When we speak of Baler, surfing initially comes to one’s mind. Right?
Baler, the once sleepy municipality now emerges as one of the top surfing spots in the Philippines. This provincial capital of Aurora which is oftentimes mistaken as part of Quezon Province is not only all about endless surfing in Sabang Beach. It has unspoiled waterfalls, dramatic rock formations, creamy white sand, and buffeting waves… surely Baler is worth a place to explore!
hello there Baler!
Our Baler trip is our last escapade for 2015 so we have to enjoy it fully! This trip is with one of our favorite travel buddies, Froi, Marie, and Abu.
Trivia: The province of Aurora was named after Dona Aurora Aragon-Quezon, wife of Manuel L. Quezon.
The trip
We left Alabang by Saturday at 3:00 am with our van, Jean Grey (that’s how we call our favorite service on the road). It started raining when we reached Pantabangan in Nueva Ecija. Travel time took us almost 7 hours on an exciting rough journey via zigzag roads. But albeit the danger (unexpected landslides), it was worth it for we were able to see the stunning lush virgin forests of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range.
Our first stop was in Foods Pa! for our breakfast located at Quezon St., Suklayin, Baler Aurora with the usual Pinoy meal – tapsilog, hotsilog, pansit bihon, with 3-in-1 coffee and milo drinks for the kids.
Pinoy breakfast at Foods Pa
Since 12 noon was check-in time and it was only 9:00 am, we opted to visit famous tourist destinations within the town proper.
The tourist’s spots:
Quezon Park – this is where the statue of President Manuel L. Quezon, the first Commonwealth President of the Philippines sits at the center. There you can find President Quezon’s presidential car and a replica of a nipa hut to where he grew up.
this photo was captured inside Museo de Baler
Museo de Baler – or Baler Museum is the focal point of interest when visiting the town of Baler. Well-preserved artifacts and memorabilia like jars, porcelains, bells, paintings, and guns are found inside this small museum. Historical photos with informative captions will definitely answer all your questions about the history of the province of Aurora.
the most famous tourist attraction in the city
With the entrance fee of P30, this includes a visit to Dona Aurora Quezon’s Ancestral House. Opens from Monday to Sunday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Baler Municipal Hall is a few steps away from Museo de Baler. Statues of President Manuel L Quezon and Dr. Jose Rizal are found here.
Dona Aurora Quezon’s Ancestral House – this is the old house of Dona Aurora, wife of President Manuel L. Quezon, another recommended tourist attraction in Baler. You would feel the provincial appeal once you enter the wooden house. It had few display items like flat iron, sewing machine, jars, and paintings. It also had a mini-library, charming table set-up, and living room with fine wooden furniture.
simple Bahay Kubo that will bring you back to the good old times
A vintage wooden car (Chrysler!) is open for public viewing and picture taking.
Shen and Abu were delighted to see clay pots at the table
Located in the corner of Rizal and Luis Streets, in front of Baler Church and a few minutes away from Museo de Baler.
Baler Church is in front of Municipal Hall. It is the site of the Siege of Baler during the Philippine revolution from 1898 to 1899.
never skip visiting this church once you go to Baler
Our lunch:
After our city tour, we went to the rows of eateries with large umbrellas called The Rolling Stores. It was nearing 12 high noon and so it’s time to settle for lunch. But our boys want something heavy so we decided to eat at Jerry Shan’s Place, the famous cheap buffet restaurant in Baler. We boarded in our van and made our way along Sabang Beach. Thinking we were on a right track, we entered a large compound in Purok 4 and soon discovered it was not Jerry Shan’s but Chef Gerry’s Picnic Bay.
another affordable buffet restaurant along Sabang Beach
It was also a cheap buffet restaurant and with the same rate of P200 as Jerry Shan’s. It has a wide array of foods to choose from like seafood, grilled foods, veggies, fresh fruits, and desserts. Their drinks are ice tea and water only.
the wide array of food
Indeed, it was a heavy lunch. And the next best thing to do is to lie down for a while and take some rest. So we headed now to Bebel’le Beach Resort to pamper our bodies with a comfortable sleep.
Next destination - Bebel’le Beach Resort in Sabang Beach
Getting through Public transportation:
Take a bus ride at Genesis Transport Bus in Cubao, the only bus line that provides a direct route from Manila to Baler. The fare is P450. The schedule is 4:00 am and 10:00 pm with a travel time of 6 to 7 hours. Contact numbers – 4211425, 7090803 and 7090544.
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