BALER ADVENTURE: BUDGET & ITINERARY

Aurora, Baler has emerged to become one of the most visited tourist destinations in the Philippines, not just by our local natives, but also foreign tourists. Known as the “SURFING CAPITAL” of the country, the province is packed by rookies and professional surfers all year round. So, if you are planning your next trip in this awesome place, stick around to find out more insights.

An OC traveler like me has to plan every detail to make sure that I am right on budget, able to visit top places, and can still enjoy each moment. Transportation, food, accommodation and places to see are always at the top of my worry-list to arrange, so the best travel tips and guides will always come from the travelers themselves.

My boyfriend and I planned to go to Baler last October, but then typhoon Karen hit the place and caused road destruction so we had to postponed it for another month (I was a bit upset because my plan was ruined). Due to our busy schedules, we had to shorten our trip from 3D/2N to 2D/1N.

Here are some things that could help you plan:


HOW WE GOT THERE

We live around Metro Manila and do not own a vehicle so, we travel by commute. This part is a bit tricky because you may think that there are tons of available buses, BUT there’s only one (1) bus company that has direct trip from Manila to Baler, and that is Genesis Bus Transport located along Cubao, EDSA.

I made a list of options you can choose from:

Option 1: Genesis Bus Transport

These are regular A/C buses of Genesis (regular means that the bus has stopovers along the way to wait for more passengers). TRAVEL TIME TAKES AROUND 6-7 HOURS AT A PHP 550 RATE.

Though they have their website, I highly discourage you to follow their trip schedules from there. If you want to catch the bus, EARLIEST TRIP IS AT 12AM, and they are giving out seat numbers. Their succeeding trips depend on the volume of passengers. If you missed it, you will be a chance passenger, which is a bit risky.

PS.: This was our initial plan, but when we arrived at the terminal, there were no seats left. The staff were unsure of the time of the next trip or if there’re still any. So, we made a decision to go for Option 2. Please be guided on this because I don’t want you making the same mistakes we did.

Option 2: Joy Bus Genesis Transport

These are special A/C Genesis buses (special means that the bus has no stopovers and accommodates only a few passengers).

You have to make a seat reservation online or you may contact them. This gives guaranteed seating and schedule. Joy Bus can be SEMI-DELUXE (48-SEATERS) FOR PHP 650 or DELUXE (28-SEATERS WITH TOILET) FOR PHP 730. You may rebook your reservation with a fee of PHP 65. TRAVEL TIME TAKES AROUND 5-6 HOURS.

Earliest trip is at 12AM until 4:30AM. They provide blankets (which I think are made of cheap wool that the fluffs stick to your clothes), and snacks (Rebisco biscuits and small bottle of water).

P.S.: Lucky enough we were able to make a last-minute reservation when we got to the terminal. We departed at exactly 2:30AM and arrived in Baler at 7:30AM. It was a quick and comfy ride since we just slept along the way.

Option 3: Transfer Rides

From the name itself, you have to make two (2) rides; bus + bus, or bus + van to reach Baler. This is far the cheapest of all, and yet the most exhausting because aside from transferring rides, there are plenty of stopovers.

From Cubao, search for bus terminals going to Cabanatuan like ES Bus Transport or Five Star (and many more), then from Cabanatuan, hop on to Aurora Bus Line or a van going to Baler. Here’s a breakdown: (I am not sure how much the van cost)

By Bus	Travel Time	Fare
Cubao – Cabanatuan	4 hours	PHP 185
Cabanatuan – Baler	4 hours	PHP 247
TOTAL	8 hours	PHP 434

Take note: If you’re heading back from Baler to Manila; Option 1, their last trip is at 9:30AM. Option 2 at 4:30PM and Option 3 – Aurora Bus Line, I think is around 6:30PM. Don’t worry, they have a small sign board in Baler Terminal, so better have a look at it.


ROAM AROUND BALER

When we arrived in Baler, there were tons of tricycle drivers hovering around the alighting sleepy passengers, including us, offering their tour services. Don’t be scared, they are very friendly and they are accredited tour guides of Baler.

If you want to avail their tour services, don’t be fooled on their rates. Whole day tour is at PHP 700, and half day tour is at PHP 500. If I were you, I’ll take the whole day tour. There are a lot of places to see, and you can take your time capturing every moment. Your driver can also serve as your photographer.

Our driver was too kind to insists on carrying our backpacks, but my boyfriend suggested that he can help me out instead because I’ll be busy taking pictures. He’s name is Andy Aragon, you may contact him at (+63)9487665390, or +(63)9065777522.

However, since there’s no PUVs or taxis in Baler but tricycles and you want to go to Sabang beach, to your hotel, place to eat, the market and etc. fare is only PHP 10 per person, depending on the distance.

Hey there’s another treat, you may also explore Baler at your own pace by renting motorcycles and bikes at Pajaroja Lodging along Sabang Beach. Motorcycles cost PHP 600/day, and bicycles cost PHP 100/hr. You may inquire at their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pajarojalodging/


2D/1N BALER ITINERARY

Here was our ACTUAL ITINERARY when we stayed in Baler. We had to squeeze in all activities in two (2) days due to our busy schedules, but still the experience was super fun. I guess if we have extended more days, we’ll never leave the place.

DAY	TIME	ACTIVITY
1	02:30 AM	ETD Cubao – Baler (via Joy Bus)
	07:30 AM	ETA at Baler, and had breakfast
	8:00 AM	Start of tour (Hanging Bridge, Aniao Islets, Diguisit Falls, Ermita Hill, Doña Aurora House, and Museo de Baler)
	12:00 NN	Lunch
	01:00 PM	Continued tour (Millenium Tree, and Ditumabo Waterfalls)
	04:00 PM	Went to Pasalubong Center
	04:30 PM	Checked in at the hotel and rested
	06:00 PM	Dinner and quick stroll around town
	10:00 PM	Lights off
2	08:00 AM	Breakfast at Sabang Beach
	09:30 AM	Surf, and swim
	11:00 AM	Lunch
	12:00 NN	Checked out from the hotel
	12:30 PM	ETD Baler – Cabanatuan (via Aurora Bus Line)
	08:30 PM	ETA Cabanatuan – Cuabo (via ES Transport)

Note: Blog articles about where we ate, where we stayed and the sight destinations we visited are published on a separate blog. So, check those out after this!


TRIP BUDGET

This is not just a sample budget, BUT THE ACTUAL COST WE SPENT. The total rate/person may seem a bit too much because there’s only two (2) of us. The more number of people you are in a group, the lesser the cost you will have to spend.

ACTIVITY	COST FOR 2	RATE/PERSON
Accommodation	PHP 1,300	PHP 650
Bus Fare (via Joy Bus to Baler)	PHP 1,460	PHP 730
Bus Fare (transfer rides back to Manila)	PHP 864	PHP 432
Tricycle (whole day tour)	PHP 700	PHP 350
Surfing	PHP 300	PHP 150
Anilao Islet Entrance Fee	PHP 40	PHP 20
Museo de Baler & Doña Aurora House	PHP 60	PHP 30
Millenium Tree	PHP 20	PHP 10
Ditumabo Waterfalls	PHP 60	PHP 30
Total Food Expenses	PHP 1,210	PHP 605
Pasalubong	PHP 686	PHP 343
TOTAL	PHP 6,700	PHP 3,350

If you think this is too pricey, you can look for a much cheaper accommodation, and cut down cost on food. We ate a lot so that’s probably the reason. And yes, pasalubong should be included in the budget, you can scrap that out if you don’t intend to buy any.


I do hope that this information will be of help for your upcoming trip, and don’t forget to check out my other Baler Adventures!

Enjoy!