Anyone seeking a Baler, Aurora hotel accommodation, such as Costa Pacifica,
has only one thing in mind: surfing. It is a given. For any sensible
surfer, trooping to the birthplace of Philippine surfing to get intimate
with its bounty of 9-foot waves is automatic. Made popular by the 1979
film Apocalypse Now, the break here has retained its allure that is too
hard to resist from then until now.
From Manila, it
takes a bit of a drive, around 6 hours by land, but it is not the least a
burden. The drive is a thrill for the senses, with beautiful views of
Crayola-green rainforests and generous coasts, the trance occasionally
broken by bumpy roads. Commuting is simple enough, with buses from the
metro heading to Baler daily. It costs around PHP450.
Surfing
throughout the year is possible in the beach break here, but the best
time of the year to enjoy the north swell is from October to April, with
the waves at peak quality and size in December to January. Expect the
left-to-right break direction to be very consistent, with regular wave
quality. Surf schools and board rentals are available within the
vicinity, too, perfect for beginners to give surfing a shot.
Various surf spots to visit in Baler include:
Sabang Beach
– Beginners and novices spend time here, practicing with the small to
medium waves found in the area. Its vast expanse of gray coast is also
great for sunbathers.
Cemento Beach – For those
seeking large, clean, and good quality waves, this is the place to go.
Marked by its strong right hand reef break, Cemento Beach is a haven for
advanced surfers. Most of the local surf contests are held here. Make
sure you take your wetsuit!
Lindy’s Point – An
interesting break, this one is considered manmade. As a method of flood
control, the local government engineers opened the mouth of Baler Bay to
the town river, accidentally creating Lindy's Point. It is an advanced
surf spot with tall, strong, and sharp waves. It is clearly one of those
occasions when mistakes turn out to be truly great.
Charlie’s Point
– This is where the crew of Apocalypse Now minted Baler as a prime surf
destination. It is a good choice for all levels of surfers, featuring
regular swells of medium quality and size that can break both left and
right. But probably the best part is it is walking distance from the
town proper so if you are staying somewhere like Costa Pacifica, you can just get up and go and hit the water first thing in the morning.
Showing posts with label costa pacifica. Show all posts
Showing posts with label costa pacifica. Show all posts
Monday, April 28, 2014
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Why Baler, Aurora is Not All About Surfing
When
Filipinos talk about local surf spots, they always mention Baler,
Aurora. And who wouldn't? A few steps from Costa Pacifica Hotel and the
white sands of Sabang Beach is Mahdox Surf School, the town's first
surfing institution where a lot of tourists have visited to learn all
the basics.
Though surfing is the main attraction in Aurora, this Philippine province has so much more to offer. These include some amazing natural wonders, a museum that offers a trip back in time, and the giant Millennium Tree.
Ditumabo Falls
San Luis, a small village located a few kilometers from the shores of Baler, offers a different kind of water spectacle with the Ditumabo Falls. This amazing site can only be accessed by passing through several wooden footbridges and following a trail of footpaths. Most locals say that it only takes 20 minutes to get there from San Luis' highway, but tourists often disagree. Nevertheless, the beautiful view on the way to the falls is breathtaking.
Dicasalarin Cove
Since the white sand coastline of Baler is commonly flocked by surfers, why not visit Dicasalarin Cove. This secret haven is reachable in around 20 minutes from Sabang Beach. There you can laze around and soak in a magnificent view of quiet blue waters. Going there isn't as easy, however, because the trip entails passing through a long road of zigzags and uphills. Better bring a 4x4 vehicle or rent one.
Museo de Baler
As rich as the town's blue waters is Museo de Baler, home of historical artifacts that date back to the Spanish Colonial period. Some of the items displayed are earthenware from Chinese merchants, a Latin Breviary, a book of Catholic liturgical rites, and a photo exhibit of the 17th century Spanish galleon trade. One of the museum's highlights is the restored presidential vehicle of the late President Manuel Quezon.
Millennium Tree
If it's your first time to explore the attractions in Baler, then you have to ask the kind locals in your Baler hotel or at the place your staying where the Millennium Tree is. They can surely give the exact directions to the place. But listen carefully to their stories afterward because this is no ordinary tree; it's an enormous Balete tree about 200 feet high and 49 feet wide. Balete is an infamous figure in traditional folklore because it is believed to be the dwelling place of dwarves, supernatural beings, and other tree-dwelling creatures.
Cozy accommodations in Baler like the Costa Pacifica Hotel can get you closer to these attractions. Include these gems in your itinerary to experience the different side of Baler.
Though surfing is the main attraction in Aurora, this Philippine province has so much more to offer. These include some amazing natural wonders, a museum that offers a trip back in time, and the giant Millennium Tree.
Ditumabo Falls
San Luis, a small village located a few kilometers from the shores of Baler, offers a different kind of water spectacle with the Ditumabo Falls. This amazing site can only be accessed by passing through several wooden footbridges and following a trail of footpaths. Most locals say that it only takes 20 minutes to get there from San Luis' highway, but tourists often disagree. Nevertheless, the beautiful view on the way to the falls is breathtaking.
Dicasalarin Cove
Since the white sand coastline of Baler is commonly flocked by surfers, why not visit Dicasalarin Cove. This secret haven is reachable in around 20 minutes from Sabang Beach. There you can laze around and soak in a magnificent view of quiet blue waters. Going there isn't as easy, however, because the trip entails passing through a long road of zigzags and uphills. Better bring a 4x4 vehicle or rent one.
Museo de Baler
As rich as the town's blue waters is Museo de Baler, home of historical artifacts that date back to the Spanish Colonial period. Some of the items displayed are earthenware from Chinese merchants, a Latin Breviary, a book of Catholic liturgical rites, and a photo exhibit of the 17th century Spanish galleon trade. One of the museum's highlights is the restored presidential vehicle of the late President Manuel Quezon.
Millennium Tree
If it's your first time to explore the attractions in Baler, then you have to ask the kind locals in your Baler hotel or at the place your staying where the Millennium Tree is. They can surely give the exact directions to the place. But listen carefully to their stories afterward because this is no ordinary tree; it's an enormous Balete tree about 200 feet high and 49 feet wide. Balete is an infamous figure in traditional folklore because it is believed to be the dwelling place of dwarves, supernatural beings, and other tree-dwelling creatures.
Cozy accommodations in Baler like the Costa Pacifica Hotel can get you closer to these attractions. Include these gems in your itinerary to experience the different side of Baler.
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