Baler, Aurora

October 27-29, 2016

Baler has been on my  “bucketplace” ever since I discovered the joy of riding the waves in 2013.  I’ve been looking for a far place as possible from stress and to provide a good reason to test drive “wolf” (Hyundai, 1.4), I decided to traversed 231 kilometers North-East of Manila to finally see the undulated surf spot Sabang Beach in Baler, Aurora.

The 6 hour drive was smooth and easy via Pantabangan Road, though there are some winding parts that need an extra effort on your machine and driving skills, but the efforts were equally rewarded by interminable scenic views.

The Pantabangan Dam.

Baler is a small town with quaint and rustic vibes, but you will never get bored by myriad of things to do and places to visit. 

The Sabang Beach at Sunset.

What to do:

1.  Feel  the vibe and brave the waves.. go surfing!

Baler is known to be the birthplace of Surfing in the Philippines.  Being the location of the film classic Äpocalypse Now,” the crew left their used surf boards to the locals, thus Pinoy surfers were born.  

Sabang offers frenzied waves for professionals and also a great calm spots for beginners and for those who just want to have a feel of riding.  Surf schools can be found in all parts of the beach.  The standard rate is 400.00 per hour inclusive of instructor and use of surf board.

  

2. History blast at Museum de Baler

Get acquainted with the deep rooted history of Baler at the Museum de Baler.   The museum is the first solid and unyielding structure that you will see upon entering the town.  Entrance fee is

 3. Dip in an icy and turbulent water of the Mother Falls

  

You may opt to get a guide for 200.00 or just pay 20.00 per head entrance fee if you want a bit of adventure and puzzle solving, just like what we did, though half way through the falls, amidst rocky, slippery and tricky trail, I made a mental note that it is still safer to get there with a guide.  Mother falls offers an astounding scenery    
 

At the end of the trek either with a guide or if you are brave enough to  trudge the

 

At the end of the trek either with a guide or if you are brave enough to  trudge the

  

4. Climb the Millenium Tree

Whether upon arriving or before leaving Baler, don’t missed out on the biggest and one of the oldest tree in Asia.  Also known as the Millenium Tree, this 65 meter in height, 600 year old enchanting tree is located in the town of Maria Aurora, just 30 minutes from the town of Baler.  Though Balete tree is concomitant to a home of supernatural creatures land often associated with creepy stories, visitors can venture freely around and inside its huge inards and tangled tunnel like roots.  Though there is an entrance fee of 10.00 because the tree is located inside the private property.

Where to eat?

Yolly's Ihaw ihaw and Seafood Resto at Recto St., Poblacion, Baler.

Yellow Fin Bar and Grill, across Bay's Inn Hotel

Fruit shake