Located Northeast of Manila, through a long and majestic mountain pass accessible by bus or a private vehicle is the province of Aurora. The Municipality of Baler, the capital province of Aurora, is the most popular tourist destination here, home to spectacular rock formations, rich cultural heritage, sumptuous food and of course, one of the best surf spots the country has to offer. Here’s a list of the top Baler tourist spots for first-timers.
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HOW TO GET TO BALER, AURORA
Traveling to Baler is quite easy. One can ride the Genesis air-conditioned bus located at Cubao Bus Terminal. Daily trips are available (5 to 6 trips per day), having an hour interval in-between trips. Travel time is approximately 5 to 6 hours from Manila priced at PHP 500 to PHP 600 per person.
You can also travel via Joy Bus’ executive coach (also owned by Genesis). Passengers are pampered 1st class with soft blankets and pillows, with snacks served by their own bus stewardess. Fare is at PHP 700 to PHP 800 per person.
Or you can go road tripping via NLEX and SCTEX making an exit at La Paz, Cabanatuan straight to Baler, Aurora.
HOW TO TOUR BALER
If you don’t have a private car or vehicle, you can get around in Baler using the following:
By tricycle : Standard rate for destinations within the town center is about PHP 10. But if you want to tour Baler and Aurora, you can rent a tricycle for PHP 800, good for 3 pax. Half day tour is PHP 400.
By van: You may rent a van for PHP 2,500 per day, good for 10 pax
By motorcycle: PHP 800 per day
By bicycle: Mountain bike rental is PHP 300 per day or PHP 35 per hour
The standard Baler tour covers the following attractions:
- 600 year old Balete Tree
- Ditumabo Falls
- Diguisit Rock Formations
- Diguisit Falls
- PAG-ASA View point (motorcycle and van tours)
BALER TOURIST SPOTS
1. Museo de Baler
Baler Museum (Museo de Baler) houses local and Spanish artifacts that commemorates ties between the Philippines and Spain, relieving the Siege of Baler. It was named after Former President Manuel Luis Quezon, a native son of Baler who served as the father of the Commonwealth from 1935 to 1944.
Location: Quezon Street, Poblacion, Baler, Aurora
Entrance Fee: PHP 35 (good for Baler Museum + Aurora Quezon House)
How to go to Baler Museum: Take a tricycle in downtown Baler, fare is roughly PHP 10 per person
Nearby Baler Tourist Attractions: Aurora Quezon House, Baler Church, Baler Town Plaza
2. Aurora Quezon House
Baler is the capital of Aurora, a province named after the wife of the former Philippine President Manuel Quezon – Aurora Aragon-Quezon. Today, one can visit her ancestral house in Poblacion, Baler, which is open to the public with a minimal admission fee. It is walking distance to Baler Museum and is right in front of Baler Church.
Location: Poblacion Baler
Entrance Fee: PHP 35 (good for Aurora Quezon House + Baler Museum)
How to go to Quezon House: Ride a tricycle in Baler and ask the driver to take you to Aurora Quezon House, it is also walking distance to Baler Museum. Fare is around PHP 10 per person.
Nearby Baler Tourist Spots: Baler Church, Baler Museum, Baler Town Plaza
3. Baler Church
This unassuming church in Baler, known as San Luis Obispo de Tolosa Parish, is a surviving proof of the courage and resiliency of the Baler residents. This historic church, dubbed as the “Last Spanish Garrison”, was the location of the Siege of Baler wherein 54 Spanish soldiers refused to concede to the Americans even if the battle is already over. The Spaniards retreated in Baler Church for almost a year before they surrendered in 1899 because of illness and famine. This church was actually moved to its current location sometime in 1939 retaining some of its original parts. Don’t miss the 17th century Campana de Baler housed in the church’s bell tower.
Location: Rizal Street, Poblacion Baler
Entrance Fee: FREE
How to get to Baler Church: Take a tricycle in Baler and ask the driver to take you to Baler Church. Fare is around PHP 10 per person.
Nearby Tourist Attractions in Baler: Aurora Quezon House, Baler Museum, Baler Town Plaza
4. Sabang Beach
Your Baler escape will not be complete without grabbing a surfboard and riding the famous waves of Sabang Beach. For PHP 350 an hour, an instructor will teach you the ropes of surfing. Don’t be afraid to be wiped-out a couple of times. As the cliche’ goes, “No pain, no gain.” So, what are you waiting for? Surf’s up!
Location: Brgy. Sabang, Baler, Aurora
Entrance Fee: FREE
How to get to Sabang Beach: Take a tricycle in Baler downtown and ask the driver to take you to Sabang Beach. Fare is around PHP 10 per person.
Nearby Tourist Spots in Baler: Baler Church, Baler Museum, Quezon House, Baler Town Plaza
5. Dicasalarin Cove
A secluded and privately owned paradise that offers a breathtaking view of the ocean that what makes Baler famous for. But before that, you must conquer your fear of heights and go up a 170-step uphill climb. Once there, enjoy the calmness of the moment and become one with the whisper of the sea breeze and the sound of the waves.
Location: Brgy. Zabali, Baler
Entrance Fee: PHP 300, PHP 100 for Costa Pacifica Guests + PHP 50 parking fee
How to go to Dicasalarin Cove: Take a tricycle to Dicasalarin Cove. This isn’t part of the standard Baler tricycle tour but it can be done together with Ampere Beach. But take note that since this is a private cove, you need to register first at Costa Pacifica. Roundtrip fare is PHP 300, good for 2 persons. If you are a guest of Costa Pacifica, only PHP 100. Then transfer and ride another motorcycle once you are inside the premise. Your tricycle will wait for you at the gate. You may also go there by renting. Privat van for PHP 3,000, this is good if you are a large group. Inquire at the resort for assistance.
Nearby Baler Tourist Destination: Baler Hanging Bridge, Ermita Hill
6. Baler Hanging Bridge
This popular bridge that connects Brgy.Tibang to Brgy.Sabang in Zabali Road has beckoned tourists visiting Baler because of its scenic view. Thus, it is now part of the standard Baler tricycle tour.
Location: Zabali Road, Baler
How to get to Baler Hanging Bridge: Take a tricycle to the Hanging Bridge.
Nearby Baler Tourist Spots: Dicasalarin Cove, Ermita Hill
7. Ermita Hill
Upon arriving in Ermita Hill, you will most likely notice a statue of people holding hands. This was built to commemorates the deadly tsunami that hit Baler, wiping out the town. The only survivors were the residents who climbed Ermita Hill. Now, this historic area is a popular viewing deck, offering a panoramic view of Aurora towns such as Casiguran Bay, Sabang Beach, Pacific Ocean, Dimadimalangat Islets, and even the Pacific Ocean.
Location: Sitio Cemento, Brgy. Zabali, Baler
Entrance Fee: PHP 15 per person
Parking Fee: PHP 10 per vehicle
How to get there: You can ride a tricycle to Ermita Hill. This is part of the Baler tricycle tour.
Nearby Tourist Spots in Baler: Hanging Bridge, Dicasalarin Cove
8. Diguisit Falls
This is part of the Baler standard tricycle tour. This small falls is nearby the popular Diguisit Rock Formation.
Location: Sitio Diguisit. Zabali, Baler
Entrance Fee: FREE
Cottage Rental: PHP 200 per cottage
How to get there: Ride a tricycle to Diguisit Falls. This is part of the Baler tricycle tour.
Nearby Aurora tourist attraction: Diguisit Beach
9. Diguisit Beach
About a 30-minute ride from the town proper brings you to the picturesque rock formations of Diguisit Beach. It’s the perfect spot for photo enthusiasts especially during sunset. So, get your cameras ready and smile away!
Location: Sitio Diguisit, Brgy. Zabali, Baler
Entrance Fee: PHP 20 per head
How to get there: Ride a tricycle to Ditumabo Falls. This is part of the Baler tricycle tour.
Nearby Aurora tourist spot: Diguisit Falls
10. Baler Town Plaza
Tourists flock to Baler Town Plaza to have a souvenir photo with the massive “Baler” sign.
Location: Quezon Street Poblacion, Baler
How to get to Baler Hanging Bridge: Take a tricycle to the Hanging Bridge.
Nearby Baler Tourist Spots: Baler Museum, Baler Church, Aurora Quezon Ancestral House
11. Baler Food Trip
All of these activities will definitely make anyone hungry. Explore their local food served by various beachfront restaurants and hole-in-the-wall eateries from meat to fresh seafood, to fruits and vegetables. A must-try is their Paco, a fern-like leaf that goes perfect with grilled meat and salted egg.
12. Baler Festival
If you’re lucky enough, you can catch one of Baler’s festival. The town usually celebrates music festival during summer – April to May. You may also catch the foundation day of Aurora every February 19, which happens to be the birthday of Aurora Quezon.
BALER SIDETRIPS
While you are in Baler, make time to visit some of the key tourist spots in Aurora. Here are some of the popular attractions in this massive province.
The 600 Year-Old Balete Tree
A Balete tree know to have been around for 600 years is a definite crowd drawer. Trees as such are known by many as superstitious in origin so one needs to gather enough courage to climb or walk through its humungous roots.
Location: Brgy. Quirino, Mari Aurora
Entrance Fee: PHP 15 per person, if you want to go inside the tree, additional PHP 10
Parking Fee: PHP 10 per person
How to get there: Take a tricycle to Balete Park. This is part of Baler tricycle tour.
Ditumabo Falls
Traverse the rocky path and cross small wooden makeshift bridges until you reach the breathtaking Mother Falls or Ditumabo Falls. Take a dip in its cold icy waters, a refreshing reward for that 30-minute uphill trek.
If you have a private vehicle, you can go until the end of the trail. Otherwise, you can hike or rent a tricycle for PHP 200 (roundtrip).
Location: Brgy. Ditumabo, San Luis, Aurora
Entrance Fee: PHP 30 per person
Parking Fee: PHP 30 per vehicle
Tour Guide Fee: PHP 200
How to get there: Ride a tricycle to Ditumabo Falls. This is part of the Baler tricycle tour.
Ampere Beach
Popular beach to photographers because of its rock-hemmed coast. The beach itself is ordinary, not swimmable.
Location: Dipaculao, Aurora
Entrance Fee: FREE
How to get there: Ride a tricycle to Ditumabo Falls. This is not part of the standard Baler tricycle tour but you can also do this as a tricycle day tour together with Dicasalarin Cove.
Where to Stay in Baler
There’s plenty of accommodations in Baler for all types of budget. Best to book ahead in advance as resorts in Baler can get fully-booked during weekends and holidays. Here are some of the top Baler resorts.
Brown Epitome Lodge
Location: Sitio Dike, Baler, Aurora
Type: Budget hotel
CHECK ROOM RATES HEREOR RESERVE HERE
Go Surfari House
Location: Sabang Beach, Baler, Aurora
Type: Budget hotel
CHECK ROOM RATES HERE OR RESERVE HERE
Playa Azur Baler
Location: Brgy.Sabang, Buhangin, Baler
Type: Mid-range resort
CHECK ROOM RATES HEREOR RESERVE HERE
Endless Summer Hotel
Location: Sabang Beach, Baler
Type: Mid-range resort
CHECK ROOM RATES HERE OR RESERVE HERE
Costa Pacifica
Location: Sabang Beach, Baler, Aurora
Type: Luxury Baler resort with pool
CHECK ROOM RATES HERE OR RESERVE HERE
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CAPIZ TOURIST SPOTS
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NUEVA ECIJA TOURIST SPOT
READ MORE: BALER BUDGET TRAVEL GUIDE
About the Blogger: Lester John Gojar is a bank manager, traveler and a contributor at www.happyphilippines.org.
