THINGS TO DO IN CORON PALAWAN: Hiking Mt. Tapyas plus a Soothing Dip at Maquinit Hot Springs

It's my first time in Palawan. And I'm so excited to explore this most talked about and world famous tourist destination in the Philippines. So, upon checking-in at Rudy's place in Coron, we unpacked our things and had our very late lunch. Then, we prepared for the "day 1 activities" in our itinerary.

At the hostel, we met new friends who are from Davao City - Kuya Odie and Ate Bait. Together with my friends, Ricky and Jay-ann, we took the tricycle provided by our tour organizer and went to our first destination, Mount Tapyas.

My 4-hour Plane Ride to Busuanga on my Trip to Coron, Palawan

It was the day when typhoon Falcon is ravishing the northern part of Luzon. Before going to the airport, I was actually expecting our flight to be cancelled, but (good thing) it wasn't. We were delayed for more than an hour, and there were some late routine checks on the aircraft before we're able to board and took off. We’re finally airborne at around 11:00 AM and after about 40 minutes, I got a glimpse of the amazing islands in the northern part of Busuanga. It's truly breathtaking!

BALER AURORA BUDGET TRAVEL GUIDE - DIY Itinerary, Things to do, Tourist Spots and Attractions, Expenses, Contact Details and More!

Looking for Baler Travel Guide?

There's more things to do in Baler other than surfing! In this Baler Budget Travel Guide, I will provide you with useful information on how to get there, things to do, hotels and resorts, DIY itinerary, budget and expenses, and more to help you plan your next ultimate adventure in Baler!

HOW TO GET THERE

How to get to Baler from Manila

Option #1 : Genesis Transport, Inc. is the only bus company that provides direct trips to Baler, Aurora from Cubao. The first trip is at 2:00 AM with subsequent trips at one hour intervals, last trip leaves Cubao at 7:30 AM. From Baler to Pasay, the first bus leaves at 4:30 AM, also with subsequent trips every hour. The last trip is at 3:00 PM. Travel time is approximately 7 hours. For more information, visit www.genesistransport.com.ph or you may call +(632)709-0803/+(632)421-1425.

Pinoy Food : A Taste of Baler's Ensaladang Pako

I must admit, I am not as Adventurista that you might think when it comes to food. Shame on me! Hahaha! I'm not just comfortable eating dishes that I am not accustomed to. Hehehe! But my recent trip to Aurora province changed it all when my friends from Baler introduced me to their “Ensaladang Pako”.

I’m not sure if this is native to the town or to the province, but I’m certain that the others also have their own version of this – perhaps, with a different name.

AURORA - Trekking to DITUMABO FALLS in the Town of San Luis (AKA Mother Falls)

Certainly, Aurora province is rich in natural resources. So rich, you'll never run out of things to explore. So, for my 3rd and supposedly last day in Baler, I was brought by my friends to Ditumabo falls, locally referred to as the Mother falls. Located in Brgy. Ditumabo in the town of San Luis, Ditumabo Falls one of the major attractions of the province. According to some locals, it's the biggest waterfalls in the province so it gets the name mother falls.

Aurora - Stop Illegal Logging in Aurora Province!

Illegal logging has been a perennial problem in the province of Aurora. A reality that we have to face despite the implementation of President Aquino's Executive Order No. 23 declaring an indefinite log ban all over the country.

It’s good to know that there are environmental groups such as the Noble Blue Falcons International (NBFI) - environmentalists, peace crusaders. A pro-environment non-government organization with a membership of at least 2 million worldwide, of which more than 400,000 members are in the Philippines. The group organizes environmental awareness campaigns, forest watch and monitoring as well as reforestation under its diverse environmental programs.

Aurora - Surfing in Baler (A Surfer Wannabe's 2nd Surfing Experience at Sabang Beach, Baler Aurora)

Baler is considered as the "birthplace of surfing in the Philippines. It started when Francis Ford Coppola's cult movie classic "Apocalypse Now" was filmed in this quaint town way back in 1979 1976. It is said that the movie crews left surfboards to the people of Baler, they started to learn how to use it and eventually were able to ride the waves. Thus, surfing in Baler was born.

Baler Aurora - Diguisit Rock Formations, Ermita Hill and Diguisit Waterfalls

When the rain had stopped, we went out again of the hostel and rented a tricycle that brought us to Diguisit Beach. Only after 15 minutes, an awesome view of the Baler Bay welcomed us, as we enter Brgy. Zabali. I must say that Baler (and Aurora as a whole) is synonymous with serenity. It’s a place that will make you forget about the hustle and bustle of city life. A haven for reflection and a place for great relaxation.