Baler has flourished as one of the top surfing spots in the Philippines. Blissfully tucked in the province of Aurora, this once sleepy municipality is now a popular tourist destination dappled with resorts, cafes and surf shops that have never stopped expanding. But Baler is not all about the endless surf of Sabang Beach, you haven’t really fully experienced this town if you haven’t gone on a day tour. Explore Baler and discover its unspoiled waterfalls, ruggedly enchanting azure beaches, gorgeous cliffs that drop straight into ceaseless waves and age-old historic edifices.
Since the main reason tourists go to Baler is surfing, the best time to visit is during the surf season in Baler– July to October due to the South Swell and November to March due to the North Swell. But this doesn’t mean you have to skip it during the off-peak months because this province is more than just a surfing destination. Baler is a year-round destination because of the wealth of activities you can do here aside from surfing and I will discuss that in this blog.
- How to get there?
If you are from manila the best way is to ride a Genesis bus, air-conditioned daily buses with a 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
If you’re struggling to get a one way trip, from Manila, you can ride a Victory Liner or Baliwag Transit bus to Cabanatuan, then transfer to a bus or passenger van to Baler or to an another Genesis bus or directly to a Aurora bus line.
there are plenty of different types of accommodations lining the coast of Sabang, one is the Costa Pacifica, a beachfront hotel. It requires a 11-minute walk from both a bus stop and the local artifacts at the Museo de Baler.
Sabang Beach’s Surfing Site- Considered as the “birthplace of surfing in the Philippines”. Sabang beach’s long stretch of gray sandy shoreline with crashing waves coming from the Pacific Ocean is a favorite “playground” among surfers. A trip to Baler, would not be complete without giving surfing a try.
Museo de Baler, Baler’s local museum showcases various historical artifacts, paintings and other memorabilia that are associated to Baler’s rich history. As of this moment, the entrance fee to Museo De Baler is Php 30 which also includes a tour to Doña Aurora House which is located nearby.
Not too far from the town center and along Zabali Road, is the Baler Hanging Bridge. The hanging bridge is a steel-cable foot bridge over the moss-green waters of the Tibag-Sabang River. This river empties into Baler Bay at a point just to the south of Sabang Beach.
Diguisit beach, a perfect escape for non surfers. Just a few minutes away from Baler town proper you’ll able to view the rock formations nestled along the shores of the beach of diguisit.
Besides Surfing, and mountain rock climbing, hill climbling is also one of the fun activities that can be done in Baler. Ermita Park/Hill –A 35 minutes’ walk to the foot of the hill and 15 minutes’ trek uphill. This shrub-covered area provides an excellent view of the town of Baler, Sabang Beach, Cemento and Dimadimalangat islet. It is a short, steep trek from the foot of the hill, through small trees and cogon grass, to the top. It is a wide area on the fill perfect for picnic.
At the base of the Ermita hill, just along the highway, you’ll find this sculpture called Tromba Marina. Did you know that Baler was almost wiped out in 1735 because of a tsunami? The Tromba Marina sculpture serves as a reminder of that incident. It depicts several residents climbing the hill and behind them is a giant wave.
At the top of Ermita hill you’ll also be able to witness the beauty of the Dicasalarin Cove, in there you’ll also be able to see the popular light house in baler. It will take you about 20 min drive to get the the entry of a one-way /one-lane road leading to Dicasalarin cove.
Ditumabo Motherfalls, They call it Mother Falls, simply because it is the grandest of all waterfalls a majestic natural attraction of Baler, Aurora. Located in Brgy. Ditumabo in the town of San Luis, Ditumabo Falls is towering at a height of 140 feet. Its wide basin and huge imposing cliffs on both sides makes it one of the biggest waterfalls in the province.
Baler is a perfect escape haven for everyone for its relaxing sceneries, endless summer and a bliss of freedom and enjoyment to everyone. Baler also gives as a moment to commemorate our history as we live freely; enjoying our life to the fullest.
Wanderer 