Baler Part 3: Beyond Sabang

The secluded paradise of Dicasalarin Cove and Bay

Summer is not yet over. While we are experiencing rains and thunderstorms these days, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has predicted that the rainy season will come middle of June. 

That only means that there is still time to catch your one last epic summer adventure. Those in search for one could head over to the town of Baler in Aurora province. There, you can enjoy the big waves of Sabang Beach and try surfing for the first time.

An already known surfing destination in Northern Philippines, local tourists are seen lining the shore of Sabang on top of surfboards. Why not when surfing lessons come at a very affordable P300 fee per hour.

But while many go to Baler expecting to hit the waves, surprisingly though, this quaint and historical town in Luzon have more water escapades to offer. 

Here are other "wet" destinations you can visit when in Baler: 

DICASALARIN COVE
Dicasalarin Cove and Bay is a hidden paradise found at the southeastern area of Baler, which opens up to the vast Pacific Ocean. 

There, a rustic resort, which is owned by the political and public servant family of the Angaras. According to locals, former Sen. Edgardo Angara Sr. could be seen lounging around in his personal villas on weekends. Everyone needs peace and quiet and I'm sure he finds it at Dicasalarin Cove.

More villas are available for accommodations for people who want to spend more time at the secluded cove--away from all of Sabang Beach's crowd and happenings. 

But for those pressed with time or budget, they could always opt for a day tour and just pay the resort's entrance fee. Here's what to do: 

1. Swim! Take a dip at the beach's clear water with friendly waves. Also, the sand is white so if you are a beach person, this is the perfect place for you.

2. Climb! Go up the steep stairs of one of the hills in Dicasalarin where a lighthouse sits on top. And once there, challenge yourself once more to climb the metal stairs of the lighthouse. If not brave enough, just savor the view of the surroundings including rock formations, mountains and the vast Pacific Ocean.  

After the cool dip and exciting climb, take a break at the resort's restaurant that serves good pizza. Or walk to the Artist's House which serves as a gallery with local artworks, photographs, and sculpted wooden furniture. 

3. Visit PAGASA. When going to Dicasalarin Cove, make sure to stop by the PAGASA station, which you will pass by. Found at the highest point of the cove's mountain, its location is perfect to monitor the weather patterns of Northeastern Luzon. Take time to talk to the weather forecasters and observers to understand the importance of their work. 

DIGUISIT BEACH
Located before Dicasalarin Cove when coming from Baler town proper, Diguisit Beach on the other hand offers a different attraction to tourists. Its beautiful and natural rock formations. 

While you can also swim in the beach, it's more fun to explore the various rock formations--big or small--which can be accessed and climbed by foot when the tide is low. 

HANGING BRIDGE
Last stop before you head back to Baler's Sabang or town proper will be the favorite destination of locals and visitors alike, the hanging bridge. 

Are you adventurous enough to cross the hanging bridge? Well, there is nothing to worry because the bridge is now safe and secure except of course for the bumpy and shaky feeling when people are crossing. 

My brother tells me that its condition now that tourism is picking up in Baler has greatly improved. Before, it used to have missing wooden planks! 

These are just some of the other destinations featuring bodies of water that you can visit in Baler besides Sabang. Make sure to check them out the next time! 

Also read "Baler Part 1: Around town" by following this link, or "Baler Part 2: Sidetrip to Mother Falls" by following this link. 

(TEXT AND PHOTOS ARE MINE. ©EUDENVALDEZ)

Albay: The ultimate Mayon adventure

Majestic Mayon 

The moment I arrived at Legazpi International Airport in Legazpi City in Albay province, I got my first glimpse of the Philippines' most prized Mayon Volcano, known around the world for its perfect inverted conical shape. 

And I immediately realized that the Mayon (derived from the Bikolano word magayon which translates to beautiful in English) was majestic and imposing than all its pictures I had ever seen. I never imagined it to be that beautiful and big as it sits right in the middle of Albay's three cities and 15 municipalities and towers at almost 8,000 feet above sea level.  

The tease that is Mayon

However, within my two days spent at Albay, Mayon seemed to enjoy teasing me as there were always clouds surrounding her, sometimes at the base but most of the times at its crater.

Thus, I couldn't wait to see Mayon in its full grandeur! 

Finally after the long wait--that included the Daragang Magayon beauty pageant's coronation night in Legazpi capital and a day tour of Camalig town--I finally got my fill of Mayon in an adventure beyond my wildest imagination. 

Bicol Adventure ATV has four kinds of ATV
and four different trails to choose from

Thanks to the Department of Tourism by allowing the media junket I was part in to take the ATV ride to Mayon Volcano offered by Bicol Adventure, found in the town of Daraga. 

Arriving late in the afternoon, Bicol Adventure assistant manager and trail master and designer John Morales immediately welcomed us and assisted us in taking initial ATV driving lessons. 

As a first-timer aware of ATV horror stories, I bravely took on a single ATV! Thankfully, Bicol Adventure drivers/guides/instructors handled us professionally and carefully. I finished the beginner's practice lane which included going uphill and downhill, as well as a rocky stream. 

After that quick trial, the whole group through the recommendation of Sir John decided to ride with Bicol Adventure's drivers so that we could catch the sunset at Mayon's Green Lava Trail 3 that is approximately 11 kilometers from base and 3,000 feet above sea level!

Riding with our separate trail guides, the Manila media group left at approximately 5 p.m. After passing by all kinds of terrain: river where lava flows, small streams rugged by volcanic rocks, flat roads filled with volcanic ash, communities and mountain vegetation, we finally arrived at our destination, the drive took about 45 minutes. 

And although we weren't prepared physically (not only from the bumpy ride but also from bathing in and breathing dust), the view was worth it. 

At 360 degrees, I savored the majestic Mayon, which by then came out in full; the Albay Gulf, which faces the province of Sorsogon and according to my guide Lhanz, we were lucky also because clouds cleared and also showed Mt. Bulusan, an active volcano just like Mayon; the rest of Daraga and Legazpi City; and finally the beautiful setting sun. 

Everything just took my breath away. 

According to my trail guide Lhanz Asuncion, Green Lava 3 is the highest trail offered via ATV in Albay. Bicol Adventure's two competitors only traverse the Black Lava trail which reaches only the lava wall at 900 feet above sea level. 

Besides being informative, Lhanz is also a success story thanks to Albay's teeming tourism. After doing odd jobs in Manila, Lhanz returned home and found a job he is passionate about: riding while sharing the beauty of his land's treasure, the Mayon.  

Lhanz Asuncion (right) with a fellow trail guide

On the way back, it was getting dark already and where better to pass than a ghost town? My trail guide and driver Lhanz ably noted the old community that was ruined by the powerful 18th century Mayon eruption that also buried the Cagsawa village (the church bell tower a visual reminder). Left behind were houses, a school and the church now part of the six-kilometer radius permanent danger zone. 

Nevertheless, this only added to the thrill!

So ultimately, ATV ride at Mayon Volcano is something I would love to do again. See you Albay!

The Department of Tourism's media junket from Manila
at approximately 3,000 ft of Mayon Volcano--clearly happy from the experience

(Visit Bicol Adventure here to know their complete list of services and rates. You can also contact John Morales at 0948-9542702, or Lhanz Asuncion at 0927-5022991)

Baler Part 2: Sidetrip to 'Mother Falls'

Enjoy this scenery on your way to Mother Falls

Considered as one of the most famous destinations for Baler visitors, Mother Falls is actually not found in Baler but in neighboring town of San Luis in Aurora province. 

Only a couple of minutes when traveling via PUVs from Baler (individuals or groups can rent vans or tricycles depending on budget), Mother Falls has become a favorite not only because of its proximity but also its experience. 

The trek to Mother Falls 

Officially named the Ditumabo Falls as it is found in Barangay Ditumabo, Mother Falls is nestled within a portion of the majestic Sierra Madre Mountain Range (one of the longest in the Philippines as it traverses Luzon from north to south). 

For starters, the hike going to the falls itself is much longer than the drive to Barangay Ditumabo. It usually takes an hour of leisurely trek going to the falls, so definitely, it takes about three hours back and forth with swimming, rest and snacks already included in between. 

But don't be afraid as the hike to the falls is friendly especially for those who are active or who are used to hiking because distance from the foot of the mountain to the falls itself is just a kilometer. 

Green and moist. So fresh and cool to the eyes. 

And although the terrain is rugged with lots of boulders and streams to cross, this is part of the experience itself, which is further heightened by the mountain's rainforest. The rocky, flowing streams and "baby" falls that comes from Mother Falls combined with the lush, green canopy and moisty flora, the trek offers the perfect scenery to commune with Mother Earth. 

Unfortunately, serenity is broken by the continuous going in and out of people so I suggest not to visit Mother Falls during peak season--which is now. 

You're near the destination once you begin ascent
on a flat and concrete walkway

You know you're halfway to the destination when you reach the hut where you will have to pay an environmental fee. My brother, who had been to Mother Falls even before all the hype, said that trekking used to be free. I do hope that all the money is actually going to the preservation of the place. 

Upon reaching an upward concrete walkway, then you'll know you're near Mother Falls. And seeing it, you'll understand why it is dubbed such. 

Indeed, Mother Falls is bigger than all the other falls that you will pass by. At its bottom is a crystal clear pool of icy spring water! Take a dip, shower under the big falls if you can, and just let the feeling wash away your exhaustion from hiking. 

Sorry blurred! The falls was so strong its mists reached my lenses

Another downside though, the summer season sure brings in a lot of tourists as you'll have to share the Mother Falls with others, many others! Would you believe that people who are just arriving and those who are already leaving even cause traffic in the narrow walkway! Best be careful or you might slip and fall.  

If you want to escape the crowd, try going to the smaller pools and falls below, and wade there all you want. 

If you find the Mother Falls too crowded,
take a shower in the smaller falls instead 

On you're way down, make sure to stop by the food huts of the locals of Barangay Ditumabo to taste some of their delicacies like banana cue and suman, as well as popular snacks like grilled hotdog and corn. You can also take home freshly picked paco (green shoots that grow in the mountains) sold by the vendors. 

All in all, I'd love to visit Mother Falls again sans the noisy crowd! 

And maybe if there is a good guide, I can also see what locals call the "Father Falls"! If this is true, said falls is much bigger than Mother Falls and found deeper and higher within the mountains!

View my collection of Mother Falls here. 


Read "Baler Part 1: Around town" by following this link or "Baler Part 3: Beyond Sabang by clicking this link.

(TEXT AND PHOTOS ARE MINE. ©EUDEN VALDEZ)