Baler Adventure | January 2015

A very sudden trip with my colleagues. 

Whenever I hear Baler, it is the movie that I always think about. A movie of Anne Curtis and Jericho Rosales. It is a 2008 drama film which really advertise the hidden beauty of the place. But this year, it's different.

Baler is the second class municipality in the province of Aurora, a 143 miles and 6-7 hours trip northeast from Manila. It is also one of the "Top Surf" spots here in the Philippines because of its amazing nine (9) feet waves that serves as the main tourist spot.

Our first stop is the famous Balete Tree!

Looks creepy.

It is estimated to be 600+ years old and about 60 meters tall. Having the first look at the famous tree I was amazed by how gigantic it is. Some says the tree is home to some mythical creatures, it's up to you to believe it or not. 

Trying to go inside.

There's no entrance fee but you might want to give something for its maintenance. 

Epic Fail Jump!

Jump shots are also famous especially when you're doing it with friends so you might want to ask someone to take pictures for you. 

This is where we had our breakfast

"Life brings tears, smiles and memories. The tears dry, the smiles fade but the memories last forever"

Next stop is the Ditumabo Falls or also known as "Mother Falls". Nestled deep in the mountains and it flowed out and gave birth to several smaller falls and streams that we passed on the way. We ride a tricycle to get on the jump off. Mostly they will ask P50 each passenger and you need to ask their number so you can text them to pick up again back to the town proper. 

Hiking to this falls is not that easy also especially when the water is very strong. You might want to wear a good quality slippers. It is a 30 minute trekking (1.3km) from the jump off to falls. 

While on our way to Mother Falls, we passed by a lot of rocks, smaller falls, a reminder how many meters we need to walk and we even saw a fresh drinking water hose available in the middle of out trekking. The tour guide told us that the water coming from the hose is very fresh and clean so there's nothing to worry about. 

After seeing the Mother Falls, I must say that this is one of the most beautiful falls I've ever seen. It is very refreshing and it is very clean. This is one of the most unspoiled place despite of being a well-known tourist spot in Baler. You can really get closer with the falls because it's not that deep as it is compared with the other falls. I remember, we even shouted a lot of times because of the happiness we felt. It seems like all of our stress in Manila are gone. 

I am happy and proud to recommend this falls. 

After going to falls, it's our time to take our lunch and check in to our rooms. 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Museo De Baler

One of our side trips is the Museo De Baler  which is located at the town proper. It is relatively a new museum. Based from our tourist guide, it was open last 2002 only created by Sculptor Toym imao, son of National Artist for the Visual Arts Abdulmari Imao. The three of us are not a fan of History so we didn't stay that much. 

Quezon Ancestral House

Or also known as Doña Aurora Quezon House, Doña Aurora is the wife of the former President Manuel Quezon, the first lady of the Philippines. This house is another tourist spot worth checking, a typical old bahay kubo with wooden stairs and its roof is made of nipa only. 

Outside of the house is a vintage car own by the former President. They say it was restored last 2009 by a Vintage Car Club. 

Baler Church

A Catholic Church just in front of Ancestral House. The structure is old with a simple facade. 
Ermita Hill

We had a breathtaking views when we went here. It is very relaxing and it serves as a Tranquil Sanctuary for locals and tourists. We saw amazing waves in the Pacific Ocean. 

Let's go Surfing!

This is my first time doing surfing that's why we did a basic training first with our instructor. It was a very nice experience and I definitely want to do it again and again. When I tried surfing, my desire for water sports got stronger. 
Surfing Fee is P350/her with instructor and board.

This video is a short clip of what we did in Baler. It was really unforgettable and worth the money and time. In case you will ask, we join a Baler Trip from DLC Travel and Tours and we only pay P2,200 per head. I thank Lord for this wonderful beginning of my 2015, it's really a blessing and I'm looking forward for more adventures like this. 

Sample Itinerary!

Day 1
0100am Assembly-MCDO Quezon Ave., in front of Asiatrust Bank and National Bookstore right beside Max's Resto and Red Ribbon, near Great Eastern Hotel or Aberdeen Court)
0130am MANILA DEPARTURE TIME
0700am Maria Aurora ARRIVAL TIME,  Giant Balete Tree
07:45am Arrived Baler Town Proper- Breakfast
08:30am Tour Around Baler Aurora Quezon Ancestral House, Baler Church , Museo de Baler, Ermita, Tromba Marina ,Diguisit Beach, Rock Formations
1200 Lunch

01:00 Resort/Lodge/Inn- Check In-Rest
04:00pm Pick up for Sabang Beach Tour-Optional: Surfing,Swimming
0600pm Back to Resort, Wash up
0700pm Dinner, Socials, Free time

Day 2
0600am Wake-up Call ( Breakfast)
0700am Trekking Mother Falls

0900am Depart Mother Falls
10:00am Back to Accommodation -Wash up/Pack up
11:30pm Lunch
12:30pm Pasalubong Center

1:00pm ETD Baler
0700pm ETA Manila

LEAVE NOTHING BUT FOOTPRINTS, KILL NOTHING BUT TIME,

TAKE NOTHING BUT PICTURES.