Team Out of Town
Baler Bucket List: Top Tourist Spots and Best Places to Visit in Baler, Philippines
Just 5 hours away from Manila lies Baler, dubbed as one of the Philippines’ best-surfing destinations. Beyond being the surfing capital of the North, the beautiful town of Aurora offers a wide range of activities and historical sites that both local and foreign tourists can truly appreciate and enjoy.
Best Things to do in Baler, Aurora
Here’s our list of things to see and do if you plan on having a Baler escapade anytime soon.
Visit the Famous Balete Tree
Also called the Millennium Tree, this 200-ft-tall tree in Barangay Quirino has undoubtedly stood the test of time and remains one of Baler’s favorite tourist spots.
Locals said it has been in its place for almost 600 years. You can take pictures and shop around the vicinity.
As a matter of fact, you can ask some of the locals to take pictures of you because they know where the best angle from the tree is.
Surf at Sabang Beach
What better way to fully appreciate Baler than to try surfing, right? The Surfing session at Sabang Beach usually costs around 300-400 pesos, including the board rental.
This beach is usually the most crowded place in Baler and is known for its long stretch of gray sandy shoreline. Before surfing, you’ll need to do some basic stretching for 5 to 10 minutes, and you’re good to go.
Surf instructors will guide you for one hour, so there’s no need to worry if you’re a beginner. However, if you prefer stronger waves, you can head over to Lindy’s Point.
Chill at Baler Surfer Grill
Among the many dining options in Baler, the Baler Surfer Grill is a favorite with locals and tourists alike.
This one is very noticeable along the long stretch of shoreline with a Volkswagen Beetle car parked in front. This place put up the music, surfboards, and enough wooden chairs for guests to add a more authentic beach vibe.
Some of the must-tries are the grilled fish, the Bulalo, and the Chicken Barbecue. Give it a try!
Visit the Ditumabo Falls
The first thing newcomers do in Baler is visit the Ditumabo Falls, a 20-minute trek from the starting point. Located in San Luis, Ditumabo is also called the Mother Falls and is the most rewarding trek one will experience.
Make sure you have all the energy to trek, as you’ll pass through stony paths and wooden bridges, and even cross rivers with fast currents (make sure you bring sandals to prevent your slippers from being washed away).
Once you get there, you’ll be greeted by the cold, refreshing waters and the relaxing sound of the cascading waterfall. A breathtaking destination in Baler.
Get Your Breakfast Fix at El Teodoro Canteen
El Teodoro Canteen is one of the best silogs in town. Usually, tourists visit the place before starting their adventure in Baler.
It serves home-cooked meals for lunch, such as pork sinigang, tuna, dinuguan, and pinakbet.
Try Gerry Shan’s Place!
Hungry surfers usually head over to Gerry Shan’s for their Chinese and Filipino-themed buffet.
Starting at 11 in the morning, people flock to the restaurant on Quezon Street, Barangay 2, to taste its signature dishes.
It comes with a free-flowing iced tea as well. Definitely a must-visit!
Take a Detour at Dicasalarin Cove
If you want to see a breathtaking view and a one-of-a-kind destination in Baler, then head over to Dicasalarin Cove, owned by the Angara family.
You’ll get a sweeping view of the clear blue waters, fantastic rock formations, and hilltops atop the lighthouse.
Other must-try activity here includes snorkeling, where you’ll see the rich marine life of Baler. You can also have a picnic, but make sure to leave no trash behind.
Cross the Zabali Hanging Bridge
Crossing this bridge is not for the faint of heart. However, the views atop are amazing and definitely fantastic.
The river and the mountain views are one-of-a-kind and will definitely bring anyone some peace of mind.
Remember that the wind may sway the bridge, so only bring friends who are not afraid of heights. It’s located at the endpoint of Zabali Road.
Trip down Memory Lane at Museo de Baler
Know the rich history and culture of Baler and visit Museo de Baler near the Quezon Memorial Park. The two-story museum houses several photos, artifacts, paintings, sculptures, and other artworks from the Spanish, Japanese, and American occupation periods.
It is open daily from 8am to 5pm.
Visit Doña Aurora Quezon House
Just a few walks from the Baler Church lies the Doña Aurora Quezon House, the wife of the late President Manuel Quezon, where you’ll also see the presidential car inside the compound.
The house is made of wood and nipa, which is more or less like an upgrade of the famous Bahay-Kubo.
Inside the well-preserved house are memorabilia, colorful paintings displayed on the walls, furniture made with bamboo, an old-style flat iron, and an old coffee table. The entrance fee is 15 pesos.
Experience Sunset at Diguisit Beach
Witness another God-given wonder when you visit Diguisit Beach, aka the Rocky Paradise.
Professional surfers usually prefer this place because the waves are stronger and more challenging to surf.
Also, the rock formations called Lukso-Lukso islets offer picture-perfect scenery and deserve a visit. Try staying until sundown!
See Baler in a Different Perspective at Ermita Hill
Another great spot to take a picture of Sabang Beach is Ermita Hill. Aside from providing far-reaching views of the town, it is also said that this place served as a sanctuary when it was struck by a Tsunami in 1703.
You can visit the Tromba Marina, where a life-size sculpture of a person climbing the hill is on display to remind you of that incident.
Now that we’ve provided you with our top 12 best things to do in Baler, an exciting weekend getaway is now within your reach!
Baler Travel and Tour Packages
To help you plan out your visit to Baler, we listed places to visit and other amazing things in Baler, Philippines. We also listed some of the best travel deals, tour packages, excellent flight deals, and accommodations.
Searching for the best Baler hotels, resorts, and affordable flights in the nearby Cities? Check out our list of cheap Baler hotels and resorts on Agoda or Booking, or browse available Airbnb properties in the city.
Want more updates about new package tours and tourist spots in Baler, Aurora? Follow #TeamOutofTown on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Bloglovin, and Pinterest for more travel ideas.
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