Baler Adventure 2018

Last November 02 and 03, we went to Baler, Aurora. Although we went there for a different purpose, we took the opportunity to do some side trip and visited fascinating tourist spots the city boast of.

Mama Nene's Transient House

We stayed at Mama Nene's Transient House located at Brgy. Sabang. Our group occupied two rooms. The rooms have one bed and two double-deck beds, good for 8-10 pax. It was a decent and budget-friendly place. The room is clean, airconditioned and has spacious comfort room with a shower. We were able to cook there during our stay. The staffs are kind and accommodating.

Photo courtesy of Mama Nene's Transient House

Museo de Baler

If you have a student or homeschooler like me, this is a good place for them. We enjoyed appreciating historical artifacts, relics, and different paintings. It was very timely because Baler is the hometown of Manuel L. Quezon and we just finished reading about his life from The Great Lives Series. What a great way to conclude our study of Quezon's life! 

Sabang Beach

We went to the beach in the afternoon. As you know, Baler is one of the best surfing places here in the Philippines and it didn't disappoint us. The beach was packed with adventure-seekers. We didn't get the chance to try surfing due to budget constraints. Nonetheless, we had fun battling with the waves. My 10yo son enjoyed jumping and thumping around the big waves.

I was expecting to get some shells to take home but found none. The sand was very fine and you would want to take a walk barefoot, it will not hurt.

Dimatubo Falls

Early the next morning we went to Dimatubo Falls. Before we reached the mother falls, we have to trek for more or less 30 minutes. Going there is already an adventure and though it's a bit far, its worth it. We didn't take long to swim though because the water was freezing cold.

While heading down, my son showed me these "annual rings" from a felled tree. We learned from Story Book of Science that each year, some trees formed a ring ~ a layer of wood. If you count its layers, you have its age. Gabi tried to count them. Since there are many, many layers, he came up with an estimate of more or less 40 years. ;)

In the chief duty of man, his duty towards God, Nature is an exquisite instructor” (Ourselves, Book 2, p. 99).

Hanging Bridge

We also visited the hanging bridge. I felt a bit nervous at first as it tends to get shaky but it was manageable. We were able to cross back and forth.

Balete Tree

Before heading home, our last stop was the biggest Balete Tree in Asia! It is estimated to be more than 600 years old, its height is 65m, diameter circa 12-15m and crown diameter of 60m. We were all mesmerized by this "Millenium Tree". We recently learned that this tree starts upon other trees, later entrapping them entirely and finally killing the host tree. No wonder this tree is often associated with supernatural beings. My boys were able to enter its chamber and climbed more or less 3 meters.

Aside from these tourist destinations, you can also enjoy the fresh wind of Baler, enjoy food at any eat-all-you-can, try their native fruits or simply have a meaningful fellowship with your family and friends. 

I believe there are many other spots we were not able to visit but I am glad we got the opportunity to be here. Thanks to our spiritual family for making this happen, above all to our Almighty God! 'Til our next adventure!