Baler in Aurora province is known as a surfing spot in the north. But aside from its powerful waves that’s perfect for a ride, there are a lot of things you can do and places that you can visit within the province. This is #BudgetTrip featuring a full budget travel guide to #BTBaler and #BTAurora.
HEADING UP NORTH
As part of our holy week excursion, my family and I went to Baler, Aurora. But since I have to go there all alone, I went on a side trip first to Gapan and Cabanatuan first in Nueva Ecija. I would really suggest doing this trip if you have free time to maximize your journey. (Read my 1-Day Travel Guide to Gapan and Cabanatuan here).
WHERE TO GO IN BALER
STOPOVER AT AMPERE BEACH
On your way to the town proper. you’ll pass by the Ampere Beach in Dipaculao. Famous for its magnificent rock formations and pebbles, the beach by the coastal highway is perfect for photography.
A STAY BY THE FARM
When you say Baler, Aurora, most people think it’s all about beaches and surfing. I admit that I also have this kind of thinking but it changed when we went to the place where we’ll be staying for our trip. We stayed at Barangay IV (Poblacion) in Maria Aurora and surprisingly, it’s surrounded by farmlands.
LUKSO LUKSO ISLETS, DIGUISIT BEACH
From the Baler town proper, you can rent a tricycle for a tour. Just look for one that is accredited by the local tourism government. Rate is around Php 700 per trike for a day tour.
For our first stop, we went to the Lukso Lukso Islets and beach in Diguisit. The place is filled with rocks and seaweeds but it’s still beautiful especially the rock formations. There are a lot of tourists though so taking a good photo without photobombers can be a struggle.
DITUMABO MOTHER FALLS
One highlight of our Baler trip is our visit to the famous Ditumabo Mother Falls. There is a parking fee of Php 35 and an entrance fee of Php 35. If you’re planning to visit here especially during peak season, go early since it can be very crowded.
Sadly, the falls was not at its best condition when we paid a visit. It was damaged heavily by the recent typhoon so the water flow was affected. Nevertheless, it was still an awesome sight though taking a photo can a real challenge especially that the current is strong. I went to the safe side though and kept my camera instead of risking it getting wet and moist.
SABANG BEACH
THE LARGEST BALETE TREE IN ASIA
BALER MUSEUM, BALER CATHOLIC CHURCH & AURORA QUEZON‘S ANCESTRAL HOUSE
I have such a fascination for museums that I did not miss the opportunity to check out the Baler Museum at the town proper. There’s an entrance fee of Php 30 which is already good for the Baler Museum and the Aurora Quezon’s Ancestral House. It’s located along the plaza.
From the Baler Museum you have to get to the other side to check out the ancestral house. You’ll pass by the Baler Catholic Church which I really find lovely.
Across the street, you’ll find the Doña Aurora Quezon’s Ancestral house. It’s a replica of the old mansion. Here you’ll find all sorts of memorabilia from the Quezon family.
WHERE TO EAT
There are a lot of restaurants within the town proper especially near Sabang Beach. Seafood is popular in the area though they’re not that cheap. Since we have a house to stay, most of our meals are home-cooked but we did try Yolly‘s because of its popularity. Food was great but service was too slow.
WHERE TO STAY
You can get a decent hotel for Php 2,000+ per night. Popular hotels in the area includes Costa Pacifica (check here for the rates) and The Circle Hostel(check here for the rates).
If you’re on a tight budget, there are a lot of lodging houses and inns which you can get for as low as Php 300 per night.
Check here for the complete list and rate of hotels and inns (Agoda)
Check here for the complete list and rate of hotels and inns (TravelBook).
NOTES & TIPS
ITINERARY
Lukso Lukso Islet and Diguisit Beach
Ampere Beach
Baler Museum
Baler Catholic Church
Doña Aurora Quezon’s Ancestral house
Sabang Beach
Dimatubo Mother Falls
Ermita Hill
Balete Tree
Dicasalarin Cove*
Dicasalarin Cove is a private beach owned by the Angara family. Not unless you have a booked room, you won’t be able. However, if you have a local with you, they can arrange a tour. Too bad we weren’t able to go here because our car was too low for the terrain.[/su_spoiler]
BUDGET BREAKDOWN
Note: Bus straight from Cubao to Baler costs Php 450. Why not add a few and visit more destinations?
Bus from Cubao to Gapan – Php 150 / 120 student
Tricycle from Gapan terminal to La Virgen Divina Pastora – Php 20 per way
Jeep from Gapan terminal to Cabanatuan – Php 30
Tricycle to Cabanatuan Cathedral – Php 40
Tricyle to Camp Pangatian – Php 60
Jeep from the camp back to terminal – Php 17
Van to Baler – Php 250
Total Budget = Php 567 / 537 student[/su_spoiler]
[su_spoiler title=”DIRECT TRIP FROM CUBAO” style=”fancy” icon=”chevron”]
Bus from Cubao to Baler – Php 450
Parking fee to Mother Falls – Php 35
Entrance fee to Mother Falls – Php 30
Parking fee to Balete – Php 30
Entrance fee to Museum – Php 30
Baler Tricycle Tour – starts at Php 700
Bus from Baler to Cubao – Php 450[/su_spoiler]
Estimated budget for 4 pax 3D/2N including food, budget hostel and surfing – Php 2,000-2,500 each
Cheers~!
sir ano pong gamit niyong cam? at editor?
for this one, I use Olympus E-PL 3 and Yi Action Cam. Edited using Lightroom 🙂
Ampere beach looks like a must visit. Is it one of the most popular beaches?
yes but the most popular is the Sabang beach especially for surfing
Oh my god what happened to Ditumabo Falls? Why so many people?! I am extremely shocked because I remember that it was quite hard to get there. The trek was no joke. But then again I went years ago when Baler was not yet that famous to tourists. So sad that it is not too crowded.
I miss Aurora pa naman. It is honestly one of the best places i’ve been in the country.
I guess it was because of the timing. It was holy week so there’s really a lot of people. Would definitely come back here though.
^ correction: I mean I’m so sad that it is “now” too crowded.
wtod5y