#HalerBaler! What to do in Baler When You Are Not Into Surfing

I am not a surfer.  But from time to time I like pushing myself to my limits.  Surfing is one extreme sports that the physically and mentally brave would love to do.  The adrenaline rush is worth the gallons and gallons of sea water you can swallow.  It is worth the painful smack of the surfboard when you fall off and crash with the waves. It is worth getting naked for (when you are not wearing proper gear) as the waves will molest you from head to toe pulling every piece of clothing you have on off you!

Hahahaha!

Did I just sound like I definitely am not a surfer? Yes, I am not.  While I was stoked a few times, I concede that surfing is not for me.  I rather fly , sky dive or bungee jump. Seriously.

First week  of March 2015,  I was in Baler, Aurora for great outdoor adventure.  You know, surf, trek, bike, hike and just be one with nature again since I am all drained from the city life I live (charot).  It was one of my get outdoor time where I recharge and just get some sea, sand, sun and fresh breeze on me.

While Baler is the known as the surfing capital of the North, as I admitted earlier, surfing and I was not meant to be.  I was glad there are other things I can do while in Baler, which non-surfers can do to while in Baler, Aurora.

Where is Baler, Aurora?

Just to put your head on the right geographical place, contrary to popular notion, or common misconception, Baler, Aurora is not  Quezon Province, you will not pass Cavite, Laguna Batanggas. Baler is up North of Metro Manila, passing Bulacan, Pampangga, Subic, Nueva Ecija. Before Tarlac and Baguio!

Now that I have set your geography straight let me tell you What to Do in Baler When You Are Not Into Surfing and to have an amazing #SummernaBaler!

Don’t get me wrong, surfing is still the best thing to do while in Baler!

In all honesty, this trip was my second attempt at surfing. The waves was eating me alive to a point that I almost feel like drowning, although I did not. My nerves got me first I guess and the waves here are just crazy and continuous. This will work in favor of the already surfer enthusiasts who have done more than twice of surfing in their lifetime. As for someone who is not even a beginner like me, the waves of Baler, I can’t handle! Promise!
I can surf in La Union but I can’t in Baler, the waves are just so monstrous and continuous, perfect for those who are more advanced at surfing than I am, or have surfed at least more than twice! #HalerBaler you are awesomesauce!

Check this video out to see what the waves look like in Sabang Beach, Baler, Aurora and why they call it the surfing capital of the North:

Now, for the non-surfers, here’s your other options on what to do while in Baler:

Visit the 600 old Balete Tree. Entrance / Tourist fee: Php15.00
They said there’s a ghost living in this tree, or well, that myth/ old man’s tale about the Balete tree and how this is the favorite place of unearthly beings to live on. With the number of tourist that visit this tree everyday since it became a tourist spot, I don’t think anything mythical would want to live in it. But I would say, the tree is so magical. It is energizing and such a wonder to see. Hug it when you see it in person. It just feels great! The roots and branches are so strong, except after Yolanda, half of the tree fell-off.

 

Visit this white private beach Dicasalarin Cove.  Entrance/ Tourist Fee
It has beautiful rock formations perfect for an outdoor photo shoot. View is so picturesque. On a good day like when I was there there’s blue sky, blue sea, beautiful waves. The beach area is creamy white, not powdery sand but coarse. So many corals and rocks by the shore.

 

Visit the Dimatubo Mother Falls! Entrance/ Tourist Fee: Php15.00 and donation along the way any amount.
It will take a 15 minute walk/trekking plus more than 30 minutes drive via tricycle from the city proper to get there. But the view, the feel is worth it! For non-surfers, you would rather love to swim in the falls than in the beach of Baler. The fall water is refreshing and cold. It is so clear you can see from bottom. Actually the falls is the watersource/ supply of Baler! Yes the water is so clear you can drink it!

 

Watch me as I fall for the falls! 

Visit historical places like the more than a decade old Baler Church, Ermita Hill, Aurora Quezon House, Baler Museum. The Baler Church is the smallest old church I have ever been but the interiors is just beautiful as well. Spanish architecture of old Catholic churches are just amazing!

 

The hanging bridge! If you have fear of heights, might as well conquer it here. Breathtaking view and experience because of the wobbly looooooong bridge!

Where to Eat in Baler? Three places I love to dine at in Baler:

1. The Rolling Stores, just opposite street of the famous Baler sign (of which I did not take a pic with because it was too mainstream!) A meal with on viand and rice is just Php50.00!
2. My favorite eating place with a perfect view of the Baler Beach, Hungry Surfer! Food is great! Ambiance is perfect. Servers are friendly, restroom is OK. Price is reasonable. Serving is perfect for my appetite!
3. Yellow Fin. Cap the night with grilled stuff and some drinks beer or cocktails. They have their own DJ. Place is cozy with great servings of inihaw stuff I ever had. Price is affordable.

How to get to Baler, Aurora:

The easiest way to get there is by taking the Joy Bus from Cubao Quezon City. Fare is Php700.00 for the Deluxe (with seating capacity of 28) or the the semi-deluxe (with 48 seating capacity). The ride will take about 5 hours no stop-over. The Joy bus is so comfy, fast, and has toilet inside, with free blanket to use while on it, and bottled water and a snack.

I heard Joy Bus limited their bus allocations going to and out of Baler so it is best for you to book your seats if you want to ride a Joy Bus. If not you can take the regular airconditioned bus going to Baler.

Where to stay in Baler?
There are many transient houses in Baler aside from the Bayside resorts/ hotels and lodging. You may ask the tricycle drivers there they are all so kind (especially those who have a tourism ID) they will take you to the most affordable place you can stay to the most expensive ones. You can get a room for as low as Php900.00 to as high as Php7,000.00 during peak season. Which is right about Holy Week vacation.

I heard that last 2014, Baler experienced an influx of tourist which led the local tourism to have the schools and the municipal hall open as temporary accommodations of tourist. To date, Baler has prepared for the same number of visitors so they have opened a lot of new resorts and transient houses.

How to get around Baler?

If you will go to the places I mentioned above, the best place to do it is to commission a tricycle driver (better get one with tourism ID because he will have access to closer parking slots on tourist destinations in Baler like the ones I mentioned above). Get a tricycle driver and he can accommodate as much as 4 passengers and take you for a whole day tour for Php800.00!

I was happy with my get outdoor weekend in Baler, I shall post later about the things I wore while there.

I hope you enjoyed this post and hopefully encouraged you to visit Baler sometime soon!

Stay gorgeous everyone!