This fiery sunrise promises a swell time ahead.
Catching waves at Sabang beach in this quaint town of Baler in the province of Aurora was everything I hoped it would be.
Fun. Exciting. Different shades of Blue. Sunshine. Kisses. and more Waves!
My on-again off-again relationship with surfing
I have serious thoughts on surfing ever since I was a kid. But fate didn’t favor me with a surfboard much less a surfing beach while I was growing up. There was nobody for miles who could teach me how to surf. And so, surfing has been shelved somewhere at the bottom of my bucket list.
And then, I landed in Baler. It’s a long story, but the short of it is that someone finally gave in to my constant pestering and agreed to take me surfing.
How to get to Baler?
If you’re not driving, take the Joy Bus.
In fact, I would recommend you ditch your car and just enjoy the scenic route to Baler in this executive coach owned by Genesis transport.
The spacious seat arrangement, the driver, the steward, even the ambiance with its soft lights and music all spelled comfort. The bottled water, biscuit, and warm blanket were an added bonus.
We took the 2:30 am on our way to Baler, and picked the 3:30 pm schedule on our way back to Manila. Traversing the Sierra Madre ranges has to be the highlight on the road to Baler. Though if you’re bound to get dizzy, better take precaution. It’s a 5 and a half hours drive give or take.
The fare is P730 one way. Buy your tickets ahead so you can choose your seat. You can book online at www.iwantseats.com.ph.
Scrapbook Essay about my adventures in Baler
This isn’t a travel guide in Baler.
I haven’t been anywhere there except Sabang Beach and some unknown beautiful spot.
This is a scrapbook essay — is there such a thing? — of our 3-day stay in Sabang Beach, Baler, Aurora.
Surfing, my love
The Rookie and the Pro
I first get acquainted with my board and my instructor at the shore where I had my crash course about surfing.
He went over his mental notes with me about correct positioning on the board. He explicitly showed me where to fall off my board if ever that should happen, which was surely inevitable.
After a quick lesson, he declared me ready to hit the water.
I fell of course, face first. But, I’m not a quitter. A gallon of seawater later, I was finally able to get the hang of it.
Catching my first wave was not an easy feat. But, being able to stand on my board and ride all the way to the shore was beyond thrilling!
The waves that day were perfect for beginners. I think I’ve now mastered the art of paddling out. About the only thing I can execute perfectly, by myself. ha ha. If you ask me, the challenging part is the moment you catch your wave and balance yourself on your board. If it hadn’t been for my instructor, I didn’t have enough confidence yet to do it alone. My instructor knew exactly when to get ready to stand, and I just listened to him, which made my rides long and smooth, if not a bit awkward. I believe surfers call it stoked. It was an exhilarating sensation!
The lesson costs P350 per hour. It comes with a personal instructor and a surfboard.
That moment when you get to stand on your board for the first time in your entire life. I could do this the whole day!
Want to hear about my surfing in Baler the second time around? Read it here Surfing Baler in November
Biking after surfing, game?
There is this place called Charlie’s Point, where the more experienced go to surf. There are of course other areas where their annual surfing competition is held. And another secret spot where those who have a death wish go.
Charlie’s Point is still part of Sabang beach located on its northern end. You can reach it on foot, but I preferred to go there on a bike. After my surfing lessons, my instructor provided us a bike each. We rented it for P100 per hour.
This route along the shore is a bit tricky to navigate. The main road is the one at the back used by public and private vehicles.
We couldn’t stay longer as it was nearly dark. There were locals sitting on the ledge along Sabang beach enjoying the afternoon breeze.
Cliff jumping, what do you say?
My surfing instructor turned guide showed us this spot were locals do cliff jumping.
He said, he normally doesn’t invite tourists in this part of Baler. After climbing those big rocks protruding from the sea, I can clearly see why not. I got a grazed knee for a souvenir while hubby pricked his foot on one of the sharp stones along the path. Glad it didn’t give him any trouble.
You can see this cluster of rocks from Sabang beach. They look like an island next to those mountain ranges.
When we made it to the jumping spot, it was so windy, my instructor forbid me to jump. There’s a greater danger the waves could smash you right onto the rocks below.
Since we couldn’t do cliff jumping, my instructor brought us to this other place, a short motorcycle ride away from those rocks. And it was heavenly!
Coconut vibes, hey!
There are many things I love about Baler. Among them is this white fence extending across almost the entire length of Sabang beach. It gives off a minimalist air to this artsy place.
Baler has one of the warmest and friendliest people I have encountered. We had a most pleasurable stay at Bay-ler View Hotel. When we hung the “Please Make Up My Room” sign outside our door, the lady assigned cleaned our room, thoroughly I must say. She even replenished our bottled water daily. Perhaps the smile did it.
Also, I am not sure if it was an isolated experience, but this famous hotel didn’t charge us for early check-in. Like five hours early. Delightful!
Bay-ler View Hotel’s complimentary breakfast offers a selection of Filipino Silog combinations and Continental options. You can have coffee or juice to go with it. Mind you they have hefty servings, it will definitely last till lunchtime.
Of all the things I love about Baler, nothing beats its surfing culture.
That one tops my list. Surprisingly, there were also foreign tourists roaming about the place. A number of them stayed and dined at the hotel we were staying.
You can certainly take your pick out of the numerous surf schools located along Sabang beach. I think all instructors there pretty much know each other. They have this group called Aurora Surfers.
Wakey-wakey
I really love mornings in Baler. ’nuff said.
Sabang beach has one of the most spectacular sunrise I have ever witnessed. Dahican beach in Mati, Davao Oriental also comes to mind. It’s something you surely don’t wanna miss.
Oh, and one more thing, try their version of coconut sticky rice wrapped in palm leaf. I bought a bunch to take home from one of the many vendors in Sabang beach. Paired with hot choco, it was super yummy!
