*THIS IS A LATE POST. I saw it in my drafts and decided to finish it anyway. Lol. The trip was around April 9, 2010. 3 months ago. Lol.
I have loved Baler ever since I went there last 2006. Ever since, I kept coming back at least once a year (at most 3 times). Considering the number of times I’ve been there, I haven’t explored it thoroughly.
I’ve been trying to remember the number of times I’ve been to Baler. If I remember correctly (also based on my pictures) I’ve been there once in 2006, then 2009 and then 2010 (hoping to go back there this year) and thrice last 2008 (Best birthday evar!!!!). Almost every year, I find something new about the place. Something that captivates me. I usually go to Baler with the Girls except last year where I went there with the Kids.
My favorite place so far is Dibulalan. Last time I was there was 2 years ago. A Baler friend told us that it’s privatized right now so I’m not really sure how it looks, or if it’s still the same.
If Joy’s element is the mountains, mine’s the beach. Best way to relax and unwind.
This year, I went there with some of the members of El Burito (our frisbee team). Some of them were instructors in the frisbee clinic Travel Factor organized. I was actually hesitant at first, but I’m really glad I went. It was my first time to go out of town with some of them so it was quite a new Baler experience for me. Yay for new friends or renewed/revitalized friendships.
Latest Baler discovery was the Mother Falls. Last time we attempted to go there (birthday trip), we were attacked by bees. I tried to go there again this time, facing my fears. Lol. Oh, funny thing, the tricycle drivers remembered the incident and they kept on scaring me on the way to the falls.
After a 30 minute trike ride, and around 10 to 15 minute trek, we finally arrived!
It looks better than the pictures. Promise! The water was clear and refreshing. I loved every minute we stayed there.”Parang bagong ligo lang” was our impression after. When we arrived there were only a few people. It was around 3-5 groups (including ours). We left just in time because a lot of groups are finding their own spots.
We also discovered new eating place (we always eat at Bay’s Inn before). It’s sort of a chinese restaurant without dumplings and siopao. It’s called Jerry’s. I love their “salt and pepper chicken” and “spicy pork tausi”. Service is kinda slow though. But heck, it’s cheaper than Bay’s Inn.
Anyway, I haven’t gotten tired of going to Baler. I still have a lot to discover. Also, I want to explore Aurora (I want to go to Casiguran). I know it’s selfish, but I just hope it wouldn’t be as commercialized as Boracay or at least tourists would take care of her.
—–
Since some of my friends are asking me how much is the budget for a Baler trip, I tried listing them down (I’m poor at organization and planning, so I’m sorry). If anybody is interested in itineraries or activities to do there, they could refer to my past posts or links about it (too lazy to rethink).
Budget:
- 800 – Transpo round trip. (per person) You could opt to take the bus straight to Baler (ETA 4AM, ETD 12nn), or bus to cabanatuan then bus or van to Baler (ETD 1AM, ETA 9AM)
- 500 – Fan rooms for 3-4 at Kahea’s lodge. Water smells icky though, but the rooms and the prices are ok. Try Bays Inn if you want something more comfy. Aircon rooms at Bays Inn I think goes up to 1200. I’m not sure. We also rented a house last year that costs 1500, 2BR (1 has AC the other one is a fan room), water smells icky too, but heck, it’s cheap and far from the surfing site making it seem like we’re the only people at the beach.
- 100-250 per meal. Service kinda slow(Both at Jerry’s and Bays Inn, I think they complete the order first before they serve it), so better order early especially if you’re in large group. Try the rolling store also. Will try eating there the next time I go there.
- 300-400 per trike when going to the Mother Falls. If you know any jeepney’s for hire there, kindly tell me.
- 400 – surf board with instructor. I think this is for four hours.
- I forgot how much it costs to rent a boat.
*photos taken using the camera of Jun or Patrick.
Missed 6 songs. We we’re looking for a parking space around the 7th song. So ayun, medyo bitin. Hate the fact that they’ve sang some of my favorite songs during the first 6. Also that they did not sing “The Best Deception”. But all in all I enjoyed it. The band was amazing live. He’s as whiny live as he is in their records (and that’s a good thing), the riffs and drum beats were in sync (as if may alam ako?), the acoustics of the erm parking lot was great, etc. It’s like the 3EB concert, only it’s Dashboard Confessional.
