Baler, Aurora 2014 DIY Tour / Travel / Backpacker

Baler DIY

My friend wanted to celebrate his birthday in Baler, so I did my research and searched for the exciting things the town could offer. This is yet another long hour bus ride but we are up for it. Both of us, we are used to long hour drives,so this Baler trip is just a piece of cake.

There's only 1 bus line en route to Baler,Genesis Transport Inc in Cubao. They have the 750 Joybus(executive coach) or the Regular Bus for 450. First trip is at 3am and last trip is 7:30 am with 1 hour interval. We took off at around 4:30am. It was a lean season so we didnt need to reserve seats. Travel time was approximately 6hrs.  

We arrived in Baler past 11am and from the bus station we hired a tricycle to bring us to Sabang beach. That's where all the action is happening. The tricycle driver happened to be slash tour guide, he offered his services and we hired him.

We checked in at our hotel, Aliya Surf Resort settled our things, freshened up a bit and by 1pm we started our tour.

#fmtproject

Our first stop was the big letter sign of Baler, near the municipal hall and museum. We took photos and then we headed to the millenium tree. It is located in San Luis, one of the 8 towns in Aurora. This tree was tagged as the biggest balete tree in Asia. It was huge! And creepy at the same time. Didn't mind climbing the tree or entering the insides of the tree. I just wasn't courageous enough. Then we hit the road, went to Ditumabo Falls. This was the most tiring part. You need to walk uphill for about more than an hour to get to the falls, good thing it was cloudy so we didn't suffer to scorching heat of the sun. The main road was under construction so we had to take a different, farther route. Sigh! I just came from a long ride and then this! LOL! Can't help but complain. Noetheless, the place is beautiful and the water is refreshingly cold.

The Millenium Tree

Nagkalit Falls

Our next stop was Ermita Hill, where you can get a good view of the entire town. They say this was a sanctuary when a tsunami hit the island from wayway back and only a few locals survived, as shown in the sculptures built. The last 3 stops of the tour were Daguisit Falls, LuksoLukso Islet and Daguisit Rock Formation. The photos taken from the last 3 destinations were just surreal, given that it was already sunset. I love sunsets. It gives me a certain pleasure. 

View of the Sabang Beach from Ermita Hill

Tromba Marina Sculpture at the foot of Ermita Hill.

Daguisit Falls

LuksoLukso Islet

Daguisit Rock Formation

Sun was almost out when we got back to the hotel, we quickly changed to get  a dip at the pool before eating dinner. The infinity pool of the hotel was beautiful. The photo will prove that. 

Infinity Pool

Aliya Surf Resort

The next day we had breakfast, took photos and then took the 1 hr surfing lesson for 350. Surfing is fun, I enjoyed it for a second but, its not for me. I learned fast but I just hate it when the waves hit me. I hate it when I feel like I'm gonna drown even if I know I'm not. I havent been to La Union so I can't tell which has bigger waves but the waves that I faced in Baler are big enough for me to back down. Maybe next time. 

Aliya Surf Resort

#surfing 101

At around 10am we checked out from the hotel and headed to the bus station. We had to check out early because the bus' last trip for Manila leaves at 11am. We almost missed the bus but fortunately the tricycle driver knows the bus' route so he drove us up to the national high way, waited for the bus to pass and we hopped on. If in case you do miss the bus, you can take the Van from Baler to Cabanatuan CIty and then Bus from Cabanatuan to Cubao.