Bracing for the holiday season

With the easing of alert level restrictions in the country, tourism is now playing a vital role of revitalizing the economy as the Philippines is bracing for the influx of tourists and balikbayans alike for the coming holiday season.

For the provincial government of Aurora, one of its strengths in keeping its economy alive is in the tourism sector, and the municipality of Baler – with its vast forest areas and beautiful beaches – is one of its main sources.

Recently, the municipal tourism office of Baler has expressed its readiness for the influx of tourists.

According to Baler municipal tourism office chief Riza del Rosario, they are already expecting local and foreign tourists to flock to this capital town of Aurora to spend their Yuletide holidays.

Del Rosario said in coordination with the Philippine National Police, they would implement a comprehensive plan for peace and order this coming holiday to ensure the safety of the people.

She added that security would be heightened in public transport terminals, churches, tourist spots such as the Quezon Memorial, San Doña Aurora house, Ermita Hill, Museo de Baler, Sabang eco-tourism area, and other crowded places.

Del Rosario reminded that every tourist/visitor shall pay a sustainable eco-tourism development fee amounting to P100 with a 20 percent discount to senior citizens and persons with disability under Municipal Ordinance 2018-035.

Exempted are children seven years old and below; residents of Aurora upon presenting either their residence certificate, voter's ID, or any government ID; government officials who come to Baler to perform an official function; and visitors who arrive for scientific/academic research with prior consent and authority of the local government unit of Baler and upon presentation of a letter of endorsement or mission order signed by his/her agency head.

Del Rosario said payment for SEDF tickets may be done at the municipal tourism office, municipal treasurer's office, Baler transport terminal, Museo de Baler, and Doña Aurora Aragon Quezon house.
Meanwhile, tourist arrivals in this town reached 43,140 from January to September this year.

Del Rosario said the top five in the list of accommodations with high tourist arrivals are Costa Pacifica, Aliya Surf, Bay's Inn, Carlito's Inn, and El Teodoro Transient.

She said they expect the local tourism industry to bounce back in the succeeding months after the removal of restrictions brought by the pandemic.

"Promotion of Baler continues wherein we have a 2022 Surf & Music – A Pilipinas Surfing National Leg and Music Festival on October 26-31. We will promote Baler in Subic and Clark this November and we will be having a cultural show, band, and other activities this December," she added.

Data showed that from January 2011 to September 2022, there was a total of 997,003 tourist arrivals in terms of destinations at the Museo de Baler, Doña Aurora House, Tourism Office, and Ermita Hill.

Breathtaking spots

Baler hosts one of the best surfing spots in the Philippines — Sabang Beach. Tourists flock to the town in July to December to take advantage of the swells perfect for surfing.

Sabang Beach is the most frequented tourist spot for its soft sand and thrilling waves that could reach up to 14 ft. during peak surfing season. There are many resorts, bars and restaurants lined in the two-kilometer stretch of beach.

For ordinary explorers who simply want to roam around, February is the best time to visit, when the breezy weather permits a leisurely journey to its renowned attractions.

Another popular Baler tourist destination is the Dicasalarin Cove. It's surrounded by white sand beach, rock formations, and clear blue waters reflecting the mountains that attract all types of travelers. This secluded haven is privately owned by the Angara family but is open to those who want to visit at daytime.

Diguisit Beach – also known as "Rocky Paradise," is another must-visit tourist spot. Waves here are stronger and more challenging compared to Sabang Beach that's why most professional surfers prefer this place. Aside from its towering waves, you can also see the beautiful rock formations called Lukso-Lukso.

Museo de Baler, on the other hand, houses several historical artifacts that link it closely to the Philippines' first and longest colonizer, Spain. The museum also contains pieces that are significant to Baler's history like the Chinese porcelain items from the Galleon Trade recovered from shipwrecks in Manila Bay, Luzon, and Palawan.

Also, the Balete Park, known for the Millennium Tree — the biggest Balete tree in Asia – is one outstanding spot. The Balete Tree stands at 215 feet with a diameter of almost 200 feet, making it a must-visit Baler Aurora tourist spot. According to reports, it requires over 60 grown men, arm-to-arm, to circle the trunk of the tree.

Last but not the least, the vacation is not complete without dropping by Doña Aurora Quezon's House.