While many people go to Baler for its world-class waves, the town has become a lot more popular in recent years. People are drawn toBaler because of the locals—they receive tourists with open arms and their smiles convey the warmest of welcomes.
While there are many places to go and things to see, the kindness of the people in Baler and simplicity the town offers are experiences you would have to feel for yourself. So, use this guide as a helpful tool while maximizing your time in Aurora, but make sure you immerse yourself so that you can get new perspectives. Who knows—maybe you’ll come home with not just a trendy tan, but also a changed perspective about life.
Natural Wonders
When you travel from Baler to Aurora, you’ll pass through breathtaking natural wonders that are all worth seeing. The province, not only blessed with gorgeous coastlines, also has mountains, springs, waterfalls, and trees that are waiting to be explored.Sabang Beach
The reason Sabang Beach is probably the most popular spot in Baler, is because it offers surfing. This wide stretch of sand was where the movie Apocalypse Nowwas filmed in 1970s. The surputtting culture eventually became popularized in municipality over time. Now, the beach has many hotels and a gorgeous view of
The Pacific Ocean that offer transients!
Diguisit Rock Formations & Waterfalls
not more than a tricycle ride away from Sabang Beach lies the Diguisit Rock Formations. The surface of its clear waters, scattered with rocks, is especially beautiful during sunrise when the silhouette of mountains and the orange skyline creates a stunning backdrop for the scene below -the rock formations, fishing boats, and waves of the ocean.
The easily accessible Diguisit Falls, located close to the highway, are also well-known. While the waterfall isn’t difficult to get to and only has knee-deep water, it’s a fun place for individuals looking for a natural shower. For more daring visitors, there’s a bigger version of this waterfall about 100 meters down the road that needs some effort.
Dicasalarin Cove
Like Sabang Beach and the rocks and falls in Diguisit, access to Dicasalarin Cove is not free. However, we can assure you that you will not be disappointed; Ph300 may seem like a minor investment for the view you are about to see. The secluded cove has a stunning white beach contrasting with the Pacific Ocean’s blue and the greenery of the island’s highest peaks. To the right of the cove is a hundred-step stairway leading to Baler Lighthouse and a peak that will leave you gasping for air with an overview of Manila Bay.
Millennium Tree
Aside from lovely beaches, Aurora is primarily known for housing the biggest claimed Balete tree in all of Asia. This towering tree has been officially recognized as the national Millennium Tree. The Banyan tree is the world’s oldest known living organism. It has an age of over 600 years and is located near Manila in the Philippines. Its diameter is approximately 14 feet, with a crown spread measuring more than 40 feet! The Balete tree has roots that are up to 33 feet tall, which have grown tall enough to house caves. Many people enjoy climbing among its roots as well.
Ditumabo Mother Falls
Quezon Memorial Park & Museo de Baler
Quezon Memorial Park, which features a statue of late Commonwealth President Manuel Luis Quezon, is located in the heart of Baler. In front of the park is Museo de Baler, Baler’s local museum that holds historical artifacts and memorabilia from as early as the Spanish colonization period. The history of Aurora as well as some photos, artifacts, and other mementos President Quezon and his family are displayed in the museum.
Doña Aurora Memorial House & Baler Sign
The Doña Aurora Memorial House replica, which was built to commemorate Doña Aurora, the late President Quezon’s wife and her selfless endeavors in providing social welfare services to inhabitants of the province, is one of these historical sites.
The legendary Baler Church, also known as the San Luis Obispo de Tolosa Parish, is a historical object that history enthusiasts will enjoy. After Philippine Independence was declared in 1898, the last Spanish garrison continued to seize the church and refused to give it up for almost a year afterwards. On June 2, 1899, the last 33 survivors filed out from their fortifications, bringing to a close the Siege of Baler. Furthermore, President Quezon was baptized in the church on his deathbed. It was designated as a national historical landmark by the National Historical Institute in 2000.
Ermita Hill
Despite the fact that the Baler Catholic Church is now 8 meters above sea level, it was destroyed by the calamitous Tromba Marina tidal wave in 1735, which killed virtually everyone in town without warning. This catastrophe marked a turning point in Baler’s history because only about ten families survived by climbing up Ermita Hill after the event. The memory of this tragedy is preserved through a monument to Tromba Marina—a sculpture depicting families attempting to flee a wave behind them while climbing up the hill—that sits on its base.
Get your morning coffee and pastries at Dialyn’s Bakeshop before taking a walk on the beach. If you have a sweet tooth, try their Kiwi cupcakes – they’re perfect mix of sweet and sour. You can also get their Dulce De Leche cake, which is incredibly creamy and will make your day complete.
Wapang Wapang na Liempo, Kusina Luntian
Kusina Luntian is difficult to spot from the street because its nipa huts are concealed by trees. Nevertheless, the restaurant has no problem filling up its seats; it’s famous for dishes like Wapang Wapang na Liempo and Wang Patawad na Tapa. All main meals at Kusina Luntian come with rice, tomatoes, salted egg, and pako salad served on banana leaves. At Kusina Luntian, they fully embrace the island life by asking their customers to leave their shoes outside the huts and eat with their bare hands. In addition to grilled liempo, indicated as a specialty of theirs, Kusina Luntian also offer Baler longganisa, fried boneless bangus, chicken adobo–and other traditional Filipino dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Crispy Fish Tacos, Kubli Bistro
Kubli Bistro serves a wide range of dishes, including Philippine classics like pork sinigang and caldereta, as well as foreign delicacies such as their flavorful tomato and basil pizza and crispy fish tacos.Kubli Bistro is a great place to eat and relax if you’re looking for an air-conditioned space. Not only is the food good, but the restaurant also doubles as a mini museum of sorts, with old photos of Baler’s beaches and surfers hanging on the walls.
Charlie Does Café’s Mushroom Tapa
Charlie Does Café is ideal for vegans and vegetarians looking for a delicious meal that might make them forget they ever liked meat in the first place. The coffee is just as good, if not better, than anywhere else in town – especially after burning some calories in one of their yoga classes. And because Charlie Does is also an inn, visitors can take surf lessons or buy all the gear they need to catch some waves
What to do in Baler
Surf
There’s no need to explain that you can’t go to Baler and not surf the waves. The average cost for a surfing lesson is Php350/hour, which already includes use of the on-site surfboard and instruction from an experienced teacher. Sabang Beach is large enough so that everyone has their own space in the lineup, regardless if it’s your first time trying or not. Don’t let nerves stop you from having this experience! Your instructors will be with you every step of the way to make sure ensure enjoy yourselves as much as possible.
Water Sports
The best time to go snorkeling is from March through June, when the waves are less intense. Contact your local tourism office or the MIA Surf & Sports Resort to organize these activities. You may also choose to swim instead, but be aware of the weather and current strength before doing so. In most cases, there are warning signs in areas with powerful currents; however, going for a swim near the beach’s edge and observable by others is the safest option.
Enjoy the Sunrise
The Baler sunrise is ideal for everyone and anyone, according to some. The Baler sunrise is perfect for individuals of all ages who enjoy water sports. Facing the east, Baler is an excellent location to witness the sun emerge from the sea and climb into the sky.
Historical Tour
Baler is rich in history, and many of its sites are within walking distance of one another. For instance, Quezon Park is centrally located in the town, with Museo de Baler right behind it. Other notable nearby landmarks include the ancient Baler Municipal Hall, Doña Aurora house, and Baler Catholic Church.
Souvenir Shopping
Along the streets of Baler, there are several souvenir stores with T-shirts, mugs, keychains, and food items on display. Wallets, purses, and jewelry may also be purchased for you to take home to your family. Local beverages and meals are also a fantastic way to introduce people who haven’t been to Baler to its culture.
