Exploring the northern part of Aurora - Dinadiawan hits

2 hours away from Baler you can find the tranquil shore of Dinadiawan.

No filters needed :)

Baler accommodations compilation Part 2

Other Hotels/Transient houses: I don't have their contacts but the tricycle drivers know their locations.

1. Aliyah Surf camp - Beach front
2. Bay's inn - Beach front
3. Bayler View - Beach front
4. Secret spot - Beach front
5. Nalu surf camp - Beach front
6. Rada's / Rushies point - Beach front
7. Old Parola - Beach front
8. Dream Peak - Few meters away from the beach
9. Pasilyo lodge - few meters away from the beach

10. Surf house - few meters away from the beach

11. El teodoro lodge - few meters away from the beach

12. Azbahaen Leisure Farm

13.Sunrise transient house - 09399390835

14. The Circle Hostel

This post will be updated soon... 
Baler Accomodations compilation Part 1

NOTE: 
- Post above are based from my experience
- Room rates may vary without prior notice
- Room rates are per night except for the Mahdox backdoor villa because it already includes 3 hour surf session with one on one instructor.
- Incase i missed to put the contact numbers or the one i provided is no longer working, please contact them thru their FB page :)

STAY STOKED!

NOTE: All photos are mine - unless i put credits to it

Where to eat in Baler

Since i started going back and forth in Baler, i am so lucky to be able to experience different restaurants on my every visit, which made me decide to make a compilation of Places to eat in Baler featuring their dish/dishes that really caught my taste buds. 
1. Bay's Inn/Hungry Surfer (Click the link for the related post about Bay's Inn)
Best tasting Tapa Flakes in Baler

One of the best tasting tapa flakes I've tasted can be found in Bay's Inn. Fine, crispy strips that is really good especially paired with fried rice and fried egg. What makes it more special? You can enjoy the morning breeze and the view of the sea while you eat. You can also sit on the uncovered part of the restaurant to feel the sun's warmth on your skin.

My Favorite: Tapsilog
Budget: PHP 200 Below
Location: Sabang, Beach front

2. Angela's Cafe (Click the link for the related post about Angela's Cafe)
Fresh Pugon cooked Pizza

If you wanted to go Italian, you might want to consider eating at Angelas. It's just a small restaurant located at T. Molina street. I really liked their Pizza because they cook it differently, their pizza is baked and served fresh from Pugon - the traditional way.

My Favorite: Pepperoni Pizza and Baked macaroni 
Budget: PHP 200 Below

3. El teodoro
Budget friendly Silogs (fried rice and egg)

However, if you are on a tight budget you can go to El teodoro, they offer very affordable silogs and other home cooked meals. The place is small and open but do not underestimate them because the taste of their food is competitive too. 

My Favorite: Tapsilog
Budget: PHP 100 Below
Location: At the back of Bayler View

4. Kusina Luntian
Paco Salad especial

I know you already heard about the famous Paco salad in baler. If you really want to try it, you should go to this place. A tip of advise do not go here if you are "Palas na Palas" (Baleryano term for Very hungry) because they cook your food upon ordering meaning, you have to wait for 30 minutes or more, this place is perfect for patient people but once your food is served you'll realize that it's worth the wait. I really liked their Paco salad because of its crisps and sweet taste, you can even hear yourself while eating it! haha.

Famous Paco Salad serve with Salted egg and Tomatoes

Wapang Wapang na liempo and Adooy Chicken Adobo

a good chat with surf friends while waiting for your order is priceless then once food is served - Galit Galit muna

My Favorite: Adoooy Chicken Adobo and Paco Salad.
Budget: PHP 150 Below
Location: Alley 1

5. Costa Pacifica Raintree
Lifestyle

If you don't mind spending too much on food, this is the best place to eat. Costa Pacifica is owned by the Angara and they serve different kinds of food. What i like the most on this place is the ambiance, Mayamanin kung baga (Rich), their food is a bit expensive but you will get what you paid for. My favorite dish on this place is their Kilawin (Raw seafood or meat dish cooked in Vinegar, similar to ceviche)

Kilawin

My Favorite: Kilawin and Paco Pizza
Budget: PHP 500 Below
Location: Sabang, Beach front

6.Baler Surfer grill
Peace kotseng Kuba lovers

What makes this place unique? They grill their dish on Old school Volkswagen Beetles. I've never seen a place like this in my entire life. They serve Bulalo in a different way because they grill it. FYI: Those beetles are still working because i saw them at the public market when they are buying for supplies.

My Favorite: Bulalo BBQ. Budget: PHP 200 Below
Location: Sabang, Beach front

7. Bayler View
All time Favorite! Kare Kareng gulay with Bagnet.

Bayler view was probably my favorite restaurant in Baler, aside from their friendly servers, i really love their Kare Kareng gulay with Bagnet, it taste like as if i am eating my mom's Kare Kare. Its sweet and you can even taste the peanut butter which is perfectly paired with their Bagoong (Shrimp paste)

They already extended the place so you will no longer see this

House blend Iced tea

Boneless Crispy Pata

Calamares and Kare Kareng Gulay with Bagnet

\

Kare Kare and Grilled ribs

Buffalo wings, Tokwa't Baboy and Binagoongan rice

KFC

My Favorite: Kare Kareng Gulay with Bagnet
Budget: PHP 250 Below
Location: Sabang, Beach front

8. Shane's Eatery - Rolling store
Turo Turo at its finest.

Tipid hits to the highest level, they offer very affordable meals. The owner is nice too - she even remembers me everytime we go there. 

Budget: PHP 60 Below
Location: Rolling store, beside Museo de Baler

9. The Shack by Old Parola

Indian cuisine

If you want to eat authentic Indian dishes, this is the perfect place to eat. 

My Favorite: Curry

Budget: PHP 200 Below
Location: Sabang, Beach front

10. Gerry Shan's place (Click the link for the related post about Gerry Shan's place)
Buffet

Want to go heavy yet budget friendly place? this one is the best place to go. Their rate is surprisingly affordable compared to other buffets in baler. This is a Must try in Baler! 

Budget: PHP 200 Below
Location: Purok 4 Sabang beach Baler and Quezon st. Baler

11.Yellow Fin / P. Moreno Lodge(Click the link for the related post about Yellow fin's bar)

Barbecue

If you love grilled food especially Barbecue, try eating at Yellow fin's bar and grill. 

They have budget friendly menu yet still really good. You can also stay at their bar and have two bottles after a very tiring surf session. If you wanted a night life this is a good place to visit.

Budget: PHP 150 Below

Location: At the back of Bay's Inn.

12. Dialyn's Bakeshop

Happy ending *Desserts

Now after indulging yourself with food I think you deserve a happy ending. By happy ending means treat your life with a little sweetness.

I love their chocolate cake. You can also try their Dulce De Leche and Brazo De mercedes - best sellers.

If you visit Baler, make sure to put this on your list ;)

Ways to reach Baler, Aurora

Going to Baler but don't know how?
There are different ways going to the Beautiful town of Baler but it will depend on the time of your departure. See below for more information.

Bay's Inn

Bay's inn
On our second day we've decided to wait for sunrise but seems like the sun is too shy to show up that day that's why we just find a place to eat, I've read a blog about the Bay's inn's  and I've been spotting their restaurant since day one, so the three of us headed to bay's inn and tried what their restaurant has to offer.

Angela's cafe in Baler

It was a very long day for us, after a very tiring but fruitful day we treated ourselves with a very nice dinner. We've been to baler many times but we never tried Angela's. We only decided to have a pizza when there was a white guy eating pizza by the beach during the surf competition. 

Surf competition Baler Day 2

NEXT DAY: More Heats!
7:30 AM We ate our breakfast provided by Barefoot travels after that we went straight to the beach and watched heats for the novice, then followed by my heat, again i topped the quarter semis. After the few heats they gave us 30 minute lunch break. When we were walking on the shore my boyfriend noticed Derek Ramsay because the Philippine Frisbee team was there too, i approached him and asked if can we have a picture with him, he approved so here it is.

Surf competition Baler Day 1

Decision of a lifetime

I decided to join a surfing competition to add another "DONE" on my to do list. It was the 6th baler beginner's surf cup and it will be on 11-13 of April in Sabang Beach Baler just in front of Mahdox surf school. March 6th when I finally registered on the said cup, ofcourse doubts is always there  and i kept on asking myself if i can really do it or am i ready for that kind of competition but despite of that thoughts i still decided to push through with it because no matter what happen, Win or lose i will charge it to experience.

The Lakwatserangnegra joins BAREFOOT TRAVELS

I DECIDED to remove my workshoes and GO BAREFOOT
I met Jill on facebook, she liked my travel page and i liked their Alon fb page we also followed each other on Instagram so i guess we are Facebook and instagram buddies lol. We started conversing because we had the same interest which is to join the Baler beginners cup, I asked her if she knows an affordable package tour going to baler on the date of the cup and she referred me to her friend Rons, the co-owner of BAREFOOT TRAVELS. 

Baler accommodations compilation Part 1

What kind of traveler are you? The tight budget traveler? The party goer traveler? The lonely traveler or The surfer dude traveler? But don't worry my beloved Baler got it all for you:) 

After Kris TV featured Baler i noticed that some of my FB friends and colleagues started to talk about going to Baler. Some of them also asked for my help since they knew that i am a Baler local at heart which made me decide to come up with this post.

If you are indeed The tight budget traveler and you are with your friends who doesn't want to spend too much money on hotels, El trophine lodge is perfect for your group. 
Their rate: 1,000 - 2 beds that can accommodate 4 people (April 2013)
                    1,500 - 4 double beds that can accommodate 8 people (November 2013)
Located at: the back of the Baler market
How far from the beach: 3-5 minute tricycle ride
How the room looks like: Too bad i don't have good photos of the rooms that we've tried but if you are looking for an affordable place to stay you can consider this one. No need to worry because each room are air-conditioned, has TV on it and own bathroom.
Hope photos below are okay :)

Facebook page/Website: El Trophine facebook page

Other options for tight budget travelers

NINA's transient house 
The first time i stayed at Nina's was when i availed a travel package with Barefoot travels during the 6th Baler beginner's cup, then i asked one of their staff how much is their overnight rate, the price was quite reasonable so i decided to book my future trips with them. On our second stay we are group of three and Ate Evelyn (The owner) gave us the room at the attic, it's a nice room and i loved it. Air-conditioned with extra fan but the down side of it was there is no TV. They do also have a powerful WIFI so you can stay connected 24/7. So if you are on a tight budget, aside from staying at El trophine i recommend Nina's transient house. 
Their rate: 1800 Good for 4 pax (2 sharing bed), 1500 Good for 3 (1 Sharing and 1 single bed). 
Located at: Purok 2 Sabang Baler Aurora, your landmark will be the Iglesia ni Kristo church. Facing the main road, few meters away from the beach.
How the room looks like: 

That's the single bed

Sharing bed

Toilet

Post surf sesh selfie at the attic

Facebook page/Website: NINA's Facebook page
Contact: 09084181438 - Evelyn Fernandez

Woodshack Baler
Honestly, I haven't tried staying here yet but out of curiosity I asked them on Facebook how many people they could accommodate and their rate. The place looks cool because it is perfect for low budget travelers. Plus their food looks good too! You could request any dish to them and cook it for you, As long as the ingredients are available in the market.
Their rate: 5000 per night good for 8 people
Located at: Alley 2, Sabang Beach
How far from the beach: 2-3 minute walk
How the room looks like: 

*Credits to Woodshack for letting me use their photos! :)

Facebook page/Website: Woodshack Baler

If you are The party goer traveler you can try The Yellow Fin/P.Moreno Lodge. Why? Because they do have their own restaurant and bar where you could enjoy 2 bottles after surf session and chill. But it won't feel like you're still in the city because you will be staying on an air-conditioned Nipa hut, yes, on an Air-conditioned Nipa hut.

Their rate: 850 - 1 double bed (January 2014)
Located at: the back of bay's inn, few steps away from the shore
How far from the beach: 2-3 minute walk
How the room looks like: Please refer on my Previous yellow fin's blog post on this link

Contact number: 09998436176 (i am not sure if it's still working though)

More photos here

Yellow fin's room, on the left is the bathroom

However, If you are The lonely traveler, not the negative loner but the person who loves to spend more time alone and don't want to socialize with other people, this is a perfect spot for you. The Pacific waves Inn. Why? because its location is on the far right side of the Sabang beach where you can enjoy the serenity of the place because most people tend to stay at the hotels on the other side of the beach.
Their rate: 2,200 good for 4 pax (1 double deck and 1 double bed) - April 2013
Located at: the beach front away from the busy and crowded spots
How the room looks like: I was not able to take photos of the hotel because by the time of our trip i did not expect that i will start writing my every trips.
Facebook page/Website: Pacific waves facebook page

I will never forget the first time i witness the Sabang beach sunrise, it was warm and serene. The scene almost made me cry.

This is one of my fave! If you are The Surfer dude or dudette (The Adventurous traveler), Mahdox backdoor villa is perfect for you because they offer accommodation packages which includes one on one surf session with their cool and friendly instructors. 
Located at: the back of yellow fin / P. Moreno lodge
Their rate: 2,300 - 3days/2nights which includes 3 hour surf session with our personal instructors (June 2013)
How far from the beach: 3-5 minute walk
Facebook page/Websiite: Mahdox facebook page
                                                 Mahdox website
You can also refer on my previous blog post about our stay in Backdoor villa here

Mahdox backdoor villa

Mahdox surf school. Our instructors posing for us : )

The Patriot - If you wanted to stay close to other lodge yet wanting peace and quiet environment, You can consider staying at Casitas Bed and breakfast, Also owned by the owner of Bay's inn. As of now no WIFI yet but according to one of their staff they will be installing one soon. Their cottages are somewhat the same with Yellow fin.

Located at the back of yellow fin / P. Moreno lodge - near Mahdox backdoor villa

Their rate: (Bed good for 2 pax with TV and free buffet breakfast in Bay's Inn)

1,200.00 Sun-Thurs

1,400.00 Fri-Sat

How far from the beach: 3-5 minute walk

Information area

The hallway - Our room is located at the end near the garden

TADAAAA!!!!

Oh, That's our bed

They got a clean restroom

But no hot water

The garden - Our visit was windy so it's really refreshing

Option 2: Pleasant Valley Guest House
Is one with nature, this place got the warmest welcome. This was actually referred by an instructor friend because we were looking for a clean but affordable place to stay. Since it isn't peak season, the owners gave us a good discount. I highly recommend this place to the people who wanted to escape reality and enjoy the time with nature. 
Located at: Purok 4, Sabang
Their rate: Please refer to their Facebook page for the room rates. 
How far from the beach: 3-5 minute walk

If you don't want to go swimming or surfing at the beach, you could enjoy their pool.

Or have a pleasant view of the free flowing fresh water while you soul search.

The place is surrounded by coconuts and different kinds of plants.

NOTE: 
- Post above are based from my experience
- Room rates may vary without prior notice
- Room rates are per night except for the Mahdox backdoor villa because it already includes 3 hour surf session with one on one instructor.
- Incase i missed to put the contact numbers or the one i provided is no longer working, please contact them thru their FB page :)
NOTE: All photos are mine - unless i put credits to it

Baler Accommodations compilation Part 2