BALER ADVENTURE: TO SLEEP AND TO EAT

We travel not only to explore, but also to relax and escape from the commotions of reality. Thus, one simple solution is to head up to the infamous BALER, AURORA.

After hours of travelling to Baler, or surfing at the beach, or even touring around town, wouldn’t it be much better that later on you get to lay in a comfy bed, and/or have a wonderful meal without stressing yourself on where to stay and where to eat?

Well, I am going to share with you where we lodged and dined for a 2D/1N stay in Baler at an average/reasonable price.


WHERE WE STAYED

CASA DE VIAJEROS

I found this place in the internet, then chatted with them on Facebook. They are very accommodating, and replies fast. When we finally decided to book a room, we just shoot them a message on FB for reservation, and deposited 50% of the lodge price to a BDO account number they provided. You may find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/balercasaviajeros/.

They allow re-booking of reservation with no fee for 90 days starting from the date of your actual reservation.

The accommodation was more like a lodge than a hotel. It was very spacious though, no second floor and no reception area. We had to look around and asked for our rooms. It was not a beachfront but a few minutes away from the bus terminal, and a more or less 10-minute walk to Sabang beach.

This is their parking space, it's quite huge really.

We were roomed at CASA 1 with 2 beds and Toilet and Bath.

They showed us two kinds of room (with A/C). One room has a queen and a twin sized bed with a T&B included for PHP 1,300/night, and another room which also has a queen and a twin sized bed without T&B included for PHP 1,000/night. Prices aren’t that bad huh? We chose the room with a T&B included.

This was the queen sized bed. It was a bit dusty though.

This was their twin sized bed. My boyfriend just dumped all our things on bed as soon as we checked-in. MAN!

We checked-in around 4PM so we can rest after the long day tour, unfortunately fifteen minutes after, the electric current kept on fluctuating until the wire connected to the main power source blew up and the entire place went out of power. Well, we thought it was due to electric overloading. Luckily, it was a cozy day that we didn’t mind at all. The manager immediately acted on the situation, but it still took more than 3 hours to be fixed. Nobody wanted it to happen, and I do hope it really won’t happen again, especially during summer days.

If you're feeling a bit romantic or just wanna hang out, this was a very cool spot for that.

Take note: They do not have complimentary, so better bring your own toiletries such as towels, soaps, shampoos, lotions, tissues, toothbrush, toothpaste, and the likes.

Here’s another juicy tip, if you want to stay at a beachfront resort you can check out BAYLER VIEW HOTEL, though they are pricier. Site address of http://www.baylerview.com/, email them at baylerviewhotel@yahoo.com or contact them at +(63)9192863105/ +(63)9273638735. I am not associated with them in any way nor was paid to promote them.


WHERE WE DINED 

RAM’S TAPSILOG

This was the first restaurant we dined in when we arrived in Baler. Kuya Andy (our tricycle driver/tour guide) brought us here for breakfast.

It was only 7:30 AM when we got there but tourists have already come and go leaving most dishes from the menu sold-out. It is true what they say, “Early bird catches the worms”. Good thing though, Tapsilog was still available. I love their Tapa. It was chunky, and very tasteful.

Total cost of breakfast for two (2) was at PHP 140.


YOLLY’S IHAW-IHAW & SEAFOOD RESTO 

I have read good reviews on this restaurant, so we thought of trying it out for lunch. It was actually a carinderia. They offered variety of lutong bahay placed on a casserole and displayed on a long table, and they served free Bulalo soup.

We wanted something grilled, so we ordered 4pcs of barbecue, 3 cups of rice and some drinks. We were expecting that they still have to grill the meat so it’s still hot and juicy when served. Then again, it was already cooked and was a bit cold.

The barbecues were big but were a bit dry, and lacks flavor however, their special vinegar made them tasteful, “the vinegar saved the meal!”.

I am pretty sure that their other dishes are much better when you tried them out.

Total cost of lunch for two (2) was at PHP 280, (PHP 45/bbq stick, PHP 10/rice, and PHP 35/coke in can)


PADDLE OUT

 After we took a nap at the lodge, it was time for dinner. We wanted to have dinner by beach, so we went out by foot and look for restaurants. We were so close at Sabang beach and yet so far that we were already starving, and the road only had a few street lights.

We are couples who love grilled foods, so we ordered Grilled Bangus and Grilled Tilapia (rice not included in the price). I was complaining earlier that the food at lunch was served cold and dry, but at this restaurant they cooked and grilled everything after you placed an order, which took up quite some time to be served.

But man, I loved it. I love the taste of the freshly cooked Bangus, and Tilapia, very flavorful. The ambiance of place was quite sophisticated also.

Well, good food comes with a price. Total cost of dinner for two (2) was at PHP 325, (PHP 120 – Grilled Tilapia, PHP 160 – Grilled Bangus, and PHP 15/rice)


BAY INN’S RESTAURANT

The next morning, we’ve finally reached Sabang beach, and had breakfast at this place. The layout of the place was cute, and colorful. I think they provide free buffet breakfast if you’re a guest at their resort.

Pegged #WokeUpLikeThis, literally. As soon as we woke up, changed to our swim wear and headed to the beach.

So, we ordered a double cheeseburger with fries, and Tocilog. I love their fries, but not so much with their burger. The patty lacked a bit juiciness and saltiness to it.

Total cost of breakfast for two (2) was at PHP 245, (PHP 105 – Tocilog, and PHP 140 – Double Cheeseburger with fries)


I hope this information can help you with your trip, and do check out my other Baler Adventures!