Hotspots: Baler in 24 hours

Caught in between the deep blue Pacific and the long mountain ranges of Sierra Madre, Baler is one perfect summer destination. It is a one stop for a lot of things to enjoy. Trails to hike and beaches to swim and surf are just two of the top attractions it offers.

Baler experience isn't complete without surfing or trying to learn surfing

1. Ditumabo Falls (Mother Falls)

The tallest falls in the province is located in San Luis, Aurora. It is roughly 15 km away from Sabang Beach. The trek from the jump off is almost 1km. Along the way, you will cross streams and you will already have an idea how cool and clear the water is. The earlier you go there, the better. The place open early as 6am. Our guide told us that they close at around 4pm.

Cost: P 30 Environmental fee (as of May 2015)

Mother Falls

2. Millennium Tree (Balete Park)

600-year old Balete tree is firmly holding its roots on the soils of Maria Aurora, Aurora. Tourists are permitted to climb the tree before but now, the local tourism only allows until 3 meters from the ground. Don't ever leave the park without going inside of the tree.

Cost: P 10 Environmental fee  (as of May 2015)

3. Dona Auora Quezon's House

First stop for the town proper historical tour in Baler. This is  also where one of the two first presidential car is parked.

Dona Aurora Quezon's House

Chevy

Cost: P 60 (P30 technically but when they issue a receipt for you, it already includes P30 for Museo de Baler)  (as of May 2015)

One of the rooms of the  old house

4. Museo de Baler

Located in the heart of the town, Museo de Baler used to hold some antiques of the Quezons but the National Museum took over it. On its right, the second presidential car is well preserved.

Museo de Baler

President Quezon's Monument in front of Museo de Baler

5. Ermita Hills

One of the highest peaks along the shore is the Ermita Hills. Known to be a refuge for the local in 1700s when the place was hit by the tsunami. The place has gazebos all over and offer a great view of the shoreline and the emerald waters.

View from atop of Ermita Hill, looking at Diguisit Beach

View from atop of Ermita Hill, looking at Sabang Beach 

6.  Lukso Lukso Islet

Lukso-lukso Islet

Going down hill from Ermita Hills with be the long shore line of Diguisit Beach. You will pass through big boulders near the shore. This rock formations are visible during low tides which you can hop on to go through the islets. On a personal note, we didn't decide to go there since the sun is high and all i was focused at the time is to reach Diguisit Falls for cool waters.

 7. Diguisit Beach

Disiguit Beach

The beach is a far or more less a kilometer stretch of almost white sand. There are lots of resorts along the shoreline. One of the resorts here is AMCO Diguisit Beach Resort which has an entrance fee of P30. There are open beaches as well which are for free like the one which is in front of the Diguisit Falls. If you have packed lunch, you can definitely lay a mat and enjoy the shade of the trees and the summer sea breeze. If you are not into surfing and prefers the clear waters, Diguisit Beaach would be the best place for you.

One of the rock formation along the Disiguit Beach

8. Diguisit Falls

It is not a long hike. Situated right on the side of the road, anyone can enjoy the cool waters. It is an elevated area which roughly a 50 degrees inclined elevation. It is rocky and a bit slippery. If you are a fast climber then you can be there on top in 15-20secs. It is a tall waterfall with a small water basin that can accommodate two to three people.

Diguisit Falls

3-feet water basin of the Disiguit Falls

9. Suspension Bridge

On our way back to the town proper, you can have a small detour to see the suspension bridge/ hanging bridge. Unfortunately, one of the wires gave up and is currently not being used and not open for public usage but you can take a photo of it. Hopefully, this will be fixed soon.

Hanging Bridge

10.  Sabang Beach

Last but not the least and the most well known beach in Baler, Sabang beach. A long stretch of beach good for surfing. There are lots of surfing schools that offer crash course for P300-P350 per hour. It is a 1-1 session. If you are good at it already, you can rent a surf board for P200 whole day. There are per hour rates too, depends on the rental shops. 

Late afternoon in Sabang Beach

Sunrise at Sabang Beach

There are other places Baler offers too. There is the Ampere Beach, Discalarin Cove, Baler Lighthouse, Anaio Islets and a lot  more beaches. though they are a little bit far, roughly 2 hours tricycle drive. Our guide told us that the best sunrise is at Ampre Beach. You need to wake up early as 3am to start your way there. Discalarin Cove offers a great swimming experience as well but this is a private owned area. It is a bit pricey. For more info, refer here.

It was my first time in Baler and it was for a weekend. It was a long ride going there but its all worth it. I'll surely go back to Baler for more adventures.


P.S. All photos used were owned by the blogger unless stated otherwise.