WELCOME TO BALER TRAVEL GUIDE! This is my second time visiting Baler. The first time I visited the province was in 2014. At that time, I wasn’t a travel blogger yet. Also, I was alone the first time I visited here. In 2019, I decided to go back with friends for my post-birthday celebration. When I got bitten by a travel bug, I started celebrating my birthday by traveling to different places. Baler, Aurora is not as difficult to visit whether you are a first-timer or not. With that being said, I will be sharing my Baler travel guide with you guys!
Table of Contents
What made me go back to Baler?
Have you ever thought of any place that you wanted to visit all of a sudden? A place that suddenly popped out your mind? A place where you would like to ignite your wanderlust? Recently, I have felt this kind of feeling. There was something within me that I wanted to visit Baler. I didn’t have any definite plans, but I suddenly wanted to pack up my bag to travel to Baler.
More to that, I had the momentarily urge to go surfing. Surfing is my first love. When I got to know about surfing on TV for the first time, I instantly fell in love with it! Therefore, I started my adventures by playing with the waves in 2014. That was the first time I went to Baler. Also, this was my first solo travel!
Short History of Baler, Aurora
Baler – it is the capital town of Aurora, Philippines. Found in 1609 by Franciscan missionaries, Baler is one of the oldest towns in the Philippines.
This is where the former President Manuel L. Quezon was born. More to that, Baler is one of the most historical landmarks in the country during the Spanish colonial rule. It is where the Philippine Revolution fought against Spain which started in 1898 – it is more commonly known as the Siege of Baler.
Baler Travel Guide: Things to do
It is never impossible to visit Baler over the weekend. In fact, you can even visit most of the popular destinations in the town for two days. That sounds a bit exhausting though. Staying over the weekend is okay, but staying a little longer would be better in order to get to know more about Baler! You don’t have to worry about getting lost in Baler because it is just a small town in Aurora province. Also, the locals are so friendly that will make you feel at ease. You can go around Baler by tricycle or van. The tricycle costs Php 800 which is already good for a group of people.
Side Note: This is my second time in Baler. So, my friends and I decided to visit only the most important and best places around the town. Also, we wanted to stay longer in each of the places. That means this Baler travel guide will tell you most of the main tourist spots in Baler.
Day 1
Dimatubo Falls
Known as The Mother Falls, Dimatubo Falls is one of the most popular destinations and main attractions in the town of Baler. Its crystal clear water makes the waterfall look enchanting! In addition, its strong current makes it even more beautiful. Indeed, Mother Falls is the grandest waterfall that you could ever see in the town.
But, before you get to see this majestic waterfall, you have to go trekking for about 30-45 minutes. The trek is not as easy as you might think because you still need to go through with the slippery rocks. Also, you have to cross the river and go along with the dirty, muddy path.
A tour guide is a strict compliance for you to do the trekking and go to see Mother Falls.
Registration Fee: Php 10
Tour guide Fee: Php 200 (good for sharing – 4 PAX)
Balete Tree
Also known as the Millennium Tree, Balete Tree is the oldest and the biggest tree in the Philippines. This 600-year-old tree is located in Maria, Aurora which is just next to Baler. It is not too far from the town of Baler, so it is very accessible to visit this place. Balete Tree is always associated with creepy urban legends. Most people believe that there are some mysterious and supernatural creatures living in the tree.
Therefore, many people are afraid to get near the tree. Yet, Balete Tree has become a tourist destination for local and foreign tourists. You might think that this tree is not as interesting as other tourist spots. Actually, you can get inside the tree and witness the wonders of the Balete Tree. As you go inside the Balete Tree Park, there is also a store that sells souvenirs and some delicacies at a very affordable price.
Entrance Fee:
Adults – Php 15
Kids – Php 10
Hanging Bridge
This hanging bridge is located at Brgy. Zabali. It is often visited by tourists because of its scenic views that it offers.
Digisit Falls
Digisit Falls is just near the road. It is an easy trek and it is possible to reach the waterfall within 2-3 minutes. Digisit Falls looks so beautiful. Its water is so cold that you will love dipping yourself in. But, the water is shallow which is not recommended for swimming activities.
Digisit Beach
Digisit Beach is close to Digisit Falls. In addition, it is also where you can find those beautifully-looking rock formations. Its sand is white, yet has lots of corals. Make sure you have your slippers when you walk around the beach.
Dimadimalangat and Luksu-lukso Islets
These islets in front of Digisit beach look simply beautiful. From here, you can take good photographs, especially during the sunset. There is really nothing special about these islets and rock formations, but they add to the beauty of Baler.
Day 2
Sabang Beach
If you are into surfing or beach bum, this is the best place for you! Sabang Beach is the most-visited destination mainly because of surfing. Whether you are an amateur or a pro-surfer, it doesn’t matter at all. As long as you can ride with the waves, you will surely adore the beauty of Sabang beach. It might not have white-sand like any other beaches, but the strong waves that it has will definitely amaze you!
But, if you are not really into surfing, it’s okay. You can still relax and enjoy staying at the beach. Have fun laying on its fine, black sand. Just expect the crowd most especially in the afternoon. Most surfing lessons cost Php 250 per hour. But in our case, we got ours for Php 200 only.
Other Places to Visit in Baler
Museo de Baler
Quezon Memorial Park
Doña Aurora Memorial Shrine
San Luis Obispo Parish (Baler Catholic Church)
Dicasalarin Bay
Ermita Hill
Where to stay in Baler, Aurora?
Balituk Resort
Balituk Resort is one of the best accommodations to stay at when you are in Baler. The beach is so wonderful that will make you feel relax. In addition, this is the part of Sabang beach that people do not usually visit, there is a chance for you to feel the place like yours. The ambiance around the area is so calm that it makes you fall in love with the place itself!
Where to eat in Baler?
Kusina Luntian
Make sure to pay a visit and dine in at Kusina Luntian when in Baler! This is one of the most popular eateries in Baler due to its unique concept. Once you dine in, it feels like home because you will be eating like what typical Filipinos do during mealtime. Filipinos are known for the love of eating with bare hands or to have a boodle fight. Eat like a true Filipino at Kusina Luntian!
How to get there?
From Pasay/Cubao, take the Genesis bus bound for Baler from the bus terminal. There are two types of Genesis Buses bound for Baler. The Regular Bus.
This type of bus will take you to Baler for 6-7 hours of travel time, but it is much cheaper than the other one. The Joy Bus is the other type of Genesis bus that will take you to Baler. This type of bus is a non-stop bus. If you ride here, it will only take you 4-5 hours of travel time. Although, it is a bit pricey to take the Joy Bus. In addition, you need to make a reservation first if you plan to ride a Joy Bus
You may check the schedule here.
If Baler, Aurora is one of the places that you are planning to visit, you are on the right track. This travel guide to Baler is just for you!
UPDATED: May 11, 2020.
Latest Posts:
- The Ultimate Day Trip to Malacca City: A UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Where to Eat in Kota Kinabalu: Must-Try Cafes & Restaurants
- 7 Tips to Use YouTube to Grow Your Travel Agency
- Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia for 7 Days: A Solo Travel Guide
- Exploring Indochina: The Ultimate Backpacking Guide
Read Next:
Hey, my name is Ara Patria—a solo female traveler who is in her quest of traveling the world. I write and learn about life through the lenses of my camera, personal experiences, and adventures. Join me as I unravel the mystery of life through exploring the wanders of the world.
