Just Another Day in Paradise: Sun, Sand Surf in Baler

One of my life mantras has always been this quote from the film The Beach, “I still believe in paradise. But now at least I know it's not some place you can look for, 'cause it's not where you go. It's how you feel for a moment in your life when you're a part of something, and if you find that moment... it lasts forever...” But after I spent a day in Baler, I dare say, paradise is a place you can look for and experience. :)

The mention of Baler conjures the images of the films Apcalypse Now and Baler with Jericho Rosales and Anne Curtis in most people’s mind. But beyond these images lie paradise in itself…

Baler: At a glance

Baler, the provincial capital of Aurora province, is best known because of the surfing scene in the film Apocalypse Now shot in 1976. Since then, it has been one of the surfer’s paradise in the Philippines.  Though waves could be fickle, beginners can learn the basics in the peak months from October to February that bring large waves. Calm waves come in from through June where people can take leisurely swims and windsurfing too.

(Don’t you dare leave this place without learning how to ride the waves! Get ready to be stoked! Try Aliya Surf Camp Baler. 

Road to Paradise: How to get there

Baler used to be a 6-7 hour drive from Manila because of the dirt road near the Sierra Madre mountain ranges. But thank God for paved roads, you can get to Baler in 5 hours drive. It would be best to use a 4x4 car if you plan to drive.  Other alternatives would be either via SEAir or via bus.  Genesis Liner has daily trips from both from Baler and Manila.  They have deluxe buses with comfortable seats, somewhat like lazy boy types, worth Php500 for a one-way trip. Not bad! It took us 6 hours from Baler to Manila including several bus stops along the way.  Safe driving too.  Bus trip highly recommended. :)

At home in nature: Where to stay

Lodging in Baler is affordable.  Sabang Beach, a long strip of fine black sand beach, nestles not just fantastic waves but also good places to stay in:  Bay's Inn Baler, Bahia de Baler, to name a few. Lodging is fairly affordable and reasonable. There are other places good for “cowboy” types too. (By cowboys, I mean those people who go with the flow with anything and can stay and eat anywhere.) Locals have their houses for rent. For beach lovers like me, any place along the shore would be good, as long as it has fairly good comfort rooms. Nothing beats the cold sea breeze and the sound of the waves to lull you at night.

Sweet indulgence: Where to eat

When I go to new places, one thing I never fail to ask is the delicacies they offer. Though Baler does not have native delicacy to offer (well none that I know of… for now), it boasts with scrumptious fruit shakes! When you get there, make sure you head on to Bays Inn for their mouthwatering Mango and Buko shakes for just Php 60. Food would cost about 100-150 pesos per meal! :)

If you are a true-blooded cowboy, a must try would be the “turo-turo” or the carinderia types for good and cheap home cooked meals. Make sure to check out the Rolling Stone food stall. Gerry Shan is a known Chinese restaurant in the city right across Mercury Drug. They offer delectable sweets: Halo-halo, mais con helo, and shakes too! :)


(Check out food reviews :))

Beyond the water: What Paradise can offer

The main goal for my trip to Baler is to learn how to ride the waves. Was I successful? Yes indeed. But of course, Baler has more to offer than just beautiful waves. In every trip, one has to experience the life of the place, and that is where you can find perfect paradise.

My trip to short trip to Baler is the reason why I cannot stop thinking about going back. I know I have yet to experience much more about Baler life. But spending a day in this place is enough to say that its paradise lies not only in its majestic nature life, but also in the heart of every local of Baler. Everyone is warm and friendly. People here make you feel at home: safe, secure, and serene. One is greeted with an earnest smile everywhere you go.

Baler goes beyond surfing, it’s a place where you feel that you belong.. and that moment definitely lasts forever…

I shall see you again soon, Baler.

See You Later,

Kookie

(Thanks to Deddy Wong for the amazing shots :) )

"O Lord, how many are Your works! In wisdom, You made it all. The earth is full of your creatures" Psalm 104:24