Baler

Baler is a small town in Aurora Province on the east coast of Luzon in the Philippines. It is situated between the Sierra Madre mountain range and the Pacific Ocean, in the vast plain at the mouth of Baler's Bay.

Understand

Founded in 1609 by Franciscan missionaries, Baler is also the last place held by the Spaniards until they were kicked off in 1899. In 1951, Baler became the capital town of the new province of Aurora, then part of Quezon until it was separated officially in 1978.

The "Charlie don't surf" scene in Apocalypse Now was filmed at Baler, and the movie is credited with popularizing surfing in the Philippines.

Get in

For general info on getting into Baler, see "Get in" in the Aurora article.

By bus

• Baler Central Terminal, Bonifacio St, Barangay III Poblacion (around the public market). Baler's central bus station, also used by UV Express. Most bus companies base their operations here. (updated Oct 2020)
  • D'Liner. Ordinary buses run the Cabanatuan-Casiguran route, with a layover at Baler. (updated Oct 2020)
  • 1 Genesis Transport, (depot) Recto St, Barangay III Poblacion (In front of Moreno's Lodge). A/C and luxury services depart from Bocaue, stopping at Angeles, Tarlac City and Cabanatuan. Trip takes 6 hours (including stopovers). (updated Oct 2020)

By plane

• 2 Dr. Juan C. Angara Airport (Baler Airport, BQA  ^IATA), Brgy. San Isidro, San Luis. Air Juan flies from Manila using amphibious planes. (updated Oct 2020)

See

• 1 Museo de Baler, Quezon Street, ☏ +63 921 123 4567. Cultural hub showcasing artifacts, paintings, memorabilia & ethnic exhibits of the region. (updated Sep 2023)
• 2 Baler sign, Quezon Street. Open 24 hours. Free. (updated Sep 2023)
• 3 Doña Aurora Aragon-Quezon House, Rizal Street. Modest, historic house museum owned by the family of Aurora Quezon, First Lady from 1935–1944. (updated Sep 2023)
• 4 Ermita Hill (Tromba Marina), Poblacion. Tromba Marina was the name given to the destructive tidal wave that struck Baler, Aurora on December 27, 1735. This monstrous wave caught everyone off-guard when it arrived around 2:00 AM. The town was devastated in seconds and many lives were immediately lost. Seven families managed to survive the great blow of the tidal wave and found their safe haven in Ermita Hill. The ones who made it through were the Angara, Bijasa, Bitong, Carrasco, Ferreras, Lumasac and Poblete clans. (updated Sep 2023)
• 5 Cemento Beach, Cemento Beach. Known for its chill atmosphere, this secluded, rocky beach is a popular destination for surfers. (updated Sep 2023)
• 6 Dimadimalangat Rock Formation, Diguisit Beach. (updated Sep 2023)
• 7 Diguisit Beach, Diguisit Beach. Popular for picture-taking, this picturesque coral beach features pebbly sand & unique boulders. (updated Sep 2023)
• 8 Light house Baler, Aurora, Poblacion. Stunning view of Baler and Baler Bay. (updated Sep 2023)
• 9 Hanging Bridge, Zabali, San Luis. Open 24 hours. beautiful view of river, mountains and Baler Bay. Free. (updated Sep 2023)
• 10 Aurora Provincial Capitol, Kabiran Street. (updated Sep 2023)
• 11 Vincent Gonzales Art Museum, Nueva Ecija - Aurora Road, ☏ +63 920 224 1524. 10AM–5PM. (updated Sep 2023)
• 12 Ditumabo Mother Falls, Barangay Ditumabo. 7AM–5PM. Popular waterfall with a cold-water pool at its base, reachable by a lush 45-minute nature trek. (updated Sep 2023)
• 13 Tromba Marina Sculpture, Ermita Hill. Open 24 hours. Tromba Marina was the name given to the destructive tidal wave that struck Baler, Aurora on December 27, 1735. This monstrous wave caught everyone off-guard when it arrived around 2:00 AM. The town was devastated in seconds and many lives were immediately lost. Seven families managed to survive the great blow of the tidal wave and found their safe haven in Ermita Hill. The ones who made it through were the Angara, Bijasa, Bitong, Carrasco, Ferreras, Lumasac and Poblete clans. Free. (updated Sep 2023)
• 14 Diteki Bridge, Nueva Ecija - Aurora Rd, San Luis, Aurora. Open 24 hours. Beautiful river underneath the bridge. (updated Sep 2023)
• 15 Balete Tree (Millenium Tree), Setailen Road. Open 24 hours. A balete tree locally called "Millennium Tree" in Barangay Quirino, Maria Aurora, Aurora province is claimed to be the largest of its kind in Asia. It is estimated to be about more than 600 years old and 60 metres (200 ft) tall with its roots about 10 metres (33 ft) to 15 metres (49 ft) in diameter. (updated Sep 2023)
• 16 Aurora Convention Center, Baler-Casiguran Road. (updated Sep 2023)
• 17 Buencamino View Point, Nueva Ecija - Aurora Rd, San Luis. Open 24 hours. This place is really beautiful and majestic scenery of Aurora Memorial National Park. (updated Sep 2023)
• 18 Aurora Province Welcoming Arch, Nueva Ecija - Aurora Rd. Open 24 hours. This place is the gateway to Aurora, If you are looking for a nice fun of sight seeing this place is highly recommended. The place is suited for exploring the mountains and road cycling, Now the most visited area in Bongabon . Free. (updated Sep 2023)
• 19 Doña Aurora Old Rest House, Nueva Ecija - Aurora Rd (in Aurora Province Welcoming Arch). Open 24 hours. Historical landmark, beautiful view. Free. (updated Sep 2023)

Do

• Surfing: there are many surfboard rental shops around the beach access.
• 1 Sabang Beach, Sabang Beach. Relaxed beach featuring strong waves suitable for surfing, with a peaceful vibe. (updated Sep 2023)
• 2 Cemento Beach, Cemento Beach near Ermita Hill. Known for its chill atmosphere, this secluded, rocky beach is a popular destination for surfers. (updated Sep 2023)
• 3 Lipit Beach, Dipaculao. It's a nice sandy beach. Big waves are good for surfing. It's facing the Pacific Ocean. (updated Sep 2023)
• 4 Baler Moto Park, Sitio Gabgab, Barangay Buhangin. Motocross Park. (updated Sep 2023)
• 5 Barangay Zabali Peak, Sitio Cemento. Open 24 hours. Hiking area. (updated Sep 2023)

Buy

• 1 Aurora Pasalubong Center, Bonifacio Street (near Pamilihang Bayan ng Baler). 8AM–7PM. (updated Jun 2023)
• 2 Baler Public Market, Poblacion. 4AM–8PM. (updated Sep 2023)
• 3 Robinsons Easymart Baler, Aurora, Baler Public Market, Poblacion. 7AM–10PM. (updated Sep 2023)
• 4 Pacita's Pasalubong, San Luis Street. 8AM–7PM. Souvenir store. (updated Sep 2023)
• 5 NE Baler, Quezon Street. 7AM–7PM. Supermarket. (updated Sep 2023)

Eat

• 1 Eat All You Can Buffet, N E mall brgy suklayin (inside the Ne mall in Baler). An all-you-can-eat with drinks. ₱120. (updated Mar 2015)
• 2 7-Eleven-Baler Branch, T. Molina Street. Open 24 hours. (updated Jun 2023)
• 3 Jollibee-Baler Branch, Quezon Street Corner Suklayin-Buhangin Road. (updated Jun 2023)
• 4 Mang Inasal Baler Branch, Quezon Street. (updated Jun 2023)
• 5 Picnic Bay Buffet Fiesta, Sabang Beach (in Sabang Beach). 8AM–8PM. (updated Jun 2023)
• 6 Ram's Tapsilog, Mabini Street, cor Angara, Poblacion, ☏ +63 975 259 3886. Open 24 hours. (updated Aug 2023)
• 7 Yolly's Ihaw Ihaw & Seafood Resto, Quezon Street corner Recto Street, ☏ +63 920 650 8655. 7AM–9PM. (updated Sep 2023)
• 8 Gerry Shan's Place, Quezon Street. 8AM–8PM. Chinese & seafood restaurant. (updated Sep 2023)
• 9 Miggo’s, #100 Palispis Street, Barangay Five (in MJA Pizzeria), ☏ +63 999 440 7371. 11AM–7PM. Western restaurant. (updated Sep 2023)
• 10 Kainan ni ALEXA, T. Molina Street. 6AM–9PM. Filipino restaurant. (updated Sep 2023)
• 11 Kusina Luntian, Dela Torre Street. 11AM–10PM. Filipino restaurant in Nipa Hut (traditional Filipino house). (updated Sep 2023)
• 12 Bay's Inn, Buton Street. It has a restaurant by the beach, good value Filipino-western style meals. (updated Sep 2023)
• 13 Bahia de Baler Garden Resort & Restaurant 1, Buton St, Brgy. Sabang, ☏ +63 921 576 5655. More expensive than its neighbor, Day's Inn, but a bit more classy too. (updated Sep 2023)
• 14 Akyang’s Restaurant, Goto and Ihaw-Ihaw, Pantabangan-Baler Road. 5AM–8PM. Filipino restaurant. (updated Sep 2023)

Drink

• 1 Baler-Ortus Restaurant and Bar, Querijero Street, ☏ +63 920 852 8315. 4PM–10PM. (updated Sep 2023)

Sleep

Budget

• 1 Casitas Stay and Surf, Alley 1, Sabang, ☏ +63 960 200 3105. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. Air conditioned. Single or double from ₱1,330. (updated Sep 2023)
• 2 Penny Lane Transient House, Poblacion, Sabang (behide Emerila inn), ☏ +63 939 907 1271. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. Fan double rooms with outside bathrooms and TV. (updated Mar 2015)
• 3 Pasillio Surf And Lodge, Buton Street, Sabang, ☏ +63 908 251 5119. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. 600 metres from Sabang Beach. The hotel features an indoor pool and a 24-hour front desk. From ₱1,300. (updated Sep 2023)
• 4 Blue Coco Baler Beach House, T. Molina Street, Poblacion, ☏ +63 917 827 2215. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. (updated Aug 2023)
• 5 Kahea's Lodge, Sabang Beach, ☏ +63 915 748 0759. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. (updated Sep 2023)
• 6 Amihan Aplaya Lodge, #103 Buton Street, Poblacion, ☏ +63 947 813 4979. (updated Sep 2023)

Mid-range

• 7 La Flor Lodge, Buton Street, Sabang Beach, ☏ +63 939 939 0844. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 10PM. A/C double rooms. Has a swimming pool. (updated May 2019)
• 8 Hotel Rupert Atienza ( Hotel A), Bonifacio Street, Barangay Suklayin (near Public Market of Baler), ☏ +63 995 483 7492, hotelatienzaph@gmail.com. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 11PM. (updated Aug 2023)
• 9 Playa Azul Baler, Buton Street, Barangay Sabang. (updated Sep 2023)
• 10 Charlie's Point Ocean Wave Resort, Buton St, Brgy. Sabang. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. (updated Sep 2023)

Splurge

• 11 Costa Pacifica, #80 Buton Street (in Sabang Beach), ☏ +63 917 844 8371. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. The only 5-star hotel and resort in Baler. (updated Jun 2023)
• 12 RedDoorz @ Isla Virginia Beach Resort Aurora Baler, Buton St, Brgy. Sabang. (updated Sep 2023)

Stay healthy

• Premiere General Hospital, Nueva Ecija - Aurora Rd, open 24 hours; https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=816868048488938 +63 9189059377
• Mercury Drug-Baler Branch, Quezon St, Poblacion, 8AM-8PM

Connect

• The post office is in the bus station area.
• 1 Baler Municipal Tourism Office, Baler Municipal Plaza, T. Molina St, Poblacion, ☏ +63 928 983 7668. 8AM–5PM. (updated Sep 2023)
• 2 Baler Municipal Hall, Baler Municipal Plaza, National Highway, Poblacion, ☏ +63 477 220 607, info@baler.gov.ph. (updated Sep 2023)