2018 • 08 • 13

More detailed budget travel guide here: Baler Budget Travel Guide

The eastern portion of Luzon is known for its mighty waves, thus attracting wave chasers and sun chasers alike to its coastal areas. One of those destinations is the town of Baler in the province of Aurora, and Sabang Beach is Baler’s most notable surfing spot. Coming from Manila, the long but very scenic drive will further fuel your excitement and will make the journey as enjoyable as your destination.

How to Get There

Nearest Airport: Clark International Airport (Pampanga); Ninoy Aquino International Airport, also known as Manila International Airport (Manila)

By Land

1. From Manila, board a bus bound for Baler (P500-750). Rates vary depending on the class of the seat. Genesis Bus and Joybus are offering Cubao-Baler route.
2. Once in Baler, ride a tricycle to your hotel (P10-20/head); much better if your hotel is located at Sabang Beach area. You can also hire a tricycle for a full-day or half-day tour. Let the driver know where you want to go.

 
The most convenient option is to bring your own car. Take the Manila-Cabanatuan-Baler route. From Cabanatuan, take the road leading to Baler. Travel time is five to six hours.

 

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Entrance Fee and Other Charges

• Entrance Fee: FREE
• Camping Fee: FREE; but for convenience and safety, most of the visitors book hotels in advance.
• Tricycle Tour Rates: P300 (half day, good for 3 pax); P800 (whole day, good for 3 pax)
• Surfing Lesson Rates: P350/hr (surfing instructor and surfboard); P200/hr & P800/day (surfboard rental only)
• Others: Tour Guide Fee (P500); Mountain Bike Rental (P35/hr, P300/day); Motorbike Rental (Around P800/day); Van Rental (P2500/day, good for 10 pax)

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Don’t Miss

• Surf!!! If you don’t know how to surf, this is your chance to learn.
• After thoroughly enjoying riding the waves, lay or sit on the fine dark sand while watching other people surf and swim.
• When the water is flat and calm, take the chance to swim leisurely with friends and family.
• FOOD TRIP! You have plenty of options — from beachfront stores to restaurants and bars to hole-in-the-wall eateries and food stalls.
• The sunset is worth the wait. During my visit, the sky became cotton candy pink and bubblegum blue! It was beautiful.

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Don’t Forget

• It is highly suggested, especially if you are going on a weekend, to book your accommodations in advance.
• Have enough cash on hand as there are only a few ATMs in town.
• Surfboard! You can rent if you don’t have your own or you are not in the mood to bring yours.
• Bring your power bank to keep your cameras and phones charged.
• Don’t leave your things unattended.
• Leave nothing but footprints.

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If You Have More Time and Budget

• Explore other attractions including Ditumabo Falls, the 600-year-old balete tree, Cemento Beach, Dicasalarin Cove, Diguisit Falls, Diguisit Beach, and others.
• You can also go to Ermita Hill and enjoy the view of Sabang Beach, Cemento Beach, and other nearby areas. You can also climb up the PAGASA Station Tower where you can have a nice view of Dicasalarin Cove and Diguisit Beach. It is located several meters beyond the Dicasalarin entrance.
• Other attractions are Baler Church, Baler Museum, Aurora House, Hanging Bridge, and Ampere Beach (about an hour’s drive from the town center).

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Where to Stay

There are plenty of different types of accommodations lining the coast of Sabang. Here are some of the top accommodations according to Agoda users, in no particular order.

• Costa Pacifica Resort. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
• Playa Azul Baler. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
• Blue Coco Baler Beach House. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
• Nalu Surf Camp. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY

For more options, search here: Baler Hotels