BALER for Non- Surfers

Baler. It’s a province named after the lady-love and wife of President Manuel Quezon. How utterly romantic.  The province itself is a one of the last frontiers of Central Luzon. With 70% forest cover and 328 kilometers of pure coast, it has gems yet to be discovered. Baler is the capitol town, and it’s famous for a historical siege and killer waves.

The town is the backdrop of the infamous Siege of Baler. When the Spaniards ceased and sold the Philippines to America, there was a group of renegade Spanish soldiers who decided that it wasn’t their time yet. They occupied the Church of Baler for almost a year until they finally gave up. This was the last Spanish stronghold in the Philippines. It is now called, “Siege of Baler.”

Baler is not just famous for having killer waves, it’s also said to actually be the birthplace of surfing in the Philippines.

Sounds like heaven on Earth for surfers and sports enthusiasts but if you’re not too keen on riding waves… you might end up taking Baler out of your travel list.

But don’t be deceived. Even without a surfboard, Baler will prove to be a good weekend spot if you’re looking for adventure.

Here’s a list of things the non-surfer can do instead:

SWIM AT THE FAMOUS DITUMABO FALLS

MOTHER FALLS ( DITUMABO FALLS )

Located in Barangay Ditumabo, San Luis, they say a trip to Baler isn’t complete without visiting Mother Falls.
An hour-long trek through fairly flat terrain that includes crossing small rivers will get you face-to-face with the tallest waterfall in Aurora Province. It won’t be an easy trek especially with the slippery rocks but the reward of seeing the majestic falls afterwards will make up for the challenging journey.
Standing at 140 feet, Ditumabo Falls offers clear and cold water out of its 30-meter wide basin. You can either swim and brave the impact of the water behind your back or just relax, sitting on stones while getting soothed by its sound.

THE STUNNING ROCK FORMATION 

(LUKSO-LUKSO ISLETS)

LUKSO-LUKSO ISLETS

Stunning Lukso Lukso Islets makes it to visitors’ list of favorite Baler spots.
With rock formations ranging in size, Lukso Lukso Islets makes it look like you can hop around the area through the small (but sharp) rocks surrounding the islets. Considering “lukso” is Tagalog for “hop,” it’s easy to figure out how it got its name.
Aside from attempting to hop on rocks, what you’ll mostly find yourself doing is taking a whole lot of photos because of its breathtaking views you can see at any angle.


MILLENNIUM BALETE TREE

MILLENNIUM BALETE TREE

Don't forget to visit the tree where it stand for a HUNDREDS of year.
It is perfect to take a rest.
To take a breath taking picture and climb for the perfect shot !

The 600-year old Balete Tree in the town of Maria Aurora next to Baler, towers more than five stories high. It is said that it would take 60 people holding hands with arms outstretched to encircle it. Locals claim that it’s the largest tree of its kind in Asia. Though it hasn’t quite lived up to its moniker yet, it’s been dubbed “The Millennium Tree” and is now the province of Aurora’s most visited attraction.

How To Get There

By Car: From Manila take North Luzon Expressway and exit at SCTEX entering La Paz, Tarlac toll gate. Follow the highway going to Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija that will lead you to the Aurora border leading to Baler.

By Bus: Genesis Transport Bus provides the only direct route from Manila to Aurora, Baler.

Source : looloo insights