Places and Activities
Balete Tree
(photo courtesy of http://www.lakwatsero.com/)
The 600 year-old Balete Tree in Baler is the largest in Asia. Many tourists make this their first stop in their road trips. It is a popular spot for taking photos. The caretakers of the place say that you are allowed to try to climb inside the tree. Small stores are set up for those wanting to get snacks. Restrooms are available too for those coming from long trips but are only limited to two separate areas for boys and girls so it is better to line up when there are only a few people.
Museo de Baler
(photo courtesy ofoutoftownblog.com)
The museum of Baler is in the town proper making it very accessible to many. There’s an entrance fee of P30 (prices are subject to change). The museum is home to photographs and artworks by locals. At the front of the museum is the bronze statue of Pres. Manuel Quezon, the second president of Philippines and the husband of Aurora Aragon Quezon.
Doña Aurora Aragon’s House
(photo courtesy of outoftownblog.com)
The province’s namesake was the wife of Pres. Quezon, Aurora. The house is the birthplace and ancestral home of the Aragons. Now, it has been restored but retained the original “bahay kubo” look. The house is now open for the public to visit which contains paintings of President Quezon and his wife.
Ermita Hill
(photo courtesy ofjanwand3rs.files.wordpress.com)
Ermita Hill was the hill where few of the natives of Baler fled during the tsunami in 1735. The town of Baler wasn’t where it used to be because of the tsunami that caused the surviving families to move. Now, the hill pays homage to the lives lost that day. There are 136 steps going up the hill where a nice view of the Pacific Ocean can be seen.
Ditumabo Falls
(photo courtesy of smellslikeginspirit.files.wordpress.com)
Also known as the Mother of All Falls, Ditumabo Falls is the tallest waterfalls in Baler. It is almost fifty meters high with a 30 meter wide basin that has a natural pool. It is one of the best ways to refresh yourselves after you get enough of the saltwater at Sabang.
Surfing at Sabang Beach
(photo courtesy of philippine-evolution.com)
Once in Baler, you can’t not try surfing. If you’re a beginner, there are lots of groups offering surfing tutorials which include an instructor, a surfboard and training for an hour. Price ranges from P300-P500.
Food
Gerry’s Chinese and Seafood Restaurant
(photo courtesy of 1.bp.blogspot.com)
If you’re looking for delicious and affordable seafood, then this is the place to be. It is an eat-all-you-can buffet restaurant that tourists and locals love to visit. You have to be there earlier though because seats get filled up quickly.
Baler Surfer Grill
(photo courtesty of instagram.com)
This is a popular restaurant along Sabang Beach because of the famous “car grill”. At the front of the restaurant is a car that is customized to grill their steaks. There is also a large projector screen that plays songs and music videos.
Visit Baler this summer and be amazed by the beauty of Aurora. Visit our blog page for more travel guides in the Philippines and across the globe!