Weekend Getaway: Baler's Summer

Welcome to Baler, the provincial capital of Aurora, which is one of the top surfing spots of the Philippines! 

Before the summer ends, my friends and I went off the road and enjoy the scorching heat of summer at this awesome place.

May the following photos convince you to go see and experience Baler!

A view of the town from one of the viewing decks of Ermita Hill.

Replica of survivors that symbolizes the (only) 7 families who had survived the tsunami (or also known as the "Tromba Marina") that struck the small town in 1735.

Digisit falls

Low tide in Digisit Beach

The largest Balete tree in Asia. It takes about 60 people with outstretched arms to encircle this massive and towering tree. We were told of strange and frightening stories about these kind of trees when we were young so, when the guide told us to go inside, I was a bit hesitant. But we went in anyway, and I'm glad we did! 

Our guide climbed up to take a photo of us, he's really good at taking fun shots. That's one thing I learned from this guy, how to use the panorama from my phone and point-and-shoot camera. hehe..

At the end of a 30-minute green-ish trek is a beautiful waterfall called Ditumabo or also known as the Mother falls. Plunge into its cold but refreshing water and bring out your waterproof camera for fun shots under.

Enjoy walking along Sabang's long shoreline and fine sand

Learn surfing with the expert local surfers. The best time to catch big waves is between September to February. 

Don't forget to buy pasalubong...

and take a picture of the scenic views

along the way.

Due to time constraints, we're not able to see the other must-sees or try their local food which gives us the excuse of coming back some other time =D

By the way, when going to Baler it is recommended to plan ahead and ask for  right directions instead of relying only to GPS or google maps. You may end up driving along the unfinished bumpy-dark-rough road at the edge of the mountains. Be safe and enjoy! =)