Check out this list of Baler tourist spots to help you decide the places to visit on your next trip.
Baler is, without a doubt, a hidden paradise back in the days. With the rise of social media over the past years, many kept paradise has dramatically unfolded. Baler is one of them!
While the influx of tourists in Baler continues year by year, the laid-back ambiance of this humble town remains.
Baler, a coastal town facing the Pacific Ocean in the east, is primarily humid throughout the year. The ideal time to visit, however, is from December to January. During this period, average highs peak at 27 °C with lows of 21 °C.
Find the best hotel in Baler and book in advance to save from your accommodation expenses. December to February is the peak season with the ideal tidal seasons. However, you might also consider November and April since these months come as the second-most visited.
Traveling to Baler Aurora
If you are coming from Manila, expect around 6 hours of land travel to Baler, Aurora. Backpackers and group travelers can ride at Cubao Bus Terminal thru Genesis Bus at Cubao, Quezon City.
For a cozy ride, you can opt for Joy Bus’ Executive Coach at a reasonable rate. The bus attendant will hand you a pillow and soft blanket, as well as snacks during the trip.
If you are traveling by your car, you will be traversing NLEX and SCTEX. Then, you can exit at La Paz and head straight to Cabanatuan City, all the way to Aurora province.
Make the most of your tour with this Baler tourist spots guide
Table of Contents
1. Sabang Beach
Sabang Beach is one of the famous Baler tourist spots for surfing and other water sports in the Philippines. With its position fronting the Pacific Ocean, it’s no wonder that waves come crashing near the shorelines.
Visiting Baler is not complete without surfing at Sabang Beach. Professional and newbie alike collectively enjoy the thrilling waves of the ocean here.
If you’re a first-time surfer, you can hire surfing teachers who guide you with the basics. Surfing boards are available for rent either per hour or daily as well.
There could be times when waves are forgiving for beginners. But mostly, the waves intensify entirely for advanced surfers. The sand is gray and smooth, so you can enjoy it even if you’re not a surfing fanatic.
Stroll early in the morning for a scenic sunrise or sunset for a romantic ambiance with your significant other. Sabang beach is open and accessible to the public, and the local government encourages tourists to be responsible.
🔗 Philippine Surfing Destinations | La Union |
2. Dicasalarin Cove
If you want to explore a different seaboard vibe on your Baler tourist spots tour, you can likewise visit Dicasalarin Cove. Hiring a habal-habal (rural motorcycle taxi) is ideal since the roads leading to the cove are relatively narrow.
Note, however, that the area is private property, and you need to pay an entrance fee.
When you arrive, the white sand and blue waters are quick to notice. With green hills surrounding the cove, the place is certainly worth a city escape.
Spend the day swimming in the cold waters without the crazy waves. The fine white sands and ocean breeze complements perfectly for a summer vibe.
For added fun, you can trek at a hill that leads you to a lighthouse. That rewards you with a panoramic view of the cove and the vast Pacific Ocean.
3. Baler Hanging Bridge
This hanging bridge in Baler is more than just a way to connect the locals. It has also become one of the favorite Baler tourist spots; most of its guests find it interesting to observe the meeting points of the river and the sea.
The hanging bridge connects Barangay Tibang to Barangay Sabang in Zabali Road.
Take a quick tour when you are near this place. Walking on the bridge gives you a scenic view of the mountains on the other side too.
Sometimes, you can feel the swaying of the hanging bridge, especially during windy days. But, worry not because the bridge is suspended thru high-strength cables.
Snap some dramatic photos and feel the fresh air blowing across the wooden bridge. You can buy some souvenirs at shops nearby as well.
4. Diguisit Rock Formation
Diguisit Beach is one of the unique Baler tourist spots to visit. Unlike other coastlines with fine sands, this place is more like a stone and rock beach.
The exciting part is the islets or the small rock formations, especially when the tide is low.
Perfect for taking some photographs, you can visit Diguisit Beach while taking a break from surfing at Sabang Beach.
The best time to visit here is in the afternoon until sunset for a more relaxing ambiance. Food stalls are available nearby, and you can rent cottages too. Remember to wear rubber-soled slippers or sandals for your safety.
5. Diguisit Falls
You can also check out Diguisit Falls during your short trip to Diguisit Beach.
This waterfall is on the opposite side of the beach, just across the road.
A short trek leads you to the basin, but the trail is rocky and could be slippery during the wet season.
The water flow remains stable most of the time, making it an ideal place to cool down from summer heat.
There are no shower rooms here, though. Thus it would be best to go back to the beach to change clothes.
6. Baler Catholic Church
Learn some history by visiting the Baler Church, also called San Luis Obispo de Tolosa Parish.
Located in Rizal Street, you can easily reach while strolling around the town proper.
You’ll learn that this little church became the Last Spanish Garrison back in the days. According to literature, 54 Spanish soldiers refused to concede and took refuge in this church for almost a year.
Ideal for a quick stop for reflection, the church celebrates daily mass as early as 6 a.m. This century-old charming church has a bell tower too where tourists can see.
7. Quezon’s Resthouse
You can also include Quezon’s Resthouse in your Baler tourist spots heritage tour for the history geeks. This tiny house is the former first lady Doña Aurora Aragon, former Philippine President Manuel Quezon’s wife.
This tiny abode features mainly wooden elements, reconstructed as resembling the original house giving off the early days’ ambiance.
Here, you’ll learn about the historical endeavors of Doña Aurora, including humanitarian movements and the establishment of schools in the province.
Doña Aurora also played a vital role in the Philippine National Red Cross as the first chairwoman.
Inside the house, you’ll see old photos relating to Doña Aurora’s life and the province’s timelines. The noticeable marker in front of the house tells the house’s historical significance too.
8. Museo de Baler
A tour of every province isn’t complete without visiting its museum. In Aurora, the Museo de Baler offers a comprehensive guide to the region’s rich history and culture.
Its location is in Quezon Street, Poblacion, just a stone’s throw away from Baler Church.
The museum’s facade is quick to notice with its intricate fresco depicting historical events in Baler.
You can browse through artifacts dating back to the Spanish era inside the museum, like antique publications and artworks.
Among the museum’s highlights is the dedicated space for the former president Quezon, including its restored presidential car Chrysler Airflow 1937.
9. Baler Town Plaza
For your mandatory photo op, you can drop by at the Baler standees in the town plaza behind a 400-year old monument.
You can spot nearby Baler tourist spots within the perimeter like the Museo de Baler, Aurora’s Resthouse, and Baler Church.
While wandering in the streets of the town plaza, you can also glance at several markings and statues nearby.
10. Ermita Hill
Besides Dicasalarin Cove, you can also experience a scenic overview of the Pacific Ocean and Sabang Beach at Ermita Hill.
To reach Ermita Hill, you’ll need to ride a tricycle for about 15 minutes from the town. Then, trek for about 20 minutes from the base up to the viewing deck.
This place holds considerable significance to the locals of Baler from the 18th-century tsunami that hit the region. You can spot a life-sized statue of people at the base that seems to hold and guide each other, seeking refuge at the hill.
Overall, a quick visit to Ermita Hill rewards you with a panoramic perspective of the surrounding beach and downtown as well.
Ow, you can also have a picnic at the gazebos if you plan to stay a bit longer.
11. Balete Tree
One of the popular Baler tourist spots that get much attention is the 600-year old Balete Tree.
Though it is not technically in Baler, you can reach this gigantic evergreen in the nearby town of Maria Aurora with a tricycle.
For a minimal entrance fee, you can see the sprawling roots and branches of this tree while taking your obligatory selfies.
You might have known that trees of this kind have shallow trunks when fully grown. Thus, you can even fit inside the core with up to 10 individuals. That’s how large this tree is!
Balete tree is often associated with wickedness in Filipino folklore but visiting this tree is not as spooky enough to hinder you from exploring.
12. Ditumabo Falls
Adventure seekers will find Ditumabo Falls as an interesting Baler tourist spots highlight when visiting Aurora. You can easily reach the drop-off point in San Luis, either a tricycle or your car from Baler.
After that, you need to trek for about 30 minutes. Remember to wear proper gear as you need to pass by rocky hills and rivers as well.
With a drop of about 47 meters, Ditumabo Falls is also called Mother Falls. This waterbody is the biggest in Aurora, hence its name.
Upon arrival, a picturesque view of the rushing waters and the green forest takes your breath away. Its massive cascade adds extra charm, which makes the surrounding a bit humid.
The pool basin is inviting to take a dip quickly from its ice-cold water. Either you make the most thru swimming or picture taking, Ditumabo Falls is worthy of visiting.
Note that a mandatory paid guide is a requirement now.
13. Caunayan Falls
If you are traveling with kids, visiting Caunayan Falls is a better alternative to Ditumabo Falls.
With just a few treks from the dedicated parking, you can spot the subtle running water of Caunayan Falls in San Luis.
Even if it is not as majestic as the mother falls, the rushing waters still complement the place’s overall natural beauty.
You can enjoy the rest of the tour swimming in its clear and cold running water at its basin. Just be cautious of the rocks, though.
For extra fun, you can have a picnic under the shade of the trees for a whole-lot nature trip.
14. Ampere Beach
Another fun way to maximize your Baler tourist spots tour is by visiting Ampere Beach in the nearby town of Dipaculao.
The take here is to have a road trip by the beach for about an hour.
With the sea breeze and mountains on the other side, a trip to Ampere Beach is without a doubt to miss.
This place is famous for photographers, all thanks to its rock formations.
The sounds of the waves hitting the coast and the rocks make a perfect combination to chase the sunrise or the sunset.
🔗 Nearby Tourist Destinations | Quirino |
Start organizing your list of Baler tourist spots to visit now
Apart from riding the waves in Baler Aurora, you can also explore other natural wonders and significant historical places in Aurora.
The simple way of life in this humble town helps you reflect and recharge from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Land transportation is the only and fastest way to reach its pristine coastline. However, traveling to Baler in daylight offers you a luscious view of the mountains of Siera Madre.
Plan your next getaway now and hover over from the list of Baler tourist spots above so that you can make the most of your itinerary.
Remember to have your handy essentials as the weather is mostly humid. Secure your gadgets, too, by using waterproofing cases or carriage so you won’t miss capturing every moment of your stay.
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Safe travels!
Remember that we are still in the middle of a pandemic. For your guidance about the changes in health protocols and travel requirements, you may visit their Facebook page or visit the official page of the Department of Tourism. Stay safe.