Baler – a small town located at the eastern part of Aurora, literally facing the Philippine Sea. Known as the Surfing Capital of the Philippines, it boasts great waves from the months of November to early May (Northeast Monsoon) in which tourists from far away places visit just to ride these amazing crashes. It also features a rich history of culture and boasts the popular Mother Falls!
Though sometimes great places are quite surprising even on the road. The journey entails a long ride of humps, bumps, and twists and turns, making a lot of people weary and a little nauseous. If you’re used to these rides, then feel free to enjoy the stunning wilderness ahead.
How to Get Here
Via Private Vehicle
This is the best way traveling to Baler. From Manila, you could take NLEX and exit at Sta Rita going straight North to Cabanatuan City. You could also take SCTEX and exit to La Paz if you opt to skip many other towns, then travel Eastward towards Cabanatuan City. Once at Cabanatuan, travel east passing Palayan City to reach Bongabon. Here is where the going gets tough, you will notice a road fork – one going to Pantabangan and one traveling at Nueva Ecija Aurora Road. We recommend going to Pantabangan first then travel all the way from there to Baler. Even though it’s much farther, the road is mostly done and you would enjoy viewing the two large dams at Aurora! The other route (Nueva Ecija Aurora Road) is shorter though roads are very thin and dangerous, not to mention a dizzying snake road it is. So for safer journey, travel at Pantabangan and also take note to travel only during the day – Baler is not recommended for night travel.
Via Public Transportation
You could also reach Baler via a long journey on buses. Though only Genesis bus transport takes you directly from Manila to Baler. The terminal is located at EDSA Cubao Terminal near Baliwag Transit Terminal. Buses bound to Baler only leave from 3am to 7am, so you better be early! Roads going to Baler lack street lights which are really not suitable for night travel. Once you get on, enjoy a 6-7 hour ride along the mountainous area of Aurora.
The Budget
Baler is surprisingly cheap compared to other long travels. Most stuff at Baler are free (or almost-free I should say)! From museum entrances, to libraries and old houses. You could expect a warm welcome from people. The budget below is based on traveling via private vehicle and will exclude the gasoline expenses for the 6 hour trip. Rates below are in Philippine Currency (php)
Baler Museum: Free (If you like it, you could just drop some cash on donation boxes)
Aliya Surf Camp: Ranging from 3000-4000 a night (for 5-7 people)
Surf Rental: 200 per hour
Surf Instructor: 150php for 15 min (trust me, you only need 3 minutes to learn how to surf)
Tricycle to Mother Falls: 400php (two way)
Mother Falls entrance: 10php ea
How ’bout starting your stay at Baler with its most distinguished activity? Gather your boards and surf up! Aliya Surf Camp offers you just that. With a facade welcoming you to Sabang Beach, you won’t travel far from surfing and taking a break. Among most resorts in Baler, this is by far (in our experience) the closest yet well-maintained resort.
Surf boards and lessons come only at 350php an hour, and trust me, it would only take you 3 minutes or less to learn basic surfing! (I reiterate on BASIC. lol).
Having a one minute “lecture”…
Winds are not that strong this time of month…will revisit on Amihan months.
Aliya Surf Camp at nightfall with bright velvet lights and a nice pool to chill out.
Enjoy the quiet and windy town of Baler at Aliya Surf Camp!
Another must see adventure in Baler is reaching Mother Falls! Technically found outside of Baler in the town of San Luis, the Ditumabo Falls, locally known as Mother Falls, is the one that provides the town electricity. It also serves partly as a tourist attraction as the scenery reaching the falls is pretty full of excitement.
The beginning – Gushing water from atop the mountains.
Enjoy the thrill and follow the giant turbines guide you thru most of the trail towards Mother Falls.
Almost there!
These are cool and cold waters indeed! Dive in!
A small town in a faraway and distant location, Baler boasts it’s individuality and surprisingly rich culture. It would take you only a day to tour the town on foot. Take a stroll around the city and chat with the people around. They do have a lot of strange stories and perceptions on their town. Don’t just be a tourist – jive in.
Knowledge is free at the well maintained and creatively designed Baler Museum.
The Museum’s front doorsteps.
Stopping for a while….
Rest your toes a bit and sit back on Baler Park.
Feel free to roam inside the house of Dona Aurora and learn more about Manuel Quezon.
It’s not right to leave town without having to taste their street food!
Though Baler is known to be a small city, there are a lot of near places adjacent to it that you could take a pick and joyride into.
Climb up Daguisit Falls – a small but super cold falls that you could just pass by along the road.
`
Have a break on Daguisit beach just adjacent to the waterfalls.
Climb up a steep stairway and into a small Hill to find the place people go at sudden Tidal waves.
How about a view of a large dam as you pass by exiting Baler thru Pantabangan.
Recent Comments