Don’t get me wrong. Surfing is still (one of) the best thing(s) to do in Baler. But aside from the usual, if you aren’t into the sport, you just want to explore the island of Luzon, or you’re craving for a roadtrip, Baler is the place to be.
1. Its a good opportunity to bond with your crew. I mean, any kind of travel is, but with places as far off (but not far enough to fly to) as Baler, it is awesome to pull off a roadtrip. The average travel time (give or take traffic hours) is 6 hours. Word of advice though: Have two designated drivers at the ready, and those who can maneuver the sharp turns when nearing the province of Aurora. You’ll see what I mean when you get there.
2. Visit the 600-Year Old Balete Tree. During the day, because legend has it that this tree is the favorite chill place of unearthly beings. But the cynic that I am, I thought, with this much tourist traffic visiting the tree, why would anyone (or any spirit/duwende/tikbalang/etc) want to live anywhere near it?
With 600 years under its belt, why wouldn’t you like to see it? (Spoiler: it’s huge.)
3. I didn’t get to visit the falls, because 5,000 people were there. (Imagine all the bodily fluids mixing around, good lord.)
But they say that the Dimatubo Falls is a wonder to behold. I guess on lean season, like this photo I grabbed from Google.
4. Eat! Baler is famous for Paco Salad and various kinds of seafood — and they all have that at the Beach House at Costa Pacifica.
They also serve nice pugon pizzas, their tacos and cocktails aren’t half bad. The food is great, and it’s the best place for some #views.
Costa Pacifica Address:
80 Buton St., Sitio Labasin, Sabang Beach,
Baler, Aurora, Philippines, 3200
Contact Numbers:
Telephone Number: +632 519 4249
Mobile Number: +63 917 844 8371
Email Address:
inquiry@costapacificabaler.com
5. Stare into the ever-moving seas. Channel you’re inner favorite Moana character and stare at the edge of the water — Baler’s Sabang beach isn’t exactly the whitest, most ‘pristine’ in all of our country’s breath-taking beaches, but it isn’t because it’s fod lounging around and shit. It’s a surfing spot.
Overall, it’s kind of a really nice beach to chill in, and to learn/try new things (i.e., surfing). The crowd you’ll find are mostly locals teaching surfing, surfers, and the hipster-nation. If you’re on the blog, you’ll most definitely want to go there now (I hope). Peace!
vinnyverse 