Baler Bay, Luzon
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Positives
- Frequent NE monsoon swells
- Scenic Sierra mountains
- Cheap and entertaining
- Really cheap & entertaining
- Pinoy surf culture
Negatives
- No world-class waves
- Onshore beachbreaks
- Tough overland access
- Landslides, rains, robbery
Baler Bay, Luzon surf travel guide
From Manila a nerve jangling 5-6 hour road trip over the rolling Sierra Madre mountain range ends in Baler, Aurora province where the surfing scene in Apocalypse Now was filmed at Charlie’s Point. Since the film crew departed leaving their surfboards behind with the locals in a sleepy backwater a surf destination has grown complete with surf shops, camps and schools introducing surfing to an increasing number of foreign and local tourists.
Surf spots in Baler Bay, Luzon
Research the 8 surf breaks in Baler Bay, Luzon and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 8 breaks in Baler Bay, Luzon.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Baler Bay, Luzon
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Library
Helpful surf travel videos and articles featuring Baler Bay, Luzon.
Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 7,168,000
- Population
- 109,581,078
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- PHP
- Exchange rate
- $1 = 48.79 PHP PHP
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +63
- Dialing out
- 00
- Language
- Filipino (Tagalog) and English (both official) plus many reginal dialects.
Electricity
- Plug Type
- abc
Visas
The Philippines offers visa free travel to all countries for up to 30 days. It is easy to get an extensions to make a total of 59 days and sometimes longer. Small fees are payable for any visa extension.
Getting There
It takes 7-9h by jeepney (bus) from Manila to Baler along beat-up mountain road. There are 2 bridges across rivers that typhoons can damage. Travel can be cancelled during rainy season because of landslides. If you want to rent a car (crazy idea), try RentaCar Manila (from $250/wk and $390 for a van). Manila traffic is heavily jammed.
Accommodation
Sabang Beach is action central. Bay's Inn Resort ($20 dble) basic rooms with fan, pool and restaurant. Aliya Surf Camp ($45 dble w b'fast) air con rooms, pool, billiards, surf school and restaurant. Lots of other accommodation. Cheap food - expect $5 for a really good meal.
Activities
Sierra mountains make for a beautiful tropical background. Check the small hot springs at Digisit near Cemento or Pimentel Falls near San Luis. Dilasag near Casiguran in the north is 8h away. Check the Banaue rice terraces in Isabela Province. Pinoys love partying plus karaoke and Philippine tourists come from Manila adding to the lively scene.
Hazards & hassles
The Cobra section at Cemento can snap boards and smash bodies on the reef. Besides bugs and monsoon rains, watch out for thievery and pickpockets as there is much poverty. The journey from/to Manila can feel like a hassle, but is often an adventure! Typhoons can be pretty destructive over Aurora Province.
Handy Hints
Bay Inn and MIA Surf & Sports rent surfboards for $17-20 day. Plenty of surf schools and rental locations (Mahdox, MIA, Baler Surf School). Locations are named after barangays or local districts. Landslides, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods, typhoons; the Philippines competes with Indo for catastrophes! Pinoys speak good English.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.