7 Easy Steps to Enjoy a Weekend Escape in Baler, Aurora

7 Easy Steps to Enjoy a Weekend Escape in Baler, Aurora

Planning a weekend escape in Baler, Aurora? Here are things you must do!

Looking for a quick getaway? Baler, Aurora, is the perfect spot with its stunning beaches, rich history, and vibrant culture. Surfing, sightseeing, or simply relaxing—there’s something for everyone.

In this guide, we’ll show you the best things to do during your weekend in Baler, Aurora, including surfing, visiting historical sites, and enjoying eco-friendly accommodations. Baler is the ideal destination for a nature-conscious weekend escape.

1. Ride a bus

From Manila, Baler is a 6-hour drive, but if you want to commute, which I did, you can ride a bus.

Genesis Transport has terminals in Cubao and Pasay. One way regular fare to Baler is PHP 500-600 but I tried their Joy Bus Executive Coach which costs PHP 800. The executive coach has an onboard comfort room, bus stewardess, free bottled water and biscuits, free Wi-Fi, blankets and pillows. We departed around 5:00 am, with no stopovers and arrived at around 11:00 am in Baler.

Also read: 7 Long Weekend Getaway Destinations in the Philippines

2. Stay in Pacific Waves Inn

I had lunch in a carinderia near the terminal, then took a trike to the hotel. I stayed in Pacific Waves Inn with PHP 1,500 per night. Not bad for an overnight stay with free Wi-Fi.

3. Go surfing

You didn’t visit Baler for just swimming, so go surf on Sabang Beach. It’s PHP 350-500 for an hour surfing lesson. It was a great experience, and I’m sure you’ll love the surfer feel when you get the vibe.

Also read: 20 Best Islands in The Philippines for Beach Getaways 

things to do in baler

4. Dine at Bay’s INN Hungry Surfer

Food was good, but I waited for 30 minutes or more, so the trick is you should order first and then get back after a few minutes.

things to do in baler

5. Have lunch at Thelma’s Kitchenette

After you enjoyed the beach and the waves, have lunch at Thelma’s Kitchenette, and don’t forget to eat Pako salad, one of Baler’s delicacies.

6. Explore the city

Walk around the city and you’’ll see the Baler Tourism Office. Take a photo-op with Baler’s monument and the big Baler letters (Haha, I don’t know what it’s called). Pasalubong Centre is also located here.

things to do in baler

7. Visit the century-old Baler Church and Museo de Baler

You must visit the century-old Baler Church, and if you’re a history buff, go inside the Museo de Baler for PHP 30. Here, you will learn about the history of Baler and Aurora.

Also read: Baler Travel Guide: Why You Should Visit This Philippine Surf Town, As Told by a Local

things to do in baler

If you have more time and days, here are some additional places not to miss:

  • Mother Falls or Ditumabo Falls — an hour and a half trike ride from Sabang Beach and another 30 minutes of trekking and river crossing, but they say it’s worth the tiring feet
  • Balete Tree, Dicasalarin Cove
  • Hanging Bridge in Brgy. Zabali
  • Diguisit Anyaw Islets / Rock Formations
  • Dimadimaalangat Islets

That’s how I spent a weekend in Baler. Any additional tips or recommendations?


Contributed by Travel Jock

About Author

Tristan Jay Correa
Tristan Jay Correa

TJ is working as a program producer in a radio station but his alter ego “Travel Jock” keeps his feet uncontrollable as if wanting to explore the world with freedom and independence. His heart and mind are currently battling if he should stay on a stable career with limited vacation leaves or embark on a risky journey of travelling the wo​rld with no limits. He just started his simple blog The Travel Jock.

CLICK TO SEE MORE ARTICLES BY Tristan Jay Correa