s most visited attraction.
There are locals out there, who would offer to take pictures they are very nice and skilled when it comes to taking pictures to get you a right angle!! Just give them a tip.
Entrance Fee: 10 php
5. Baler Hanging Bridge
An instagram worthy pictorial with your friends and sweetheart at Brgy. Zabali, Baler Aurora.
This steel and wood bridge crosses the Sabang river which is about 15 feet below from the bridge. What’s exciting about this bridge is it sways sideways and moves up and downward when you walk through it. No entrance fee!! This is a must visit spot when you go to Baler.
6. Baler Town Plaza
Your trip to Baler won’t be completed without a picture at Baler Town Plaza.
The town plaza is the center of everything in Baler. Huge standees that spell out “Baler” welcome tourists to the Aurora municipality, while the 400 years monument stands in the middle as a reminder of the historic 400 years of Baler.
There are lots of tourist spot in Baler, Aurora here is also some friendly tip before going to Baler
- If you are planninng to go to Baler, book your accomodations in advance
- Bring cash, there are only limited atm machines in Baler
- Do not forget your powerbank and chargers
- Do not leave your valuables unattended
- Clean as you Go
Locals are very friendly and hospitable so do not hesitate to ask them.
Since summer is just few months, clear your schedules and enjoy the summer at Baler, Aurora.
My Cup Of Tea 