Aurora 2014: Baler

My college friends planned to go out of town this year, and since they always get envy wherever I went. Harhar :) So we decided to go to Baler. I made an itinerary and expenses and all of them are agreed with it (no choice naman sila. hahaha).

The Genesis Bus departed in Cubao at 12mn of Saturday. It's 6.5 hours long drive with two stop overs. 

We arrived around 6:30am and look for place to feed our tummy :) We went to rolling stores :)

Rolling store :)

After breakfast, we proceed to Desiree's Lodge and Transient house. We made an reservation before our trip. :) We rest for a while, unpacked our stuffs and changed our clothes for our tour :)

We hired two tricycle driver/tour guide for the tour. 

First stop, Museo de Baler :)

There's memorabilia from the movie Baler like Jericho and Anne's outfit in movie, trophy from awards and some stuffs  :)

Next, Dona Aurora House :)

Just across Dona Aurora House, the Baler Catholic Church. 

Then we proceed to Ermita hill :)

This monument was a tribute to 6 families (Angaras, Bijasas, Bitongs, Lumasacs, Carrascos, and Pobletes) and a priest who survived from December 1735 tsunami (Tromba Marina). They swam up toward the nearby hill overlooking Port Baja, now known as Ermita Hill.

We went to a small falls across the Aniao Islet :)

We paid P20 for entrance in Aniao Islet :)

After Aniao Islet, we went to Gerrys Shan's Place buffet restaurant for lunch :)

After lunch, we went back to our  lodge, rest for a while then head to our next stop :)


Start of trek going to Mother Falls (Ditumabo Falls)

The falls in left side, they called it Baby Falls :)

After almost an hour of trek, hello Mother falls! :)

After 30 minutes, we trek down and proceed to Balete Tree.

It was tiring day tour but worth it. hahaha! We washed up and sleep for next day adventure! :)


We woke up early and prepare for SURFIINNNGG! hahaha. But before that, I went to Genesis bus terminal to buy tickets and our breakfast :)

Yay! here we go!

Our tour guide recommend one surfing lesson operator near our lodge. We paid P350 for 1 hour surfing :)

Surfing 101.

I thought surfing is easy but, it's not!! waaaahh!

I struggled and seek for my balance to stand on the surf board. hahaha!

After of nth times I fell, oh yeah!!! FINALLLYYY! hahaha!

yuhooooo!

We had fun and memorable weekend. Plus I've been with my closest friend :) Until next trip guys!!! :)

By the way, Aurora was my 30th province I've been in Philippines :)


How to get there: 

By private car:

From Manila, enter the North Expressway at Balintawak and exit at Sta. Rita Bulacan. From there, follow the highway leading to Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija. It is advisable to stop for a snack here in preparation for a rough journey. From Cabanatuan City Proper, follow signs leading to Bongabon until you come to a fork, where you see a sign "to Baler" headed right. Turn right and you will reach the foot of the Baler-Bongabon highway which eventually runs right into Aurora National Memorial Park. Beware of wild zigzagging roads, fast trucks and landslides during rainy season. Use this opportunity to view the lush virgin forests of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range. After approximately 150 kilometers, you will see the Aurora Welcome Arch. Proceed until you reach the town of San Luis. Stay on the highway until you see the sign going to Baler, and you will be in its town proper within minutes.

By public transportation:
Genesis Bus Liner provides direct route to Baler from Manila. Terminal is located along EDSA in Cubao. First trip is 12:00mn, 1 hour interval and last trip is 7:30am (schedule depends on season). You may contact them at 709-0806 / 421-1425.

Travel date: June 20-21 2014
Travel Buddies: Ariel, Omack, Kuya Jason, Daniel and Des :)