Heritage Tour in Baler Town Proper: Getting Farther in Baler

The facade of Baler Church

Baler earns its title of being one of the "Surfing Capitals" in the country because of its unstoppable waves from the Pacific Ocean. Apart from the ideal nature trip and beach hopping, the provincial capital is known for its heritage sites reflected on their colorful past and rich history in the town center. 

The rhythmic, foamy waves of Baler, ideal for surfing in a summer weather.

The town marker in the center of Baler.

Baler was founded by the Augustinian missionaries in 1609 and it became a pueblo in 1658. It also became one of the sites of Philippine revolution in 1898 known as the Siege of Baler where Filipino troops attempted to get the Spanish forces to surrender. Furthermore, the Spaniards defended the fortified church for 337 days until 1899 when they surrendered to the Filipinos in the midst of the early years of American occupation in the country.

The San Luis Obispo de Tolosa Church, also known as the Baler Church located in the town center.

The church interior as residents praying the novena.

Baler Church, also known as San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, is one of the places you should visit once you go to Aurora. Built in 1611, this historical church became witness of Siege of Baler, a significant event in the last years of Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines.

The Aurora Aragon-Quezon Ancestral House is now a museum.

The wooden facade of Aurora Aragon Ancestral House.

Baler is also the birthplace of prominent political and historical figures in the country such as the first president of the Philippine Commonwealth, Manuel L. Quezon and his First Lady, Aurora Aragon-Quezon, as well with the longest-serving senator Edgardo Angara, his wife Bella Angara, and his son, Sonny Angara, an incumbent senator.

A visit in Museo De Baler during rainy weather in the town.

Some artifacts reflected in the history of Baler.

The facade of Museo de Baler.

Adjacent to the church, you can find the Aurora Quezon Ancestral House which was owned by his father Pedro Aragon and it is now a museum. You can also find a few walks away from the church is Museo De Baler, a museum that provides an account of Baler's history, exhibits and artifacts and in front of the building, the monument of Manuel L. Quezon, a native of Baler.

Aurora was actually part of Tayabas, which is now known as Quezon Province today until it became an independent province in 1978, named after the First Lady of Manuel L. Quezon. Aside from Baler, you can also visit other coastal towns known for its strong waves and aquamarine waters from the Pacific Ocean which makes a new summer destination starting from Dilasag, Casiguran, Dinalungan, Dipaculao, San Luis, Dingalan, and the provincial capital, Baler, as well with its only landlocked town, Maria Aurora.

The oldest balete tree in the country.

An interesting tourist spot which is 600 years old.

This balete tree is plenty of leaves and sturdy.

Hanging roots in balete tree.

Don't forget to visit also the Millennium Tree in the neighboring municipality of Maria Aurora, known for its 600-year-old balete tree which stand more than five storeys high. It is one of the biggest and oldest trees in Southeast Asia located in Ronquillo Balete Eco-Park in Brgy. Quirino and you can also souvenir shopping in the said place.

The marker of Balete Eco-Park.

A tourist attraction which can be preserved for a lifetime.

Despite of the rainy weather, the tour in Baler was such a memorable experience and definitely, a place to come back soon because of the summer vibes, heritage tour, and nature excursions in the province. 

Date of Travel: March 21-23, 2024

Waves and Streams in the East: Getting Farther in Baler

It's been four years since I traveled outside of our region and going to the beach, craving for Vitamin Sea. It is very vital to go the sea and swim as a form of therapy after busy years in the workplace.

After three years of pandemic, it's been a great feeling to travel outside the boundaries of Region IV-A and Metro Manila to visit one of the most sought-after surfing spots in the country - Baler. 

The roaring waves of the Pacific Ocean, fronting the coasts of Baler.

Located in the eastern portion of Central Luzon and the provincial capital of Aurora, Baler holds its title of one of the surfing capitals in the Philippines because of its roaring, gushing waves and pure, aquamarine waters from the Pacific Ocean. The coastal town is enclosed by the mountains of Sierra Madre in which the town's relative isolation preserved some of the natural and historical sites.

It is fun to surf with the waters, but it can be more exciting to swim there.

The residents enjoy walking in the coast together with their pets. 

Surfing is one of the activities in Baler, as surf instructors are willing to share their skills to the tourists.

The rugged, verdant mountains and its rich vegetation of Sierra Madre, viewed from San Luis, Aurora.

During the first day of our tour, we were able to visit some of the sites including the Ditumabo Falls (Mother Falls). Unfortunately, I am not allowed to go up there due to health conditions, that is why I decided to enjoy the view of Sierra Madre Mountain Range and the flowing streams from the Mother Falls. The said falls is located in the town of San Luis.

The clear waters of the river flowing from Ditumabo Falls.

The gushing waters flowing teemed with rocks.

Enjoy the mini falls despite of not able to reach the Mother Falls.

During the end of the first day, we were able to check in our hotel and enjoy walking around the coasts of Baler with an experience of playing and swimming in shallow waters. Stay tuned for more posts in the coming days.

Date of Travel: March 21-23, 2024