Ride the Pacific Waves in Baler, Plus Other Great Surf Spots in the Philippines

For certain, there will be no shortage of surfers seeking a hotel in Baler like Costa Pacifica this summer. When it comes to surfing, no other place comes to mind first than the surf paradise in Aurora on the Luzon east coast. Facing the roaring waves of the Pacific Ocean, Baler offers several beach breaks that cater to all levels of surfers. There is really no surprise here since the coast stretches up to 328 km, so whether a beginner or an advanced surfer, there is a bounty of high-quality waves to go around.

Furthermore, Baler occupies a special place in Philippine pop culture as it holds the distinction of being the birthplace of surfing in the country. In 1979, the film Apocalypse Now revealed the surfing wonder to the world and the rest, as they say, is history. The exact surf scene in the movie was shot in what is now called Charlie's Point. It features regular swells of medium quality and size that breaks both left and right. Other surf spots of interest in this area include Sabang Beach, which is popular for beginners, and Cemento Beach and Lindy's Point for the more advanced.

Apart from Baler, Aurora, another good place to hit the waves in the Philippines lies in La Union, towards the north of Luzon. It can be reached by land in roughly 5 hours travel by car from Manila. It is a choice destination for beginners and advanced surfers alike because of its good, clean swells that can reach anywhere between 8 to 10 feet.

Pagudpud is another surfing hot spot, a dream getaway place for those who want to enjoy the beach with much privacy. Compared to other destinations, the beaches here are less crowded, allowing one to enjoy the best and largest waves as intimate as one wishes.

Meanwhile, further down south is the surf capital of the Visayas region, Samar. Some of the cleanest and largest hollow tubing waves in the country can be found here during peak season. It mostly comprises reef breaks, but there are also some beach breaks in the area. Coming over to experience these waves is definitely a big treat for any surfer.

Finally, there is Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte, a world-known surfing location, home to the popular Cloud 9 Beach. While Baler is the birthplace of Philippine surf culture, Siargao Island is the country's surf capital. Its beauty is proven by CNN Go ranking it as the 8th best surf spot in the world. Enough said.

So this summer, go pack those surfboards and experience the waves in the Philippines. You can expect to have a great time, whether you decide to take retreat in a Baler hotel like Costa Pacifica to rendezvous with the breaks in Aurora or in the other surfing destinations in the country.

Why Baler, Aurora is Not All About Surfing

When Filipinos talk about local surf spots, they always mention Baler, Aurora. And who wouldn't? A few steps from Costa Pacifica Hotel and the white sands of Sabang Beach is Mahdox Surf School, the town's first surfing institution where a lot of tourists have visited to learn all the basics.

Though surfing is the main attraction in Aurora, this Philippine province has so much more to offer. These include some amazing natural wonders, a museum that offers a trip back in time, and the giant Millennium Tree.

Ditumabo Falls
San Luis, a small village located a few kilometers from the shores of Baler, offers a different kind of water spectacle with the Ditumabo Falls. This amazing site can only be accessed by passing through several wooden footbridges and following a trail of footpaths. Most locals say that it only takes 20 minutes to get there from San Luis' highway, but tourists often disagree. Nevertheless, the beautiful view on the way to the falls is breathtaking.

Dicasalarin Cove
Since the white sand coastline of Baler is commonly flocked by surfers, why not visit Dicasalarin Cove. This secret haven is reachable in around 20 minutes from Sabang Beach. There you can laze around and soak in a magnificent view of quiet blue waters. Going there isn't as easy, however, because the trip entails passing through a long road of zigzags and uphills. Better bring a 4x4 vehicle or rent one.

Museo de Baler
As rich as the town's blue waters is Museo de Baler, home of historical artifacts that date back to the Spanish Colonial period. Some of the items displayed are earthenware from Chinese merchants, a Latin Breviary, a book of Catholic liturgical rites, and a photo exhibit of the 17th century Spanish galleon trade. One of the museum's highlights is the restored presidential vehicle of the late President Manuel Quezon.

Millennium Tree
If it's your first time to explore the attractions in Baler, then you have to ask the kind locals in your Baler hotel or at the place your staying where the Millennium Tree is. They can surely give the exact directions to the place. But listen carefully to their stories afterward because this is no ordinary tree; it's an enormous Balete tree about 200 feet high and 49 feet wide. Balete is an infamous figure in traditional folklore because it is believed to be the dwelling place of dwarves, supernatural beings, and other tree-dwelling creatures.

Cozy accommodations in Baler like the Costa Pacifica Hotel can get you closer to these attractions. Include these gems in your itinerary to experience the different side of Baler.