Thrills, Spills and One Stoked Weekend in Baler

In search of something exciting to do this summer, I organized a trip to Baler with my office mates last weekend. We usually travel in group so basically a better choice is to rent a private van going to Baler. The trip almost didn't push through because private van going to Baler is quite expensive for a group of 20pax, good thing I was able to stumble upon Istokewa Surf Tour Package which includes a private van transfer (Manila-Baler-Manila), a beachfront lodging in and a two-set meal in Bay's Inn for 2,300.00 pesos. An additional 350.00/hr is needed if you want to get a surfing lesson in Mahdox Surfing School. We also talked to Bart, the owner of Istokewa who was accommodating enough to entertain our queries regarding our side trips to Cunaya Falls and Dicasalarin Cove.

The Long Drive

Around 0230AM we left Makati as the rain started to pour. At 0500AM we stopped in Cabanatuan for some quick breakfast and from there we take the route via Bongabon as we drive to the zigzag foothills of Sierra Madre Mountains. Honestly it was a bit scary at first as you passed by seemingly unending stretch of unpaved road. It was all good when the sun finally shine, as you will passed by scenic view of Sierra Madre's lush green forest to coconut plantations and rice fields.

Prepare for an epic road trip going to Baler

Finally Sabang Beach

After a grueling bumpy 5-hour van ride from Makati, we finally arrived in Baler at around 0830 AM. We weren't able to checked in right away at Bay's Inn Resort because we came to Baler a bit early. Looking around there were a lot of visitors that weekend.

Sabang Beach

Sabang is a long stretch of gray sand beach mostly made up of waves perfect for surfing. While walking toward the shoreline, we saw a lot of surfers blissfully riding and gliding the waves. The sight and sound of waves hurling back and forth to the shore were simply irresistible and not to waste too much time we went to Maddox for our surfing lesson.

A Little Bit of History

You might be wondering how did a surfboad end up in Baler. It all started in 1979 when Francis Ford Coppola's cult movie classic "Apocalypse Now" was shot in Charlie Point,Baler.

 

  Colonel Kilgore (Robert Duvall)  famous "napalm in the morning" 
speech was shot in Baler

Kilgore: Smell that? You smell that?
Lance: What?
Kilgore: Napalm, son. Nothing else in the world smells like that.
[kneels]
Kilgore: I love the smell of napalm in the morning. You know, one time we had a hill bombed, for 12 hours. When it was all over, I walked up. We didn't find one of 'em, not one stinkin' dink body. The smell, you know that gasoline smell, the whole hill. Smelled like
[sniffing, pondering]
Kilgore: victory. Someday this war's gonna end...
[suddenly walks off] 

-taken from IMDB

Before the film surfing was not yet known. However when the production crew left their surfboards that's when the Baleriano's eventually learned to used them. Back then Baler became a secret surfing haven known only among the international surfing community. From there the town was tagged as the birthplace of Philippine surfing.

All About Balance

Mahdox Surf School

Upon reaching Mahdox, Bart introduced us to the surf shop owner Rommel "Okoy" Rojo who just happens to be one the country's multi awarded surfer. Franco's Castaway and Kings of Leon Radioactive were playing in the shop's sound system while we were signing the waiver. Just hearing those songs excite us more. At first, we were taught of the basics of surfing - the different stance, parts of a surfboard, how to balance and of course standing up. We were designated with each instructor and after the quick introducton we hit the beach for the real thing.

It wasn't easy to keep balance and stand on the board. Expect to be splashed ashore and paddle your way to the massive waves that will hurl you into different direction. After minutes and minutes trying to get up, paddling the surfboard, losing balance and aching body I actually managed to stand up without falling. Allan, my instructor was patient enough to teach me even though it took me a several tries before finally standing up. Just a tip don't force yourself to stand up right away, relax and find the stance your comfortable with. Riding the waves toward the shore for a few seconds is truly one of the best feeling ever, exhilarating indeed or the more proper term "stoked". And there we were just like kids running back and forth doing it over and over again.

 

 

 

Hungry and tired, we were able to finally checked in at Bay's Inn and had our lunch. The Baler trip was an awesome getaway experience for the year, aside from surfing there were able to explore this little quaint town. We'll be definitely coming back in Baler.

This is post is a part of my Baler getaway with the BRF (Baboy Ramo Foundation) last April 30-May 1.


Into the Blue
Day1 Thrills,Spills and One Stoked Weekend in Baler.
Day2 Dicasalarin Cove
         Things to do in Baler


If you want to visit Baler, here are some information about the packages of Istokewa Surf Tours:

Package inclusions:
• private van transfers (Manila-Baler-Manila)
• overnight lodging (sharing will depend on the number of people in the group and room availability)
• 2 meals
• 2 hours of surfing lessons from Mahdox Surf School (extra lessons available)
• tour of Baler Church, Quezon Park, Museo de Baler, Pasalubong Center
• minimum of 10 per van (bus/coaster might be used if there are at least 35 persons in a trip)
• travel insurance

Package rates:
• Php 3,000 per person (complete package)
• Php 2,650 per person (if with only 1 hour of surfing lessons)
• Php 2,300 per person (if without surfing lessons)

Note:
• minimum of 10 persons per van (a bus might be used if there are at least 35)
• if your group is less than 10, we will try to find other people to complete the group so as to push through with the trip
• half of the payment to be deposited as downpayment (4 weeks before the trip); the other half to be paid upon meet up
• payment is non-refundable but transferable to other individuals (kindly inform us at least one week before the trip); deposits are refundable only if trips are cancelled due to unsafe weather/road conditions or other unforeseen events.

Mobile No: (+63 917) 256-2040 and look for Bart Dumlao
Website: Istokewa Surf Tours on Facebook
E-mail Address: istokewa@yahoo.com



Here is the usual itinerary but you may opt to change it, just asked Bart.

Friday
10:30PM meet up
12:00MN ETD Manila
2:30AM stopover at Cabanatuan

Saturday
6:00-6:30AM ETA Baler; breakfast
8:00AM early check in (if rooms are already available)/surfing lessons/beach time
11:00AM lunch/rest
12:30NN check in
2:00PM surfing lessons/beach time
7:00PM dinner

Sunday
7:00AM breakfast
8:00AM surfing lessons/beach time
11:00AM lunch/rest
12:00NN check out
12:30PM Baler Church, Quezon Park, Museo de Baler, pasalubong center
2:00PM ETD Baler
6:00-6:30PM dinner at Cabanatuan/NLEX
9:00PM ETA Manila


Getting There:
By Car

*You can get to Baler via McArthur Highway and Daang Maharlika, or thru NLEX ( EXIT at Mabalacat toll gate) and SCTEX ( ENTRY at LaPaz, Tarlac toll gate) until you get to Cabanatuan City . From Cabanatuan, take the Nueva Ecija-Aurora highway, passing thru the towns of Talavera , Rizal, and Pantabangan until you reach the Aurora border, then thru the towns of Maria Aurora, San Luis , and finally, Baler. The ride could take about five hours.

By Bus

*Genesis Transport Bus provides the only direct route to Baler from Metro Manila. One way fare costs PhP404. Its terminal is located along EDSA in Cubao, Quezon City. There are three trips a day starting at 4:30 A.M. till 7:30 A.M. The bus ride could take about six hours.

*taken from http://www.balertours.com/how-to-get-to-baler

Baler Accommodations:

Baler

* ALIYA SURF & DIVE RESORT
Contact person: Roy Angara
Contact number: 09297586005
Email add: iracon@yahoo.com
Facebook: aliya surf camp

* AMIHAN APLAYA LODGE
103 Bgy Sabang Baler, Aurora
Contact person: Lina Ferreras
Contact #: 0918-693-5904 / 0918-426-3268 / 0918-632-8566

* AMCO BEACH RESORT
Bgy. Sabang Baler, Aurora
Contact person: Adelaida Miemban
Contact #: 0920-9190590 / 0918-238-3977 / 0909-406-8278

* BAHIA DE BALER II
Brgy. Sabang, baler, Aurora
Contact person: Camille Pedreno
Contact Number: 0916-770-1980 / 0928-687-5424
e-mail : camille@bahiadebaler.com

* BAHIA DE BALER GARDEN RESORT & RESTAURANT I
Bgy. Sabang Baler, Aurora
Contact person: Meryl Kate Almarez
Contact #: 0921-576-5655

* BAY'S INN
Bgy. Sabang Baler, Aurora
Contact Person: Rhoda / Ledda
Contact#: 0908-982-3509 / 0915-607-7391

* CARLITO'S INN
P. T. Ong St., Brgy. Suklayin, Baler, Aurora
Contact Person: Aida Viron
Contact # 0908-872-0816

* CLEMENTE'S RESORT
Sitio Virrey, Bgy.Pingit Baler, Aurora
Contact person: Didith Clemente / My-my Tolecina
Contact #: 0908-558-2470

* ISLA VIRGINIA RESORT
Brgy. Sabang, Baler, Aurora
Contact person: Vida Lungalong
Contact #:0920-755-0467
Manila Line: (02) 994-7157
Email: rachellevidareyes@yahoo.com

* KAHEA'S LODGE
Bgy. Sabang Baler, Aurora
Contact Person: Edwin Namoro
Contact #: 0920-710-2634

* LITTLE GIRL'S SURFER LODGE
Buton St., Brgy, Sabang, Baler, Aurora
Contact Person: Chona Cope
Contact #: 0918-685-9449

* MM LODGE
Bgy. Sabang Baler, Aurora
Contact person: Engr. Andres Marmol
Contact #: 0919-537-9405

* MORENO LODGE & RESTAURANT
Near New Public Market
Bgy. Suklayin Baler, Aurora
Contact Person: Myrna Moreno
Contact #: 0918 4514124/0928 5059354
Email: moreno.lodge@yahoo.com

* NOEL CARL'S GARDEN AND RESORT
Bgy. Suklayin Baler, Aurora
Contact person: Rasy Amatorio
Contact #: 0918-539-3870

* OASIS OF BALER RESORT
Bgy. Sabang Baler, Aurora
Contact Person: Robin Licad / Marvin Licad
Contact #: 0908-567-3537 / 0928-322-2894

* SANCHEZ RESORT
Munting Gasang, Cemento, Baler
Contact Person: Malou Sanchez
Contact #: 0920-812-9998

* SEA BREEZE LODGE
Bgy. Sabang Baler, Aurora
Contact Person: Liwliwa Sanchez

* XTJR TRAVELLER'S INN
Near Old Public Market
Bgy Buhangin Baler, Aurora
Contact Person: Belen Velasco
Contact#: 0919-879-7447

Maria Aurora

* LORENTESS RESORT
Brgy. Ramada, Ma. Aurora, Aurora
Contact person: Teresita delos Trinos
Contact #: 0919-847-9496
Radio Frequency: 159.72

* EL CADJI RESORT
Maria Aurora, Aurora
Contact Person: Meng Dimaandal
Contact #: 0915-703-8920 / 0918-625-0900 / 0920 8302454

Dipaculao

* DINADIAWAN BEACH RESORT
Brgy. Dinadiawan, Dipaculao
Contact Person: Elpidio "PEDZ" Colobong Jr. / Patricia Avenido
Contact #: 0918-925-1542 / 0921-630-9107

* GREENLAND RESORT
Brgy. Lobbot, Dipaculao, Aurora
Contact Person: Catalino Obillo
Contact #: 0939-288-3261

* LEDAN RESORT
Brgy. Lobbot, Dipaculao, Aurora
Contact person: Marlon / Precy Tolentino
Contact #: 0919-808-9118 / 0920-866-8485

* Bay View Blue Beach Resort
Brgy. Dinadiawan, Dipaculao Aurora
Contact Person: Glendora David Esquivel
Contact # 0908-422-5358 / 0929-526-8589

* Rock Sand Beach Resort
Brgy.Dinadiawan,Dipaculao Aurora
Contact Person: Flordeliza Rapisuna
Contact # 0918-515-4907

* Vic - Ann Resort
Brgy. Dinadiawan, Dipaculao, Aurora
Contact Person: Noel Miranda
Contact Person: 0939-619-8450

Casiguran

* BULO LODGING HOUSE
Brgy. Calangcuasan, Casiguran, Aurora
Contact Persons: Baby Esteves / Leo Chavez
Contact #: 0921-538-8018 / 0929-364-8358

* ZAK'S SLEEP AVENUE 24/7
Mabini Extn., Brgy. Lual, Casiguran, Aurora
Contact Person: Dr. Merill Danay
Contact #: 0918-917-7781 / 09209571640

* PEÑA'S LODGING HOUSE
Liwayway st., Casiguran, Aurora
Contact person: Irene
Contact #: 0921-584-0044

* RIVERVIEW LODGING HOUSE
Casiguran, Aurora
Contact Person: Kris
Contact #: 09084123578

* CASAPSAPAN BEACH RESORT
Casapsapan, Casiguran, Aurora
Contact person: Richard Tan
Contact #: 0910-648-6906

* RN AGABAO LODGING HOUSE
Sitio Dangcalan, Brgy. Calangcuasan
Contact person: Richard Agabao
Contact number: 0918-650-7702

Dingalan

* DINGALAN BAY RESORT
Brgy Paltic, Dingalan, Aurora
Contact Person: Eddie Cruz
Contact #: 0920-818-3160

* FIL DANE INN
Gomez St., Poblacion, Dingalan, Aurora
Owner: Evelyn B. Hoffman
Contact #: 0918-418-8483
Contact Person: Raymond Bugarin / Baying Alday
Contact #: 0920-866-2635

* JONATHAN'S PLACE
Brgy. Butas na Bato, Dingalan,
Contact person: Pinky Pascual / Juanito Aguilar
Contact #: 0921-570-5414 / 0921-350-1709

* SAN DIEGO FARMS
Brgy. Matawe, Dingalan
Contact person: John Marquez
Contact #: 0919-525-8431

Dilasag

* RJ'S TRAVELLERS INN
Public Market, Dilasag, Aurora
Contact person: Jaina May Valiente
Contact #: 0919-558-2071

*taken from http://www.aurora.ph/tourist-resorts.html