2 Days and 1 Night Baler Escapade – Just Runaway Tours Review

“We travel not to escape life but for life not to escape us” – Anonymous. From this inspirational quote, a lot of people use it as a guiding light whenever they feel stressed and want to find a relief from traveling.

Same goes with my colleagues and I, we were on the verge of experiencing stress from the demands of work, so we decided to take relax, and recharge our mind and body. We agreed to colorized the Baler tour we have been planning since November 2017.

Stressed?Let's travel!

Upon looking for Baler packages, a co-worker recommended a tour agency (JUST RUNAWAY TOURS) where he assured us of the remarkable service he provided. So, my colleague contacted the organizer of the tour regarding the Baler package he will offer. Mr. Ejay Rodriguez (the organizer) provided us the itinerary and necessary information about the package.

EAT x SURF x REPEAT
Baler Aurora for 2 Days, 1 Night

Php 1,1799 ALL-IN Package Tour

PACKAGE INCLUSIONS:

Roundtrip van transfers (Manila- Baler- Manila)

Home stay with air-conditioned rooms (less 1 minute walk to Sabang beach)

All entrance and applicable fees

Driver's meal and accommodation

Tour coordinator

Complete Baler tour

Max of 12 participants only

Exclusions:
• All meals
• Surfing lessons (Php 350/ hr, board and instructor included)

Places to Visit:
• Ditumabo mother falls
• Baler lighthouse
• Aniao Islets
• Diguisit falls
• Ermita hill
• Sabang beach for surfing (tour highlight)
• Hanging bridge
• Museo de Baler
• Donya Aurora's house
• Millenium "Balete" tree (Asia's largest and oldest tree, 600+ years old)

Activities:
• Hike to hilltop
• Less than an hour trek to falls
• Surfing
• Socials at night
• Meet new travel friends

2D1N Suggested Itinerary

Day 00
23:00 Assembly at Mcdo starmall Shaw boulevard
23:30 Assembly at Chowking, in front of Trinoma.

Day 01
00:00 ETD Manila to Baler Aurora
06:00 ETA Baler and breakfast
07:00 Home stay check in for refreshments
08:00 ETA Baler lighthouse
Aniao Islets, Diguisit falls, Ermita Hills
12:00 Lunch at Picnic bay
13:30 ETA Ditumabo falls
16:00 ETA Sabang beach for surfing
17:00 ETA Baler market and buy final provisions

Day 02
06:00 wake up call and breakfast
Free time
10:00 check out
11:00 lunch
12:30 ETA Baler hanging bridge
13:00 ETA Museo De Baler, Donya Aurora's house & Baler church
14:00 Baler town pasalubong stores
15:00 ETA Balete tree, Maria Aurora
22:00 ETA Manila

** Suggested Itinerary might change without prior notice, depends on the weather condition and other factors that might affect the itinerary.

FOR RESERVATIONS, CONTACT US
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From the itinerary, queries were asked and the tour organizer accommodated as well and responded without any hesitation.

Note:

Few things to remember when booking for a tour package:

· Is it per pax or group?

· The itinerary

· Amount and payment system

· Inclusion and exclusions

· Type and name of accommodation

· Toiletries, amenities, bathroom, and type of bed

· Pick-up and drop point

· Call-time

· Cancellation fees and charges

There, after considering these things, we booked the available tour package. We were (7)seven in the group and we got the tour for an amount of Php 1799.00 per pax.

We were scheduled for 2 days and 1 night tour, specifically January 5-7, 2018. On January 5, 2018 (Friday) the set call time was 11:00PM and the pick-up point was in McDonald’s in front of Trinoma. Well, I found out that this is the common pick-up point of tours going to North.

The tour group ^.^

While waiting for the van, the tour organizer keeps on informing us about their whereabouts and their expected time of arrival. I think, they arrived past 11:00PM. Then, we hopped on in the van. The atmosphere of the van was cozy, though the seat at the back part was a bit uncomfortable because it cannot be reclined. Sleeping was a little challenging during the 8 hours travel because you need to find the best sleeping position while sitting. Other than that, no inconveniences occurred. A stop-over was also provided for a bladder break and buying of foods and other necessities.

We arrived at Baler, Aurora earlier than the expected time, 5:00 AM. So, we used this time to take pictures. Then, we had an early breakfast, and the first day of our tour started.

Surfboards

Arrived at 5:00 AM

The sun came up. Group picture!

So here goes our tour:

Day 1:

1^st itinerary: Baler lighthouse – It was really challenging to reach the light house. One wrong move and you’ll end up rolling down the hill. You’ll just have to sing Jack and Jill (nursery rhyme song) while rolling down.

It is located on Diguisit beach.

Diguisit Beach

There it is! The lighthouse.

We made it!

Upon reaching the lighthouse, you’ll feel amused with what nature has to offer you. Then, we went up the lighthouse. The view is better from up there. It’s time to savor the moment and take pictures.

The tranquility of the ocean.

View from the top! Hi Thesa :)

2nd itinerary: Aniao Islets – Little-like islands formed from rock formations. It is one of the tourist spots in Baler.

Few rock formations spotted! Let's have a group picture.

Never forget to strike a blogger post.

3rd itinerary: Diguisit Falls – Known as the falls along the road. One on the four popular falls in Baler.

Where is your mother baby falls?

4th itinerary: Ermita Hills – the famous hill in Baler, this is where residents sought safety when a tsunami hit Baler on December 27, 1735. Also it is known as a sacred place for religious activities by the devotees of the miraculous Mother Mary.

Group picture!

Let's take a walk down the hill.

Umbrellas!

A sacred place for devotees of Mama Mary.

Overlooking the Beach.

5th itinerary: Lunch time! Buffet at Picnic Bay! One of my favorite activity. Sumptuous meals are offered for the price of Php 200.00 per person, an eat-all-you-can lunch by the beach.

Eat-all-you-can!

Yum yum yum!

Friends that eat together, pay by themselves.

After the fifth itinerary, we headed to our accommodation to check in. The place was about 500meter from the beach. The room was cozy, spacious, and clean. Our organizer provided us a nice room. After checking in, the organizer reminded us that the tour will resume at 1:00 PM and we will be heading to our 6^th itinerary. I checked the time; it was around 11:30 AM that time. Ahhh! That is just enough to be able to get some zzzzzzs.

Rest time friendships!

At around 1:00PM our organizer checked-us and reminded for the next destination. We prepared our things, wore our rashguards since we are heading to Ditumabo falls. It would take us around 40 minutes to an hour ride.

6th itinerary: Ditumabo falls – One of the famous falls in Baler. For people who seek adventure and scenic view, this is a must-visit. Get ready to trek, cross rivers, and balance on the rocks. It took us less than hour to reach the Ditumabo Mother falls.

Feel the cold water coming from the mountain.

The adventure starts here!

So clean and clear.

Group picture, smile!

Blogger pose!

Finally! We reached the Ditumabo mother falls.

It was my a rare experience to be able to reach the falls. Full of challenges. After Ditumabo falls, we went back to our accommodation to rest and prepare ourselves for dinner and socialization.

We had our dinner at Bayler’s view. The place was full of tourists, just because the foods are somehow sumptuous.

Bayler View's Menu

Dinner Time!

Mixed Seafood in Oyster Sauce ^.^

Beeeeef Broccoli .

Hawaiian Pizza. All time favorite!

After dinner, we had a socialization night. Drinking Emperador and playing “in-between” card games. Then, we called it a day. We have more activities and itineraries tomorrow.

Day 02:

Good morning, Baler! We woke up at around 8:00AM to have our breakfast and to prepare for the surfing adventure. By the way, it is my first time to try surfing.

1^st itinerary: Sabang beach: Surfing experience! I was really thrilled to learn how to surf and be able to ride the waves. We had to pay PhP 350.00 for a surfing lesson. The surfing fee includes the instructor, surfboard, and an hour of surfing experience. This is a must-try activity in Baler. So, please do not miss this activity.

Surfing practice 101

I'm ready to ride with the waves.

Surfing lesson 101

After riding the waves.

Great job! I was able to balance myself on the surfboard.

Still standing!

Amazing! Beginner surfers be like... ^.^

Let's strike a pose after surfing!

After the surfing experience, we went back to the accommodation to take a bath and prepare our things and checked-out. After checking out, we had our lunch at a seafood store. The dishes in Baler are quite tasty! Never forget to go food tripping.

Choose your viand. Too bad there isn't any shrimp.

Group picture while waiting for orders.

Are you ready for the city tour?

2^nd itinerary: Baler Hanging Bridge: Get ready to conquer your fear of heights. This man-made hanging bridge will let you cross the Tibang-Sabang River. It connects Baranggay Tibang and Baranggay Sabang. Upon reaching the other end, you will be see some souvenirs stores and kids selling some kind of coconut-like fruit that tastes like coconut.

Baler Hanging Bridge

Sorry, but I don't have fear of heights.

Group picture!

Jump for freedom!

These cost PhP 5.00. Does anyone know the name of this fruit?

3^rd itinerary: Museo De Baler – I think this place should always be included in tour packages. Why? Because it will give you a glimpse of the cultural heritage of Baler. Paintings, carvings, traditional attires, and historical elements will help you understand more about Baler.

Museo De Baler

Never forget to look back. History is a life's lesson.

Paintings that depicts people in Baler.

Quite artistic using vivid colors.

4^th itinerary: Donya Aurora Quezon’s House – Donya Aurora is the loving wife of late president Manuel L. Quezon. Baler is her hometown. She is one of the notable persons in history. Her house depicts that they lived an average life.

Donya Aurora's House

At the dining table

Suitors are off limits.

Stairs going inside

The portrait of Mrs and Mr. Quezon.

Groupie!

^6th itinerary: Balete Tree – The famous Balete tree is always flocked by tourists. It was said that it was about more than 600 years.

Entrance to get inside the Balete tree.

Picture time!

Exit from inside the Balete tree.

After the last itinerary, we are bound to head home.

The compressed Baler tour was worth the penny! We were able to admire what Baler has to offer. Their locals are quite friendly and the foods were worth the buy. You’ll get to experience what you don’t usually experience in other tourist attractions. Also, their Museums will let you experience the unique culture, historical events and famous people.

Tourist organizer evaluation:

Good points:

· Approachable

· Willingness to answer all inquiries

· Provides necessary information before and during the tour

· Fun to talk with

· Shows concern to all his clients

· Knows how to communicate and empathize with clients.

· Camera ready

Points for improvement:

· Provide some background information about the itinerary.

S Well, this is where I end the Baler tour offered by Just Runaway Tours organized by Mr. Ejay Rodriguez. Thank you for the memorable tour. I fell in love with Baler. I'll be back soon.

So guys! Never be afraid to try new things, new adventures, talk with new people, visit new places. Just like what others say YOLO!

Photo credits, thanks Althesa for some of the pictures! :)

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