Travel Diaries: Trip to Baler 2015 | Day 1
9:21 AM
It was less than a week preparation for this trip (as
always). Since I’ll be changing my off I’ve decided to spend my last Saturday
off to a place where I’ve never been to. I’ve heard and read good feedback
about this place so why not give it a try. I’m with my kaladkarin travel buddies
(Jojie, JR and Iriss) who’s also a first timer.
At first we decided to take a direct route to Baler via
Genesis Bus and last trip is at 7am. Since our out is at 7am and Iriss is on
leave she was assigned to save a seat for us however when Iriss arrived at
Cubao terminal, last trip bus is already full so she ended up going to five
star. We had to take a bus going to Cabanatuan (aircon bus at 185php). Lucky
enough that we don’t have to wait that long since the bus is almost full as we
arrive the terminal (and maybe because it is a weekend). Travel time is
approximately 3 hours with one stopover somewhere in Nueva Ecija. At the
Cabanatuan drop off point, there were seller who would ask you if you are bound
to Baler and they will accompany you. You have to be a bit careful. In our
experience, there were 2 ladies assisting us. As we ride the bus (D-liner) we
gave them 50php as a tip. The 1st vendor is not accepting it but
just buy hopia from them instead but the 2nd lady gets the money.
They still followed us to our seats so we were a bit forced to buy hopia as
well (3 for 100php) and paid another 100php. Anyway, the bus cost us 247 with
approximately 4 hours travel time with one stopover.
As we reach the Baler terminal, we ride a tricycle that
would cost you 12-15php each to Sabang Beach but since the driver was nice and accommodating
(we change plans every now and then on where to go hahaha) we gave php80. Since
we don’t have any place to stay yet, we asked how much it would cost us and
they said it would be around php2500 so we just asked for their number just in
case we won’t be able to find one.
On Sabang Beach, while were walking on the shore to check
for a place to stay there were surfing instructors asking if we already have a
place to stay. Our initial reaction was “how much? They did not provide any price yet but a guy
(kuya chris) showed us the room. Well it was a 2-3 minute walk from the shore. It
was an air-conditioned room with 2 double deck bed and a bathroom and it costs
php1500. We were trying to ask for more discounts since it usually cost php2500
per night and he said that we can stay until night the following day. So we
decided to stay there and asked how much it would cost us to experience
surfing. He said it would be php350 per hour per head but got it for only php300.
We scheduled it around 5:30pm so that we’ll have time to eat however Kuya Chris
returned around 5:00pm so we just ended up eating later.
The surfing experience was a blast. I think it is not that
bad for a first timers since we were able to stand. Hahaha. We ended before 7pm
so we headed back to our room to take a shower. We asked Kuya Chris where the
famous buffet is and he accompanied us at Chef Gerry’s. There is a wide
selection of food with bottomless iced tea for php200. They are also offering
crabs and lobsters for php150 per 100grams.
The night was still young so we tried to look for a place
where we can drink and party at the same time. We tried to walk from end to end
but failed to see the perfect place for us.
As we are searching, we heard party songs and we were so
eager to look for that place. It was at Buton Market. There were DJ’s playing and
we decided to stay there for the night. They offer beers (starts at php61) and cocktail
drinks (around php150). They had a mini program to showcase new drinks that
they offer and we were asked to participate (free drink).
We enjoyed our first day but we have to sleep early because we
need to wake up by 4AM.
What do you think of our first day? Let me know in the comments, and thanks for reading!♥♥♥ deniese
2 comments
Ooh.. Baler is in my to-visit-places too! Maybe I will try learning to surf just like you =)
ReplyDeleteYou should really try it and you'll have so much fun! :)
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