Hi, everyone, I would like to share my tour experience had in Baler, Aurora, in the Province of Quezon, Philippines, last April 2 and April 3, this year.
Truth is, I have no plans of visiting Baler this year. Baler is known and famous as one of the famous spots for surfing, and since I am not really fond of surfing, visiting Baler was not my priority then. My decision got changed when one of my bestfriends got interested in this tour because Baler is on her bucket list. She is a very good friend of mine and I would like her to enjoy this tour with a good company, good food and loads of fun. Hence, I joined.
The 1st challenge was completing the number of attendees for this tour- which we failed to complete before April 2. At least minimum of seven people are needed to cover the cost of the tour expenses, and earned a minimal profit, at least, for our tour operator.
We invited many friends, there are some who got interested, and yet none joined. And the end result, I have to asked a family members to join and forced a best friend to complete the required quota. As of April 1, 11 pm, there were only six (6) people who confirmed. We were ready to pay the additional money to cover the shortage of the attendees. That is additional 500 pesos per head.
We are just waiting to be picked up by the tour van when we received a good news. My host friend informed us that four more people will be joining us. YEY! Thanks, God. We were asked to wait a bit as the late joiners had to packed their stuff in a hurry. The total number of people joining the tour are now nine people( 9 ) plus the hosts, total of 11 people.
We were picked up at around 1:00 am on April 2, 2022. Though a bit uncomfortable on the seating arrangement, a few hours of discomfort on the seat was manageable. compared to the additional money that we have to dole out. After travelling 5 hours, in the curvy, zigzag roads, we reached Baler at past 5:00 am. We stopped in a souvenir shop to peed only and ended up buying stuff including a cap for myself.
Day 1.
Our 1st stop was Millennium Tree or known as the Balete Tree located in the Eco Park in Maria Aurora, Aurora, Quezon. The tree is one of the popular attractions in Baler as it is 600 years old and one of the oldest tree in the Philippines and in the Asia. It has a crown diameter of 60 meter and the height of the tree is 65 meters high. Before we started taking pictures, we paid our respect to the tree first. There were stories told that Balete trees are mythical and scary too. That in the Balete tree lives mythical creatures like elves, a giant that is half human and half horse ( in Tagalog it is called "tikbalang"), and fairies too etc. After 30 minutes we decided to leave the place as it is now getting crowded as people are started coming in groups.
It was starting to rain when we left the Millennium Tree and our next stop was the Caunayan Waterfalls located in Regunal Farm Resort, San Luis. By the time, we reached the resort, the rain started pouring. After our host paid the entrance fees, and parked the van inside the resort, we started walking to the waterfalls which is less than 10 minutes walk.
The waterfalls was such an amazing sight to behold. When we went to the water, it was freezingly cold. But once in the water, our body got adjusted to the temperature, and enjoyed the bath. After a while, we were just listening to the sounds of the water splashing down which brought healing effects to our stressed mind and tired body. We are so lucky to have the whole place all to ourselves. It was a blissful day, in a beautiful place, so tranquil and peaceful, the water so clear and clean. That moment was magical.
We stayed there for more than an hour: took many photos, picked stones as a remembrance, and basked in the beauty of the Mother Nature. We swam also in the swimming pool as per the urging of our host. After the swim, we had our breakfast right there in the resort surrounded by nature and the falling rain. While waiting for the rain to stop, we went to a nearby souvenir shop inside the resort, and bought key chains, fridge magnets, wallets, T-shirts and slippers as our mementos.
Our next stop was Museo De Baler and the Quezon Park. The town plaza is also in the same area. We did not went inside the museum anymore as the fees increased from 20 pesos to 100 pesos per head. We found it is not practical to pay the entrance fees that much. Hence, we contented ourselves in taking photos outside the museum, we posted in the statue of Pres. Manuel L . Quezon, took group photos in the Baler Signage. After the museum tour, we passed by a souvenir shops and bought T-shirts and sweets.
And then our belly rules, we were hungry and had lunch- buffet style in Picnic by D Bay. The food was plenty, all kinds of dishes, like grilled pork belly, different dishes of meat, chicken, fish, seafoods, and vegetables too. We have our fill, and enjoyed the food as there were so many to choose and ate as much as our belly could take. We were lucky that there was no queue when we arrived in the place. The desserts are mostly fruits, and native delicacies.
Happy tummy, we travelled to our next stop which is the Baler Hanging Bridge. In this place, we were asked to walk in the whole length of the bridge which is 100 meters. We started walking and took pictures in between although it was a bit windy and the bridge swayed when we walked on it. I was half way in the bridge when I turned back as my stomach churned and felt dizzy. I went down, and in the ground, I saw children. It was nice to see them having fun time swimming in the river because it’s clean and safe enough. By the way, my bestfriend and brother did accomplish walking the whole length of the Hanging Bridge.
After the Baler Hanging Bridge. it is time to check in to our accommodation. Our accommodation was booked in Nina's Transient House which is 10 minutes walk to the beach. Our room is confirmed for one Deluxe room based on the initial count of the people. Our host tried her best to get another room, but failed because that time, it was summer and a peak season. We have no choice but to accept the one room given to us rather than having none. Albeit a bit disappointed, I was thinking how will 11 people fit for 5 beds that was available in the room.
We talked regarding the sleeping arrangements, each had their own suggestions. And then our host intervened and suggested how it would be, which bed and who is with whom etc. We listened quietly and let it be for the moment. All of us rested for 2 hours in the room, and then went down to watched the sunset in the beach. Sunset time was scheduled at 6:06 pm, our cameras were ready to capture the sunset but alas we waited in vain for almost an hour. The skies were gray, a bit dark and the sunset did not show up much in our area. My brother tried to swim but the waves of the sea were so strong and high. So we ended up just sitting in the beach, watching the current of the water and the people milling around.
Before 7pm, we were back to our accommodation, we showered and went down for dinner. The food was grilled squids, fish, pinakbet and chickens. After meals, we talked again about the sleeping arrangements. And we agreed to follow the arrangements suggested by our host. I added a picture of the room in this blog so you can imagine how it was. All beds have 2 occupants, except for one bed which three people slept on it ( 2 seniors and the youngest in our team, who is only 12 years old).
We were tired already and since it was only for one night, we acquiescent with the situation. Good thing, majority are mostly females, there were only 2 males: my brother and the husband of my friend host. But before falling asleep, we already had a plan to be up as early as 5:30 am the next day to watch the sunrise and had a morning swim as well. That ends our Day 1 in Baler.
Around 2:00 a.m. I woke up feeling cold, chilled actually and switched off the electric fan as the air was blowing directly in my bed. Little did I know, my actions, gave some discomfort to some. The next day, it was fun to know the reactions and to hear the comments of everyone when I revealed it was me who switched off the electric fan. Mind you. there was no violent reactions.
Day 2 - date is April 3, 2022.
We woke at 5:45am, we were excited and went to the beach, which is SABANG Beach, SABANG Beach is known as the birthplace of surfing in the Philippines. The waves were strong, and at times massive, that is why surfers love Sabang Beach. SABANG Beach are really best for those who love to surf and adventurous people who are interested to learn surfing . There are local people there who teach for a fee.
We waited for sunrise and this time, was rewarded with its golden presence. We took photos as many as we could while watching its rise. After the sunrise, we swam and enjoyed the water though the waves are really strong. As much as I wanted to swim and stayed long in the water, we got tired as the sea waves hits hard. There was times we are thrown and ended up lying face down. Some who are lightweight are being carried into the waves due to the strong current. That is why, it is advisable to come in groups or pairs even if you knew how to swim. After a while, we ended up sitting in the shore, watching the people, the waves and the surfers. It is true that the sea water is best for theraphy as it calms the mind and put our heart at ease.
After the beach, we went back to our accommodation, our host were still preparing our food. We washed and dressed up. Three of us, got bored waiting, went down and strolled around. We rode a tricycle and ended up visiting Dona Aurora house, the birth place of former President Manuel L. Quezon and the Aurora's ancestral house . Again, the entrance fees had increased from 20 pesos to 100 pesos so we decided to took pictures only outside as a proof that we went there.
Since Baler Church is just opposite Dona Aurora house, we went inside but there was mass that was ongoing and we stayed outside. After one hour, we went back in the accommodation and our food is still not ready. And then the conversation started when I revealed that I switched off the electric fan and then everyone started commenting about it.
Someone said, that she perspired because she felt hot and the humidity in the room. Actually two people complaint, with the same reactions. The other said that she was awoken feeling hot, she got up, switched on the electric fan but she reduced the temperature. It was all a self expressions, each is sharing their thoughts.
Someone wanted the blanket all to her self because she felt cold but shared the blanket. Only to know that person was throwing the blanket away (ha ha ha). Another complaint that she did not slept well. Because they were three in the bed, three is a crowd and the bed is small for three people. The lady beside me whom I shared the bed said that she was amazed because I was not moving much in the bed. I was lying in one direction only the whole time. Little did she know, that I moved a bit but very careful not to woke her. I wanted the blanket all to myself but I know I have to share it.
After hearing these comments, I found out that these are good people. We smiled and laugh hearing the different reactions and comments. At that moment, I felt light and happy. Gone was the stress and disappointment I felt yesterday upon hearing about the room. I came to admire the honesty and openness of the people in this group. I was glad that we did not make a fuss about the beds. After all, situations are not always the way as we wanted to, everyone has to compromise.
It was my first time to experience sharing accommodations, and I realized that time it wasn't bad at all. Changes are always part of life. But once you embraced it, learn to accept it, we gain something more important. New friends, new goal achieved, one higher up in maturity and an important lesson called "wisdom". Our lunch is now ready, we had to hurry down for the food as we have only 20 minutes left to eat, collect our stuff and checked out.
After we left the accommodation, our next stopped was in Dona Aurora House (again ) as our tour guide missed this in yesterdays itinerary, and we went inside Baler church and there was no ongoing mass that time, and we said our prayers and went back to our accommodation.
The tour continued, our next destination was Tromba Marina Sculpture. The name Tromba Marina was given as a reminder to the people of Baler the destructive tidal wave that struck the town on December 27, 1735 which caught the people off-guard at 2:00 am. The town was devastated and lost many lives. Only seven families survived this monstrous tidal wave and they were the Angara, Bijasa, Bitong, Carrasco, Ferreras, Lumasac and the Poblete clans.
While there in Tromba Marina Sculpture, we tried to positioned ourselves on top of the stairs climbing just like how it happened that time, like fleeing in the hills of Ermita for survival. We took pictures like that holding each other hands. Kind of fun, I even hit my head in one of the sculptures. Thinking about it, I realized it was scary. And imagine that night, sleeping peacefully and then waking up with this deadly tidal wave around you, it must be nightmarish to be engulfed by this big waves of water and then be drowned, never waking up again. Not being able to say goodbye to your loved ones at all, that was really sad and dreadful. Hence, Tromba Marina Sculpture, is a daily reminder to people to care and to be always mindful and vigilant.
After the picture taking, we climbed up more stairs to see Ermita Hill. When we reached the top, we found it was closed and locked. We missed seeing the picturesque view on top; there is another route to take but our time was limited already. So, we skip that and off we went to our next destination.
After Tromba Marina Sculpture, we went to Diguisit Falls which is just a few minutes away: very accessible, and very close to the main road. Diguisit Falls is one of the many small waterfalls in Baler, which is surrounded by trees and rocks. You have to climbed up to see the waterfalls up closed and hear the gentle sound of the splashing waters. There are local people who were there in the waterfalls enjoying the bath.
Last in our list was the Diguisit Rock Formation which is nearby. When we reached the place, around 1:45pm, the place was already crowded with tourists and guests staying in the inn hotel nearby. We strolled around and saw big rocks. There is a beach but it is a bit dry, marsh water mostly. It's kind of amazing to see these huge rocks look like an islands. With that, our Baler Tour is almost over and time to go home.
Past 2:00 pm. we headed back to Manila, which took more than 6 hours travel. There was traffic in some areas as most people are now heading back to the city. We have one last stop, and that is is the souvenir shop. Once there and since it was daylight, we realized that there were many shops all lined up there selling goodies and souvenir items. I bought a Blueberry wine, Buko Pie, and some sweets as presents back home.
We reached Manila around 9:30 p.m. It was an exhilarating day but thankful for the respite. There are still some places that we have not visited like Ditumabo Mother Falls, the Light House, Aniao Islet, Dicasalarin Cove, etc. Hope we can see these places especially the Mother Falls in our next visit.
To sum up, I was glad I joined the Baler tour and realized that Baler is not only about surfing , it is also rich in history and culture, and the best are there waterfalls. I did not expect that I will enjoy Baler actually. Aside from enjoying the famous tourist spots in Baler, I learn many things from this tour like new experiences, new insights, new friends, and an open mind into life's many possibilities, albeit new, and not the kind that you are used to do, but in this life, we have to be always opened to many possibilities.
Thank You to our host, and to the new people we met in this tour. Till next travel. Below are the pictures taken during the tour.
