Surfing at Baler, Aurora

SABANG BEACH, BALER, AURORA 

Perfect week-end getaway for surfers and trying to be a surfer.

Sabang Beach is the longest black sand stretch in Baler. There are lots of hotels and lodging in the place. One of the prominent is the Costa Pacifica. It was very noticeable that those who belongs or has a partnership with the Angaras is in the mounted place while those other private businesses and locals are out shined. 

Anyhoo, if you are going to Baler be sure to try surfing in the morning rather than in the afternoon. The waves are more calm in the morning. This is very cliche but yea, if you want to learn how to surf, visit the waves of Baler. The waves are suitable for beginners and pro. 

The rates for an hour of surfing ranges from 300 - 350 including the board rental and rash guard. Kuya Amang of Happy Feet was my instructor, he was very funny and strong! He kept on dragging me against the waves just to make sure I learn how to stand on the board. HAHA.










For those who are not into surfing and a bit scared, you can just bum in the beach and watch those first timers fell on the surfing boards. It is a bit enjoying when it is your friend. HAHAHA. Or you can just pretend that you tried surfing and took a picture with the board, like what my colleagues did. 

The sand may not be white or powdery like in Dicasalarin but yea, this will suffice your craving for a beach. O, Sabang Beach is not perfect for swimming because the waves are strong and there is an under current which can pull you into the deep and drown you. (My family was a bit scared when they learned that I will go to Baler because my cousin died there decades ago)

Proof that the waves are really strong. I know that I am heavy but we were just sitting in the shore and the waves dragged us! It was a bit funny but scary. Be cautious with the waves and never go alone unless you know how to swim.

Aww and there are people staring at you from above while on your side there are lots of surfing boards in the sand and you know that they are instructing a beginner.

We are now proud that we have tried surfing in Baler. Well, my next plan is to try surfing at La Union, then Bagasbas, and Surigao!!! 


Ano, TARA GUMALA!




CIAO.
--
GABRIELA

Millennium Tree in Baler, Aurora

If you are going to Baler, be sure to make a stop at a gigantic and one of the oldest trees in the world, which is the so-called Millennium Tree. This is now one of the tourist attraction in Baler, a few minutes away from Town Proper. Geographically, this is not under the vicinity of Baler instead it belongs to Maria Aurora, a nearby town of Baler.

First Glimpse of the Tree!

This is not along the main road but you can make a short detour before going to Baler. The tree is enchanting because of the stories made by Filipinos like there are creatures who lives in the tree that you cannot see with your bare eyes and the superstitious belief that one must ask permission before going inside.

The entrance fee is 10 Php per head and 5 Php for kids. There is also a parking fee costs 10 Php. Accordingly, this is owned by a prominent family in the area. They say, The Millenium Tree is estimated to be around 600 years old and is over 200 feet tall! Imagine that.

I braved to go inside and see her wonder. There are guides that will assist you inside the tree, they will take pictures for you and they are even climbing just to take good photos. I was entertained with their enthusiasm.

Buwis Buhay makapag-picture lang!

A local (more like of the supervisor) explains some history of the tree and said that the tree is small but the roots made it larger.

So that was my experience inside and outside that gigantic enchanting tree! How was yours? Share it with me!



Ano, TARA GUMALA!



CIAO.
--
GABRIELA

5 Things to do in Kuala Lumpur

Going to Kuala Lumpur but have limited time? Or maybe having a side trip to Kuala Lumpur? Here is a 5 top things to enjoy in your limited time. It was 2013 when I got the chance to do a 48 - Hour Backpack trip to Kuala Lumpur. I recommend that you do all these to make your stay worth while. :)

• Visit Petronas Twin Tower at Night

Always visit Petronas Twin Towe during Night Time, her beauty is so stunning. The lights complements the figure of the Tower. Your trip to Kuala Lumpur is not complete if you did not see it.

Fun Fact: PETRONAS is short for Petroliam Nasional Bhd, a Malaysia's national petroleum corporation. They were the once who build this tower because they want Malaysia to be a global player. This tower is 451.9 meters high. 

You can go up to 170 meters to see a panoramic view of the city but it comes with a price! Chaching! Haha.

• Never miss Genting Highlands and the Cable Car Ride to the top!

Genting Highlands is on the top of Titiwangsa Mountains. You need to ride a bus going there or you can drive but I recommend that you ride a bus especially if you are not familiar with the place. Genting Highlands has 5 hotels which are Genting Grand, Maxims, Resort Hotel, Theme Park Hotel, First World Hotel each one offers casino.Genting Highlands also have indoor and outdoor theme parks which everyone will surely enjoyed!

Fun Fact: The Cable Car Ride or Genting Skyway is the longest cable car in South East Asia! So never miss it!

• Make use of their public transportation 

Kuala Lumpur has one of the best public transportation in the world! Their trains are spacious, comfortable and cheap. Also, it has access to most tourist attractions in the city. It is better than getting a cab.




 

They made an innovative move when they provided free shuttle going to tourist attractions to promote their tourism. 

Going to the airport is faster now, thanks to their KLIA Express. They say it is like their bullet train in Malaysia. :)

Backpacking other country! CHECK!

• Explore their Culture visit Batu Cave Kuala Lumpur City Gallery, Masjid Jamek and Textile Museum.

 Malaysia is rich in their culture. You can see it in their architecture a fusion of modern and traditional.

Going to Batu Cave is very easy. There is a train going straight to Batu Cave, no more hassle of travelling for hours just to get there.

Kuala Lumpur City Gallery is the emerging tourist attraction in KL since it has a big signage that says I <3 KL! They have a miniature of all Kuala Lumpur City inside as well as some goodies that are worth buying because it was hand-made for a cause. Also, it is for free!!!!

Across Kuala Lumpur City Gallery is the Textile Museum. We were not able to visit it because it was closed when we got there. It is right across the Kuala Lumpur City Gallery.

If you walk a few blocks, you can visit Masid Jamek, one of the largest mosque in Malaysia. It has a pink architecture which is catchy. Unfortunately, the mosque was closed for renovation but we were able to take pictures outside.

• Go Shopping at Bukit Bintang or Souvenir Shopping at Central Market 

Bukit Bintang is like the Makati in the Philippines, where all high-end shopping malls are situated. You can find most of International Brands. We visited Pavilion just to check if it has a big difference with the Greenbelt in Makati. Well, the prices are bit cheaper and you can find most of it in the Philippines. 

Are you into Souvenirs? If yes, head straight to Central Market they offers a variety of local goods that you can only find in Malaysia and you can bargain. There are also Filipinos in the area which is easy to ask for discounts! Lastly, the interior is bit rustic but well maintained!

So that was it, TARA GUMALA?


CIAO.
--
GABRIELA