Things to do in Baler

Located a whopping 230 kilometers northeast from Manila, Baler is very famous as a surfer's haven. As part of the province of Aurora, Baler faces the east Philippine sea and is known as one of the top surf sites of the country which tourists flock to for a crazy surfing adventure between the months of September to February.

With the Baler Movie Back Drop

But it's towering waves are just one of Baler's tourist attractions. Here are 5 activities that can be done when in Baler for a short period of time.

1. Lounge at Costa Pacifica

Costa Pacifica swimming pool

Costa Pacifica is one of the newest accommodations in Sabang Beach, Baler, Aurora. Having 106 rooms, it also boasts of an outdoor swimming pool, a gym, a kid's nook, and a souvenir shop. Even though you're not staying there, you can use the swimming pool provided that you order from their restaurant.

Inside Costa Pacifica

Or hop from one hostel/hotel to another as you walk along the 'barely present and constantly bombarded by waves' beach of Baler.

2. Baler Town Tour

Baler Church

Begin your tour with the Baler Church made famous because of a period romantic movie starred by Anne Curtis and Jericho Rosales, entitled Baler. From there, trace the steps towards the ancestral home of Dona Aurora, situated just in front of the church.

Dona Aurora's Ancestral House

Manuel Quezon's Presidential Car

Then walk towards Museo de Baler and enjoy some art works and learn historical facts about Baler.

Museo de Baler

Museo de Baler Facade

Inside Museo de Baler

At a park in front of the museum, you can also snap some shots with Manuel L. Quezon's statue.

Manuel Quezon statue

You can then walk towards the BALER letters and have your wacky photos taken there.

BALER letters

And then just a walking distance from the letters (or you could ride a tricycle), there is a hanging bridge in Zabali, Baler, the Tibag-Sabang Hanging Bridge. Whilst crossing this bridge, you'll actually have a feeling that the bridge is moving along with the river's current. It's more of a fun than a frightening experience. However, there's nothing to see or do on the other side.

Hanging Bridge

The entrance to the church is free, but to enter the other sites, such as the ancestral home, you have to pay a very small fee. You'll be given a ticket which you can present at other sites, such as the Museo de Baler, to be able to enter.

3. Explore and enjoy the privacy of Dicasalarin Cove

Dicasalarin Cove is a private beach property.

Dicasalarin Cove view from the entrance

Read more about our experience there here: Dicalarin Cove.

Dicasalarin Beach

Dicasalarin Lighthouse

4. Be spooked by the Balete Tree

Balete Tree

With the Millennium Tree

5. Go on a food trip

Of course, no road trip would be complete without food trip! Check out Baler Surfer Grill which is very known in IG for its iconic car trunk grill. They serve barbecue and grilled dishes priced at around 200 pesos each. One catch though is that they are only open on weekends.

You could also try Gerry Shan's Place which is a buffet priced at only 185 pesos!

So if ever you're in Baler for one night only, try out these activities and you're good to go.

Dicasalarin Cove

A private property of Sen. Angara, this secluded attraction is perfect for families or groups who fancy a relaxing and quiet beach experience in Baler but with the complete package of still having an opportunity to surf those huge waves!

View of Dicasalarin Cove from the entrance

For a fee of 300 pesos per head for walk-in, or 100 pesos per pax if you're staying at Bahia de Baler or Costa Pacifica, you can enjoy a more quiet and relaxing time at Baler.

Picnic tables and Cottages

The place has cottages, hammocks, and picnic tables where you can dine or just relax. There is also available equipment for grilling, so you can grill fresh seafoods or meat products, etc. They also have shower rooms and comfort rooms. You can also take photos at some attractions in the place like the Senator's house, by the lake, a tree house, etc.

Family Photo with the Rocks

You can also order pancit or oven-baked pizza. They offer two pizza toppings: Hawaiian or Longganisa. I preferred the taste of the Longganisa pizza. The pizza was about 12 inches in diameter, with a thin but chewy crust.

Walking by the beach

Do Not 'Swimm'

The sand in the beach is quite white. You can surf or swim with the big waves, wade along the rocks by the beach, or cool yourself by swimming in the river beside the beach.

View of the Cove from the top of the hill

There's a lighthouse built on top of a hill at the far right corner of the mouth of the cove. You can walk towards it, and climb around 180 paved steps to the top to get a glimpse of 360 degrees of Baler beauty. The hill also has a cave below the lighthouse, and it has a lagoon inside. But the water is deep, so it is advised that you have salva vida or other floatation devices before you enter the lagoon. However, due to the sudden and unpredictable surge of the tide, staff of the cove advise against visiting the lagoon.

The Lighthouse

We went here early in the morning, so we had the place all to ourselves. By lunch time, people were already pouring into the cove. If you fancy a more private time, go here early and then you can leave by 2 or 3 pm after lunch time to explore other attractions in Baler. You need a ride to enter the property since the road to the cove is private, one way, quite narrow and zigzagged.

Talikod Chronicles Baler Edition