It's starting to become the next big destination in the Philippines, as mentioned, it's an easy trip and it's got all sorts of activities for you to indulge in.
I'm no Baler expert. I am just wanting to provide some quick notes if you're planning to visit. Guess, I'll just have to do a separate post for my Baler Experience - if someone's even interested to read it. Anyway, here goes...
* Genesis Bus Lines has daily trips to and from Manila. If you want to catch the fresh early waves, it's best to travel early... like midnight early, as travel time to reach Baler takes approximately 5-6 hours if you take the regular Genesis Bus as for the Joy Bus executive which is also under Genesis Transport, it normally takes 4 hours or less.
* Joy Bus is an executive coach that costs P750 while the regular Genesis Bus is P450. The executive coach has an onboard comfort room, bus stewardess, free wi-fi, blankets and pillows, so there's no reason for a stop over. We took the Genesis Bus since I was wanting to have a smoke and wouldn't want to miss the stopover at Maria Aurora.
* Book your Joy bus tickets ahead of time since most visitors take this mode to get to Baler. Visit their website for rates and schedules: Genesis Transport Inc.
* First trip to Baler supposedly leaves at 1:00am, but you'll have to show up at the bus terminal early as buses fill up quickly. Last trip to Baler is at 6:00am... in our case though, the bus left at 7:00am.
* You may also call these numbers: Genesis Bus Lines - 4211425 and for Joy Bus Lines - 4416834 (these contacts are working don't worry)
* Accomodations, well there's a number of accomodations to choose from. From budget stays to the really expensive ones. To name a few with their contacts:
- Aliya Surf Camp - 09399390929
- Costa Pacifica - 09178536040
- Bay's Inn - 09089823509
- Bay-ler View - 09192863105
- Desiree's Inn - 09217518490
- Jam and Jen's Lodge - 09215983588
* Secure your bus ticket for Manila bound buses to Baler. They don't reserve tickets for your return to Manila, so make sure to buy yours the day you reach Baler.
* The tricycle is the main mode of transporation when getting around Baler. It costs P10 per person. Just tell them which hotel you'll be staying.
* A 1 hour surfing lesson will cost you P350 which includes the board and instructor. P200 if you're only renting the board. Surfing is just amazing! Happy me!
* Baler tour costs P800. This depends on where you'll be going still. My friend and I visited these sites: Mother Falls, Millenium Tree-Balete, Museo Baler and Ermita Hill. We took the tour late so we werent able to visit the rest of the sites.
* You won't go hungry here as Baler is surrounded with all sorts of food places. They have local and international cuisines. We were a little picky with the food, so we spent like P100-P200 for each meal. A great place to eat with that nice beach view would be at Bay's Inn, how can I resist when it's right in front of the sea. Don't miss the red bug at Baler Surfer Grill.
* You can also take a tricycle to take you to one of Baler's famous buffet places... Gerry Shan's. Unfortunately for us we werent able to try it since it's always jam packed. We were already starving after the tour so we went back to Bay's Inn.
* Night life - not much. Well you can just go count stars or have a few drinks.
* 3 days and 2 nights can cost just a shy of P4000 food, lodging, surf classes and all. If you know where to put your moolah.
Hope I covered everything here. Let me know if there's anything I missed, comments and suggestions are very much welcome. :) Have Fun in Baler!
More of my Baler photos here
More of my Baler photos here
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