Aurora: Dingalan and Baler Trip

When the going gets tough and the tough get to travel! Yes! Travelling is like a therapy, it makes you feel better.

It was Karen’s birth month. So, as a gift to herself, we decided to travel.

Where? Just near Metro Manila. 

Because it was an instant trip, we didn't have plans. We weren't able to avail package tours so we ended up with a do-it-yourself travel.

Aurora Province is located at the east coast of Central Luzon, facing the Pacific Ocean.

It is famous for Baler, one of the best destinations for the surfing enthusiasts.  And now, another town in the province has the attention of the travel nation, Dingalan.

Since we are going to Aurora province, why not go to both Dingalan and Baler?

In this whole travel experience, we have committed some mistakes. So please read the whole blog so you will be guided accordingly.

Day 01

Dingalan, Aurora

How to get there..

Very easy, travel to Dingalan is five to six hours (5-6 hrs).

Why would we go to Dingalan first? Because the tour in Dingalan can be done in just one day. We will be spending more time in Baler.

There is no direct bus travel from Manila to Dingalan.

Go to Fivestar bus terminal in Cubao, QC. Ride a bus going to Cabanatuan.  Upon arrival in Cabanatuan Grand Terminal ride a bus to Dingalan.

Approaching the town of Dingalan, you will witness a scenic view of Sierra Madre mountain range.  Try to take the window seat so you'll get a better view.

After more than six hours of travel from Manila, we have finally arrived in Dingalan. Yehey!

Since we were not aware that Fil Dane Inn was just near the town proper, we hired a tricycle. We did not have a reservation, so we asked the driver if he knows some affordable accommodations available in town. The first that we tried to check had already close their business operation. We have read about Fil Dane Inn thru the GMA news website, Biyahe ni Drew.

We entered the premises and shouted “tao po” hahahah… We did not notice the doorbell! Awww! So one of the staff went out and talked to us. We asked about their rooms, and then we chose the fan room because it is cheaper. We are just looking for a place to spend the night.

Pay in advance upon check-in. We requested for an early check-in (around  10:15AM) and we will also check out early. She did not want to agree with us at first because of their previous experiences with other tourists. We came up with an agreement that we will pay extra cost if we don't fulfill our promise to check-out at 6:00 AM.

We fill-up the form and paid 850 pesos. The room was spacious, with a high ceiling and clean. There were two electric fans, wall fan and stand fan. 

It has its own toilet and bath, windows and two access doors (front and at the back of the room).

 

We stayed a little and then arranged our things that will be needed during the tour.

We asked the staff where can we get a tricycle to take us to the Pamilihang Bayan, then she told us that it is just walking distance from Fil Dane Inn. We walked for about 3-5 minutes. Just in front of the Pamilihang bayan is a stretch of carinderias.

 

We ordered papaitan and dinakdakan.  Wow! It was delicious! The place was clean and the food was cheap. Pinapaitan and dinakdan + 2 rice, Php 115

There were many tricycles in front of the Pamilihang Bayan. Buy some food and water before you hire one. 

Tricycle to Tanawan Falls 30 pesos per head. Please request the driver to come and fetch you because there are no tricycles at drop-off going to Tanawan Falls.

Upon arrival at the drop-off, you will meet the caretaker. Usually, there are kids that serve as a guide going to the falls, but during school days the kids are not available. Just ask for the directions from the caretaker. Twenty to thirty minutes trek.

Once you make a turn to the right, that means you are near the falls. Be careful. Descent is slippery when wet. Hahaha…  The trail is wet and slippery due to the leakage from water pipelines. Wear sandals.

The water from the falls is clean and so cold. Only a few people visit this place, so don't forget to cherish that relaxing moment.

We requested the tricycle driver to come and fetch us at 1pm.  Before you leave, please don't forget to pay the entrance fee of 20 pesos per head.

We asked him to take us to the feeder port.  Please reiterate that you are going to the Feeder port and not in the RORO. These are two different places. Once you arrive at Feeder port, hire a boat going to White beach.

The capacity of the boat is five to ten persons. We are just going to visit White beach and we paid 600 pesos (round trip).

We weren't scared or nervous during the boat ride because the water was calm. We arrived at 02:10 PM. 

The boat left us and will come back at 5PM. Upon arrival, in White beach, someone will approach you. They are the owners of the cottages.

They will provide a guide going to the lighthouse.  The rate for a tour guide is 100 pesos per tourist.

Start trek. The trail was easy and yet tiring. Alongside the trail is full of weeds with sharp edges. If you are wearing shorts, you might get some cuts. The lighthouse is at the peak so get ready for the assault. Tourists are prohibited from entering and climbing the tower.  The solar panels of the lighthouse were destroyed by other tourists who stepped on it just to take good photos.

That's okay. Even if you are just standing at the base of the lighthouse, you will still be able to experience a very mesmerizing view. It is advised to witness sunrise at the lighthouse.  Mountain range plus blue sea water in one scenic view.  We stayed there for a couple of hours. We ate some of our trail foods. I love the blow of the wind, very relaxing, makes me wanna go to sleep. At around 4pm we started the descent, we don't want to be caught by the coast guards hahahah…. By the way, during our climb, some guide dogs joined us. Super nice! The dogs actually waited for us until we returned to the beach.

Karen

guide dogs waiting for me

We returned to the beach before 5PM. We sat down at a sari-sari store. Fresh buko juice at a very affordable price.

The owner of the store is also the owner of the cottages. We were informed that you may spend the night there with your tent or you may also rent their cottages. Please coordinate with them for the rates and charges. There are cottages with electric fan, just add payment for the gasoline consumption of the generator. 

Around 5PM our boat arrived. It was raining at the feeder port. We hired a tricycle back to Fil Dane. We took a bath and rest a little. We went out again to eat dinner at the carinderia. Our room doesn't have a TV so we were able to sleep early.

Day 02

From Dingalan to Baler,  Aurora

We woke up early. As agreed, we checked-out before 6AM. We had breakfast at the carinderia. There were other groups of tourist eating. We have learned that the van travels faster compared to the bus headed to Cabanatuan. The van terminal was just walking distance from the carinderia.  The fare is 100 pesos.

As soon as we arrive in Cabanatuan, we ride a tricy to the grand terminal.  We tried to search for a van going to Baler but there weren't any. As the barker said, the LTFRB is hunting the colorum vans. We look for the bus instead. We had a stop over in the mountain and ate our lunch too.

 

It was already afternoon when we arrived in Baler. Upon arrival, there were tricycle drivers who approached the alighting passengers. We have asked Kuya Danny, the tricycle driver, to take us to Sabang and also help us find cheap accommodation. Sabang is the surfing spots in Baler. It would be better if you can get your accommodation there because it is a beach front. Just a few steps and you can already enjoy surfing.

After we have checked-in, we left and started the tour.  Since it is already afternoon, we can only go to the nearby places. Tricycle hire for a whole day tour is at 700 pesos minimum. 

We were able to visit Doña Aurora's house, Museo de Baler, Hanging bridge, Lukso-Lukso, Aniao Islet, Diguisit Falls and Ermita Hill.

 

 

 

We were able to negotiate with Kuya Danny to be our travel guide and hire his tricy for transportation for the next day activities. We paid him a downpayment (300 pesos) and the balance will be paid after the tour.

You may also request for a stop-over in the market or souvenir shops. 

It rained after, but instead of going back to our room we opted to go to the beach. There were still many people even if it is already getting dark.

We went back into our room and then took a bath. We wanted to go to the town proper but unfortunately, we can't find a tricycle. We searched some restaurants along the street. There's a restaurant nearby, Yellow Fin Bar and Grill.

We ordered grilled liempo and squid. Surprised! A single serving is good for two to three persons. It is just too much for the two of us. We took some and save it for tomorrow. It became our lunch the next day. Hahahah…You may cook food at Desiree’s. There is a kitchen outside with stove and cookware.

After we had our dinner we went back to our room. We do not have a TV in our room so we slept early.

Day 03

Call time is at 05:30 AM.  We need to start early because we are going to visit faraway places, Balete tree and Ditumabo Mother falls.

We headed first to Balete tree.  We are the only tourist. Yehey!

There is an entrance fee of 10 pesos.

It would be better if you get there first to avoid photobombers! I suggest that you hire the “paniki boys”. Very talented not just in climbing trees but also in taking pictures. There is no standard rate, but because we're happy, we gave 100 pesos.

After our photo shoot at Balete tree, we went to Ditumabo Falls. We did not eat breakfast, we were hungry at this point. Good thing we have brought hopia and whattatops. Trek to the mother falls is around 20-30 minutes. Don’t worry, it’s worth it!

There are slippery parts so be extra careful. Entrance fee is 30 pesos per head. The are many bridges made out of wood along the way. These were built by the residents. You will find a donation box at the end of each bridge.

After the trek, voila! Welcome to the mother falls! Powerful ravishing water. Very clean. This is the source of their water supply so please don't liter. Try to dip in the cold water. The dept is shallow, that is good news for the non-swimmers.  There was one couple enjoying the falls when we arrived.

The place is not too big to accommodate a big group of people. It would be better if you will arrive early. Around 10AM the tourists are already filling up the place. We are so lucky we had time to enjoy the place before the groups arrived.

On our way to descent, many people are coming way up. The parking slots were full and there are more vehicles coming. There are toilet and bathroom near the parking area. You may use these toilet and bath for a fee.

We went back to Desiree's so we can change clothes. Kuya Danny waited for us and then introduced us to the surfing instructors. We paid Kuya Danny our remaining balance of 500 pesos.

No regrets! Surfing is a must try! I do not know how to swim so I was a bit hesitant, the water was around 4 feet so I think I can make it.

My instructor, Micko Mendoza,  joins different surfing competitions. And take note, he won. So that means that he's really good. He has students who visit him once a month. His students have their own surfboard. Micko is a working student. He said that surfboard is expensive especially those that are made from fiberglass.  I asked him if he can show me some of his moves but to no avail.

Micko Mendoza, Surfing Instructor

He will only do it with big waves. Awww! The big waves are not on the shore, you must ride a boat to catch them. Ber months is the best time to learn surfing. We will come back to experience it.

His patience was challenged with me. I don't know how many times I stumbled before I was able to stand on the board. Hahaha…  Surfing is easier to those who know how to balance, ride a bike and those with strong legs. Okay fine! I will learn how to ride a bike before going back to Baler! It was fun and at the same time very addictive.

Don’t lose hope. I had many attempts before I even get to balance on the board.

One hour is not enough. You’ll be waiting for more waves.  It was scorching hot and yet we kept surfing. Our tan lines were beyond exaggeration.

All in all, it was a very fun and memorable experience. 

After surfing we went back to Desiree's, took a bath and packed our things. We checked-out then walk along the street to find carinderia. We still have the grilled liempo and squid from last night's dinner. We found a little carinderia just few steps away. The place is clean and the staff were accommodating. We only ordered rice and drinks. They gave us sauce for our food. Wahaha… Actually after lunch, we still have left overs.

We called Kuya Danny ( +63.907.742.1645) to give us a ride to the terminal.

Bus schedule posted below.

 

It would be cheaper if you will travel in big groups. I hope you find this post helpful.

For Itinerary and expenses, please see table below.

Day 01		Friday, July 22, 2016
			Expenses	Cost per person
3:00 AM		Meet-up Cubao Fivestar Bus Terminal
3:15 AM		Departure of bus to Cabanatuan	Aircon bus fare	185.00
6:26 AM		Arrival in Cabanatuan Grand Terminal
7:00 AM		Departure of bus to Dingalan	Dingalan Trans ordinary bus	80.00
10:00 AM		Arrival in Dingalan
		Check-in at Fil Dane Inn	Tricycle  to Fil Dane Inn	15.00
			Accommodation fan room (Php850/2)	425.00
		Lunch	Meal at Carinderia (pinapaitan and dinakdan + 2 rice, Php 115/2)	57.50
11:25 AM		Hire Tricycle to Tanawan Falls	Tricycle to Tanawan	30.00
11:35 AM		Arrival at drop-off, start trek	Entrance Fee	20.00
12:00 PM		Arrival at Tanawan Falls
1:13 PM		Return to town proper	Tricycle fare	20.00
		Go to feeder port	Tricycle fare	20.00
		Hire a boat	Boat ride back and forth (Php 600/2)	300.00
2:10 PM		Arrival in White Beach, start trek to lighthouse	Tour guide	100.00
			Merienda (Php 45/2)	22.50
5:00 PM		Return to feeder port and then to accommodation	Tricycle back to Fil Dane Inn	30.00
7:00 PM		Dinner	Meal At Carinderia (Php 90/2)	45.00
8:00 PM		Return to accommodation and rest
Day 02		Saturday, July 23, 2016
5:30 AM		Wake-up
		Breakfast	Meal at Carinderia (Php 95/2)	47.50
6:48 AM		Ride a van to Cabanatuan	fare	100.00
8:42 AM		Arrival in Cabanatuan	Tricycle to grand terminal	10.00
9:30 AM		Ride bus to Baler	Aurora Aircon bus fare	247.00
			Lunch at bus stop (Php 100/2)	50.00
1:36 PM		Arrival in Baler
		Checkin at accommodation	Aircon room at Desiree's Lodge (Php 1000/2)	500.00
2:10 PM		Start of tour	Entrance fee at Doña Aurora's house	30.00
		Doña Aurora's house, Museo de Baler, Hanging bridge, Lukso-Lukso, Aniao Islet, Diguisit Falls and Ermita Hill	Donation at hanging bridge (Php 20/2)	10.00
			Tricycle hire (Php 300/2)	150.00
4:53 PM		Return to accommodation
		Dinner	Karen's birthday treat	-
		Rest
Day 03		Sunday, July 24, 2016
5:00 AM		Wake-up
5:44 AM		Start tour
6:10 AM		Arrival at Balete tree	Entrance fee	10.00
			Tip to Photographer (Php 100/2)	50.00
8:03 AM		Arrival at Ditumabo Mother Falls	Entrance fee	30.00
			Donation (Php 10/2)	5.00
10:00 AM		Return to Sabang	Tricycle hire (Php 500/2)	250.00
10:30 AM		Start Surfing Lessons	Surfing Lesson	350.00
			Tip to trainor	50.00
11:45 AM		Return to Accommodation
1:43 PM		Departure Baler to Cabanatuan	Aircon bus	247.00
6:00 PM		Arrival in Cabanatuan Grand Terminal
6:15 PM		Departure Fivestar bus via sctex	Aircon bus	195.00
			Total	3,681.50
		**Note: Souvenirs and other expenses not included in this computation End - Ana