Want to surf on high tides? Plan Baler, Philippines

Philippines is not only bestowed with amazing natural beauty and endless diversities to cherish, it also got maximum number of holidays in Asia to make sure that you can enjoy these places.

We grabbed the opportunity of long weekend coming up and planned to go to Baler, capital of Aurora province. Baler travel flagship is surfing. People go there to ride the high tide. Van was booked for 14 of us. We got in Van in night and reached around 6AM to the entry point of Baler. Jaw dropping scenic beauty on way forced us to stop.

We decided to take breakfast first and found one nearby restaurant. We were in big group and had mix type of food choices. Few wanted pure veg, few can eat egg, few preferred egg and chicken and few wanted all. While brainstorming on menu, we found something different "fried Frog" and we decided to go for it.

Our next destination was Ditumbao falls also known as mother falls. Way to fall was itself an adventurous journey trekking through greeneries and crystal clear water flowing under your feet. There were few small waterfall on way and we didn't miss any chance getting wet in all these waterfalls.

Water Fall on way to Ditumbao

We took a ride to check in in hotel after Ditumbao falls. Our hotel was next to Sbang sea beach so that we can head to surfing, the reason we came to Baler.
After getting fresh we headed for lunch. Few restaurants serve buffet lunch at mere 200-300P, with descent stretch of dishes including fish and chicken.

** Amazing Baler, captured in this Video **




Tides were not so high in evening hence we decided to go to hanging bridge, light house and Ermita hills. Ermita hills is famous for tsunami happened in 1735 where only handful of people survived who climbed on this hill.
Hanging bridge was on way . Light house and on way to light house is also a must see place in Baler.
A crystal clear river is merging in sea at this point. Atthe bottom of light house is Dicasalarin Cove which can notbe missed.

Hanging Bridge

Light House

Ermita Hill Tsunami story

On way to Light House

Darkness has engulfed the city and we were eager to see baler's night life. Enjoyed bar crawling and walking along the beach. We got some local wine (in video) and spent good relaxing time sitting on side of beach till late.

Next day was surfing day. Our hotel arranged surfing guide for us. Tides were soaring high and we started walking to beach with boards in our hand.
Guide charge was 300P for 2 hours and I guess 2 hours was enough for beginners. After initial 10 minutes training, we paddled inside sea lying on board. Now only wait was of high tide and use the skills we just learnt. As soon as tide pushes, jump and stand on board with both foot in straight line bending a little in front. Tips: wear full cover sun screen shirt while surfing to avoid your body friction on board. We had burning sensation on stomach and chest due to mutliple times falling and climbing on board.

Training and Surfing.

With amazing memories and checking one more bucket list, we got vresh and checked out from hotel. On way back, we stopped at Banyan tree park. With a minimal entry fee, we got inside to break silence with 600 years old huge tree. Govt is putting effort to keep this tree alive.

A nice souvenir shop is close to this where you can buy few gifts for your close friends before you head to Manila back to real life.

Banyan(Balete) tree park

Tips for Baler trip:

1) keep Ditumbao falls first thing in morning to avoid crowd.

2) Food is available easily and not so costly although you can keep snacks one way to cove.

3) Surfing cost 300P for 2 hours.

4) go to surfing in morning around 9AM to get high tide.

5) Carry water proof camera and sun screen swimming costumes.