Baler, Aurora | Surf and Explore

The people I met in the Cu Chi Tunnel Tour in Vietnam invited me in Baler, Aurora to surf. And who am I to decline? Haha!

Baler, the capital of Aurora is known for its beach as one of the surfer's paradise in the country. It is about 230 kilometers northeast of Manila and can be reached via bus or private vehicle. The surfing scene from the movie 'Apocalypse' was filmed here. Once finished, the crew left their surfboards to the locals, triggering the popularity of surfing. There are also tourist spots in Baler and on the nearby towns which will be featured in this post.

How to get to Baler, Aurora:

1. Via private car. Enter North Luzon Expressway. Take the Sta. Rita exit. Pass through the towns of Baliuag, San Ildefonso, San Miguel, Gapan, then Cabanatuan. There are 2 routes to get to Baler - the Pantabangan and Bongabon routes. I highly recommend to take the Pantabangan route where the road is better and safer. Bongabon route will take you to the rough, narrow, steep and zigzagging roads. From Cabanatuan City, take the Maharlika Highway and pass through the towns of Talavera, Rizal, then Pantabangan until you reach the Aurora border. Pass through the towns of Maria Aurora, San Luis, then Baler. Travel duration is 5-6 hours.
2. Via bus. Genesis Transport Bus in Cubao has a direct route to Baler. They have 2 types of bus.

• Regular Air Conditioned Bus. The first trip is 3AM with 1 hour interval and last trip is 7:30AM. To make sure, call their hotline for the updated trip schedule. Fare is P404 and estimated travel duration is 6 hours.
• The executive coach JoyBus. It has an onboard comfort room, blankets and pillows. Fare is P695 and travel duration is 5 hours. Trips are limited so better reserve your seats via http://www.iwantseats.com.ph/.

In our case, we rented a van for P14, 000. Not bad for a group of 10 since we also used it during the tour, instead of renting 3-4 tricycles that costs P800/tricycle good for 3 pax. We just hired a tour guide and paid him P500.

Saturday, May 3, 2014

This marked my 3rd province on a 3-consecutive-week trip (after Batanes and Talipanan Beach in Oriental Mindoro).

It was past midnight when husband and I arrived at our meeting place in EDSA Cubao. Tops and his cousins - Michelle, Espie and Vans were already there, while Karen, Arcy, Aljoy and Maya arrived around 12:30 AM.

I was sleeping most of the time, but I’m certain that we took the Bongabon route since the road was really scary – unpaved, no homes, nor establishment, nor street lights and the possibility of a landslide.  It was a 7-hour-butt-numbing ride before we reached the town of Baler.

If you are on a tight budget, there are lots of transients or homestays at Sabang Beach. For those who happened to go to Baler during summer and most of the cheap accommodations were fully-booked, then you may want to check out Baywalk Tent City and Cottages.

We booked their 'mini dorm' that is good for 10 pax for P2000. The owner said that the maximum capacity is 20 (I doubt it would fit since it only has 5 double decks) and additional P200/pax in excess of 10. It only has 2 stand fans and you'll be using the communal toilet and bath. For travelers who are not choosy, then Baywalk Tent is fine. You can bring your own tent and set it up here for P100/pax or rent theirs for P150/pax.

Dorm-type accommodation in Baywalk Tent City & Cottages

Tip: If you are going to Baler during summer, make sure to book your bus tickets and secure your accommodation at least a month before the trip.

Check-in time in Baywalk Tent City is noon, so we return to the central town for breakfast. There are several rolling stores to choose from. We just settled on the one with available seats for a group of 10.  I spent P50 for my breakfast. The food was ok, just don't expect too much.

Karen and the rest of the group plan to take a rest in the morning, surf on the afternoon, then city tour on the following day or before going back to Manila. I changed mine so I can make full use of my time. During the 1st day, I plan to visit Dicasalarin Cove first, then proceed with the countryside tour, and lastly, spend the remaining hours in Ditumabo Falls, while I allot Sunday morning for surfing.

Together with my husband, I met our tricycle / tour guide after breakfast. We’re discussing my itinerary and almost ready to leave when Karen approached me and asked us to just join them on the tour.  They changed their itinerary since they cannot go back to Baywalk Tent City to check-in until noon. A local (itago na lang natin sya sa pangalang Kuya Erick) approached them and volunteered to be the tour guide. I didn’t have the second thought of joining them, remembering how cool these people are, plus, the convenience of touring Baler in an air conditioned van.

At 8:30 AM, we were on our way to Ditumabo Falls in the town of San Luis. I’m not sure how much they paid for the van parking fee. 

If you were not on your trekking outfit, you may want to change on the available restrooms near the parking area. Just pay P5.

Ditumabo or Mother Falls is one of the main attractions in the province of Aurora. You'll encounter river trail, streams to cross, lush vegetation, wooden footbridge, boulders, and small waterfalls. Depending on your pace, you can reach mother malls after 30-40 minutes.

let the trek begin

oh so cooooold

1st mini-falls

one-way traffic

2nd mini falls

Ditumabo Falls

After enjoying the cold water of Ditumabo Falls, we headed back to the town for lunch. Most of the eateries including the famous eat-all-you can Gerry Shan’s Place were either full or no more rice to serve, so we ended up in Yollie’s, just beside Gerry Shan’s. We had their yummy bulalo for P450 good for 4pax.

Our next stop was in Balete Park & Millenium Tree in the town of Maria Aurora where the 600-year-old balete tree and said to be the largest tree of its kind in Asia resides.

The 600-year-old Balete Tree

Next on the list - Aniao Islets.

We stopped by at Ermita Hill. Here, you can find sculptures portraying the people who went up Ermita Hill to escape the tsunami. They made it as their temporary community and called it 'Kinagunasan', meaning 'the place of devastation'.

My travel buddies were already tired and sleepy, so after Ermita Hill, the group decided to go back to Baywalk Tent City. Time check, 3:30 PM.

We still haven’t visited Dicasalarin Cove, Diguisit Falls, Dona Aurora-Aragon House and Baler Museum. I asked our tour guide (Kuya Erick) to pick us up on the following morning for a trip to Dicasalarin Cove. We agreed on the price of P400 for motorcycle rental and guide fee.  After that, husband and I ride a tricycle going to the plaza.

Our first stop was the Dona Aurora-Aragon House. The house was re-build in the honor of Dona Aurora, wife of the late President Manuel L. Quezon.

Doña Aurora Aragon House

Doña Aurora Aragon House

Just across Dona Aurora-Aragon House is the Baler Church, built through the initiative of Dona Aurora.

Baler Church

Not far from Baler Church is the Quezon Memorial Park and Baler Museum.

Quezon Memorial Park

Baler Museum

It was just 5PM when we finished the tour and headed back to Baywalk Tent City. Most of my travel buddies were sleeping so we spent our time watching people surf.

huli ka Soya (my officemate)! andito ka din pala!!!

At 7:30 PM, we started looking for a place to dine and ended up in Yellow Fin Bar and Grill – the awful experience we had in Baler. They have great food and cozy ambiance, but, the worst customer service I encountered so far. We waited for more than an hour for our food to be served. Oops!  I forgot....They didn't serve our food. We waited for them to finish the grilling and served it ourselves.

Sunday, May 4, 2014

It was 6:20 AM when I started to call and text Kuya Erick. While waiting for him, I went to Costa Pacifica, one of the luxurious hotels on Sabang Beach to secure a guest pass for Dicasalarin Cove (if you happen to check-in at the resort, I believe you only have to pay P100 for the guest pass instead of P300).

20 minutes have passed and I still haven’t got an answer from Kuya Erick, so I contacted another guide (itago natin sa pangalang Kuya Clifford na kausap ko the night before going to Baler, just happened na may tour syang iba kaya binigay nya ko sa iba).  Luckily, he’s available and agreed to meet me at Baywalk Tent City.

Call his name and he will be there :)

Husband is still sleeping (he’s not willing to pay P300 just to see the cove, too expensive for him) when I left.  Same with my travel buddies. So, I ended up going solo.

Kuya Clifford wasn’t able to borrow a motorcycle so we just used his tricycle. Dicasalarin is a secluded white sand beach owned by Senator Angara, and, is 30 minutes away from Sabang Beach. Only 4x4 and motorcycles are allowed to enter the perimeter. There are 3 security gates to pass through before reaching the cove.

It was 7:20 AM when we arrived at the first gate.

The receptionist from Costa Pacifica told me that gate to Dicasalarin is open at 6AM, but when we reached the first gate at 7:20 AM, the guard on duty did not allow us to pass through. According to him, visiting hours starts at 8AM (hindi pareho ang schedule ni Costa Pacifica at ng mga gwardiya ng Dicasalarin, tsk tsk). And since tricycles are not allowed to enter the area, we rented his motorcycle for P200.

At 7:40 AM, he let us pass and told us to stay at the guard house, which is also the second security gate. Going there is another 5-minute ride.

You can already see the cove from the second security gate.

Near the gate is the entrance to PAGASA radar station.

I went inside the station and make my way to the roof top for another view of the cove.

From the second gate to the third gate of the cove is another 5-minute ride on a very steep, narrow and zigzagging road.

We parked the motorcycle when we reached the entrance and started to walk towards the beach.

You'll see several cottages on your way to the beach.

After a 2-3-minute walk is the stunning view of the beach.

We trek to reach the top of the cliff. From there is another view of the cove and a very uncommon structure (not sure what that is).

You'll pass through these rocks going to the top

If you are after on a picturesque view of Baler, then Dicasalarin Cove should be on your list.

Halfway to the top

View from the top

and another..

and another...

such a real beauty, huh

I am not sure what this structure is for and what they call it

From Dicasalarin going back to Sabang Beach and along the national road is the Diguisit Falls. I asked my tour guide to stop here so I could take some pictures.

Diguisit Falls

The good thing also, that I bought ‘pasalubong’ at Nanay Pacing Homemade Pasalubong Store before heading back to Sabang Beach since they were already closed when we went back in the afternoon. It is along the Genesis Bus Terminal, near the public market.

I love their peanut butter and macapuno balls.

When I arrived at Baywalk Tent City, I immediately searched for husband and went our way to the beach. Most resorts offer a surfing lesson for P350/hour or board rental for P200/hour. There are also stand alone kiosks like Mahusay and Panatag offering the same services.

I was not able to consume the 1 hour-surfing lesson. I got tired (wala kasi workout and exercise) after 30 minutes of trying to stand on the board (which I did 2 times, yey!!!)

Tip: If you only have an overnight to spend in Baler, leave Manila at midnight. You have at least 6 hours to sleep on the bus or van. Once you arrived, have your breakfast in one of the rolling stores in the plaza. Hire a tricycle and start your trip with Dicasalarin Cove, which will take a maximum of 2 hours of your time (travel and tour). Followed by Aniao Islets, Diguisit Falls, Ermita Hill, Balete Tree, then the attractions near the plaza (Baler Museum, Dona Aurora Aragon House, Baler Church). Lastly, the trip to Ditumabo or Mother Falls. Spend the following day for surfing. Then voila! Explore and surf on a weekend. You can even leave Baler and go home as early as 10AM.

Special thanks for these people for extending their invite especially to Karen, Arcy and Tops.

From L to R (Aljoy, Me, Tops, Karen, Maya, Vans, Michelle, Espie, Arcy)

Summary of expenses:

Contacts:

Michael Andy Juego - Baywalk Tent City & Cottages

(63) 9478898156

Facebook Page here

Genesis Transport, Inc

(02) 7090803, (02) 4211425

http://www.genesistransport.com.ph/

JoyBus - http://www.iwantseats.com.ph/

Kuya Clifford Yambot

Tour / Trike Guide

(63) 9166304022

Exploring Mui Ne, Vietnam

Things to do, places to visit, where to stay, and what to eat in Mui Ne, Vietnam.

It was my first solo backpacking trip out of the country. It was not planned. My travel buddies backed-out due to personal reasons. I was having second thought then if I am going to push this through alone.

The decision was made exactly 1 week before the trip. A big and shouting WHY NOT?! I have booked my plane ticket a year ago (thank you Cebu Pacific for the PISO fare), I already filed my 'un-paid' leave in the office 2 months before the trip. I have saved enough money. Many are travelling solo. So, WHY NOT? It's like moving the adventure and excitement to the next level.

Saturday - Monday, October 26 - 28, 2013

6 more sleeps and I will be in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) or HCMC, Vietnam, and I don't even have a draft of the itinerary. I spent the whole weekend reading Vietnam and Cambodia travel blogs, searching for places to visit, cheap accommodations to stay, recommended food to eat and crossing the Vietnam-Cambodia border.

2 days have passed and my itinerary was not yet final. I was torn between spending a day in Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, or in Mui Ne, in the southern side of Vietnam. After a lot of readings, I chose Mui Ne as it offers the unspoiled nature of Vietnam.

Tuesday - Thursday, October 29 - 31, 2013

First draft of itinerary - checked! My second 'to-do' list is to reserve accommodation in Pham Ngu Lao in District 1 - the back packer’s area in Ho Chi Minh City. A street that is known for its guest houses or lodgings for budget travelers.

I first emailed Nguyen Khang Hotel since this is recommended by most Filipino bloggers. The receptionist immediately responded to my email and gave the room to at $24/night with free breakfast. Too expensive that I have to ask for the cheapest room. She said she likes Filipinos and they have lots of Filipino guests so she made it as low as $21/night with free breakfast. I was tempted to reserve it, thinking of the Filipinos that I could meet there and join with the tour. I first checked Tripadvisor and saw the 4.5 rating of the Bich Duyen Hotel. After reading the positive reviews, I asked via email for the cheapest available room and the feasibility of my itinerary.

Bich Duyen Hotel Tripadvisor Review

Chang, the receptionist at daytime in Bich Duyen Hotel was very accommodating and quick on responding to my inquiries. He gave the standard double room for $17/night without window (which I don't really mind) with free breakfast and also arranged my airport-hotel transfer, bus ticket going to Mui Ne, Cu Chi Tunnel Tour and bus ticket going to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Deposit is not needed to reserve a room either in Vietnam or Cambodia. A great relief to someone who doesn't own a credit card or Paypal account like me. Chanh also agreed that I can pay my bus tickets going to Mui Ne and Siem Reap once I arrived. Nice, isn't it?

Tip: Aside from the cheap accommodation rates in Pham Ngu Lao, it is also walking distance from the major tourist spots in District 1 like the Reunification Palace, City Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral and shopping centers such as Saigon Square and Ben Thanh Market.

Next on my list was to contact a guide and find accommodation in Mui Ne. I read about Binh Sahara Tours on different blogs. I contacted Mr. Binh and asked for his availability and he immediately booked me. He also recommended Minh Anh Garden Hotel for a place to stay, a newly-built hotel owned by his sister and very near to his place.

Mui Ne to-do lists checked! Next were accommodation and tour guide for Angkor Wat. I only have one place in mind - Bou Savy Guest House, as it consistently receives the Certificate of Excellence Award from TripAdvisor. I will only find somewhere else to stay if there were no available rooms there. I emailed Bou Savy and got their confirmation the following day.

Siem Reap Hotel Reviews

I also emailed and texted several tour guides for my Angkor Wat trip. And it was Kim Rieng whose tour guide fee fitted my budget.

Friday, November 1, 2013

I spent my whole afternoon trying to squeeze-in my 7-day outfit on a 3-day backpack. Thank God it fit! Now, I'm getting good at 'backpacking' and 'travelling light'. Wink!

Back pack...back pack...

After my 3-minute non-stop Q & A with the immigration officer, I had my dinner and bought "some" Vietnamese Dongs - I didn't know that I can be a millionaire in an instant! Haha!

I'm a millionaire!!!

Here's my simple Dong (VND) to Peso (PHP) conversion:
Drop the last 3 zeroes of your Dongs, then multiply by 2
10000 VND (drop the last 3 0s) = 10 * 2 = 20 PHP
10000 VND = 20 PHP

Tip: You don't need to change all your peso to dongs since hotels, restaurants, even shopping centers accept US dollars as payments. Just bring smaller bills like $1 and $5. The same goes in Cambodia.

Saturday, November 2, 2013

I arrived at Tan Son Nhat International Airport past midnight and told myself "This is it!!! Guide me Lord". I went outside the airport and looked for my service going to the hotel. The driver doesn't speak much on our way to the hotel, but he's good enough to tell me his name (which I already forgot) and instructed me to follow him when we reached a narrow pathway near the main road. When I saw Hotel Ngoc Linh on my right (where a friend of mine stayed), it was only then I realized that I was in Pham Ngu Lao - the backpacker's district.

The hotel was already closed when I arrived (I think they lock the steel gate at around 10 or 11 PM). Hue (not sure of the spelling), the receptionist at night, opened the gate for me. Though I obviously interfere her sleep, she still welcomed me with a smile, politely asked for my passport and informed me that the bus going to Mui Ne will pick me up at 8 AM.

Tip: I'm not sure if only in low-cost accommodation where you need to take-off your footwear once inside, but to make sure, just ask the receptionist.

My room was small (but good enough for 2), clean, cozy and had everything I need. Anyways, I really am not particular when it comes to accommodation as long as it is clean with own toilet and bath.

My room for 3 nights in HCMC

It was 2 AM when I got settled. Worried that I might get into a deep sleep and missed the pickup service at 8 AM, I set my alarm at 7. Philippines is 1 hour ahead of time of Vietnam, so I still got enough time to rest.

I headed downstairs around 7 AM and heard someone shouting "Good morning! Good morning! Good morning!', followed by "how are you...?". It was Chanh. The very energetic, welcoming and approachable receptionist. Most of the tables were occupied with other foreign guests, good thing there's an  empty one for me. Breakfast was limited to baguette, egg or jam, coffee or tea and juice, enough to fill my tummy.

Bich Duyen Hotel Breakfast

Exactly 8 AM when my service for Mui Ne arrived.

Bus going to Mui Ne

Only 1 seat is left, and it’s on the back row, so it’s safe to assume that I was the last passenger on the bus.

It was also my first time to ride on a sleeper bus :)

Tip: You also need to take off your footwear once you entered the bus and put it in a plastic they provide.

There were 2 complimentary bottled waters and facial wipes. It was a 5-6-looooong hour journey, but I was not able to sleep because I was in a middle of 2 smelly armpits....pity me.

Tip: If it is possible to request a window-seat once you book or purchase the bus ticket, then do so.

It was 2 PM when I arrived in Minh Anh Garden Hotel. My room is good enough for 4 pax (if my 3 travel buddies didn't back out, then this room was enough for us).

Minh Anh Garden Hotel

After discussing the itinerary with my tour guide, Phat, Mr. Binh's son, we immediately began the trip via motorcycle.

Back-riding once more

Places I visited in Mui Ne:

Fisherman's Village. You are nearing the area if the air smells like fish sauce and if you see small shrimps being dried at the edge of the highway.

Small shrimps being dried on the highway

hundreds of fishing boats moored on the sea

Stop-over for photo op - with view of Hon nghe island

The White Sand Dunes. I haven't seen the Paoay Sand Dunes in Ilocos Norte (a province in the Philippines) and biased as you may call it, I once told myself that PH sand dunes have a lot to offer than the sand dunes in Vietnam. But that didn't last until I saw how beautiful the sand dunes of Mui Ne is. Perfecting it with the view of a lake.

The White Sand Dunes

What more...I was not able to resist the temptation and I hired an ATV so I could reach the top faster (nasira ang budget). But it was all worth it.

White Sand Dunes panoramic shots:

Little Grand Canyon. Said to be the miniature version of the Grand Canyon of USA but haven't been there so I do not know the resemblance. There's nothing much about this place. I just spent several minutes exploring and taking pictures then proceed to our last stop for that day.

Red Sand Dunes. Before the trip, I was more eager to see this compare to the White Sand Dunes since we do not have this kind of dunes in PH. But same with the Little Grand Canyon, there's nothing much about this place. The sand is not even red, it's more like an orange. When we arrived, lots of kiddos were chasing us offering scraps of plastic for sand-sledding, photographers setting up their tripods, family positioning their picnic mats and waiting for the sun to set. Yeah! a perfect place to view the sunset after one tough walk.

After sunset, we went back to Fisherman's Village and shared stories. What have I learned?
1. Most of the tourists are Russians.
2. Mui Ne is pronounced as 'Muni'.
3. Binh Sahara Tours has more than 10 tour guides - one of those is Mr. Binh, the owner, and Phat, his son / my tour guide.
4. Sahara Tours got their name from the 'Sahara' desert of Africa.
5. There are lots of places to explore in Mui Ne but you need at least 2-3 whole days (now I have reason to go back).

Phat and I agreed to have dinner together on his aunt's restaurants, just few steps away from to the hotel, or just next to Mr. Binh's.

I requested for the best dishes they have and served me these:

Ca Bop Nuong (BBQ Cobia Fish)

Pho Bo (Beef Noodle Soup)

Tom Nurong (Grilled Shrimp)

Phat's aunt, the restaurant owner doesn't speak much English, but she let me feel how welcome I am at their place.

They said I looked like a Vietnamese, so, I belong :)

These might not be the local dishes I'm looking for but definitely made my tummy happy. I'm not a beer fan either, but their beer tastes good.

And of course, my meal is not complete without coffee as dessert. So, Phat and I went to a nearby coffee shop serving authentic Hanoi coffee.

The aroma....the taste....the ambiance....were just sooooo perfect. I just wish I could stay here longer (feeling rich, haha!)

When I returned to the hotel, I requested Muoi, the hotel owner, to book my bus ticket going back to HCMC.

Sunday, November 3, 2013

I woke up early so I could visit the Fairy Stream before heading back to HCMC. It was supposed to be included on yesterday's itinerary, but time doesn't permit. Path said it is best to visit during morning or early noon when the wind is not too strong. I went alone since Path is scheduled to go to Dallat (where I will be going next time I visit Vietnam).

Fairy Stream is walking distance from my the hotel. There were also signs  that will guide you to the stream.

I didn't go any further since for me, it's just a river surrounded by bamboo trees.

Mui Ne is also known for their beaches, so I visited one that is just across my hotel after the Fairy Stream.

The shoreline is wide, the sand is fine gray. I was not impressed since there are lots of astounding beaches in PH.

Early morning scene

Food Vendor at the beach

Fresh catch and baby octopus trying to escape

She sells seashells by the seashore

After several shots, I went back to the hotel for my breakfast where I met Muoi's siblings in Mr. Binh’s office.

Muoi and her siblings waiting for me

I didn't know that I have to ride a motorbike for my breakfast. I thought it will be delivered to my room or Muoi will set up a table in her store.

It would be a hassle for some even if it's just a short ride, but I promise you, it was worth it. This was where I tasted the best pho during my 3-day stay in Vietnam.

Breakfast with Muoi, owner of Minh Anh Garden Hotel

Before the bus to HCMC arrived, I had the opportunity to meet Mr. Binh (owner of Binh Sahara Tour). He too will be going to Dalat with Phat.

Mr. Binh

Now, I'm the first passenger on the bus. It's not a sleeper bus that's why it's cheaper.

Bus picking up the reserved passengers

I arrived HCMC at 2 PM so this is where my Mui Ne travel diary ends :).

On this trip, it’s hanging out with the locals which I enjoyed the most and the warmth of their hospitality. It was also here I realized that it is expensive to travel alone since you do not have anyone to share with the expenses :).

Next stop, Ho Chih Minh City.

To summarize my expenses (excluding airfare):

Currency conversion on Nov 1, 2013:
$ to PHP = 43.80
$ to VND = 21,130

Contacts:
Chanh of Bich Duyen Hotel, Ho Chih Minh City, Vietnam
bichduyenhotel@yahoo.com

Mr. Binh or Phat of Binh Sahara Tours
muinesahara@hotmail.com
mrbinhsahara@hotmail.com
http://muine-easy-rider.blogspot.com/

Muoi, Owner of Minh Anh Garden Hotel
ngocsuong81a@gmail.com
nhanghisanvuonminhanh@gmail.com
http://www.nhanghiminhanh.com