Bantog Backpackers: Aurora

Showing posts with label Aurora. Show all posts

Friday, February 19, 2016

Baler is a second class municipality in the province of Aurora, Philippines. It is the provincial capital of Aurora. It is located some 230 kilometers (143 miles) north-east of Manila via a mountain pass accessible by bus and private vehicle. It is host to spectacular geographic formations and is situated on a vast plain at the south end of Baler Bay, a contiguous segment of the Philippine Sea.

It was identified by Google as topping the list of beach destinations in the Philippines. It was described by Yahoo! Southeast Asia in March 2013 as one of the "top surf sports" in the Philippines. Nine feet waves serve as its main tourists asset, attracting hundreds of surfers during the surfing season from September to February.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baler,_Aurora

Baler is also famous for the Siege of Baler. When the Spaniards ceased and sold the Philippines to America, there was a group of renegade Spanish soldiers who decided that it wasn't their time yet. They occupied the Church of Baler for almost a year until they finally gave up. This was the last Spanish stronghold in the Philippines.

The whole province of Aurora itself is one of the last frontiers of Northern Luzon. It has gems yet to be discovered.

How to get to Baler?
Genesis Bus Terminal in Cubao has 6 daily trips to Baler. Fare is around Php420. First trip is at 3AM and the last trip is at 7:30PM.

Joy Bus Trips schedule: 12:30AM, 1:30AM, 2:30AM at Php700 one way. They have steward on-board, snacks and water, blanket and pillow, lazy boy seats and lavatory.

You can also get to Cabanatuan first then transfer to a bus or van going to Baler.

By private transportation:
From SCTEX to Pantabangan - NLEX to Clark Logistics Interchange, turn right to Tarlac, and then choose the SCTEX exit in Amucao, Tarlac City. From there, turn right to La Paz Tarlac then go straight to Sta. Rosa. Upon reaching Sta. Rosa, make a left turn and choose the road leading to Cabanatuan City. Take the Talavera route and turn right to Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija. Travelers will need to traverse through a narrow mountain gravel road that twists through the Sierra Mountain Range to reach Canili, Maria Aurora.

*info from Costa Pacifica "how to get to"

We were invited by my classmate in a BOSH seminar, Sir Cornelio "Nel" Navalta Barrios, in his place in Baler. He may be a big man in his field pero tropa tropa lang tayo, haha! He is the coolest, supportive, most adventurous General I've ever known. He's such a humble man... nakakabilib lang talaga... A master of everything. We were so lucky and proud to get to know you Bossing.

the coolest surfer I've known, Boss Nel

dinner and toma with the great man, haha!

Things to do in Baler.

Surfing isn't the only activity in Baler. Baler has a very colorful and interesting history and culture. Tricycles here are offering all these tourist spots for Php700.

Dimutabo a.k.a. Mother Falls

Geographically, Mother Falls is located at Baler's neighboring town, San Luis. It is almost an hour van/trike ride from Baler. Trikes are charging Php100/person (maximum 4 pax) from Baler to San Luis and back.

Mother Falls is a half hour trek from where you'll be dropped from the trike. It is rocky, slippery and has multiple river crossings. You can also bath anywhere, haha! The water is extremely cold, brrrrrrr!

Mother falls is towering at 140 meters in height with the cold water coming from the Sierra Madre Mountain Range.

You can negotiate with the trike to include all tours from Quezon Park, Museo de Baler, Old Municipal Hall, Baler Church, Ermita Hill, Baler Fish Port, Lukso Lukso islets, Diguisit Water Falls, Diguisit Beach and Aniao islets together with Mother Falls. Start really early to enjoy those spots.

Where to stay in Baler?
For different room accommodations, go to http://www.senyorlakwatsero.com/2015/01/17/baler-accommodation-cheap-lodges-rooms-homestay-pension-houses-hotels-resorts/

For those who have more budget, Costa Pacifica is a 3.5 star hotel/resort in Baler with accommodation rooms that range from Php4,500 to Php10,500/night.

We choose to stay with our General Barrios resort, the ULTIMATE ADVENTURES LODGING AND CAMP SITE. Their contact numbers are 0919-4749769 and 0927-565-9701. Mas masaya dito. Their rates are:

with the expert surfers and beginners

Why are we here??? Of course to try surfing =)

Kahit hindi ka mag surf, kelangan may ganito kang picture, haha!

The master of all surfers is our teacher...

with the master's eldest son, CJ

Surfing Lesson Rate is Php350 per hour which already includes the board's rental.

a surfer's haven

you can learn even if you don't know how to swim

the waves are amazing!!!

in just an hour of tutorial... we have a surfer here...

Angel and Efryl

Our Bossing exploration yet to be discovered (somewhere in Villa, Aurora)...

Boss Nel and CJ Thank You Very Much !!!

The happiest people are those who think the most interesting thoughts. Those who decide to use leisure as a means of mental development, who loves good music, good books, good pictures, good company, good conversation, are the happiest people in the world. And they are not only happy in themselves, they are the cause of happiness in others.

-William Lyon Phelps-

Saturday, August 3, 2013

We spent our first day in Dingalan in going the tourists places like Tanawan Falls and Tanawan View Deck, Sea Ranch, Tabi Falls, and the beach at Sitio Tabi, Brgy. Umiray, which is just 3 kilometers from General Nakar, Quezon. We spent the night at Berto's house in Brgy. Ibona, Dingalan which is so much close to our last place to explore, the Lipit Picnic Ground located at Brgy. Ibona, Dingalan, Aurora.

Brgy. Ibona is located 18 kilometers south of Poblacion and can be reached by passing the provincial road. It is located between Brgy. Umiray and Brgy. Cabog (Matawe).