Melo Villareal
What should you see and do in Baler? I used to ask this question to fellow travel bloggers who frequently visits Baler since my last visit in Baler didn’t give me a chance to explore this historic town. Over the weekend, I visited Baler together with friends from DOT Region 2 office and I was really surprised with what I saw. A beautiful elevated bay walk, impressively clean and peaceful town and so much accommodation and places to eat options. Baler really improved a lot since the last time I saw it!
600 Years Old Balete Tree by CA de Ramos of Adventurous Feet
Go on an adventure tour! There’s a lot of ground to cover here and it turns out it’s worth your while to get to the main places with a guide. You can learn a lot about each site and you’ll be sure not to miss anything special. While you may also enjoy exploring on your own (I do, too), sometimes it helps to have a local’s view on a place. Baler is just such a place.
The best Baler adventure tours include a few stops that you can’t miss. For me, these are some of the sites that cover the natural beauty and historical nature of Baler.
Baler 600-Year-Old Balete Tree
Maria Aurora’s 600 year old Balete tree is a site to see. Balete trees are known for living a long time, and it is quite a nice reminder that we are just a speck in time compared to other living things on the planet.
600-Year-Old Balete Tree in Baler by Kaiye Pallarco of Kaiye Was Here
Balete trees are not just massive, they’re also covered in roots and vines that make them very tempting to climb. But the really cool thing is what’s inside. It turns out you can go inside the Maria Aurora Balete tree.
Diguisit Rock Formations
Diguisit Rock Formations
Located at Diguisit Bay, we saw this magnificent rock formations along with long stretch of white sand beach, rocks and corals while we are heading to Ermita Hill. We had a mandatory stop in this area to take pictures because as the locals’ say, your Aurora adventure will not be complete without visiting this rock formation.
Growing Palm Trees at AMCO Diguisit Resort
Mini Pool at AMCO Diguisit Resort
Before leaving the area, we also visited AMCO Diguisit Resort. The resort is perfect for people who wants a quiet place and a perfect view of the bay. The resort has a beautiful mini pool, couple of rooms for people who wants to stay overnight and Day Tour cottages for people who wants to have lunch or merienda picnic at the resort.
Ermita Hill
Ermita Hill is especially wonderful for the view you can see from the park. Ermita Hill is actually on a kind of small peninsula, a quiet place that juts out above the gorgeous waters below. Views of Baler Bay and Sabang Beach are picturesque from the view decks.
Ermita Hill Viewpoint
Overlooking Baler Bay from Ermita Hill
In 1735, a tsunami called “tromba marina” killed 500 families and wiped out the old township. The tsunami was survived by only seven families, including the Angara’s, who went up the Mt. Castillo, a neighboring hill now popularly called Ermita Hill.
Well Maintained Ermita Hill in Baler
Dicasalarin Beach and Cove
And for those of you who like the beach, you can’t miss Dicasalarin Beach Cove.
Overlooking Dicasalarin Beach Cove
On our midway to the cove, we had a short stopover at a cliff where a famous viewpoint is located. The cliff provides a 360 view of the Pacific Ocean and the breathtaking cove.
Fantastic View from Dicasalarin Viewpoint
Our second stop was at the Artists Village located inside the the beach cove property. This village is a communal space where local artists can have workshops and showcase their artworks.
Artist’s Village in Baler
Paintings inside Artist’s Village
Melo Villareal at Dicasalarin Beach
Our Picnic Lunch at Dicasalarin Cove courtesy of Baler Tourism Office
After visiting the Artists Village, we headed to the beach area for our Picnic Lunch. The beach area is really lovely with lots of trees and cottages made from Bamboo and wood. Swimming is strictly prohibited in the area since theres no lifeguard available.
Dicasalarin Beach
It’s one of those amazing spots that is so perfect you won’t want to ever leave. Make sure you get a view from above as well as some time on the beautiful white sands.
There’s a lot to do in Baler and I’m definitely going back soon.
How to Get There
By Car – From Manila, enter the North Luzon Expressway at Balintawak and exit at SCTEX (entry at LaPaz, Tarlac toll gate). From there, follow the highway leading to Aliaga and to Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija. From Cabanatuan City Proper, take the Nueva Ecija-Aurora highway, passing thru the towns of Talavera, Rizal, and Pantabangan until you reach the Aurora border, then thru the towns of Maria Aurora, San Luis, and finally, Baler.
By Bus – Genesis Transport Bus provides the only direct route to Baler from Metro Manila. The bus ride could take about six hours. Genesis Bus terminal is located along EDSA in Pasay City and Cubao. For Bus schedules and other inquiries, visit their website Genesistransport.com.ph or call (02) 709-0803 / (02) 421-1425.
Luxury Bus – If you want a shorter and comfortable ride, Genesis Transport Service also offers executive coach called Joy Bus. For a higher fare, you can travel to Baler with no Stopovers. The Joy Bus has a comfort room, free snacks, free wifi, blanket & pillow and a good morning kit. For bookings and inquiries, you can call Genesis at (02) 709-0545 / (02) 709-0544 / (02) 441-6834 or visit their website Genesistransport.com.ph. Joy Bus Terminal to Baler is along the Northbound lane of Edsa near Cubao.
Baler Tourism Contact Info.
Aurora Provincial Tourism Office
Capitol Cpd., Brgy. Suklayin, Baler, Aurora 3200
Contact Michael Palispis – Provincial Tourism Officer
Tel. No. 0921-3207015
Email [email protected]
Website www.aurora.gov.ph
