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BALER

Baler, officially the Municipality of Baleris a municipality and capital of the province of Aurora, Philippines. According to the 2015 census, it has a population of 39,562 people.

Baler is located 231 kilometres (144 mi) north-east of Manila via a mountain pass accessible by bus and private vehicle. It is host to spectacular geographic formations and is situated on a vast plain at the south end of Baler Bay, a contiguous segment of the Philippine Sea.

It became the capital of Aurora on 14 June 1951 under epublic Act No. 648 signed by President Elpidio Quirino . It remained the seat of government of Aurora on 21 November 1978 under Batas Pambansa Blg. 7signed by President Ferdinand Marcos.

Tourist Spots

1. Ballete Tree/Millenium Tree

Balete Park is best known for the Millennium Tree — the biggest Balete tree in Asia. With a height of 215 feet and a diameter of close to 200 feet, the tree is one of most visited Baler tourist spots for its majesty. According to reports, it requires over 60 grown men, arm-to-arm, to circle the trunk of the tree.

2. Sabang Beach

Sabang Beach is one of the most visited Baler tourist spots for its sand and waves. Known by some as the birthplace of surfing in the country, it boasts of waves reaching up to 14ft during peak surfing season.

Sabang Beach runs over two-kilometers of gray sandy beach with several resorts and guesthouses offering lodging. Bars and restaurants also line the area.

3. Museo De Baler

Baler is a significant part not only of Philippine history but also of the world. And at Museo de Baler you’ll learn how important this town is.

Built in 2002, the museum features exhibits that showcase the over 400-year history of the Aurora municipality. Artifacts, art pieces, and documents dating back to the Spanish era are housed in the museum.

4. Ermita Hill

If you want to appreciate the beauty of Aurora province, then head on up to Ermita Hill. The two-hectare area provides a scenic view of the Pacific Ocean, Casiguran Bay, Sabang Beach, Dimadimalangat Islets and the towns of Aurora. But Ermita Hill isn’t just a view deck, it also has a historical significance to the province.

Back in the 18th century, a tsunami hit the town of Baler wiping out the area. Survivors of the disaster were said to have climbed the Ermita Hill, seeking refuge. A statue at the bottom of the hill commemorates this historic event.

5. Baler Town Plaza

The town plaza is the center of everything in Baler. Huge standees that spell out “Baler” welcome tourists to the Aurora municipality, while the 400 years monument stands in the middle as a reminder of the historic 400 years of Baler.

From the center, you can see several of focal Baler tourist spots — all within walking distance. Several monuments and statues also pay homage to heroes and historic events of the country.

6. Ditumabo Falls

Known as the Mother Falls, Ditumabo Falls is the biggest one in Baler. It offers clear blue waters falling from a height of 140ft. The adventurous ones can dive off one of the lower cliffs straight into the cool waters.

7. Dona Aurora’s House

Dona Aurora is a pillar in Aurora’s history, so much so that the province was named after her. The wife of late President Manuel L. Quezon has been revered by locals for her commitment to goodwill and humanitarian efforts.

She was the first ever chairman of Red Cross, and as first lady, helped build learning centers. To celebrate her life, her ancestral home has been turned into a heritage site.

8. Diguisit Falls

Waterfalls are always breathtaking. Moreso, if it’s a three-level cascading waterfall. The multi-level body of water is found in Baler, right beside the highway.

A complete nature adventure, to get to the second and third tiers, you have to do a short trek. A mini pool can also be found on the top level of the Diguisit Falls, perfect for swimming in the cool, fresh waters.

9. Dicasalarin Cove

The white sand and blue waters are what attracts tourists to this paradise in Baler. Dicasalarin Cove is privately owned by the Angara family but is open to those who want to visit at daytime. The white sand beach, rock formations, and clear blue waters reflect the mountains that surround the area.

10. Baler Catholic Church

Also known as San Luis Obispo de Tolosa Parish, the most iconic tourist spot in town. The Baler Catholic Church serves to be a testament to the strength of Baler and its locals. The subject of the 2008 movie “Baler”, the church was the site of the Siege of Baler wherein 54 Spanish soldiers refused to surrender to the Americans even after the war ended.

Dubbed as the “Last Spanish Garrison”, the rebels took refuge in the church for close to a year, before raising the white flag in 1899 after suffering from starvation and disease.