BALER

TRAVEL .  TRAVEL  .  TRAVEL

BALER, AURORA - is a fourth class municipality in the province of Aurora, Philippines. It is the provincial capital of Aurora. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 36,010 people.

Baler is host to spectacular geographic formations and is situated on a vast plain at the south end of Baler Bay, a contiguous segment of the Philippine Sea. 9 feet (2.7 m) waves serve as Baler's main tourist asset, attracting hundreds of surfers during the surfing season from September to February. -wiki

My friends and I decided to go out of town to feel refreshed and rejuvenated -a weekend escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

We had to leave in the middle of the night to catch the trip that we booked almost a month ahead. Yes, Baler is becoming a popular destination for tourists and surfer lovers especially during summer. 

Its a 4-5 hour ride from Manila and being with crazy friends, it's a fun ride!

Here are some few pictures I would like to share with you guys.

The Millenium Tree

A balete tree locally called "Millenium Tree" in Barangay Quirino, Maria Aurora, Aurora province in the Philippines is claimed to be the largest of its kind in Asia. It is estimated to be about 600+ years old and 60 metres (200 ft) tall with its roots about 10 metres (33 ft) to 15 metres (49 ft) in diameter. It is possible for adult people to squeeze into the center of its root network. -wiki

It is so huge, it has a tunnel-like space wherein you use its "strangler figs" to climb the tree.

Shot taken on top of the tree.

Baler Church – (famous for the Siege of Baler in 1898–1899 between the Philippine Revolutionary forces and Spanish troops during the Philippine Revolution and Spanish-American War)

Baler Church

If you want to know more Baler's colorful history, make sure to drop by the famous museum.

Museo De Baler

Baler, the birthplace of the 2nd President of the Philippines.

Manuel L. Quezón

If you're in Baler, never miss surfing!

For around $8.00 (P350.00) per hour, you will be able to learn how to surf!

My girls, Yazmin and Kar.

Look! Surfing like a pro?

The Academy Award winner epic war film Apocalypse Now, directed and produced by by Francis Ford Coppola was filmed in Baler Bay.

Baler Bay

Being in touch with nature is just priceless.
It is makes you feel relaxed, one of the ways to beat stress.
Aurora boasts a number of waterfalls.
We went to Ditumabo Mother Falls.
It's quite a long walk but it's all worth it.
You will pass by colorful flowers and beautiful insects I have not seen before.

The rocky road, on our way to the falls.

Ditumabo Mother Falls

We are so lucky, we have free lodging and food was overflowing. I was gluttonous!

Thank you Yazmin for bringing us to your lovely hometown.
It was a great weekend!

Love Life;
zoë