Baler Diaries: Rediscovering Baler

Baler Fish Port: 

Not far from Ermita hill you will find the Baler Fish Port. The fish port is situated at the coastline of Cemento beach.  Where small fishing boats docked and unload their fresh catch of salt water fish from their overnight fishing in the Pacific. 

It was already 2:00 o clock in the afternoon when we arrived, that's why we didn't saw any activities in this place. Kaya picture taking na lang at pag-enjoy sa view ang ginawa namin.

The Three Idiots? ehehehe

The panoramic view of Dimadimalangat islet serves as our background from the other side of the fish port.

Kamehameha wave in the fish port

If you're bored and you want to try some exciting activities in Baler Fish Port try these stunts.  :)

Karate Kids

Dimadimalangat Islets:

From the coastline of Sabang beach you can easily recognize this eye-catching rock formation that emerged from the surface water of the Pacific.This dwarfed stone hills is located off shore of Barangay Cemento, Baler. It takes you 5-10 minutes to reach the area from the town proper and 15mins travel by boat. Before the tides start to get high we decided to leaved the Baler Fish Port and drove further to the Dimadimalangat islet. The road going to this place was 100% paved and easily accessible for every traveler. The way towards this place was covered by coconut trees and some  trees.

View From Sabang Beach

This small island serves as a point identifying the southernmost tip of Baler Bay. 

The Tide is High

When we arrived at this place we were very lucky because the small rock formations scattered along the shore were still there. 

Wonderful Rock Formation

Here, black rocks and dead corals line the stretch leading to the islet. A couple of minutes, we noticed that some rocks were being submerged underneath by the sea water. High tide was starting to cover the whole area. 

During low tide, this islet becomes a peninsula, where everyone could walk and wade on these small rocks without getting wet. But be careful as you walk around because the rocks are too sharp.  

Aniao Islets:

This is located off shore of Barangay Zabali and can be accessed by foot from the mainland. 

These twin islets facing the waves of the Pacific ocean at Diguisit bay captured everyone attention because of it's wonderful landscapes. A small resort is situated at this area and for just P20 you can go near the islets. 

For those who want to spend more time on this place there are available cottages for rent along the shoreline. The sand along the beach are composed of small white rocks and dead corals that adds more drama to the shore. 

PAGASA Weather Station:

As we continue our sight seeing adventure along the coastline of Baler we reached the PAGASA weather station. Actually we didn't plan to visit this place. We craved for a little adventure that's why we end up here.  Masyado lang kaming nag-enjoy sa mga nakikita namin kaya ayun. huh! 

The way to this place was the most exciting part. Nobody knows where this road ends. We just follow the steep and narrow trail, I mean it natakot din ako kasi nga one way lang ang daan, paano kung may makasalubong kami? But luckily, we were the only visitor at that time. Not all can handle the trails on going up so better equipped with the right vehicle. When we arrived at the top we were welcomed by the weatherman on duty. He told us to signed up and after that he brought us to the rooftop. 

Baler is located at the mid-eastern part of Luzon where typhoons and seasonal tropical cyclone mostly occur. That is why they built a weather station at this part of Aurora. They regularly monitor the weather conditions around the area for the sake of the Balerians and nearby provinces.

The Pacific Ocean

View from the weather station

Dicasalarin Cove:

The pristine Dicasalarin cove was visible to our sight. The beach was covered by white sands and the water was so clear. There's no resort on this isolated part of Baler that makes this place more natural. 

The stunning beauty of the place creates a magnificent view from the rooftop of the building. The waves were gentle as it reached the white sandy coastline, nakakawala ng pagod. We asked the weatherman if it is possible to go there, and he said yes, they allow visitors but unfortunately the gate going to that beach was locked at that time. Nakuntento na lang kami sa pagtingin mula sa itaas. After that we leaved the place. Thanks to the weatherman on duty.

Special Thanks To:

Mr. Jerico Urbano 

Mr. Edson Sunga

My Itinerary:  

1200-1300 Bay's Inn Restaurant (Lunch Time)

1300-1310 Ermita Hill

1400-1430 Baler Fish Port

1435-1500 Dimadimalangat Islet

1515-1600 PAGASA Weather Station/Dicasalarin Cove

1615-1630 Aniao Islet

1645-2100 Sabang Beach ( playing Frisbee and Dinner at Bay's Inn

Baler Diaries: The Ermita Hill

Edson, Jerico, Fredo and Paquito (The Car)

Panoramic Photo of Baler from Ermita Hill

When Aurora finally attained province hood during the presidency of Ferdinand E. Marcos, the province started to create it's own and unique name in the tourism industry of the Philippines. The town of Baler, as the capital of this province offers so many tourist destinations that you can choose from. These programs open so many opportunities for the local residence of this town. Baler is rich in history, culture and natural landscapes that attracts more visitors every year.

If you enjoyed the surfing lesson in Sabang beach and have a fine dine experience at Bay's Inn restaurant, there's more things to do in the town of Baler that needs to be rediscover.

Ermita Hill:

After that surfing experience at the Sabang beach, we had immediately started our trip by going to the Ermita Park.Ermita hill is located at Brgy. Zabali, Baler and covers an area of about two hectares. Ermita Hill is 6 kilometers away via the Kinalapan-Cemento road. It is about 10 minutes drive from the town proper. The place was so quiet and peaceful. The only thing you can hear was the splashes of the water coming from the ocean. Most of the Balerians and tourist like us, love to hang-out and have picnics in this area. The place has a large ground for outdoor activities and sheds to protect you from the direct heat from the sun. The best thing here is that you can use their facilities for free.

It's nice to be back in this lovely place... ehehe

Summer is the best time to visit this place. When the sky is clear and the sun is present, everything is visible in our naked eyes. From the top of the hill you may see the whole town of Baler. At the easternmost part you will be amazed by the outstanding view of the Pacific Ocean, Dima-dimalangat Islet, and Baler Fish Port.  We were amazed with these eye-catching views of Baler. It is a place where you can directly interact with nature.

Dima-Dimalangat Islet, View from the Hill

View of Baler Fish Port

Since it was my second time to be here, I asked Edson and Sir Jerico if they want to experience the 200+ steps, and they immediately replied with the yes!. This steps adds more exciting to our trip. With the help of our cameras and tripod we captured every moments of our trekking experience. 

More steps to go!

We paused for awhile and took some rest. The place was so very relaxing and the view as we go higher gives different scenic outlook of the places down the hill. I can feel the calmness of the place. Sarap talaga magbakasyon dito, nakakawala ng stress. For nature lover and adventurist, it is the right place for you.

At the Top of The Hill

White Cross awaits for you at the Top

At the end of this trail you will see this big white cross facing at the town of baler. The place was surrounded by trees that create a mini forest view and if you're luckily enough you will see some colorful birds and insects roaming around. Most of the visitors here, specially devoted catholic go here every Holy week. And also, some students and other religious groups conduct their retreat activities here. After some picture taking we decided to descend. 

Tromba Marina Statue

We also visited the Tromba Marina Statue that was found at the foot of the Hill. This wonderful marker reminds every Balerianos about the devastating Tsunami that happened on the 27th of December 1735, according to the Baler's History. This event destroyed and killed many people from the old town of Baler. The Angara family was among those families  that  survived in that event. Other families who survived were the Bihasa, Bitong, Carrasco, Lumasac, and Poblete. Hmmmm... very interesting! Now we know how important this place. Thanks to the local government of Baler, through their efforts and concerns about the place, they always keep the area clean and green. All the facilities around Ermita Hill are well maintained. Thank you Sir/Ma'am... 

Surfing???

It was really a great experience to be in a place that was surrounded by meaningful history and natural landscapes. Ermita Hill promotes good relation between the nature and the human. 

The Ditumabo Falls: Aurora's Mother Falls

My Uncle's House

This blog was part of my 3D2N Aurora Adventure. It was my second time to visit this place, but at this time I'm with my two friend, Sir Jerico and Edson. We want to explored the unspoiled beauty of Ditumabo falls, locally known as The Mother Falls. The Ditumabo falls is located at Brgy. Ditumabo, San Luis, Aurora. This is the main tourist attraction on this place. 

After a long hours of travel from Pampanga to San Luis,Aurora, Finally, at exactly 9:30am, we arrived at my Uncle's house at Brgy. Ditumabo. From there we took some rest and since the weather was not that hot we decided to start our first activity, which is going to the Ditumabo falls.We prepared all the things that we need, like foods, extra shirts and the most important things, our cameras.
I asked my Uncle on how to get there, and he told me that we need to hire a tricycle which cost Php300, good for three person, that will bring us to the hydro power plant, the nearest point where vehicles like tricycle can go.

Sir Jerico and Edson

The way to the falls was not that hard. From Ditumabo bridge, the travel only takes 20 minutes when you ride a van or a tricycle. But if you want to experience a longer time of trekking, you can start walking at the national road(Ditumabo Brigde). Along the way, you may encounter some coconut and pineapple plantations. And When you reach the hydro power plant you need to walk again for almost 30 minutes. Depende sa bilis mo maglakad. But before that, you need to sign in first before going to the falls. Take note foods are not allowed in the falls. You can only eat your foods at the parking area. Only bottled water is allowed.

From here 1.3Km walks going to the Falls

Most of the tourist who come here have their own guides but the three of us decided to go alone. We just follow the flow where the water from the stream coming from, for sure it will end up to the falls. Mas masaya, mas enjoy.

Alay Lakad para sa Ditumabo Falls

The ambience going to the falls was very relaxing. Hindi ka man lang maiinitan dahil sa kapal ng mga punong tumatakip sa daan. 

Exotic flora and lush vegetation

The rich ecosystem of Mt. Danayag contributes to the natural beauty of the place. There are some wild plants like orchids that will attract you along the way. The terrain going to the falls was very challenging because you need to pass through huge boulders, towering trees, numbers of waterfalls and cross a stream with a strong current.

Nice smile ni Batangkapampangan..hehehe

No uphill climb, it just an ordinary walk. May konting paakyat pero di ganun katarik. This trekking experience adds more thrill in our Adventure.

Di kinaya ng havaiannas

Young Mountaineers

We stepped in some huge boulders and passed this small stream. The current of the water flowing to the stream is strong and there are some areas that are very slippery, so be careful as you pass this stream.

On our way, we started to feel the cold temperature as we get closer to the mountain. And when we reached the concrete pathway at the side of big rock formation, we were welcomed by this small waterfalls.

The water coming from the top was so clean

The place was like a land of fairies, masyadong tahimik at ang maririnig mo lang ay ang lagaslas ng tubig buhat sa talon at mga huni ng ibon sa paligid. Some old and towering hardwood were still visible in this place. Feeling ko tuloy isa akong Avatar ehehe... It was really majestic. From here, I can feel the mist touches my skin. so cold...

Picture taking muna....

A few feet away you will find the Ditumabo falls. Para kaming na starstruck sa ganda ng falls, wow!!! This 140ft. waterfalls really deserves to be named as The Mother Falls here in Aurora.The water was icy cold and clear. Add to that, the mosses attached at the walls of the mountains enhanced the natural beauty of the place.

The Mother Falls

Sa aking pagkakatayo sa harap ng falls, I can feel its power. It leaves the feeling of totally rejuvenated. whoooohoooo! sarap mag-swimming! This place was really worth it to visit. Sulit lahat ng pagod at haba ng biyahe.

When we reached the falls we found out that we're not the only visitors in the place.We met some local tourist from Manila. And by that time the rain starts to fall. Na lalong nagpalamig sa aming pakiramdam. We dived, we laughed and we enjoyed. We were like kids playing around. The basin was so wide. We have enough space to swim around. 

Meditation: It's more fun in Ditumabo

APEC Boys sa Ditumabo Falls

Thanks to Sir Jerico's water resistant camera and to my tripod for giving us these nice shots near the falls. Mahirap kasi pag DSLR gagamitin mo masisira lang dahil sa mga water droplets na galing sa falls.

The unspoiled nature of Ditumabo falls is really a breathtaking experience that everyone should see. The falls is surrounded by huge cliffs and covered by lush vegetations and mosses that makes it more attractive to many tourist like me.This kind of place really deserves to be properly and orderly manage by the local government of Ditumabo. Thanks to the Kalalakihang Katuwang sa Kaunlaran ng Ditumabo (KKKD) for protecting this place. 

Sa Uulitin guys...

And after a couple of  hour, we changed clothes and packed-up all things. It's time to leaved The Mother falls. I will miss this place when I go back to Pampanga. Sana makabalik ulit kami dito. Mas marami mas masaya!