Hidden in the Pacific seaboard hidden by the mighty Sierra Madre mountain ranges, Aurora lays claim to being a frontier for tourism. Located on Luzon’s east-central side, it once comprised the northern part of the sprawling Tayabas province (now Quezon) until it was carved out in 1979 and named after its most prominent daughter – Maria Aurora Aragon-Quezon, wife of former Commonwealth President Manuel L. Quezon.
The land area of Aurora was originally composed of the towns of Baler and Casiguran which were then part of the vast Tayabas Province, which ran along Luzon’s Pacific seaboard. On November 1978, Aurora was created under Batas Pambansa Blg. 7 and is composed of eight municipalities – San Luis, Ma. Aurora, Casiguran, Dingalan, Dinalungan, Dipaculao, Dilasag, and Baler, the provincial capital.
From Manila, take a Genesis Bus going to Baler. The trip takes 5-6 hours (depending on traffic), passing through Pantabangan town in Nueva Ecija and then to Maria Aurora and Baler. Alternatively, you can take a bus to Cabanatuan City, and from there take a van or non-aircon bus going to Baler. Private vehicles can take the shorter but bumpier route via Bongabon and the Aurora National Park.
Although Aurora is known for being one of the best beaches to do surfing, there are a lot to explore to this beautiful province. Here are some of the 25 things to do when you visit Aurora:
1. Do you want to catch the wave? From November to February, paddle away and ride the 9-foot waves at Sabang Beach. If you’re a beginner or wants to learn professional surfing, inquire at Charlie Does Surf School.
2. Create memorable footprints on Dicasalarin Cove‘s white sand, this attraction is serenity at its best!
3. Pack up your trail shoes, you can do extreme and go spelunking to try out the newly discovered Tikbalang Caves.
4. How about experience Aurora differently? Dip on the pristine waters of the splendid Diteki Waterfalls of San Luis.
5. Dive and plunge into the depths of Los Confites Reef to explore the spectacular display of marine life and coral formation.
6. Revel the rich history and culture of Baler through colorful festivals such as Aurora Day which is celebrated every February 13-19.
7. 25 minutes away from the town proper of Baler is the famous giant Balete Tree, also known as the Milleniun Tree, which has a trunk that has more than 60 people in arm’s length! The 600 years old balete tree is considered as one of the oldest and biggest tree in Asia.
8. Commune with new acquaintances and share stories as you sit around the bonfire in Costa Pacifica grounds.
9. Relive history at Museo de Baler through photos of past events during the Spanish period and early communities depicting the history and culture of Aurora.
10. Visit the Pasalubong Center and take home some of Baler’s finest handicrafts and homemade products and.. Why not bring home a Sabutan souvenir?
11. Savour the festival of flavours on the different ways the locals prepare their staple food, the Pako. And maybe you’d like to join them for a boodle feast!
12. do you have the gusto for local eats? Try Suman de Baler matched with their local coco jam for the authentic Baler Food Adventure.
13. What’s the most special thing to bring home from Baler? Nanay Pacing’s Peanut Butter, of course! Drop by her store and you might get to see the woman behind the famous peanut butter in Aurora.
14. Hear Mass at the San Luis Obispo de Tolosa Church or also known as Church of Baler where the famous historic Siege of Baler took place.
15. Celebrate the Philippines-Spanish Friendship Day every June 30, this significant local festivity commemorates the historical event when former President Emilio Aguinaldo commended the besieged Spanish soldiers in the San Luis Obispo de Tolosa Church or also known as Church of Baler.
16. Take a walk along the Artist’s Village in Dicasalarin and awaken the artist in you. Be mesmerized and appreciate the creative displays of the talented local artists of Aurora.
17. Visit and see the Ilongots, which means from the mountains and learn the art of their tribal dance.
18. Will it rain? Discover how PAG-ASA collects weather information by visiting their weather Station located at Diguisit Beach.
19. Marvel at the picturesque 360 degree view of Baler at the Dicasalarin Lighthouse.
20. Have you ever tried going on horseback or riding an ATV by the beach? Experience it at Sabang Beach.
21. Delve into interesting bird population of Baler and go bird watching at the Lukso-Lukso islets.
22. Trek and traverse rugged terrain and experience the thick jungles of the Sierra Madre.
23. Picnic at the historic and breathtaking Ermita Hall where you can find the Tromba Marina sculpture depicting the 7 families escaped to survive the tsunami in 1735.
24. Aurora is the coconut capital of the Philippines… So, why not try to enjoy a fresh buko juice with lychee at Costa Pacifica’s Beach House as you bathe under the sun!
25. Stay at and experience Costa Pacifica! More about Costa Pacifica on our next post.
Plan you roadtrip now and stay for a night or two at Costa Pacifica Baler (Reservation +6325194249), send your e-mail inquiries at [email protected] or visit their official website: www.costapacificabaler.com.
Source: Department of Tourism – Region III and Costa Pacifica Baler