Aurora, Baler: More Than Just A Surfing Site

Manileños are just 6 hours away to experience the thrill and fun brought by the huge waves of Aurora, Baler.  Baler is a haven for most Filipino surfer because of its high waves and long coastlines. So no wonder why tourists are drawn to visit the place.

Aside from professional surfers, aspiring surfers are also encouraged to visit  Baler. Locals residing near the beach offers surfing lessons including surfboard rentals in reasonable price. In less than an hour, you will find yourself standing on the board and dancing through the waves.

How to get there?
I suggest securing a seat at Genesis Transport Inc (650 pesos) because they offer direct trips going to Baler. From Cubao, the first trip leaves at 3:00am with trips happening at one hour intervals while the last trip leaves at 7:30am. However in case you miss those schedule, you may take Victory Liner bus going to Cabanatuan (185 pesos). Then from Cabanatuan, you'll find vans or baby buses (170 pesos) that can take you straight to Baler. Travel time is 6-7 hours.

For more information regarding the bus schedules you may call:
(02) 709.0803 / (02) 421.1425 - Genesis Transport Inc
(02) 833-4403 / (02) 833-5019 - Victory Liner

Me and Baron playing Frisbee (photo from Rons Nebre)

As you reach Sabang beach, there are lots of Inns and hotels you can choose from. We chose Bay's Inn (formerly known as Ocean View). Package includes free breakfast and free use of wi-fi connection.

Where we stayed during this trip

Bay's Inn Room Rates (as of  2012):
Double bed room - 700 pesos
Double bed + single bed room - 950 pesos
2 single bed room (w/ ac) - 1050 pesos
Double bed room (w/ ac) - 1150 pesos
Double bed room (w/ ac and hot shower) - 1500 pesos
Double bed + single bed room (w/ ac) - 1500 pesos

Lets GO surfing! (photo from Rons Nebre)

To start up your surfing experience, look for the surfing shop (Mahdox Surf School) near the coast. Surfing rate is 350 pesos. It includes 1 hour surfing lesson, instructor fee and rental of surfboard.

Ask your instructor if you have question in mind (photo from Rons Nebre)

The surfing lesson covers the common surfing terminologies, parts of the surfing board, the correct board positioning and the do's and don'ts in surfing. Listen carefully to your local instructor. Listening to them is the key for you to be able to stand up on your board and as well as to keep you safe. Surfing may be fun however it is still consider as extreme sport.

The newbies - Aiza, Baron and me (photo from Rons Nebre)

Goofy surfer - standing on the board with right foot forward (photo from Rons Nebre)

Eteng is really enjoying this sport! (photo from Rons Nebre)

Its all about balancing  (photo from Rons Nebre)

Baler is more than just surfing. This place is full of exciting and beautiful places you can enjoy so charged up before visiting Baler.

The Giant Balete Tree
Penetrate the inner chamber of Asia's largest balete tree. You can go inside this 600 years old tree and go up with the help of children who offer tour and guide inside the Balete.

Eteng finding her way up

Just waiting for my turn

Ditumabo Falls
This tour requires trekking to reach the mother falls. Ditumabo falls is the largest falls in Aurora.

Extra caution here  (photos from Rons Nebre)

The beauty of Ditumabo Falls  (photos from Rons Nebre)

 (photos from Rons Nebre)

Museo De Baler
Have a quick tour and explore the history of Aurora. You'll enjoy this place even if you're not a fan of history because of the items they have inside.

Look at the detailed design on the museum's wall  (photo from Rons Nebre)

Me and my friends joined a travel group called Barefoot Travels for this trip. We spent 2,900 pesos which includes van transfer (MNL - Baler, roundtrip), accommodation at Bay's Inn, 2 sessions of surfing lesson, breakfast,  and tour/transfer at Museo de Baler, Balete tree of Baler, Ditumabo Falls and Caunayan Falls (didn't had the chance to get quality photos).

2 days of stay is enough to experience all these things. So enjoy and stay safe!