the impermanents: Philippines -- Baler

Beautiful BALER

Mike was busy working in Australia so I went home again to the Philippines to see family. A friend was going to Baler for the weekend and I decided to tag-along.

Baler is a town in the province of Aurora, north-east of Luzon, about 230kms from Manila. It is quickly becoming one of the top beach destinations due to its proximity to the city and surf.

More so, the journey to Baler is now relatively easy with buses going directly to the province and even providing luxury travel liners. The roads (NLE and Baler-Bongabon Highway) are paved and well-maintained making traveling smooth and safe.

How to get there?

We took the GENESIS Bus from Cubao terminal at 4:30 AM
Fare was P450 one-way = ~$10 for the regular air-conditioned bus.

Journey Time: about 5 hours

*No reservations necessary but you want to get the first trip out to avoid traffic.

Genesis has the 'Joy bus', a luxury line that travels this way too in comfort -- sleeper seats, snacks on board, a blanket, and a toilet. i think this costs P700 one-way = $15.

You may purchase a return ticket at the Bus terminal or you can ask your hotel if you can purchase a return ticket through them. Some hotels organize return trips for their guests.

nice, paved roads apparently done by the governor
to attract tourism. smart move!

Accommodations

We stayed at Bay's Inn on Sabang Beach. Not the best but it was all right for a couple of nights. Plus, it was beachfront and had a lovely restaurant set-up.

Rate: P1,400/night for 2 pax = $30

What to do?

Apart from swimming, one can do tours int he surrounding areas and experience the famous historical spots in the town.

This can be easily arranged by asking a tricycle driver for a half-day tour.

Cost for
Balete Tree + City Tour: P500-700 = $10-15
The Waterfall: P200 = ~$4-5

fee is per tricycle 2-3 pax.

Day 1

Tour of the famous Balete Tree, the Town,

and the Islets