Between the towering Sierra Madre mountain range and the waters of the Pacific Ocean lies Baler, a surfer's paradise in Aurora province. With waves over nine feet high, the town is a popular attraction during the surfing season.
Popular spots include the long stretch of gray sandy beach in Sabang, Cemento Reef, Dicasalarin Point, Charlie’s Point, and Dalugan Bay. From March to June, the waves are moderate and ideal for swimming. But during the surfing season from October to February, the big waves come in, particularly at Lindy's Point. Located along the southern part of the beach, this is where experts can ride more challenging waves.
But there is more to Baler than surfing. The town was named by the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) as among the Philippines'new emerging destinations for 2013.
Different rock formations, hiking trails, waterfall destinations and secluded coves make Baler a haven for eco-tourism adventure, which the PTAA highlighted at the recent Travel and Tour Expo.
PTAA president John Paul Cabalza noted that apart from its waves, Baler has numerous waterfalls.
"We did experience it, and it was a very fun trek. Even if you swim at their waterfalls area, it's not that deep," Cabalza said during a press conference last February 5.
Cabalza noted that Baler is also an excellent historical destination.
"They also have a history trail there on what has transpired in the Baler Church between the Spaniards at that time and the Filipinos," he said, referring to the Siege of Baler during which a Spanish garrison of four officers and 50 men was besieged by Filipino insurgents from June 27, 1898 to July 2, 1899.
At the foot of Ermita hill stands a sculpture depicting fathers, mothers and children clambering up on the hill to escape the rampaging waves.
Part of the history trail is Ermita Hill, where visitors can get a good view of Casiguran Bay, Sabang Beach and the nearby islets.
"In 1735, a huge tsunami hit the area and only a few survivors who went up the Ermita Hill were saved from that holocaust," Cabalza said. The survivors made the place their temporary resettlement, and named it “Kinagunasan” which means “devastated,” according to the official website of the Aurora provincial government.
Tourism efforts
"We will assist the Department of Tourism and the local government units to ensure these tourist destinations get the necessary upgrades. There should be a collective action from all the stakeholders for the country's tourism to continuously grow," Cabalza said in a PTAA news release.
According to Cabalza, there are currently more than 15 resorts operating in the area.
One of the new resorts set to open soon is Costa Pacifica Raintree. The resort, which is scheduled to open its doors in the first quarter of 2013, will give travelers the option of enjoying a bit of luxury, with its handsomely-designed suites, as they explore Baler.
Costa Pacifica Raintree said it can arrange tours to various Baler tourist spots, such as the white-sand Dicasalarin Beach where the 2008 movie "Baler" was filmed.
It can also arrange for treks up Mount Udok and Mount Maaling-aling, or diving trips to some of Baler's marine protected areas. Just off the coast, for instance, are the coral-rich islands of Dimadimalangat, Aniao and Lukso-Lukso.
The resort also arranges tours around Baler's cultural and historical destinations, including Ermita Hill, Baler Church, and Quezon Memorial Park, dedicated to the late President Manuel Luis Quezon, who was born in Baler.
Tucked between mountain and sea, Baler is the economic hub and political center of the province of Aurora.
"Those who want to know more about the man can visit the Quezon Memorial Park—a beautiful park with stately trees, flowering ornamentals and gardens," they said. In the middle of the park is Museo de Baler, which houses the town's artifacts. The building itself features the Baler Historical Mural on the facade, designed by sculptor Toym Imao in 2008.
With its natural wonders and rich history, Baler is an ideal getaway spot. As Costa Pacifica Raintree put it, "For those who vacation in the more popular destinations south of Metro Manila, Baler seems like a distant and remote spot. To the peripatetic and those bitten by wanderlust, Baler is a jewel of a paradise waiting to be discovered.” —KG, GMA News
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