Gone Surfing: DIY Baler

I went to Baler, Aurora last weekend for another adventure with my friend Poulla. We didn't avail a package that include tours and accommodation instead we try a do it yourself trip.  It was my first time DIY trip and it was exciting.

En route: We departed Cubao QC via Genesis Transport at 1AM. That's the first departure time and the rate for ordinary air-conditioned bus is P450. It took us 6 hours to reach the town of Baler and from there we rode a tricycle for P15 to get to sabang beach. We headed first to our humble abode, The Secret Spot. 

Home for the night: Secret Spot is owned and managed by Tita Rose, they have two private cottages which cost P1,500 per night and a Surfer's Hut for P250/night per person. We checked in to the surfer's hut since the private cottages were already occupied and it was an advantage for us since our accommodation budget was cut by P500. :)  We had the whole room since no other surfers came that day.  The secret spot is located at the southern part of the Sabang beach and it's quite far from the surfing spot. Good thing we were able to rent a bike as our means of transportation. haha You can contact Tita Rose at 0928-453 1777. And you can also avail a very sulit tour package in Baler with an accommodation in Secret Spot in Lakbaykaysaya Pilipinas (http://lakbaykaysayapilipinas.weebly.com/) .

Inside the surfer's hut

Beach bike: We are fond of biking but biking is not fond of us haha we know how to ride a bike but we get nervous and lost our grip if there are a lot of people and other vehicles so we never rode on the street. You can rent a bike for P35/hour, bike rental is located behind Bay's Inn. I highly recommend you try this early in the morning when the tides are low the the shore line is elongated. Biking along the beach is priceless, and Baler offers a beautiful scenery. 

Beach Bike

The Surf School: While biking from Secret Spot to Aliya Surf Camp, we noticed a lot of Surf schools along the beach offering lessons for P350/hour. My attention was caught by one of the surf school located between Bay's Inn and Aliya, Mahusay Surf School. Funny because I chose this because of its' name hahaha, because mahusay in waray means beautiful. Plus it's a good catch since they offer lessons for only P300/ hour.

I've truly enjoyed Surfing, it's something I've patiently waited to try. With my feet planted in the board near the back end, knees bent, arms loose, I was surprised my instructor yelled "you made it April!" I was surfing my first wave and it felt awesome! And I end up wanting more. Too bad I don't have a picture of me riding my first wave, Poulla offered to take a video but I refused because I want us to both enjoy the lesson and learn.

For beginners, here are my tips; before you wear your rash guard, hydrate first! And since you'll be working out in the sun, pack sunscreen, too! A longboard is advised for new beginners. The length provides balance, helping you feel more stable, whether you're paddling, sitting, or standing. My instructor thought me basic steps on how to stand on the surfboard, it's just ready-push-stand. You also need to get ready to wipe out. Wipe outs are an unpleasant but unavoidable part of the surfing experience. Stay focus , look to the shore not down to your board, and let it carry you in to the shore. Start simple and enjoy your ride. :)

The hungry surfer: When I travel, it's always the food that consumed most of my budget. I just love to eat! My body and taste buds deserve better. We went to Bay's Inn for a brunch (term for lunch+breakfast) and it's a good place to eat. It offer's not only good food, but cool ambiance, and great location with the view of Sabang beach with that soothing sounds of the sea.  But if you are still looking for a cheaper food, try the Rolling Stores. Just ask the tricycle driver to take you there and pay for the ride for P10 each and for the food we only paid P57 each and that came with soda in can already.

Bay's Inn Garlic Chicken

 It was my first time to try crispy garlic chicken and it's sooo good and affordable for only P160/6 pcs.

Our adventure: 

Figures:

Expenses: around P2,500

Wounds: 2

Bruises: 6 

Insect bites: 3

Memories: Countless :)

I'll be back Baler! :)