Hello there, Baler

Last weekend, I went on a planned surf trip with my officemates. To be honest, I thought it wouldn't push through. Though I should have known I was wrong about that. Of all the colleagues I've had, the set I'm with now is the most adventurous, absolutely game for anything - even the most audacious, off-the-grid activities. 

Seventeen travelers, two vans, and a mutual thirst for adventure. And so the 6-hour trip to Baler commenced. I was still exhausted from my family trip a week ago but as compared to the 14-hour Bicol roadtrip, 6 hours felt like a breeze. 

We stayed at Nalu Surf Camp. As opposed to its luxurious neighbor (Costa Pacifica), Nalu displays a much more simplistic and traditional design. In other words, it's primitive. If Costa showcases its low-rise buildings of concrete and glass, Nalu brags about its minimalist nipa huts. 

Front view of Costa Pacifica

vs. the villas of Nalu that we slept in

We had to sleep inside these huts with nothing but three mattresses inside. I may look like a sheltered girl, but I swear I can sleep anywhere. So sleeping beside seven other bodies, cramped like vienna sausages in a can was not really that hard. It only took a few stretches to rid myself of aching joints in the morning. I was actually pleased that we slept here instead of some fancy hotel as it adds, if not completes the experience package.

On our first day, we decided to go on a quick tour.

First, we visited a historic site known as "Pook na Ligtas sa Tsunami" where seven families fled in the early 1600s to survive. Legend has it they were the only ones who lived in the area after the tragedy. One of seven were the Angaras.

We're so clique-ish. Gee.

We dropped by a resort as well to see interesting rock formations by the beach.

For our last tour destination, we went to the famous Mother Falls. It's technically no longer a part of Baler. It's situated in this town called San Luis, approximately just 20 minutes away from Baler town proper.

After a brain-racking tricycle ride up the mountain, you'd have to trek about 1.3 km on foot to reach the falls. Quite an easy climb but still very exhausting.

After about 40 minutes, we finally reached the peak. And the sweat and exhaustion were all worth it.

How could you not jump instantly after seeing this?

After enjoying the ice cold water, we went back down to the beach for what could be the most famous activity in Baler.

I thought it would be very difficult as a first timer but ahhh it was love at first surf!! My perpetual love for the sea and sports made it easy to appreciate surfing. Guts and balance and you're good to go.

There are so many activities that you could do in Baler. By the shoreline alone, you can do biking and skateboarding. You can also tour islets and visit the museum. Two days just isn't enough to do everything!

Thanks for the amazing experience, Baler.

Credits to my friend Nica Mangampat for the lovely photos. ❤️