Baler, Aurora
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A place in the north part of the Philippines, known as the Surfing Capital. Almost 7-8 hours from Manila via Public transportation. The Place that has Vans and Tricycles as it's only means of going in and around the area. This wonder lust location that will capture the nature freak inside you, offers a feast for you eyes or lenses for those photo-ops addict and an incredible rush for those who craves for an adventure.
How to get there:
- From manila - From pasay, Take Either 5 star or Genesis bus. I highly recommend you to take the 5star bus if you don't plan to spend much on transpo. The first bus leaves at 2am and it's not crowded, reclining the chair 180degees is possible! Route must be Manila to Cabanatuan If you have that extra cash, Go with the Genesis Joy bus that will take you from Manila straight to Baler for about 6 hours.
- From Cabanatuan- Take either a bus or a van to go to Baler city proper. If you arrive at the break of dawn, Buses can't be found. But the Vans are 24hours but it will wait until its filled.
- From Baler Public market - Tricycle drivers will line up to send you to your hotels.
Must go places:
1. Sabang beach - The place where you'd like to have your accommodation. You can do your do die for surfing moves here. = First time surfer? Don't fret! There are hundreds of surfing schools with a perfectly toned abs instructor :D There are Surfing schools who lends or rent rashguards and offers free sunblocks and drinks. =Where to eat? For breakfast, Bay's inn will delight you with their buffet and freshly cooked food from the menu. Don't forget to try Sinigang na blue marlin!
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| Learning to surf |
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| With our instructors |
2. Balete Tree - It's a park where a big balete tree resides. If you're too superstitious, you might want to skip this part. It's a 600 year old tree that has tons and tons of arms around it. If you've seen the movie the strangers from MMFF, it looks like that. But the fun thing about it, you can climb and go in it. Explore the monkey inside you! :D
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| surf crew |
3. Ditumabo falls - If you're into adventure, you must not miss this! The ride going there is too much bumpy and it takes more or less of an hour trek to get to it. But the scenery on the way is absolutely breathe taking. You'll need to cross the stream 3 times and see numbers of mini falls before you get to the main attraction. The water is very clear and freezing. Taking a dip is a must!
4. Lukso-lukso islets - tiny islands that's good for your point and shoot. The place has a great blue water and near the shore, hundreds of starfish and tiny fish enveloped the place. on the way here, you will pass 2 mini falls.The first falls is worth the climb!
5. Ermita hill - It's where one of the oldest family climbed to survive a tidal wave. It's a mini park on the top. Good place to take a snap of the whole place. There's a tunnel that was used by either the Japanese or Americans.
6. Ampere beach - The long rocky beach where you can also do your surfing moves. (at your risk!) The waves here are just so high, like being in hawaii. There's a cave that you can go in, if the water and waves permits you. If not, you can still get in but the going out part is the question.
7. Dipaculao white beach - Though, I haven't been here. The tour guide told us that it's most famous because of it's sand. Fine white sand! Like theBoracay of the north. It's 2-3 hour drive from baler to get here. But I bet, it's worth the drive.
Expenses:
-Manila to Cabanatuan Bus = 196.00
-Cabanatuan to Baler Van = 220.00
-Baler market to Hotel Tryk = 15.00
-Accommodations for 1pax = 300.00 (room sharing for 5 = 1500)
- Surfing with instructor 1hr = 350.00
- Whole day tryk rental = 267.00 (sharing for 3 =800)
Tips:
Disclaimer: You can still haggle with the tricycle ride. I won't recommend those parked at sabang area they have dark schemes. Tricycle rental at baler proper is really great, they don't waste time and they will help and teach you about the do's and dont's. Here's the number of our trusted driver +63-919-685-4371 look for "Ricardo and Michael" Duo's. They are great!
- Surfing with instructor 1hr = 350.00
- Whole day tryk rental = 267.00 (sharing for 3 =800)
Tips:
- Better to go there via public-transpo because the road is pretty tricky and a night drive is never adviced for those roadrunners.
- Bring a lot of swim wear(Rashguard and your speedos) and few extra clothes.
- Tons of sunblock (if you don't plan to have some tan)
- Water resistant camera. To capture awesome beach and falls scenery.
Disclaimer: You can still haggle with the tricycle ride. I won't recommend those parked at sabang area they have dark schemes. Tricycle rental at baler proper is really great, they don't waste time and they will help and teach you about the do's and dont's. Here's the number of our trusted driver +63-919-685-4371 look for "Ricardo and Michael" Duo's. They are great!
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