Millenium Tree of Aurora - Largest Balete Tree in Asia

April 2016

A balete tree locally called "Millenium Tree" in Barangay Quirino, Maria Aurora, Aurora province in the Philippines is claimed to be the largest of its kind in Asia. It is estimated to be about 600+ years old and 60 metres (200 ft) tall with its roots about 10 metres (33 ft) to 15 metres (49 ft) in diameter. It is possible for adult people to squeeze into the center of its root network.^{[24] (Wikipedia)}

SCO Makati girls - HAWAK KAMAY

we can climb for better posing among the roots

network of roots big enough to squeeze in

and I managed to squeeze in

To enjoy the balete tree, it is best to try to squeeze inside the network of roots, the diameter is about 10 to 15 meters thus there's enough room for visitors to explore. There is even a tour guide waiting inside to answer inquiries about the tree.

roots up close and personal

Grandeur of the largest balete tree in the Phils from the photo opt area

posing pa more

wishing well

trying to measure the length of Baler's Balete Tree

Ermita Hill Baler

This famous sculpture is found at the foot of Ermita Hill just along the street.

Tromba Marina Sculpture | Ermita Hill Brgy. Zabali, Baler, Aurora

The life-sized sculpture at the foot of Ermita Hill along the main road that reminds people of what took place. A tsunami hit the town. Only several families were able to climb the hill successfully and survived. The sculpture dramatizes what happened. Men, women and children were climbing the hill and behind them were huge waves. (http://www.crispypataatkarekare.com/2013/08/31/tromba-marina/)

going up Ermita Hill




Ermita Hill

open chapel

view deck overlooking Baler Bay

Arboretum of Aurora

April 2016

Not many people visit this site because they think that the attraction at the top of Ermita Hills are just the photo opt, chapel, cottages and viewing deck. But there is one more must see place at the Ermita Hills, the Arboretum of Aurora.

We saw the sign near the left side of the two big cemented cottages at the photo opt area of Ermita Hills, we got curious and started to go up the stairs, not knowing how far we will climb and where it will end.

There are hundreds of steps going up, lined up along the railings are trees of different species, most of them are labelled and we also spotted some animal cages but we did not check out what are the contents.

The trees provided shades that made the climb bearable, but there are no signs that will give direction nor hint as to where these stairs will lead and end.

At the peak of the Arboretum is a big cross.  If you want to experience a quiet moment and commune with nature, I suggest you try climbing the stairs of the Arboretum.

          

 The climb gave me some realization, that at the end of every hardship there is hope and happiness. And most importantly,  God is there waiting for me and you.

Going down stairs is a lot easier, our curiosity gave us an unexpected exercise. The steps to Arboretum is double the steps to Ermita Hills.

more steps  going down

arboretum: a place where trees and plants are grown in order to be studied or seen by the public (William-Webster dictionary)

Surfing in Baler Aurora

May 2016

A must do while in Baler is to surf.
Yes surf, whether you know how or just wanna try or just assuming to try.

Sabang beach is the best place to try surfing for beginners, it is really fun to capture the waves, not that I was able to ride one but the experience itself is all worth it.

Sabang Beach

long shoreline of Sabang beach, good for morning or afternoon walk

We all must level up when we are in the beach and play with the waves, huag ka lang magpatama ng alon sa likod or tumalon talon  sa pampang pag nandyan na ang waves. When in Baler, let's try to ride it.

wanna be surfers

having fun riding the wave along the beach

 Surf instructors are available at the beach, fee is P300/ hour but not included in the tour package,  instructions were given for about 10 mins only.

following directions from the instructor

ready to ride the waves

It's quite tiring just to cross the waves on top of a surfing board ( lying flat down) while being maneuvered by the guide, thus is done so we can go to an area where we wait for the right wave, yung small wave lang para di mahirap sakyan, bur since it's already getting late in the afternoon, the waves were getting bigger, better for surfers but not for me, a 50 yr old newbie.

trying to stand on the surf board

the best stand I was able to do

Monett after an unsuccessful try to ride the waves

We were not successful in riding the wave but the experience was fun, exciting and worth all our efforts. Thus we ended up doing the usual encounter with the waves, just stand along the shallow part of the beach , wait for the waves to hit us , push  and carry us towards the shore. We have such fun doing this because we were washed to the shore either on our knees or rolling in laughter as the waves are stronger that afternoon.

The downside of the beach experience was that there limited shower rooms, we end up showering in an open area where there is a water source, water is so cold then we had to line up in a comfort room to changed clothes.  

Open area shower

Shower room of nearby resort

Ditumabo Falls : Mother Falls San Luis Baler Aurora

May 2016

We were able to visit two (2)  famous waterfalls in Baler, one along the road, Diguisit Falls which just a few steps up and another, Ditumabo Falls thousands steps away from the road.

Going to Ditumabo Falls , we met our guide at the  parking area and we were given instructions, we took a tricycle heading to the entrance, though the road is passable for vans, according to our guide, the parking space in our original drop off point is much safer place to leave the vehicle.

Briefing before the trek to the falls

Tricycle ride

Ditumabo Falls Mother of Falls is in San Luis Aurora, about 20 minutes ride and 30 minutes trek.

Mother Falls in neighboring San Luis, Aurora. It’s a 30-minute drive and 30-minute trek to the falls - See more at: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/348828/newstv/biyahenidrew/baler-beyond-surfing-an-itinerary-by-biyahe-ni-drew#sthash.ZZ2aWOVE.dpuf

Mother Falls in neighboring San Luis, Aurora. It’s a 30-minute drive and 30-minute trek to the falls - See more at: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/348828/newstv/biyahenidrew/baler-beyond-surfing-an-itinerary-by-biyahe-ni-drew#sthash.ZZ2aWOVE.dpuf

Mother Falls in neighboring San Luis, Aurora. It’s a 30-minute drive and 30-minute trek to the falls - See more at: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/348828/newstv/biyahenidrew/baler-beyond-surfing-an-itinerary-by-biyahe-ni-drew#sthash.ZZ2aWOVE.dpuf

We enjoyed the trek to the mother of falls, crossing many bamboo bridges, walking on rugged road though there is a long cemented road along the side of the mountain.

start of the trek

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one of the many bamboo bridge to cross the river


  
stone boulders

another wooden bridge

Long cemented road

one of the wooden stairs

baby falls up ahead

The water is really really cold, you will find yourself shrieking in coldness but once you get into the deep up to your neck then your body adjusted to the coldness, the fun begins.

 

But it would be better if we will spend more time in the falls, maybe swim to where the water drops or linger more in the river, but since we are in a group tour then time is really limited. Since the falls is famous and really not far from the road, there are lots of tourist but during our visit, our guide is not that happy with the turn out of guests, meaning the falls can accommodate a shoulder to shoulder number of visitors.

 There are eateries that served merienda/kakanin, along the way to the falls, perfect after the long trek and cold dip to the falls, they sell suman, turon, fresh buko juice, softdrinks but we had pitchi pitchi

( P10.00 each) with freshly grated young coconut.

with our funny driver 

comfort room/dressing room/shower room