2 Your Guide to the Wild Wide Waves of Baler Aurora

Surfing as the main attraction in Baler.

For someone who hates long travels by land, Baler can be a farfetched dream destination. It takes more than just will power and determination to be able to embark on a journey to this northeast wonder. It was sickening to traverse for hours across Bulacan, Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija and Nueva Vizcaya - withstanding every twist and sudden turns. Awesome, majestic, spectacular and Wow! We’re among the few words that I mouthed when we got there and from then on, I knew the travel was worth it.

Traditional Nipa Hut in front of Big Waves.

It was past 7 in the morning when we arrived. The air was misty and cold, far from the usual mornings that I wake up to in Manila. We scoured the place to look for the closest ATM since our cash at hand may not be enough to cover our two (2) day stay. After asking around, we learned that it takes a tricycle ride to get to Casiguran, where Landbank and DBP ATMs are available, only to find out that there is an ongoing power outage since the previous night and that it caused the machines to be non-operational. To make the story short, we have come across several mishaps. The whole experience was made bearable by the cordial and nice residents who are always ready to help whoever is in need of assistance. They are very friendly and wouldn't care for small talks. They love sharing stories and experiences even to someone they do not know personally. Who I love are the people in Baler.

Basic Surfing 101

We had no choice but to use our spare money on hand. Though enough for a day but no assurance for tomorrow. We only wished that power will go back operational in the next days. From the town proper we took tricycle that will bring us to the seaside and will find our luck to get a house to stay. I have called several hotels and transients but no luck. Almost of them are fully booked because aside from anniversary celebration in Aurora, International Surfing Competition was held.

BED Weather. Wild Waves. Whew perfect for Surfing Vacation.

We walked for more than one kilometer just to check available house to stay. At the end of the line we finally found one who just checked out. Lucky for us but we’ll have a leisure walk in distance just to get to surfing center. We only paid P1,500 for two days stay and that is what we are looking for.

When the payment was settled, we chose to rest instead of walking and wandering around. Our body were ripped by the trip all the way from Manila. So I suggest from Genesis Cubao, choose Joy Bus (Genesis owned) that would bring you straight to Baler. Or else you’ll have the best of travel mishaps experience. 

Manila ► Nueve Ecija Central Terminal ► Either take Ordinary Bus to Baler or wait for another Genesis Line to Baler.

Arch Competition. This is from the town of Casiguran.

The alarm buzzed after two hours. Glad I set the alarm or else we will be sleeping the entire day and did nothing. I slept quickly because of the sounds that seems lullaby to your ears with the waves rolling in to the sand and the wind scratching into the roof. And that remind us that metropolis is out of sight.  We get ourselves and just walk barefoot into the black sands of Baler. I enjoyed each and every surge that travels into the tiny pebbles and with its little foams.

Surfers enjoyed gigantic waves that will surely satisfy their hobbies. There were short and long boards, there were also half boards and I’m not sure the purpose. After couple of minutes watching their cheerful smiles, we went to a small panciteria and taste the flavor of Baler.

Afterwards it’s about time to try what these waves and heavy boards could bring. It’s really heavy, I did not get a personal trainer because I know it’s not my hobby though. I just want to enjoy and experience what it feels to be a silver surfer. And I'm telling you, you will really find the pain you are looking for, curves, jumps, balance, and glad that you will be dump into the water but still with tremendous pressure in it.

Band and Bugle Competition in front of Aurora Provincial Hall.

And I must say Surfing is one the best sports but unfortunately not my interest. Nah sorry about that. The waves will surely kill me in time. So after these activities we went to the town proper. There were lyres and bands competition drawing High School and Elementary students. I enjoyed to a not common beat my nerves entail into the rhythms of the bands. I know its common in the Philippines. And I think I have a new tag for Tourism campaign.

The Rio Carnival?! It's More Fun In The Philippines.

Aurora's Southeast Paradise of Dinagalan.

We explored their culture and their arts. They have this small Nipa Huts expressing their uniqueness, their music and literature, their beliefs and values. And I came to realized that although we lived in the same country yet we still have differences when it comes to our culture. And that will make the Philippines rich in history and the colorful arts. Indeed Philippines has the most number of dialects in the world. A total of 171 native languages spoken in the country.

River of the Mother Falls.

The next day we decided to see their Mother Falls from the mountain ranges of Sierra Madre. This mountain has the longest stretched of the mountains – started from the northern province of Cagayan and ends in the south province of Quezon. Whew imagine how long this range is. And it covers 10 provinces in Luzon.

And the Mother Falls that we are about to see was never happen. Trike driver told us that it would take 2 hours trek going there. I’m good at it but my partner is not fond of hiking. So we decided to stay on this river running with very cold water.

Oh well another reason to go back here and hopefully I would absolutely say -- #HalerBaler.

BALER TRAVEL GUIDE

HOW TO GET THERE:

Genesis Bus Company is the only bus lines that travel directly from Manila to Baler. Baler bound buses are located in  Cubao Terminal. And there are two types of bus service.

► Joy Bus, it is an executive luxury bus with no stop-over. It has sleeper and free snacks. Fare is P700 at the time of this posting and require advance reservation.

► Ordinary Air-conditioned Bus. it is hybrid bus with stop-over and would travel six to seven hours. Fare is P450 and does not require reservation.

► For reservation and schedules, you may contact (02) 709 - 0803 or 421 - 1425. You may also visit their website here: http://www.genesistransport.com.ph/

►There are alternative way to go to Baler through Cabanatuan Central Terminal, Nueva Ecija. You can ride Genesis Transport, ES Transport, Five Star and Baliwag. And from Nueva Ecija (like what we did) you can ride either non-air condition bus, van, jeepney and would take more than 2 hours of travel to Baler.

WHERE TO EAT:

Night life is limited in Baler along Sabang Beach but private hotels such as Bay's Inn and Bayler's Inn are open to public for dining. You can also ride tricycle going to town proper and dine at Gerry Shan's Place located at Quezon St., Baler, it offers buffet for P150/head and unlimited Iced Tea. Just tell the driver that you wish to eat at Gerry Shan's and everyone knows where is it.

WHAT TO DO:

Surf is the main attraction in Baler in Sabang beach. They have the best waves, however there are other attractions that you may check, please see list below. Tricycle is the cheapest and most common transportation in Baler so you can hire them to visit the following tourist attractions in Aurora.

► Mother Falls

► Camayan Falls

► Diguisit Falls

► Millennium Tree

► Ampere Beach 

► Ermita Hill

► Dona Aurora Quezon House

► Museo de Baler

► Aniao Islet

WHERE TO STAY:

We stayed at Jam's and Jen's Lodge (0921 598 3588) for P750/night with a single fan. However if you wish a private one with airconditioned rooms. You may check:

► Aliya Surf Camp and Resort  (0939 - 939 - 0929)

► Bay's Inn (0918 - 926 - 6697)

► Bahia de Baler (0908 - 982 - 7064)

► Bayler View Hotel (0919 - 286 - 3105)