‘Ang Pinaka’ Fun-tastic Places and Activities in Baler

 

Baler is a go-to destination for wave riders. But what else is there to do in Baler aside from surf? As the staff of “Ang Pinaka” discovered–plenty! Check out the show’s list of fun-tastic activities you should try in Baler:

Culture vulture

Pasalubong Center/Sabutan Weaving
Baler Public Market Compound 
 
 

The Pasalubong Center is a one-stop shop for your Baler souvenirs: t-shirts, handicrafts, homemade sweets and delicacies, and woven Sabutan products. Sabutan is a pandan-like plant that grows in the forests of Baler. The fiber is used in weaving mats, baskets, hats, bags, slippers, and other products.

Prices at the Pasalubong Center start at P10, depending of course on the item you’re going to buy.

Ermita Hill
Sitio Cemento, Brgy. Zabali, Baler, Aurora

Ermita Hill is popular among locals and tourists who want to commune with nature in a historically significant location. These two hectares of clear, grassy land are perfect for picnics. At the foot of the hill, meanwhile, is the Tromba Marina statue commemorating the great tsunami that swept Baler in December 27, 1735.

Historical walk
Rizal St., Baler, Aurora 
 
 

Learn about Baler’s past and people by taking the Historical Walk of Baler, which will lead you to San Luis Obispo Church, the Baler Park, the house of Doña Aurora, the wife of former president Manuel L. Quezon, and the Museo de Baler. Literally follow footstep-shaped markers on the street to find your way from one destination to the other.

Museo de Baler
 

A tour of the Museo de Baler gives tourists a crash course on the rich history of Baler. Displayed at the museum are Manuel L. Quezon’s memorabilia, artifacts such as pots and miniature ships, and even props from the Metro Manila Film Festival Best Picture “Baler.”

Night life

Freddie’s Place/ Cautibar and Grill
Barangay Sabang, Baler, Aurora
 
 

For some wild nightlife in Baler, troop to Freddie’s Place and enjoy live music, videoke, and disco. Alternatively, for a chill evening, Cautibar and Grill is the place to be. Dine with your friends and enjoy the soothing music and ambiance.

Water activities

Scuba diving
Barangay Zabali, Baler, Aurora

Baler may be known as a surfer’s paradise, but is also an undiscovered gem when it comes to scuba diving. The best months to go scuba diving are March to May, when the waves are relatively calm.  If you want to try scuba diving Baler, contact the Baler Tourism Office at 0928-983-7669/ 0998-989-8390.

Cobra Reef
Sitio Cemento, Brgy. Zabali, Baler, Aurora
 
 

Local and international surfing competitions are held at Cobra Reef, sought after by surfers for its excellent waves. Waves normally vary from five to six feet high, but during high season they can reach up to 12 to 14 feet.

Digisuit Falls
Barangay Zabali, Baler, Aurora
 

Digisuit Falls are composed of two waterfalls just meters apart. One waterfall is composed of several smaller cascades, while the other has slower and thinner flow of water. Digisuit Falls is a popular tourist hotspot for both its beauty and accessibility. The falls are found just along the main highway of Baler.

Aniao Islets
Barangay Zabali, Baler, Aurora

The Aniao Islets are huge rock formations that look like twin islands in the sea. At this part of Baler, the waves are not that high, perfect for just wading or a short swim.

Dicasalarin Cove
Barangay Zabali, Baler, Aurora
 

Dicasalarin Cove is one of the best kept secrets of Baler, a stunning white sand beach bordered by rock formations on both sides. Unfortunately, the treacherous rocks make swimming unsafe at Dicasalarin Cove. If you visit Dicasalarin Cove, just drink in the beautiful scenery of this secluded beach.  

Surfing
 

Baler’s surfing culture began when a scene in Francis Ford Coppola’s 1979 film “Apocalypse Now,” showed soldiers surfing the waves of Baler. Some of the film crew taught local kids how to surf. And eventually, these kids grew up and taught surfing to tourists and Baler youth.

Since then, surfing boomed in Baler. Tourists troop to the province because of the variety of surfing spots. There are spots perfect for beginners and also areas for professional surfers.

Surfing lessons in Baler normally take up an hour (15 minutes on land and 45 minutes on water). For beginners, the best time to surf is during summer when the waves are gentler.

Ditumabo Falls
Brgy. Ditumabo, San Luis, Aurora
 

A long, treacherous walk will take you to Ditumabo Falls, locally known as the Mother Falls because it’s the biggest waterfall in Baler with a drop of 140 feet. The walk going to the falls is part of the whole experience as you will trek over slippery rocks and shallow  rivers. But don’t fret. Your aching muscles will be soothed upon reaching the cool waters of the Mother Falls.

“Ang Pinaka” airs every Sunday, 5:45 PM, on GMA News TV. Follow the program on Facebook and Twitter:

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For more of our top 10 fun-tastic lists, check out "Ang Pinaka's" webexclusives.

–Bernice Sibucao/PF, GMA News