A place that tells the history of Baler, Aurora from its foundation up to its liberation. Several artifacts that shows the three centuries occupation and colonization of the Philippines by the Spaniards. Museo de Baler houses important pieces and traces of the past that symbolizes the resilience and nationalism of Baler and the Filipinos.

Entrance Fee: Php 30.00 (keep the ticket to earn free pass at Doña Aurora Quezon Ancestral Home)

Activities: Learning, Rembrandt Selfies

Distance: 11 minutes’ walk from the hotel at 950 meters.

2. Baler Church & Icon

Located in Poblacion, Baler, Aurora, this Catholic Church performs a lot in the conquest of Filipino revolutionist against Spaniards. Built in 1611, it was a major site during the Siege of Baler back in 1898 – 1899. A Filipino movie “Baler” starring Jericho Rosales and Anne Curtis depicts the history of the town and how Filipinos won the battle and liberate Baler from the Spaniards.

Entrance Fee: None

Activities: Attend the mass

Distance: 11 minutes’ walk from the hotel at 950 meters.

3. Doña Aurora Quezon Ancestral Home

Known as the wife of the late President of the Philippines, Manuel L. Quezon [1935-1944]. Doña Aurora is a well-loved figure in Philippine History for her dedication to women’s right and humanitarian involvements and served as the first Chairperson of the Philippine Red Cross. Her undying heart for Filipinos earned her a lot of recognition and respect from local and international accolades. The house, a “Bahay Kubo” is a representation of her simplicity and beauty that stands over the years though this is just a replicate version. Traveling going to Baler to commemorate the official opening of hospital named after late husband Manuel L. Quezon, she died in Massacre with her daughter five years after her husband died.

Entrance Fee: Ticket from Museo de Baler serves as the entry pass

Activities: Getting to know more about Aurora Quezon in this simple abode

Distance: 11 minutes’ walk from the hotel at 950 meters.


Beaches, Rock Formations, Falls

This place reminds me of Valugan Boulder Beach in Noth Batan, Batanes. Its rocky coastline resembles the boulders and its rock formation conveyed a diverse scenery that smoothen by the waves over time. Not a typical beach but you can still enjoy the view. A sunrise here was once a beautiful experience that perfectly matches the rocky landscape of Ampere Beach.

Entrance Fee: None

Activities: Swimming if low tide, sunrise viewing

Distance: 26 minutes’ drive from the downtown via Baler-Casiguran Road at 20.1 kilometers.

5. Dicasalarin Cove

Owned by the prominent Angara family, Dicasalarin Cove is a majestic secret paradise. Its isolated location is a perfect getaway for anyone who wants to enjoy a piece of nature – white beach, calm turquoise water, lush mountains and cliffs. Cottages are up for rent by the bay.

Entrance Fee: Php 300.00 for walk-in and Php 100.00 if you are a guest of Costa Pacifica, a prime resort also owned by the Angaras. Php 50.00 car parking.

Activities: Swimming and hiking at the lighthouse to get a 360 view

Distance: 31 minutes’ drive from the downtown at 15.9 kilometers.

6. Diguisit Beach & Rock Formations

Sands are not fine (actually, it’s a bit rocky) and waves are not strong but the serenity and tranquility will surely captivates you. Aniao Rock Formations and Diguisit Islets lay around the shore that adds more excitement and picturesque view in Diguisit Beach.

Entrance Fee: Depends on the resort but we took the free entrance right there at Diguisit Falls

Activities: Swimming

Distance: 19 minutes’ drive from the downtown at 10.6 kilometers.

7. Diguisit Falls

Diguisit Waterfalls is a landmark worth to visit. Waters coming from the mountaintop and perfectly located just beside the road across the Diguisit Beach. You can trek for 2-3 minutes and reach its chamber. Water is cold but too shallow for swimming. I remember someone passed by and poured that tumbler with water. Out of curiosity, I tasted it; it is cold and sweet.

Entrance Fee: None

Activities: Hike 2-3 minutes

Distance: 19 minutes’ drive from the downtown at 10.6 kilometers.

8. Sabang Beach

Enjoy Baler’s wavy coastlines with fine volcanic black sand and cold breeze from the Philippine Sea. Some hotels and resorts including restaurants and pubs are facing the infamous spot that is why it is one of the crowded place in Baler, morning and at night.  

Entrance Fee: None

Activities: Swimming, Surfing (Php 300-400.00) + Instructor Guide

Old and striking Balete Tree (Millennium Tree) is a 600 years old tree standing in Maria Aurora, a town next to Baler. Famous in Filipino folklore, Balete is the house of mythical and supernatural creatures dwelling with powers that can harm normal people. Surviving over 6 centuries and still growing, Balete tree now stands as high as five-story building. Rumor has it that the tree is the largest and the oldest of its kind in Asia though not yet verified.

Entrance Fee: Php 10.00

Activities: Picture taking

Distance: 18 minutes’ drive from Baler downtown at 12.7 kilometers.

10. Hanging Bridge

A steel-cable footbridge located just along Zabali Road and hanging over Tibag-Sabang River. It has been done major repairs due to frequent damaged during heavy typhoons. Though it isn’t intended for tourist’s attractions, Baler Hanging Bridge develops huge market due to its perfect location and view which made it popular. Today, souvenir’s shop are nestled around the area.

Entrance Fee: None

Activities: Picture taking

Distance: 7 minutes’ drive from Baler downtown at 1.7 kilometers.


To complete our Baler, Aurora experience, see below vlog courtesy of my dear friend, Kim Arceno.
You can follow her very own Youtube Channel @AllAboutKim.