A Day in Baler

May 11, 2013

Friday nights are often spent outside with friends and drinks. Dex and I spent it on the road.

The passengers have started to alight at every corner when we woke up. My blurry vision caught the signage and I knew that we have arrived. From the bus terminal, we rode a tricycle and went around the nearby hotels but to no avail. All were fully-booked! 

Dex was very insistent to bring the tent when we were still packing. It is his intuition that saved and sheltered us. By the shore is Tent City. They offer cottages with papag for P500.00 overnight. To those who opt to pitch their tents, they charge P100.00/head. Very affordable! :) They also have wash rooms and comfort rooms. Excellent for budget travelers!

Our humble haven :)

Breakfast is a few meters away. While walking to Bay-ler Hotel to eat, I had my first sight of Sabang Beach: wide stretch of sand, billowing waves, surfers floating and disappearing like needles (or seahorse?) from afar! WOW!

With stuffed tummies and rushing adrenalines, we rented a tricycle and started our Baler Day Tour! :)

First stop: Museo de Baler

Inside Museo de Baler

Second stop: The vacation home of Pres. Manuel L. Quezon

President Manuel L. Quezon's Presidential car displayed at his residence
photo by: Dexter

Beneath the 600-year old Balete Tree
taken by: Jerwin

After checking on Baler's history and culture, we embraced nature! Upon getting-off from the tricycle, we were welcomed by the local guides: Jerwin and Erwin. We registered and took photos of the huge tree. Dex told me we can get inside. Hesitant, I just smiled and asked whether it is possible and if it is okay. I was surprised by the enthusiasm of Jerwin and Erwin in orienting us with the tree. They showed us the interiors and the other way out. While inside, Jerwin and Erwin asked if we wanted to climb. Scared, I smiled. Then they led us up!

Negotiating through the tangled Balete roots :)taken by: Jerwin

I never knew climbing Balete tree could be that fun! The way up was easy! Grip-step-push then the process went over and over again until we were rewarded with a nest-like branch on top. We sat and chat for a while before we took the split trail down. Dex went down through the roots outside while I patiently and carefully slid myself into the narrow spaces inside. I literally and truly had fun! 

Then it's time to wash the sweat away! We drove to San Luis for almost an hour. What's in San Luis? The Ditumabo Falls! or commonly known as the Mother Falls. It was a rough ride. We had to walk and ride and walk and ride in getting to the entrance. The road from the highway to the jump-off is literally rocky. I got so excited when we reached the entrance. We had to cross a river before we reach the registration area. I rolled-up my jogging pants and quickly dipped into the waters. Oh it was freeeezing cold!!! I felt my muscles contract and I wade through waters slowly.

Half-way to the Mother Falls

There was a 20-minute trek before the grand reward. We passed through rivers and boulders and a few plains. 

Ditumabo Falls (Mother Falls) Approximately 140 meters high

I thought I could dip but the water is colder than the river we first crossed! As an asthmatic, dipping is a major decision. I took photos instead as Dex swam through the freezing water.

It was past 12 noon. We have to go back and continue the tour. However, as we approach the registration area, it started to rain. Unfortunately for Manong Driver, he left his trike roof at home and unfortunately also for us, our backs were only protected by a very thin jersey! Enough protection for the sun but NOT for the heavy rain. Sabi nga ni Manong driver when I asked him kung pano sya't wala syang bubong eh: "Damay damay na yan"  That was it. We all got wet!

The rain got really bad. We advised the driver to park by a waiting shed. Then there was lightning and thunder and rumbling stomachs.

Our wet ride!

It was already 2 o'clock when the rain stopped. We headed back to tent city to rinse change clothes. Manong driver went home to change too. We met at Bay-ler for lunch at 3PM and waited until the heavens cleared.

We went first to Ermita Hill. It is where the people of Baler ran to during the tsunami in 1735.

Ermita Hill

Diguisit Falls

Dusk is dramatic at Lukso-lukso Islets. It has a camping site, cottages and scattered  rocks that made the place picturesque!  

Hut on the rocks!

This quaint sight concluded our day tour in Baler. Tired and satisfied, we relaxed ourselves inside the tricycle as we negotiate the long road back to Tent City.

I am sure you want to know the expenses :)

455/head/way Cubao-Baler (Genesis Bus)

*Joy bus leaves at 12MN. 700/head/way on a reservation basis

100 trike (terminal-tent city, we hopped from hotel to hotel that's why we gave premium)

500 overnight cottage at tent city (tent charge, waived)

1000 trike day tour (regular rate is P800. we gave additional amount for the extra rough day due to heavy rain)

There are no entrance fee in all destinations. Only donations :)