Baler
Baler is a small town in Aurora Province on the east coast of Luzon in the Philippines. It is situated between the Sierra Madre mountain range and the Pacific Ocean, in the vast plain at the mouth of Baler's Bay.
Understand
[edit]Founded in 1609 by Franciscan missionaries, Baler is also the last place held by the Spaniards until they were kicked off in 1899. In 1951, Baler became the capital town of the new province of Aurora, then part of Quezon until it was separated officially in 1978.
The "Charlie don't surf" scene in Apocalypse Now was filmed at Baler, and the movie is credited with popularizing surfing in the Philippines.
Get in
[edit]For general info on getting into Baler, see "Get in" in the Aurora article.
By bus
[edit]- Baler Central Terminal, Bonifacio St, Barangay III Poblacion (around the public market). Baler's central bus station, also used by UV Express. Most bus companies base their operations here.
- D'Liner. Ordinary buses run the Cabanatuan-Casiguran route, with a layover at Baler.
- 1 Genesis Transport, (depot) Recto St, Barangay III Poblacion (In front of Moreno's Lodge). A/C and luxury services depart from Bocaue, stopping at Angeles, Tarlac City and Cabanatuan. Trip takes 6 hours (including stopovers).
By plane
[edit]
Get around
[edit]
Map of Baler
See
[edit]- 1 Museo de Baler, Quezon Street, ☏ +63 921 123 4567. Cultural hub showcasing artifacts, paintings, memorabilia & ethnic exhibits of the region.
- 2 Baler sign, Quezon Street. Open 24 hours. Free.
- 3 Doña Aurora Aragon-Quezon House, Rizal Street. Modest, historic house museum owned by the family of Aurora Quezon, First Lady from 1935–1944.
- 4 Ermita Hill (Tromba Marina), Poblacion. Tromba Marina was the name given to the destructive tidal wave that struck Baler, Aurora on December 27, 1735. This monstrous wave caught everyone off-guard when it arrived around 2:00 AM. The town was devastated in seconds and many lives were immediately lost. Seven families managed to survive the great blow of the tidal wave and found their safe haven in Ermita Hill. The ones who made it through were the Angara, Bijasa, Bitong, Carrasco, Ferreras, Lumasac and Poblete clans.
- 5 Cemento Beach, Cemento Beach. Known for its chill atmosphere, this secluded, rocky beach is a popular destination for surfers.
- 6 Dimadimalangat Rock Formation, Diguisit Beach.
- 7 Diguisit Beach, Diguisit Beach. Popular for picture-taking, this picturesque coral beach features pebbly sand & unique boulders.
- 8 Light house Baler, Aurora, Poblacion. Stunning view of Baler and Baler Bay.
- 9 Hanging Bridge, Zabali, San Luis. Open 24 hours. beautiful view of river, mountains and Baler Bay. Free.
- 10 Aurora Provincial Capitol, Kabiran Street.
- 11 Vincent Gonzales Art Museum, Nueva Ecija - Aurora Road, ☏ +63 920 224 1524. 10AM–5PM.
- 12 Ditumabo Mother Falls, Barangay Ditumabo. 7AM–5PM. Popular waterfall with a cold-water pool at its base, reachable by a lush 45-minute nature trek.
- 13 Tromba Marina Sculpture, Ermita Hill. Open 24 hours. Tromba Marina was the name given to the destructive tidal wave that struck Baler, Aurora on December 27, 1735. This monstrous wave caught everyone off-guard when it arrived around 2:00 AM. The town was devastated in seconds and many lives were immediately lost. Seven families managed to survive the great blow of the tidal wave and found their safe haven in Ermita Hill. The ones who made it through were the Angara, Bijasa, Bitong, Carrasco, Ferreras, Lumasac and Poblete clans. Free.
- 14 Diteki Bridge, Nueva Ecija - Aurora Rd, San Luis, Aurora. Open 24 hours. Beautiful river underneath the bridge.
- 15 Balete Tree (Millenium Tree), Setailen Road. Open 24 hours. A balete tree locally called "Millennium Tree" in Barangay Quirino, Maria Aurora, Aurora province is claimed to be the largest of its kind in Asia. It is estimated to be about more than 600 years old and 60 metres (200 ft) tall with its roots about 10 metres (33 ft) to 15 metres (49 ft) in diameter.
- 16 Aurora Convention Center, Baler-Casiguran Road.
- 17 Buencamino View Point, Nueva Ecija - Aurora Rd, San Luis. Open 24 hours. This place is really beautiful and majestic scenery of Aurora Memorial National Park.
- 18 Aurora Province Welcoming Arch, Nueva Ecija - Aurora Rd. Open 24 hours. This place is the gateway to Aurora, If you are looking for a nice fun of sight seeing this place is highly recommended. The place is suited for exploring the mountains and road cycling, Now the most visited area in Bongabon . Free.
- 19 Doña Aurora Old Rest House, Nueva Ecija - Aurora Rd (in Aurora Province Welcoming Arch). Open 24 hours. Historical landmark, beautiful view. Free.
Do
[edit]- Surfing: there are many surfboard rental shops around the beach access.
- 1 Sabang Beach, Sabang Beach. Relaxed beach featuring strong waves suitable for surfing, with a peaceful vibe.
- 2 Cemento Beach, Cemento Beach near Ermita Hill. Known for its chill atmosphere, this secluded, rocky beach is a popular destination for surfers.
- 3 Lipit Beach, Dipaculao. It's a nice sandy beach. Big waves are good for surfing. It's facing the Pacific Ocean.
- 4 Baler Moto Park, Sitio Gabgab, Barangay Buhangin. Motocross Park.
- 5 Barangay Zabali Peak, Sitio Cemento. Open 24 hours. Hiking area.
Buy
[edit]- 1 Aurora Pasalubong Center, Bonifacio Street (near Pamilihang Bayan ng Baler). 8AM–7PM.
- 2 Baler Public Market, Poblacion. 4AM–8PM.
- 3 Robinsons Easymart Baler, Aurora, Baler Public Market, Poblacion. 7AM–10PM.
- 4 Pacita's Pasalubong, San Luis Street. 8AM–7PM. Souvenir store.
- 5 NE Baler, Quezon Street. 7AM–7PM. Supermarket.
Eat
[edit]- 1 Eat All You Can Buffet, N E mall brgy suklayin (inside the Ne mall in Baler). An all-you-can-eat with drinks. ₱120.
- 2 7-Eleven-Baler Branch, T. Molina Street. Open 24 hours.
- 3 Jollibee-Baler Branch, Quezon Street Corner Suklayin-Buhangin Road.
- 4 Mang Inasal Baler Branch, Quezon Street.
- 5 Picnic Bay Buffet Fiesta, Sabang Beach (in Sabang Beach). 8AM–8PM.
- 6 Ram's Tapsilog, Mabini Street, cor Angara, Poblacion, ☏ +63 975 259 3886. Open 24 hours.
- 7 Yolly's Ihaw Ihaw & Seafood Resto, Quezon Street corner Recto Street, ☏ +63 920 650 8655. 7AM–9PM.
- 8 Gerry Shan's Place, Quezon Street. 8AM–8PM. Chinese & seafood restaurant.
- 9 Miggo’s, #100 Palispis Street, Barangay Five (in MJA Pizzeria), ☏ +63 999 440 7371. 11AM–7PM. Western restaurant.
- 10 Kainan ni ALEXA, T. Molina Street. 6AM–9PM. Filipino restaurant.
- 11 Kusina Luntian, Dela Torre Street. 11AM–10PM. Filipino restaurant in Nipa Hut (traditional Filipino house).
- 12 Bay's Inn, Buton Street. It has a restaurant by the beach, good value Filipino-western style meals.
- 13 Bahia de Baler Garden Resort & Restaurant 1, Buton St, Brgy. Sabang, ☏ +63 921 576 5655. More expensive than its neighbor, Day's Inn, but a bit more classy too.
- 14 Akyang’s Restaurant, Goto and Ihaw-Ihaw, Pantabangan-Baler Road. 5AM–8PM. Filipino restaurant.
Drink
[edit]- 1 Baler-Ortus Restaurant and Bar, Querijero Street, ☏ +63 920 852 8315. 4PM–10PM.
Sleep
[edit]Budget
[edit]- 1 Casitas Stay and Surf, Alley 1, Sabang, ☏ +63 960 200 3105. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. Air conditioned. Single or double from ₱1,330.
- 2 Penny Lane Transient House, Poblacion, Sabang (behide Emerila inn), ☏ +63 939 907 1271. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. Fan double rooms with outside bathrooms and TV.
- 3 Pasillio Surf And Lodge, Buton Street, Sabang, ☏ +63 908 251 5119. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. 600 metres from Sabang Beach. The hotel features an indoor pool and a 24-hour front desk. From ₱1,300.
- 4 Blue Coco Baler Beach House, T. Molina Street, Poblacion, ☏ +63 917 827 2215. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon.
- 5 Kahea's Lodge, Sabang Beach, ☏ +63 915 748 0759. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon.
- 6 Amihan Aplaya Lodge, #103 Buton Street, Poblacion, ☏ +63 947 813 4979.
Mid-range
[edit]- 7 La Flor Lodge, Buton Street, Sabang Beach, ☏ +63 939 939 0844. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 10PM. A/C double rooms. Has a swimming pool.
- 8 Hotel Rupert Atienza ( Hotel A), Bonifacio Street, Barangay Suklayin (near Public Market of Baler), ☏ +63 995 483 7492, hotelatienzaph@gmail.com. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 11PM.
- 9 Playa Azul Baler, Buton Street, Barangay Sabang.
- 10 Charlie's Point Ocean Wave Resort, Buton St, Brgy. Sabang. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon.
Splurge
[edit]- 11 Costa Pacifica, #80 Buton Street (in Sabang Beach), ☏ +63 917 844 8371. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. The only 5-star hotel and resort in Baler.
- 12 RedDoorz @ Isla Virginia Beach Resort Aurora Baler, Buton St, Brgy. Sabang.
Stay healthy
[edit]- Premiere General Hospital, Nueva Ecija - Aurora Rd, open 24 hours; https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=816868048488938 +639189059377
- Mercury Drug-Baler Branch, Quezon St, Poblacion, 8AM-8PM
Connect
[edit]- The post office is in the bus station area.
- 1 Baler Municipal Tourism Office, Baler Municipal Plaza, T. Molina St, Poblacion, ☏ +63 928 983 7668. 8AM–5PM.
- 2 Baler Municipal Hall, Baler Municipal Plaza, National Highway, Poblacion, ☏ +63 477 220 607, info@baler.gov.ph.