explore: Baler

Intoxicating, heavenly, and amazing- my three words used to describe Baler. Located in the Aurora province of the Philippines, Baler is a paradise for any and all to just come and chill. The long coastline was host to the classic film Apocalypse Now and ever since has been regarded as a surfer’s dream. It has beach break points, river mouths and reef breaks- the perfect place for surfers to just go all out.

Walking across the soft grey sand into the crystalline water is an incomparable experience. This doesn’t just apply to one beach, fortunately. For a surf, you can go to Sabang beach, Cemento beach, Charlie’s point and Lindy’s point, all offering unique but memorable surfing experiences. The friendly people of the place get to enjoy beach weather for the whole year with a 35 degree summer and a (at low) 18 degree December with the best waves roll between October and Febuary when the NE monsoon comes down from China. You know what that means- surfing in boardies all year round.

But after you’re done riding the waves, you can enjoy the view and the hundreds of other activities Baler offers. The summer months blow in a light sea breeze, prefect to go windsurfing, diving and snorkelling and to eat the all-time favourite Baler seafood.

Serene and popular as Baler is, there are many places to stay and enjoy. Costa Pacifica offers comfy stay, while those seeking more budget rooms, can go to Mahdox surf school.

Baler is without a doubt a place to add to your bucket list to go and check off. Enjoy the surf.

How to get there?

4-5 hours drive from Manila

6-7 hours bus ride from Cubao (Genisis Bus Co.)

Spot Check : Zambales

Spot Check – Zambales

Fancy a reef break? Wanna bust an air  on fast beach break? Zambales has a bit of everything. In particular Magic left offers a very rippable long left hand point that can get epic on a typhoon swell.
Its close proximity to Manila makes it a popular weekend get-away for city surfers, it’s usually not crowded during the week except for a few friendly locals.

Flat? Hiking, fishing, island hopping and nature tripping are good alternatives, boat trips to close by islands can also be arranged through local surf guides.

20130813_153717-1(1)
Zambales works on a South, North and Typhoon Swell, giving different setups for each swell type.

Breaks:

Magic Left (left point break) for beginner to intermediate surfers.

Mags (beach break) for intermediate to advance.

Liw liwa, San Narciso and River Mouth for beginner to advance.

How to get there:

Drive 3 hours Via SCTEX highway to Subic then to Zambales Province.

Bus 5-6 hours bus ride (Victory Liner)

DSC_6706

There are quite a few places to stay in the area. Circle Hostel offers backpacker style accommodation. Punta De Uian near Mags is another option, decent place and good for families. Pit Bowl offers modest accommodation and they have a skate bowl for when the surf goes flat!