Hidden Spot in Luzon: Baler, Aurora

Being in Baler, Province of Aurora - Philippines is a pleasure.

A hidden spot, a newly opened tourist destination not only for surfers but also for those who love adventures like me. I learned about this place only from a friend, so I've chosen to discover it along with my Korean friends.

It's located 231 kilometers (143.5 mi) northeast of Manila, a five-hour drive. It's a surfers’ paradise because the town’s coast faces the Pacific Ocean, which has strong winds and large waves that can reach up to 2.7 meters (9 feet) tall.

Though Baler has more to offer than those places here that we've seen, let me tour you shortly.

Beach and rock formations

It is challenging to surf, so we've been to the beach. Some beaches have calm waves, though there are areas where the waves are harsher than in Sabang Beach. It is a rocky beach, which makes it more challenging. You'd enjoy seeing the rock formations on the beach.

Falls

I can't recall the name of these falls, but I heard there's more significant than this called "Ditumabo Mother Falls." We didn't waste our time roaming around. We went to these smaller falls only.

We have no chance to go to "Ditumabo Mother Falls" anymore because I had a prior accident on my left ankle. It is the next town after Baler, and the town is San Luis. They told us that going to these falls is a real adventure because it requires me to be physically fit. I was in a wheelchair, so it was untimely for me.. moving to these falls requires an hour-long rocky and rough trek with several river crossings. In my research, the "Mother Falls is an imposing 140-foot (42.67 m) waterfall, fed by the Sierra Madre Mountains".

Six Centuries Balete Tree

Yes, you read it right. It is a 600-year-old tree—they call it a Millennium Tree! You can climb on it if you want, too. It is located in the town of Maria Aurora, just 30 minutes away from Baler. The height of this tree is around 200 feet (61 meters). Its diameter is measured hand in hand by 50 people circling the tree. This tree is considered the largest one of its kind in Asia.

Dicasalarin Cove

While on the road, we passed this stunning Dicasalarin Cove, privately owned by the Angaras. The road to this cove is very steep, so you need a four-by-four car. However, you'll enjoy seeing one of the best vistas of Baler (a modern lighthouse) in the cove.

Islets

It's great walking to the islet and exploring other interesting surroundings. If we have a lot of time, we may spend more time discovering marine and plant life. Enjoy and explore the reefs nearby.