Heller Baler!
A 5 to 6 hours travel from Manila will lead you to a rustic, charming and beautiful destination – BALER.
It has been years that our barkadahan
has been planning to visit the province of Baler, yet due to different
schedules, couple with personal works and prior commitments, our Baler travel
was always “sa otro na sana..” (next time na lang..)
But 2019 was so generous to the four of us, we're able to scratch
off Baler from our bucket list! Hooray!
Past 7pm of August 29, I waited patiently at the arrival area of
NAIA Terminal 3. Two of my best friends are flying all the way from Bicol to
Manila!
We booked a Grab car from NAIA to Cubao. It cost us around Php700
for a fast, safe and convenient travel. Our friend Jerald was already waiting
for us at the Genesis Bus Station. The Bus station is conveniently located at
the heart of Edsa corner New York Street. Easy to locate and easy access
whether you’re coming from south and/or north
The first bus was already full when we arrived. We decided to take
the next bus, good thing no need to pre-booked a bus ticket. So while waiting, we look for
an available resto that can satisfy our hunger. Jollibee to the rescue!
Ready to Hit
Baler!
Our bus halted at a small bus terminal near Baler Public Market,
it was still early when we reached Baler, the fresh breeze of the town welcomed
us as we look for a trike ride bound to our homestay – Casa De Viajeros.
I need to shout out for our “home” in Baler, it was cozy, safe and
convenient! plus it is just a 2-3minutes walk to their “centro”.
Casa De Viajeros is owned and managed by Virginia Yozhikazi, but she preferred to be called tita Virgie. She’s your kind of Tita na generous and accommodating. We stayed in a small cozy room called Casa 1, air-conditioned, cable TV, with own bathroom, two queen sized bed that perfectly fit the four of us. Outside is a small coffee table that we used for our drinking and kwentuhan sesh : )
Casa De Viajeros is owned and managed by Virginia Yozhikazi, but she preferred to be called tita Virgie. She’s your kind of Tita na generous and accommodating. We stayed in a small cozy room called Casa 1, air-conditioned, cable TV, with own bathroom, two queen sized bed that perfectly fit the four of us. Outside is a small coffee table that we used for our drinking and kwentuhan sesh : )
Let’s tour Baler!
By 8AM, the tricycle drivers we hired to tour us was all geared up
for a whole day Baler tour. Municipality of Baler, just like all other cities and provinces I
visited, like Puerto Princessa, Laoag and Vigan to name a few, they all have this organized “TODA” for tourism. Fixed price, fixed tourist destinations.
A tricycle tour will cost you P800. It can accommodate
four persons, yet during tour, they only allow a maximum of three person. And
because we are four, we hired two tricycles. That cost us, P400 each.
Don’t left me
hanging!
Our first stop was the famous hanging bridge over the Tibang-Sabang River. The rugged hanging bridge hangs over a small brackish water spanning about 100meter from end to end. Our driver cum tour guide Kuya Ver told us that
the bridge was built to the people of barangay Zabali, so they will have an easy
access going to the town proper. There are several pasalubong stores in the area, and some
stores selling refreshing drinks and food to eat.
Ohhh Ermita!
About to 15minutes drive from the hanging bridge is one of Baler’s
well-known tourist spot – ERMITA HILL.
the landscape, the views, everything here in Ermita is just wow!
Overlooking cemento beach and on the other side is the famous sabang bay.
Our driver cum tourist guide is also a great photgpraher! Kuya Ver was a pro in taking the best shot during the whole tour. We had so much fun doing crazy photo-shoot in Ermita Hill.
I personally love the place. Aside from its cool location, I also
love the colorful and chill vibes of the place. The colorful life size “Ermita
Hill” signage is a total opposite from it dark grim history. Ermita Hill was
said to be a haven of refuge to a 7 families who fled to this Hill during a big
tsunami way back 1735.
Let’s try
ShuRon!
From the word, Suman and Turon. Flex ko lang ung ShuRon ng Baler! Its suman that is
wrapped in a lumpia wrapper, thus came Shuron.
We had a quick snack in a small store at the foot of Ermita Hill,
the rest of the gang including two Manong Drivers had the classic banana que , turon and a refreshing buko juice. I’m about to take the bananaque as well,
when I spotted this turon like kakanin, the lady selling this classic merienda
noticed my reaction, she immediately told me that it is ShuRon and a
must try. So yeah I did!
I’ll give a 4 stars, 5 stars sana kaso I think additional sugar pa. I just want it to be sweeter. But it’s one for the money,’ coz it’s delish, plus the crunchiness of the lumpia wrapper added a new flavor to the usual soft suman.
I’ll give a 4 stars, 5 stars sana kaso I think additional sugar pa. I just want it to be sweeter. But it’s one for the money,’ coz it’s delish, plus the crunchiness of the lumpia wrapper added a new flavor to the usual soft suman.
Beach, Rocks,
Sea and Waves!
It was past 10AM when we reached Daguisit beach. We passed by
Cemento beach which I loved the first time I visited Baler way back 2013.
The heat of the sun doesn't bother us anyway.
The picture perfect sight of the rock formation never gets old. We
had our own moments in taking selfies as the sturdy rocks serves as our
backdrop. Of course groupies taken with these rocks and crashing waves are some
of my favorites!
Had to rest for a few minutes and enjoy the scenic view of both
Daguisit Bay and Anilao islet.
Giant Balete
Tree!
Almost lunchtime, I’m sure everyones hungry. But our manong
drivers seems no plans of bringing us to a resto or eatery nearby, they’ve been
driving for about 30minutes now, little did we know that the route we are
traversing is bound to the town of Maria Aurora. Taliwas sa alam ng marami, Maria Aurora is the place where the
famous Balete Tree is located, not in the town of Baler.
within the vicinity of the Balete Tree Park, I’ve seen big tress and lush green forest.
“Ang healthy ng Lupa dito for sure, ang tataba at ang lalaki ng puno!” I told
myself.
Seeing the 600year old Giant Balete Tree was just surreal! Speechless. Let our photos speak : )
Past 1PM when we had our lunch in a small eatery along the
highway, which in all fairness serves good food and the place is clean. Good
job!
Off to the
Mother Falls!
Ditumabo Falls is the biggest and tallest waterfalls in the
province of Aurora, thus the monicker Mother Falls was derived.
Just by going up to the main entrance, mapapalaban ka na. It’s a good 5minutes walk going to the tour guide house, where you need to pay some fees to start the trek. Ohh by the way, a guide is a must. They have available guide ready to assist you. No tour Guide, No entry.
The trek to the falls is not for weak ass people.haha! Depends on
your strength and pace, you can reach the falls from 30minutes, or even more
than an hour. For us, we made it for a good freaking 45minutes.HAHA
Passing some man made Bamboo Bridge, a long walk on a muddy trail,
will crossed few rivers, jumping from one rock to another.
Enchanting! Just pure wow to this mother falls! Standing proud and
tall, welcoming us with her cold mist.
Parang may mga fairies and dwarfts lang na lalabas any moment.
Our tour guide serves as a photographer too, we actually realized
that tour guides in Baler are great photographers as well!
Tara sa
Centro!
Almost getting dark when we arrived at Baler’s Municipal Hall,
just beside the church. here, the Famous BALER signage is located, this is one of Baler’s fave spot!
This area by the way is just about 5minute walk to our homestay.
: )
Because we had so much activity that day, we decided to go back to
our homestay and rest. We opted not to visit the Museo Baler and The Donya
Aurora Mansion as the area is just near our homestay, "let’s just do it
tomorrow", I quipped.
Back to Casa!
The four of us are like cellphones almost lowbatt when we arrived
Casa De Viajeros. Took a shower, changed clothes and snored till nightime.
By 8PM, we are fully charged! Ready na ulit for another Baler
adventure!
You wouldn’t end the night without experiencing Baler’s night life right? After making sure that our room is secured, we walk a few minutes to the centro and hired a trike, the tricycle drivers in baler are very accommodating and friendly too!
You wouldn’t end the night without experiencing Baler’s night life right? After making sure that our room is secured, we walk a few minutes to the centro and hired a trike, the tricycle drivers in baler are very accommodating and friendly too!
“Kuya, saan
kami pwde uminom? Meron ba inuman sa Sabang?”
“Sabang” is probably Baler’s main tourist attraction, it’s
actually their coastal area where Sea, Sun, Sand, Waves, Tourist and surfing
enthusiast meet! But during the night, Sabang experience is also a must try!
We let the driver do the navigating, after all he is the driver.
We reached a bar called Cauti Bar and Grill. Typical acoustic Bar near the
Beach. But the experience was not! ohh never gonna be tagged as typical.HAHAHA
#Strong #BalerHammer
Chilling at Cauti Bar was extra special for us, we celebrated
Peachie’s Birthday salubong. We already had a few drinks when we tried the #BalerHammer.
Hmmm won’t post anything about that anymore, just visit Cauti Bar and Grill in
Baler and try #BalerHammer, ‘yong #Strong. Then tell me your story.HAHAHA!
‘Twas a night to remember! #Strong
Revisiting
the Past
Baler’s history is rich, beautiful and exciting. We
started our day by visiting Baler’s Cathedral, it is located besides Baler’s
Municipal Hall and just infront of Donya Aurora’s Mansion.
Gratitude and All Praises for Blessing me with amazing friends. #TrueFriends
We checked Donya Aurora’s Mansion. Amazed with how they preserved almost 80% of the mansion and all the antique stuff and books! Vigan Vibes inside, it’s always a flashback feels every time I came across old stuff, like those from calle crisologo in vigan.
Antique stuff and books all over!
ever wished that you have your own library at home?
Happy
Birthday Brunch Peach!
Getting around Baler is never a hassle. It will give you
that probinsya vibe
while exploring around. Plus the locals are so friendly, that includes
tricycle drivers, they will even give you their mobile numbers so just in case
you need driver cum tour guide, they’re just one call/text away.
Almost lunch and we haven’t taken our breakfast, jackpot may chowking! sakto as we are craving for some pancit! And it’s something you should
have for you birthday right? It’s Peach’s Birthday Brunch party! Hahaha
Pasalubong
please!
Just infront of chowking are some pasalubong stores. We decided to
buy stuff there. Tshirts, Keychains, ref magnet and the famous Nanay Pacing
Peanut Butter!
We had a good time hopping from one pasalubong store to another!
There’s just lots of stuff to choose from! All of good quality and it’s
affordable. Worth the price!
Museo De
Baler
Visiting Museo De Baler was quite a feast! A two story museum that
will teach you more about Baler’s History.
Learning more about Aurora's history, culture and traditions.
Located at the Heart of Baler, The Museum vast garden also serve as haven for those who just want to spend the rest of the day under the shades of the tress.
SURFING
anyone?!
You wouldn’t leave Baler without trying to surf right?!
I was really hesitant to do it, first because I’m not a fan of surfing. Second, I’m afraid that I’ll got hit by the surf board. But because the three of them wanted to try it, then fine even with a heavy heart, I joined them.HAHA
My initial plan is just to have a photo opt with a surf board
while a crashing waves is the backdrop, but the P350 surfing lesson fee is sayang if I won’t try.
Surfing Fee is inclusive of a personal instructor, a surf board
and a one hour surfing lesson
Body ache
and happy heart
It
was getting dark when we finished our surfing lesson. We had instant connection
with our instructors as well as our photographer and videographer, I think that
is one of the charms Sabang has to offer, the people itself!
We
had a buffet eat-all-you-can dinner near sabang before we head back to our
hometel. Our
body ache yes, yet we have a happy heart! Surfing bucketlist checked!
We
didn’t end Our last night in
baleR by resting and sleeping, instead, we had our own night tour near the
plaza, bought some last minute pasalubongs from the stalls nearby add grabbed some foods and drinks from 7/11, we ended our night with a birthday bash for
peach!
 |
“Konti lang kayo, pero masaya kasi totoo!”
|
Till next time Baler
Things packed, beddings fixed, at mga bagong ligo na! haha! We had a few minutes chit chat with tita virgie, and a photo opt too before we left the place we called home for a few days.
We
reached Baler Terminal Station a bit early for the 8AM trip, so we used our remaining
time visiting Baler Public Market which just a stone thrown away.
It
will be another 5-6Hours ride, this time back to the city. Back to work, back
to reality.
Baler adventure was really one for the book! It was not just about how serene and beautiful the place is, it’s more of the culture, the people. I got tons of realizations during the whole stay in Baler. I realized na ang swerte swerte ko that through the years, solid pa rin ang bond ko with these three beautiful souls - Jerald, Bren and Peach.
This Baler is our way to release stress and to let go of toxic people and fake "friends". It's a celebration of our friendship too, the "Maharlika". : )
This Baler is our way to release stress and to let go of toxic people and fake "friends". It's a celebration of our friendship too, the "Maharlika". : )
How to Get There
Take the BUS. Genesis Bus is the only transport system that cater
a direct trip to Baler from Manila. Their terminal is Located along Edsa Corner
New York Cubao.
§ Genesis Bus: The cheaper and longer option.
Travel time is at around 6- 7 hours and drives through a few bus stops. Bus
Fare: 488 PHP
§ Joy Bus: The comfortable option. Travel time
is at around 5- 6 hours non-stop.The
seats are more comfortable supplemented by blankets, pillows and
snacks. Bus Fare: 750 PHP
Baler Transport
·
Tricycle and
motorcycle are the only mode of transportations around Baler. You can hire tricycle
for a whole day trip for 800PHP good for 3persons. It will cost you
around 500PHP for a halfday tour if you will rent motorcycle.
Where to Stay
Hotel,
hostels and transient Inns are like mushrooms in Baler, yet it’s better if you
booked ahead of time before visiting the province. Here are some of the cheapest yet clean and
secured Inns that you can check online for good reviews and prices.
·
Casa
De Viajeros
·
The
Circle hostel Baler – 0917.501.0235
·
Chamie’s
Place trans- ient – 0956.007.3536
·
Megi
beach house – 0928.203.0651
EXPENSES
for one pax computation
Bus fare Cubao-Baler-Cubao - 976PHP
Accommodation for 2nyts – aircon room – 800PHP
Tricycle Tour whole day – 400PHP
Entrances:
·
Ermita
Hill – 15PHP
·
Daguisit
Beach / Rock formation – 20PHP
·
Balete
Tree – 40PHP
·
Ditumabo
Falls – 15PHP plus tour guide (200PHP/4 = 50PHP)
·
Donya
Aurora House and Baler Museum – 35PHP
Surfing lesson for 1Hour with instructor – 350PHP
Photographer tip – 200PHP/4 = 50PHP
Looking back to this Baler travel, I was just glad that we pushed this trip. it was not just about understanding the culture of Baler, not just the authentic beauty of Baler's tourist spot, the whole travel was all about spending quality time with your amazing friends. it's beyond measure.
Planning to hit the coves of Baler soon? let me know, sama ako!
Love,
Yannah
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