Baler Things to Do

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Remember when you're a kid during a field trip? that's exactly how I felt when we went to Museo De Baler. The Museum has two floors, on the ground floor, Get to see the old school Baler from the artifacts that they have displayed in the museum plus uncover the history of Baler from the murals that they have attached on their walls. The second floor showcases the trophies and customes from the Movie "Baler" and some selected paintings.

Outside the museum, enjoy the lush gardens that envelopes the whole area, plently of trees and shades there. You'll appreciate the carvings that are attached on the museum's wall. You could also get your picture taken at Gen. Mac Arthur's car and at the large nipa hut.

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The first thing that I noticed about this church is how compared to other churches in the country, this one is quite simple. Later I found out that it was actually renovated and relocated because the actual church was destroyed by a tidal wave. Also, I also found out that there were graves underneath this church.

The second thing that I noticed is the footprints facing away from the church. According to history, this is to commemorate the uprising of the people of Baler where they walked from the Church to Manila. They are fighting for the immediate action of the government regarding the sickness that is spreading in Baler at that time. You could actually see this footprints all over Baler.

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If you'd like to see some local art in Baler, it is a must to visit Aurora Aragon's house. This renovated ancestral house of the late President Manuel Quezon's wife houses some of the local paintings, it also houses that late President's car outside it's backyard.

You'd like the charming look of the house especially on how it is standing on stilts.

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Lukso-Lukso islet is a long stretch of rock formations along south of Sabang beach. Marvel at the stunning rock formations of the islet. We were lucky enough to visit there during low tide so were able to walk up to the large rocks and take our pictures...

During high tide, this place is ideal for diving and snorkeling.

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Ermita Hill is the tallest peak in Baler. According to locals, it was where the residents of Baler took refuge when a tsunami hit the place. At the foot of the hill you will see the statues depicting the said event.

If you'd like to see the picturesque view of Sabang beach, this is the best place to go to. I would suggest that you hike the place instead of driving to it to fully appreciate the fresh air and the view of Baler.

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The friendly staff of Museo de Baler welcomed us the second time we went there. There were few guests that day. I asked permission to take some pictures, and they gladly obliged.

When we went there, there was no entrance fee yet; we just had to drop any amount into their donation box.

Aside from the genuine relics on display (like the original bells of old Baler Church and a human skeleton found in a prehistoric burial site), the museum also serves as repository of the "props" and costumes used in the filming of much-acclaimed movie "Baler". It is amusing to note that young guests at the museum looked at the costumes of the leading actor and actress of the movie "Baler" with more interest than the ancient relics.

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Having read about the miraculous cross at Ermita Hill, I wanted to go there. So when I saw the towering white cross and the big "Maligayang Pasko" (Merry Christmas) greeting on the hillside from our resort in Sabang Beach, all the more I looked forward to going there.

Since we took a tricycle going to Ermita Hill, we had no choice but to go up through the 136 stairs. Actually, I counted 120, but I could have missed some steps as I gasped for breath. The sweeper at the park insisted it was 136 steps. It was a tedious climb for my osteoporotic knees and thigh bones (I'll write a separate warning tip on this) but it was all worth the pain.

As you climb the stairs, you can already see the bay, and when you finally reach the viewdeck from the chapel, you'll be reinvigorated by the panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean, Baler Bay, Baler town, Sabang Beach & delta, and Dimadimalangat islet.

There are picnic cottages on the hill, but what people usually go there for is the miraculous corss and chapel. Alas, my legs ached so badly, I couldn't climb up to the cross anymore so I just prayed at the chapel. The chapel site is said to be Old Baler's watchpoint. With the bell tower's excellent vantage point, the people of Baler were warned of raiding pirates (moros).

Note: If you hire a car/jeep/van, it can actuallly bring you up to the park where the chapel is.

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Baler Coastal Side Tour
On our first night, I showed our landlady for our four-day stay at Homestay Inn the list of places we wanted to visit. She said that apparently most of the places in our itinerary is just along one road. She offered to arrange our transportation for our tour. We hired a tricycle for Php500 to take us to our Coastal Side Tour of Baler.

First stop was Ermita Hill/Park (our driver took us directly to Tromba Marina Sculpture, until another driver asked him if we already saw the Ermita Park, and he said "no". it was only then our driver decided to show us the Ermita Park. Beware of these drivers!) We explored the zoo, took pictures at the viewing deck, prayed at the chapel, see the secret tunnel (it has a marker, visible from the chapel) and went down to see the Tromba Marina sculpture.

Next stop was the Baler Fishport then off to Diguisit Falls. We drove to Lukso-Lukso Islets, and checking our list, I asked him about the other places. He hesitantly drove us to Diguisit Beach, then to Aniao Islets, and last stop was the Cemento Beach. We treated him to lunch at the Carinderia (despite his efforts not to show us the other places) near the Bus Terminal, and gave him Php120 as tip. I was disappointed that we only drove past Diguisit Beach and I was not able to see Dimadimalangat Beach too.

Oh well. Lesson learned.

P.S. We explored Sabang Beach in the afternoon. FYI, Lindy's Point is at the south end of Sabang Beach and Charlie's Point is at the north end. Charlie's Point is where the tricycles are all parked, and Lindy's Point is at the far end. It has a lighthouse tower-like structure to signify the "point". We had dinner at Ram's Tapsilog near the hospital (just take a trike and ask to be taken there).

I suggest hire a tricycle and be specific with your requests. I recommend that you visit these places in this order: ermita hill, tromba marina, diguisit falls, cemento beach, aniao islets, diguisit beach, and last but not the least lukso lukso islets.