BALER ITINERARY: 10 Best BALER TOURIST SPOTS and Things to Do (Aurora Travel Guide Blog 2024 for First-timers)

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Dubbed as the "birthplace of surfing in the Philippines", Baler can be considered as a traveler's paradise in the Province of Aurora. It is a second class municipality that offers thrilling adventures coupled with scenic and amazing beauty of nature. Just 5-6 hours away from Manila, every traveler to Baler will be greeted with a wide array of things to do, exciting activities and wondrous natural attractions that anyone will surely be enjoyed.

What to do in Baler? Rich in history, great food, adventurous activities and natural wonders, there are so many things to do in Baler. In this Baler Travel Guide Blog I will help you plan your trip by sharing useful information on how to get there, top things to do, best tourist spots, where to stay, and DIY itinerary. A weekend getaway or a 3 days 2 nights Baler Itinerary is an ideal visit to see and experience most of Baler's famous tourist spots and attractions.

You can find many places and do many things in (and near) Baler. For first-timers, I listed below some of the most popular Baler tourist spots and places to visit and things to do in Baler as well as in the nearby towns of San Luis, Maria, and Dipaculao. I also included here a list of best beach resorts in Baler and a sample Baler itinerary that you could follow in creating your own DIY itinerary.

2024 BALER TRAVEL GUIDE BLOG FOR FIRST-TIMERS (UPDATED) - Things to Do in Baler, Tourist Spots & Places to Visit

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS BALER TRAVEL GUIDE BLOG 2024? How to get to Baler from Manila? Joy Bus Manila to Baler Schedules Joy Bus Baler to Manila Schedules Manila to Baler via Cabanatuan City How to get arounnd Baler? Things to do in Baler + Tourist Spots and Attractions Surfing or Learn how to Surf Historical Walking Tour Around Baler Town Explore Diguisit's Beach, Rock Formations and Waterfalls Watch the Sunrise Climb Ermita Hill Trek to Ditumabo Mother Falls Go on a Food Trip in Baler! Visit Ampere Beach in Dipaculao Climb the Century Old Balete Tree Souvenir Shopping in Baler Sample DIY Baler Itinerary (2 Days and 1 Night) Where to Stay: Hotels and Resorts in Baler When is the Best Time to Visit Baler? Baler Travel Blogs BALER TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: Tips & Reminders before traveling to Baler, Aurora

HOW TO GET TO BALER FROM MANILA?

If you're going to Baler via public transportation, the most convenient and direct way to get there is by taking the Joy Bus of Genesis Transport. From Metro Manila, go to Genesis Transport Service bus terminal located along EDSA in Cubao, Quezon City. This is where your journey to Baler begins. Genesis is the only bus company that has direct travel by bus from Metro Manila to Baler.

Genesis offers 2 types of bus services to Baler: Joy Bus and Regular Air-con bus.

The Joy Bus is an executive luxury bus service that plies directly from Metro Manila to Baler, non-stop. It has a toilet inside the bus so it doesn't need to have a stop along the way making the travel to Baler faster. When availing this bus service, you get a good "lazy boy" type of seat, free snacks, blankets & pillows, complimentary Wi-Fi, service by bus stewardess, and a morning kit. It has several schedules daily. Bus fare is around 700 pesos and travel time is around 5 hours. Advance reservation is required. I've tried the Joy Bus several times, it's definitely the fastest and most convenient bus service from Manila to Baler.

JOY BUS MANILA TO BALER BUS SCHEDULES

JOY BUS MANILA TO BALER BUS SCHEDULE

• 1st Trip: 12:01 AM
• 2nd Trip: 01:00 AM
• 3rd Trip: 02:00 AM
• 4th Trip: 05:30 AM
• 5th Trip: 11:00 PM

JOY BUS BALER TO MANILA BUS SCHEDULES

Going back to Manila, here are the bus schedules:

JOY BUS BALER TO MANILA BUS SCHEDULE

• 1st Trip: 04:301 AM
• 2nd Trip: 11:00 AM
• 3rd Trip: 01:00 PM
• 4th Trip: 02:00 PM
• 5th Trip: 03:30 PM

For the regular air-con buses no reservation is required. You just need to go to the Genesis Bus Terminal and take the next available bus bound for Baler. Bus fare is around 450 pesos and travel time is from 6 to 7 hours.

For inquiries and advance reservation on Joy Bus you may call Genesis Bus Cubao Office at (02) 709-0803 or (02) 421-1425.

GENESIS BUS TERMINAL CUBAO ADDRESS

EDSA cor New York St, Cubao, Quezon City, Metro Manila

MANILA TO BALER VIA CABANATUAN CITY

Alternatively, you can also reach Baler via Victory Liner bus to Cabanatuan City in Nueva Ecija. From the city, you'll just have to take a passenger van or another bus that will bring you to Baler. Travel time from Manila to Cabanatuan is around 2.5 to 3 hours and Cabanatuan to Baler is around 3 to 4 hours.

TRANSPORTATION IN BALER: How to get arounnd Baler?

When traveling around Baler, the common mode of transportation is the tricycle. Fare is around 10 to 20 pesos per person, depending on the distance. It is also the cheapest mode of transportation in touring the different tourist spots and attractions in Baler. Depending on where you want to go or what tourist spots in Baler you want to visit, you could rent a tricycle for a day for as low as 800 pesos. A tricycle could fit up to 4 people.

If you want to visit other towns such as San Luis, Maria Aurora, Dipaculao, Dinalungan, Casiguran and Dilasag, you could take the buses, jeepneys and vans can be found at the Baler Central Terminal.

You could also rent a van that could fit 10 persons for around 2,500 pesos per day. This is good for families and group of friends. If you have a driver's license and knows how to drive a motorcycle, you could also rent a motorcycle for around 800-1,000 pesos per day and explore Baler on your own.

10 BEST THINGS TO DO IN BALER, TOURIST SPOTS AND PLACES TO VISIT

What to do in Baler? For first-timers in Baler, these are the top best things to do, tourist spots and attractions you should not miss. I also shared a DIY itinerary below based on these activities.

Surfing in Baler

1. Surfing or Learn how to Surf

A trip to Baler would not be complete without giving surfing a try. Sabang Beach, as a prime surfing site in the Philippines has become Baler’s source of pride alongside its rich history and natural wonders. It's a popular surfing destination among surfers and non-surfers because of its distinct long stretch of gray sandy shoreline with crashing waves coming from the Pacific Ocean. You can get surfing lessons from any of the surfing schools by the beach. A 1 hour lesson would cost about 350-500 pesos with the instructor helping you out. This is definitely one of the best things to do when visiting Baler.

SEE ALSO: Surfing in Baler (A Surfer Wannabe's 2nd Surfing Experience at Sabang Beach, Baler Aurora)

Visiting Museo de Baler

2. Historical Walking Tour Around Baler Town

There are many Baler tourist spots that can be found right in the heart of the town. Visit the different historical landmarks within the town proper. Start at Quezon Park to see the statue of President Manuel Luis Quezon. Then proceed to Museo de Baler to see the province's priceless artifacts and memorabilia that showcases the province's rich history and culture. A few steps away from the park is the old Baler Municipal Hall, with the statues of Rizal and Quezon greeting you at the entrance. Then continue the walking tour with a visit to the Church of Baler. It is rich in history as it is the site of the "Siege of Baler" during the Philippine revolution from 1898 to 1899. Lastly, visit the replica of Aurora Quezon's Ancestral house. Doña Aurora Aragon Quezon is the wife of former President Quezon. She was born in Baler, and the province was named after her.

SEE ALSO: Historical Walking Tour Around Baler Town

The stunning rock formations of Diguisit Beach

3. Explore Diguisit's Beach, Rock Formations and Waterfalls

Rent a tricycle and tell the driver to bring you to Diguisit Beach in Brgy. Zabali, just about 15 minutes away from the town proper. An awesome view of Baler Bay will welcome you, as you enter Brgy. Zabali. Enjoy the stunning rock formations battered by crashing waves. These eye-catching rock formations will make you in admiration for a long time. You may choose to hop from one rock formation to another and take photos with the Aniao Islets as a breath-taking back drop. Take a stop at Diguisit waterfalls. It can be hiked on one side of the road. You wouldn't miss it as the water trickles down to the road. It would also be the best spot to freshen up.

SEE ALSO: Diguisit's Beach, Rock Formations and Waterfalls

Sabang Beach

4. Watch the Sunrise

Facing the east and the mighty Pacific Ocean, there are many spots to watch the sunrise in Baler. Be it on top of Ermita hill, along Diguisit beach, Ampere beach in Dipaculao or at the shores of Sabang Beach, almost everywhere is a perfect spot to watch the sunrise.

If you want to wake up enjoying the sunrise, I highly recommend booking a hotel or resort along Sabang Beach. There are many cheap hostels, affordbale resorts and luxurious beach resorts along the beach that will surely fit your budget.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LIST OF HOTELS & BEACH RESORTS IN BALER

Ermita Hill

5. Climb Ermita Hill

Ermita Hill is considered as the highest point in Baler overlooking the bay. At the foot of the hill is a shrine called "Tromba Marina", which was erected to commemorate the families who climbed up the hill and survived the catastrophic tsunami that happened in 1735. On top of the hill, enjoy the picturesque panoramic view of the town of Baler, Sabang Beach, Cemento and Dimadimalangat islet.

SEE ALSO: Baler's Ermita Hill

Ditumabo Mother Falls

6. Trek to Ditumabo Mother Falls

Located in Brgy. Ditumabo in the town of San Luis, the mighty Ditumabo Mother Falls is one of the major attractions to visit near Baler. According to some locals, it is the biggest waterfalls in the province so it gets the name mother falls. Going there is easy. From Baler, hire a tricycle to Brgy. Ditumabo and alight at the national road. Another option is to drive a motorcycle which could navigate from the national road all the way to the hydroelectric power plant. It will cut the trekking time to almost half. This magnificent waterfalls has a height of 140 feet. When you get to it, you’ll feel like it’s raining around the area because of the strong current of water rushing from the top. The wide basin and the huge imposing cliffs on both sides are superb work of nature. Truly, nature at it's best!

SEE ALSO: Trek to Ditumabo Mother Falls

Lunch at Baler Surfer Grill

7. Go on a Food Trip in Baler!

How about a good meal after a long day of exploring the sights and attractions in Baler or surfing the mighty waves of Sabang Beach? Indeed, Baler has a lot of dining options to offer, but one that stands out from the rest is Baler Surfer Grill located at the Baywalk Area along Sabang Beach. It is a humble outdoor dining venue that offers an interesting list of dishes that will surely satisfy your cravings for good food.

SEE ALSO: Baler Surfer Grill, "Baler's Ultimate Grilling Sensation"

Baler Suman! Yummy!!!

Also try the different restaurants in the resorts lining up Sabang Beach, or go to the town proper where cheap and affordable eateries, restaurants and carenderias abound. And oh, don't forget to have a taste of Baler's peanut butter, suman and pako. These also make an awesome pasalubong to bring back home.

Sunrise at Ampere Beach

8. Visit Ampere Beach in Dipaculao

About 1 hour away from Baler, Ampere beach is one of the best places to watch the sunrise. Go here as early as 5:00 or 5:30 in the morning and see the sunrise unveil amid crashing waves and huge rocks.

Climbing the Belete tree in Maria Aurora

9. Climb the Century Old Balete Tree

Located in the town of Maria Aurora, which is about 30 minutes away from Baler, this century-old Balete tree is a sight to behold. For a minimal fee, you can also enter the huge opening of the tree and climb its branches. Just be careful not to fall! :)

10. Souvenir Shopping in Baler

There are so many souvenir shops in Baler offering a wide selection of pasalubong and souvenir items. If you're looking for a pasalubong center where you could buy high-quality shirts, souvenir items and some food items, checkout Discover Baler Souvenir Store! It's definitely one of the best places to buy souvenirs to bring back home to your family, friends and loved ones.

SEE ALSO: Discover Baler Souvenir Store

There are really a lot of things you can do and experience when visiting Baler. I highly suggest that you visit these Baler tourist spots and attractions and make your Baler trip special and a memorable one.

SEE ALSO: 6 Reasons Why I Hate Baler, Aurora (An Open Letter)

SAMPLE DIY BALER ITINERARY (2 DAYS & 1 NIGHT)

Here's a sample 2 days and 1 night Baler DIY itinerary perfect for a Baler weekend getaway. You can adjust it depending on the tourist spots you want to visit and the activities you want to do in Baler.

DAY 0
12:00 MN - Travel to Baler from Manila

DAY 1
06:00 AM - Arrive in Baler

• Proceed to your booked hotel/resort and leave your bags √ Click here to see the list of best hotels & resorts in Baler

07:00 AM - Breakfast
08:00 AM - Start Baler tour

• Historical Walking Tour around Baler Town
• Explore Diguisit's Beach, Rock Formations and Waterfalls
• Climb Ermita Hill

12:00 NN - Lunch at Surfer Grill
01:00 PM - Travel to San Luis
02:00 PM - Enjoy Ditumabo Mother Falls
04:00 PM - Travel to Maria and see the Century Old Balete Tree
05:30 PM - Back at the hotel/resort
07:00 PM - Dinner

DAY 2
04:00 AM - Wake-up early and travel to Dipaculao
05:00 AM - Arrive in Dipaculao. Enjoy the sunrise in Ampere Beach
06:00 AM - Travel back to the hotel
07:00 AM - Breakfast
08:00 AM - Enjoy Sabang Beach
09:00 AM - Learn how to surf
10:00 AM - Back at the hotel
12:00 NN - Check-out / lunch
01:00 PM - Go to Discover Baler Souvenir Store to buy pasalubong and souvenirs
02:30 PM - Proceed to the bus station
03:00 PM - Depart for Manila
09:00 PM - Arrive in Manila

This sample Baler itinerary is quite full. You may spread it out into 3 or 4 days if you want to take it slow.

WHERE TO STAY: HOTELS & RESORTS IN BALER?

As a top tourist destination in central luzon, here are many hotels and resorts in Baler to choose from. From cheap and affordable guest houses, hostels and transient houses, to mid-range Baler accommodations, and luxury beach-front resorts, you'll find an accommodation that will best suit your need. To save on travel expenses, I highly recommend that you book in advance online. Many hotels and resorts in Baler get fully-booked during summer, weekends, long weekends, and holidays. By booking online, you will be assured that you will have a room to stay upon arrival in Baler.

Here are the hotels and resorts that I've personally stayed at and I highly recommend them for you to try.

• Costa Pacifica Resort - Read my review here / BOOK HERE!
• Jam Jen's Lodge - Read my review here / BOOK HERE!
• Baler Casa de Viajeros Transient House - Read my review here

OTHER DOT-ACCREDITED HOTELS, TRANSIENT, & BEACH RESORTS IN BALER

1. Aliya Surf Resort
2. Amco Beach Resort
3. Azbahaen Leisure Farm
4. Backdoor Villa
5. Balud Camp
6. Bayler View Hotel
7. Bay’s Inn Resort
8. Carlitos Inn
9. Casa Prescilla
10. Damara Beachfront Resort
11. Dela Torre Beach Resort
12. Elih Grace Resort
13. Eugene’s Place
14. Giliw Transient House
15. Green Leaf
16. Hotel Lady Nina
17. Hotel ni Pepe
18. JDM Pacific Waves Inc.
19. Juana’s Angel Resort
20. Junes Homestay
21. Kahea’s Beach Resort
22. L’Sirene Boutique Resort
23. La Patricia Hotel
24. Lilian’s Transient House
25. Lotus Sun and Waves Resort
26. M. Moreno Lodge and Restaurant
27. Mama Nene’s Transient House
28. Nature Green Forest Resort
29. Niñas Transient House and Room for Rent
30. North Shore Surf Camp
31. Old Parola Seaside Inn
32. Pasilyo Lodge and Surf
33. S.M.A.R.T. Beach House
34. Sea and Siera Vista, Inc. (Costa Pacifica)
35. Ver Amare Place
36. Vista Aurora Inn
37. Ysnowbee Baler Inn
38. Ysraela Lodging House
39. Innclusive Homestay
40. Endless Summer Hotel
41. Seasta Beach Resort
42. Akkaw Baler Hometel
43. Hotel A Rupert Atienza
44. Amihan Aplaya Baler Accommodation
45. Amihan Aplaya Lodge
46. Amihan Hotel
47. Asheedon Homestay
48. Bahai Jujai
49. Fiore del Mare Transient House
50. Beach Front Queen 3 Transient House
51. Bebel'le Resort
52. Blue Coco Baler Beach House
53. CNF Inn
54. DRV’s Transient House
55. El Teodoro Transient House
56. Emerill Inn
57. Emilio Joseph Beach Resort
58. ER Siete Farm Resort
59. Isla Virginia Fun-talan Resort
60. Isles Transient House
61. Jamjen's Lodge
62. Kahanamoku Inn
63. Ludwins Transient House
64. Ms. Jones Coast Resort
65. Nalu Surf Camp
66. Nicolas Lodge
67. North Blue Bay Inn
68. Oceana Lodge
69. Peñaranda Beach Resort
70. Playa Azul
71. Renzo's Beach Resort
72. River Edge Transient House
73. Saltwater Lodge
74. Seacoast Inn
75. Sunrise Inn Baler
76. Vista Del Mar Resort
77. Aura Marina Sands Beach Resort
78. Isaguirre's Pension House
79. Charlie's Point Ocean Wave Resort
80. Balay Thelma




CLICK HERE TO SEE OTHER HOTELS & RESORTS IN BALER








WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT BALER?


Baler is an all-year-round travel destination. As long as there is no typhoon, you could still visit Baler. Weather-wise, if you love to surf, the best months to visit Baler is from July to December when the waves are great for surfing. During summer and dry months of March to May, the waves are smaller but are also a good time for those who want to learn surfing or try it for the first time.

If you're visiting during the rainy season, from July to November, don't forget to bring an umbrella or a raincoat for the occasional heavy rains. This is also the best time to visit some of the waterfalls and see them in full glory. Just be careful and always ask the authorities if it's safe to go to the waterfalls.



BALER TRAVEL BLOGS


To help you more in planning your Baler Itinerary, you may also check out these Baler Travel Blogs from my previous trips in Baler.

• Aurora - I've Fallen In Love with Aurora
• How to get to Baler from Metro Manila
• Baler Surfer Grill, "Baler's Ultimate Grilling Sensation"
• Pasalubong and Souvenir Shopping in Baler
• Affordable Accommodations, Resorts with Pool, Hotels, and Cheap Lodges in Baler
• Baler's Ensaladang Pako
• Trekking to Ditumabo Mother Falls in San Luis, Aurora
• Diguisit Rock Formations, Ermita Hill and Diguisit Waterfalls
• Baler Tourist Spots and Attractions: A Historical Tour Around the Town of Baler
• 6 Reasons Why I Hate Baler



BALER TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: Tips & Reminders before traveling to Baler, Aurora



• Renting a van or a tricycle for one day is the best way to explore Baler. You could ask your hotel or resort if they could arrange it for you.
• There are ATMs in Baler. But I would suggest to bring enough cash when traveling to Baler.
• Big hotels, resorts and restaurants accept credit or debit cards.
• Both Globe and Smart has good signal in Baler. Mobile data work fine as well in most areas.
• The best place to stay in Baler is along Sabang Beach. Most of these hotels and resorts are a bit expensive but offer very nice views of the beach and of the sunrise.
• For budget travelers, there are cheaper hotels across the street from Sabang Beach. They are not beachfront hotels or resort, but they are cheaper and are very near Sabang Beach.
• Travel in group to save on travel expenses.
• Always check the latest IATF Guidelines or check with the Baler local government's website and social media accounts to know the latest travel requirements and entry protocols to follow when traveling to Baler, Aurora.
• To avoid any inconvenience during your trip, always have your confirmed hotel booking ready and other documents such as vaccination certificate, travel pass, and negative test result (if needed) before traveling to Clark. Click here to know where to get Affordable RT-PCR and Rapid Antigent Tests.
• For more information and latest updates, please check out my post Baler, Aurora Travel Requirements for Tourists and Visitors.



There you have it! My top things to do in Baler, tourist spots and best places to visit in Aurora province! I hope this Baler Travel Guide Blog help you in planning an amazing and memorable Baler adventure! What are you waiting for? Pack your bags and plan now your trip to Baler and other interesting tourist spots and attractions Aurora Province!




Please watch my latest Baler video:



ALSO READ: Baler Budget Travel Guide with Budget and DIY Itinerary



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