Baler Aurora Travel Guide (Itinerary + Tips)

Background

Baler is a popular surfing destination located in the province of Aurora in the eastern part of the Central Luzon region. It is exactly situated northeast of Luzon facing the vast Philippine Sea and it is bordered by the Sierra Madre mountain range. Baler is the capital city of Aurora and it’s only a five hours drive from Metro Manila. For this reason, it is a perfect destination for tourists who wants to have a quick relaxing escapade during the weekend.

Baler came from the word “balod” which means a native name for mountain pigeon or palomas montes that flourish in the sea. According to its splendid history, Baler was established in the year 1609 by Franciscan missionaries named Fray Blas Palomino. During his reign, Fray Blas Palomino and company continued their trip northward of the Philippines which includes the town of Palanan in Isabela province. The missionaries stayed in Palanan for several years until the administrator of Metro Manila discharged them. In the year 1622, Fray Blas Palomino was killed by the Dutch invader on the island of Celebes.

The Franciscans and the Recollects want to bring Christianity to different places in the Philippines. Hence, their expedition and the aspiration of political glory and religious movement in the country triggered the reconnaissance of the Sierra Madre mountain range and the seaside nearby which includes the town of Baler. In the years before the Spanish missionaries arrived and discover the town, Baler was already a developing and well-known community. The early Dumagat and Ilongot inhabitants’ source of income was fishing and farming. When the town of Baler was unveiled, it was located on the right side of Aguang River which make its way from the Caraballo mountain range in the central part of Luzon island. Moreover, it is rich in history because the town is more than just its astonishing waves.

Nevertheless, in the year 1735, a staggering tsunami eradicated the coastal town. In the year 1979, the epic psychological war movie named Apocalypse Now was videotaped and shot in Baler for their surfing scenes. When the filming session was finished, the staff members of the movie left their surfboards as a remembrance. For this reason, the locals learned to surf and in the succeeding years, the place become a sanctuary for beach and surf lovers. On the other hand in the year 2018, the well-known Seige of Baler was featured on a streaming service called Netflix. The title of the movie is named “Our Last Men in the Philippines”. It showcases the historic Spanish–American War and Philippine-American War between the year 1899 up to the year 1902.

Presently, Baler is considered a third-class municipality and it is situated around 270 kilometers away from Metro Manila. It is a municipality rich in natural resources which include clean shoreline and seawater. During the summer season in the Philippines, Baler is one of the most visited tourist destinations among local and international visitors. Furthermore, the town becomes an awesome destination for bikers, motorcyclists, and road-trippers as they will pass a scenic road through the mountainside. So if you want to see the charming beauty of this place and learn some history then what are you waiting for invite your friends now and visit Haler Baler.

Places to visit in Baler Aurora

Diguisit Beach – is a popular beach consisting of unique rock formations which are located at Sitio Diguisit, Barangay Zabali on the coastline of Baler, Aurora. It is 11 kilometers away from the town proper and it is also a surfing spot in Aurora province. This beach offers tourists majestic natural rock formations and clear seawater. The beach is a witness to thousands of years of bashing waves that shaped its stunning rock formation. Diguisit Beach is composed of rock formations including Aniao Islet which is a go-to place for rock climbing enthusiasts. It is two small islands that are naturally formed by the strong waves that slam against the seaside when the winds are so strong. It is surrounded by craggy scenery that becomes pools of cold water whenever there is a low tide in the region. The best time to go here is during the sunrise and sunset for capturing wonderful pictures. The Diguisit Beach entrance fee is 30 pesos per head. Also, visitors can rent cottages and rooms for one day or overnight which range from 750 pesos up to 1500 pesos. A lot of photographers and picture takers visit this place to have an astounding stargazing activity. Diguisit is the name of the beach because it pertains to the whole area where the resort lines up along the shoreside. It is perfect for unwinding and relaxation because it’s not crowded and the place is so tranquil. It will free your mind from all of your anxiety. Overall, I will recommend it to my circle of friends as the best side trip in Baler.

Dicasalarin Cove – is an exclusive beach property of Angara. It is a remote paradise that can be reached through a ten-minute upward drive from Diguisit Beach. Dicasalarin Cove showcases a laid-back stretch of beach with gritty white sand, light brown colored sand, and untainted water which attract thousands of visitors every year. The cove is bordered by natural countryside that often breaks the perfect waves and it is just 10 kilometers away from the resort. For this reason, the water in the cove is smoother than any beach in the region. Dicasalarin Cove entrance fees for Costa Pacifica guests and walk-in guests range from 150 pesos up to 300 pesos. Tourists can explore the cove by having a boat ride. In addition, to have a spectacular view of Baler Bay and Dicasalarin Bay from above tourists can trek for short minutes leading to the lighthouse in Baler. From the lighthouse, tourists will embrace Baler Bay’s deep blue waters, Diguisit Beach, and picturesque seashore that extends for a kilometer on both sides. Also, visitors can feel the cool sea breeze blowing while having a picture taking. So what are you waiting for visit Dicasalarin Cove to enjoy the cool waters, flawless beach, and extravagant view of the Milky Way Galaxy.

Baler Church – is also known as San Luis Obispo de Tolosa Parish which is built in the year 1611 in Sabang. According to its past history, Baler Church was built by Fray Juan Francisco de San Antonio with the help of bamboo and nipa to honor the bishop of Toulouse, San Luis. In the year 1700, Baler Church was redesigned and renovated to improve the structure. A lot of stones and rocks were smashed collectively by lime and honey. Nevertheless, in the year 1735, the church was wrecked by an enormous tidal wave. After the unexpected natural disaster, the locals rebuilt the facade of Baler Church in Barangay Buhangin where it stands today. During the Spanish colonial period in the Philippines, the Spanish armed forces made the church their barrack until they surrendered it in the year 1899. On the other hand, Baler Church was also the home of a well-known large bell called La Campana De Baler. Fray Jose de Esperagoza take it to the Aurora province in the seventeenth century. La Campana De Baler became well-known for its roaring echoing sounds that even reached the adjacent towns of San Luis and Dipaculao. During the reign of former President Manuel Quezon from the year 1935 up to 1944, the church has gone through a major refurbishing and rebuilding. Overall, Baler Church has been a testimony to various significant cultural and historical events in the region. Hence in the year 2000, the National Historical Institute declared it a historical landmark under the Presidential Decree number.

Doña Aurora Aragon-Quezon House – is a house dedicated to the wife of former President Manuel Quezon. It is located just beside Baler Church, Baler signage, and Museo de Baler. The entrance fee in Doña Aurora Aragon-Quezon House is 30 pesos per head. It features an ancestral house of the second first lady Aurora Quezon which has a roof made from dried nipa leaves on the corner of San Luis street and Rizal street. The house interior has a large colorful painting of former President Manuel Quezon and herself. Both of them gained the respect of fellow Baler natives and other Filipinos through their numerous humanitarian efforts in the Philippines. Aurora Quezon was the first chairperson of the Philippine Red Cross and he help Filipino women’s right to vote during the election period.

Sabang Beach – is the most visited place in Baler and the first place that will pop at every tourist visiting Aurora province. The wave coming from the Philippine Sea to the shoreline make it a paradise for surfers. The adventure in Aurora province will not be complete without surfing and watching the sunset painted in orange on the beach late in the afternoon. Exploring the lengthy soft stretch of gritty coastland and shallow pristine beach makes the trip extraordinary. In addition, tourists can learn how to surf by paying an affordable amount for surfing lessons with a local instructor and a surfing board. There is various shop that offers surfing lessons for beginners and intermediate surfers. In my experience, we stayed at Sabang Beach for almost three hours. Our group has wonderful sightseeing, walking, swimming, relaxation, and eating at the shoreline. Indeed, Sabang Beach is the origin of surfing in Baler because of the persistent waves that make their way to the shore.

Baler Hanging Bridge – is a long hanging bridge that connects the land on each side of the Tibag-Sabang River which includes the barangay of Tibang and Sabang. Baler Hanging Bridge has a length of 100 meters and a width of one meter. It is made of wooden timber and durable metal cable fencing that is suspended above the broad Tibag-Sabang River. Also, it offers panoramic views of the rivers opening as well as Baler Bay. Visitors can cross this hanging bridge and have a refreshing breeze. Souvenir shops can be found near the hanging bridge along the walkway and tourists can buy a local t-shirt and solid coconut curd. Around 1 pm when we have our memorable group picture taken at the I love Hanging Bridge marker.

Baler signage – is located in the municipality of Baler. It is near the Baler Municipal Hall and the historical landmark of Museo de Baler. We have our individual and group pictures taken at the Baler signage. Near the signage, diverse souvenir shops can be found along the way. In addition, the signage is the start of the walking tour inside the municipality of Baler.

Museo de Baler – is a historical museum which is located in the Barangay Poblacion in the municipality of Baler that showcases the history of Baler. Inside the two-story museum, visitors will see the beautiful rich culture of the province which includes Baler artifacts and commemorative paintings that feature the Spanish colonial period in the Philippines and the Baler Siege. Also, the monument of former Philippine President Manuel Quezon and his belongings can be seen here. It is a must-visit historical museum in the Philippines. The entrance fee in Museo de Baler is 30 pesos which are open from 8 am in the morning up to 5 pm in the afternoon.

Balete Tree (Millenium Tree) – is located at Barangay Quirino in the municipality of Maria Aurora. The Balete tree is also known as the millennium tree because it is the biggest Balete tree in Asia and it is a 600-year-old. The Balete tree has a height of 65 meters or 213 feet. It is equivalent to a five-story house. It has a diameter of 60 meters and visitors can go through inside the tree. Approximately it would take sixty people holding hands with arms outstretched to encircle the huge tree. According to its glorious history, the Balete tree roots have grown above ground and in some parts of the trunk through the years. Tourists can effortlessly climb inside through a big opening and up the tree’s enormous roots. The entrance fee to the Balete tree is 10 pesos per head and the parking fee is ten pesos. According to the locals living there, there are mythical creatures living there at night. Legendary and fairytale stories say that these mythical creatures do their rituals in front of the gigantic trees as a sign of worship and thanksgiving for guidance. In my experience, this is the largest tree I’ve ever seen in my entire life. Our group which is composed of eight people fits inside the interior of the tree’s twisted roots. From the inside, it looks like we are in a different dimension because only light can fill the crack between the intertwining roots. For this reason, we take so many pictures as a remembrance of this historical tree in the Philippines. Presently, Balete Tree is one of the historical landmarks that you should visit during your historical trip to Aurora province.

Ditumabo Mother Falls – is a waterfall located at San Luis Aurora that has an elevation of 140 feet. It is called mother falls because it is the grandest waterfall that can be found in the province of Aurora. This waterfall is a good side trip to Baler because it is just 15 kilometers away from the town proper and a thirty-minute drive. In order for the visitors to reach the Ditumabo Mother Falls, they will trek a 1.3-kilometer trail composed of small streams, rocky pathways, a river crossing, and a well-established trail. It will take about thirty-five minutes to reach the falls. Swimming in the rocky basin of the falls is like an ice bucket challenge because of the super cold water coming from the lush forest of Sierra Madre. In addition, mist-filled air and resounding sound can be observed while sightseeing. A tour guide is required before visiting the falls. The entrance fee is 30 pesos per head. There are restrooms and parking spaces that can be found at the registration site. Moreover, in the registration area, there are several stores that sell different locally made products such as waterproof cases and dry bags for cellphones, hiking sandals, hats, t-shirts, and shorts.

Viewpoint, Dinadiawan White Beach – it is considered one of the longest white sand beaches in the Philippines. It has a length of 3 kilometers and it’s an awesome place to feel the beauty of mother nature. It has a high ground point for overlooking the entire view of the long stretch of Dinadiawan white beach. If you’re visiting this place please be reminded that throwing your garbage inside the beach is strictly prohibited.

Ermita Hill – is a 250 step historical place located at Sitio Dicaloyungan in Barangay Zabali. From the top of the hill, visitors can get a rewarding view of Sabang Beach, Baler Bay, the Philippine Sea, and Aniao Islet. According to its history, an enormous tidal wave called Tromba Marina in the Spanish language struck the Aurora province in the year 1735. During this unexpected event, locals and residents go up the hill to seek fortress from the incoming high-rise water that was submerging the houses below. Even so only a handful of families manage to reach the top of the hill. As a result, many have died from natural disasters and a lot of properties have been destroyed. To admire the difficulty of the local native had to overcome, statues portraying each people helping hand and sacrifices were placed over the top of the hill. A bulk of artworks were put along the cemented path that guide up to the top of the hill. Also, a grotto with a white cross can be found at the end of the uphill stairway. The entrance fee in Ermita Hill is 15 pesos per head while the parking fee is 10 pesos. So take your time to snap amazing pictures before heading back down.

Sample 1 Day itinerary to Baler

Day 0
11PM – Assembly at McDonald Greenfield District
11:30PM – Departure from Mandaluyong City

Day 1
5:30AM – Arrive at Balete Park in Barangay Quirino
6:30AM – Proceed to Baler town proper, breakfast, explore Museo de Baler, Doña Aurora Aragon-Quezon House, and the historical Baler Church
9AM – Start trekking going to Ditumabo Mother Falls, swimming
11:30AM – Tidy up
12:20PM – Lunch at the small restaurant or cafeteria
1:30PM – Proceed to Baler Hanging Bridge, Ermita Hill, and Diguisit Beach rock formation
3:10PM – Arrive at Sabang Beach, surfing lesson, swim and snap photos
5:30PM – Tidy up
6:20PM – Buy souvenirs
6:40PM – Going back to Metro Manila, dinner along the way

Sample 2 Day itinerary to Baler

Day 1
5AM – Departure from Manila going to Sand and Stars beach resort in Dipaculao, Aurora
11:30AM – Arrive at Sand and Stars, lunch
1:20PM – Prepare stuff
2:30PM – Swimming time, explore the beach
5:30PM – Sunset viewing
6PM – Tidy up
7PM – Dinner and socials
10:15PM – Sleeping time

Day 2
5AM – Wake-up call
5:30AM – Breakfast and sunrise viewing
7AM – Beach bumming
9:30AM – Leave the beach resort
11AM – Arrive at Diguisit Beach, take pictures
12:10PM – Lunch
1:30PM – Visit Baler Church, Museo de Baler, Doña Aurora Aragon-Quezon House, Baler Hanging Bridge and Balete Eco-Park
5PM – Back to Manila

Note: If your group plan to explore Dicasalarin Cove make sure you allocate half a day.

Things to bring:

Hydro Flask tumblers or water tumblers
Sunscreen
Swimming attire
Goggles (optional)
Power bank
Cellphone
Camera drones or action cameras (optional)
2-3 sets of clothes
Extra cash or pocket money
Perfume and alcohol
Sunglasses shade or a cap
Valid ID for emergency purposes
Personal medication
Extra sandals
Small dry bag
Beach mat (optional)

How to Go to Baler

By commute

1. From Makati City, ride an MRT train or airconditioned bus going to Cubao bus station. 
2. From Cubao bus station, ride a Genesis Transport bus bound to the municipality of Baler. The bus trip will last for five to six hours depending on the traffic situation and some delays along the way.

Note: you have the option to take the other route. From Metro Manila, ride a bus going to Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija. Then from Cabanatuan City, ride a passenger van going to Baler municipality. The van ride will last for two hours. 

Reminders and Tips:

• You don’t need to worry if you don’t bring plenty of cash with you because there are many automated teller machines (ATMs) that can be found in Baler municipality and town.

• From the month of October up to April is the best time to visit Baler and go surfing on the perfect waves.

• If you don’t want to do DIY (Do it yourself) then you can join an organized tour going to Baler. The inclusion in the Baler tour is a roundtrip van transfer (Manila-Baler-Manila), town tour, drivers meals, parking fee, toll fees, and fuel fee. 

• Getting an instructor and a surfing board for one hour surfing lesson at Sabang Beach range from 350 to 400 pesos. The surfing board rental for one hour is 200 pesos, for half-day 400 pesos and for the whole day is 800 to 1000 pesos. Also, if you want a bigger wave you’ll need to rent a motorized boat to reach different surfing areas.

• The approximated budget for one day itinerary in Baler is 2200 pesos which includes transportation and entrance fee to the historical site. 

• Always check the weather forecast in Aurora province before making a trip. 

• Don’t visit Ditumabo Mother Falls during the wet season or if there is any typhoon within the region.

• Mobile signal is mostly present in Baler town proper.

• Put your garbage or any trash in a proper manner.
  
  
  

There you have it, explorer. May your heart be happy and your days be bright, may your roads be smooth and your burden light, and may you find your dreams and touch a start and never forget how special you are. Altogether, I expect that this Baler travel guide has been advantageous to you and stimulated you to try visiting the place. Thanks for reading.