When my friends ask me where you want to go for a vacation, the first thing that came to my mind is “Baler” Soon after, I would hear my friends say “Why are you always in Baler?”
On the further side of the Sierra Madre Mountains lies a magnificent land so incredible and untouched, Aurora Province. The municipality of Baler, the capital province of Aurora is the most popular tourist destination here. It is located 200 kilometers northeast of Manila. It is known as surfing destination but baler has more to offer than just surfing. When you visit Baler Aurora, do not miss the chance to dive/snorkeling, trekking, visit some of the historical landmarks and pristine beaches that settles in this beautiful town. If you want some spectacular adventures Baler is suitable for you.
1. Akaw tara lumusong (Wow let’s try surfing)
Sabang Beach
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Baler Aurora is the surf capital of the Philippines with Sabang Beach as one of the top surfing destinations in Northern Luzon. The sport was made famous in the Province by the classic film Apocalypse Now. The scene in which U.S soldiers are surfing when the filming finished, some of the crew left their surfboards behind and they studied it. All the way along it, people are surfing. With Baler’s long coastline, a number of surfing spots in the area are available for all types of surfers, from the beginning to the seasoned. Beginners can go to Sabang Beach while the pro surfers should check out the waves in cemento’s cobra reef and charlie’s point. Sabang Beach located just few kilometers away from the heart of Baler, Aurora. It has black fine sand, water is super clean and not top hot nor too cold. Shore is so clean, not even a spec of dirt, plastic, trash can be found. Speaks of the cleanliness and discipline among beach goers, supported by the LGU’S drive to maintain the cleanliness of Sabang Beach.
2. Walk through the past
Museo De Baler
A basic museum that tells the history of Aurora Province, mostly via photos of the life of a former first Lady Dona Aurora who was born in Baler; she gave mane to the region and is held responsible for the right of women to vote in the Philippines. Also history-lovers and antique enthusiasts are mostly the visitors of the said establishment. Which showcases a century old artifacts, jars, costumes and anything about the rich history of Aurora Province. When you get inside, you will be asked to sign at their registration forms and donate a small amount of contributions to the museum then fell free to shoot anything you want. Photographs are allowed but taking videos are not allowed.
3. Take a glimpse into the past
Dona Aurora Quezon's
Dona Aurora
Private, modest, and virtous, Aurora Aragon Quezon was the perfect complement to one of the Philippines’ most charismatic leaders, Commonwealth President Manuel Luis Quezon, who was well known for his temperament, ambition, and savy. Together, the Quezon lived during one of the most difficult and defining periods in Philippine History, and throughout. President Quezon lived and breathed under the political limelight, seeking and reveling in the Filipino public’s adulation. In contrast, Dona Aurora, craving privacy, stayed in the background. Quietly, she raised a family and supported the efforts of President Quezon in his campaign for idependence. Thus, little is known about Aurora Quezon, one of the most pivotal figures in the campaign for the Filipino women’s right to vote and in building the foundation of social development work in the Philippines. Aurora Aragon Quezon is a long- overdue narration that brings to the foreground a life lived under the shadow of a great man. The book reintroduces Aurora A. Quezon to a new generation of readers through photographs culled from different libraries and private collections, and contemporaneous accounts. Her only surviving daughter Maria Zeneida also shares little known stories about her mother, adding a more intimate layer to the book. A companion publication to Manuel Luis Quezon, it pays tribute to a life lived humbly and with a large purpose.
4. The best view comes after the hardest climb
Ermita Hill
It is located at the 196.6 hectares of land situated in Mt. Dibudulan at Sitio Dicalayungan, known as the land of hope. Its historical and culture value has remained as one of the most unforgettable and important part in the history of Baler. On night of December 27, 1935, the entire old town of Baler was engulfed with sea water and only 7 families was remain and survived because of that catastrophe and they called that “Tromba Marina” (Tsunami).
As of now, Ermita Hill is one of the beautiful tourist spot here in Baler. It has a plateau covering an area of two hectares and is approximately 40 meters above sea-level. When you reach the top of this mountain, even though you’ve tired because you will see at the viewing area a magnificent view of Baler Bay, Dima-Dimalangat and Asiao Islets, from viewing deck area, get ready for the final challenge that you really enjoy here in Baler. The challenge to go up to Ermita Hill cross, with 275 never steps. I hope you are not exhausted in this long climb, because there are some tourist spot that are more challenging than Ermita Hill that you will able to see when you came here at Baler.
5. Baler’s Hidden Treasure
Dicasalarin Cove
From Sabang Beach it is 30 minutes away to get there if you don’t have a private vehicle, your only option is to ride a motorcycle because the road is too steep for tricycle.
Dicasalarin Cove is privately owned by Angaras. The entrance fee there is about Php 300.00 if you are walk-ins, but if you are guest at Costa Pacifica, you will pay only Php. 100.
To see the breath taking view of this spot, you need to walk from the beach until you get to the starway leading to the lighthouse on the cliff. Take the steep flight of stairs that is about 170 steps to reach the foot of the lighthouse. At the top, you will see the 360 degree view of the coast of Baler. I promise, you will amaze on its natural beauty and I assure to you that you will miss this place again and again.
6. Let’s rock with the rocks
Diguisit and Rock formation
Baler is also known for its unique features such as Diguisit Beach. The rock information and islets, known as Anido Rock information and Lukso Lukso islets or simple Diguisit islets, nestled along the shore of Diguisit Beach. These rock information are just some of the reason that make Baler one of the best road trip destination in Luzon.
