Surfing a weekend to Baler: Travel Guide

I am en route to Pantabangan dam as I write this article through a bus bound to Baler. 

I couldn't fall asleep so I thought about writing something about How to spend a weekend in Baler.

While some people still associate Baler to Quezon, Baler is under the jurisdiction of the province of Aurora, which used to be actually part of the Quezon province.

Amongst the destinations in Aurora, Baler would have been the most popular, especially for surfers and wanna bees like me. 

Then again, as others may not know, more than just surfing, baler has a lot more to offer. Visitors would love the rock formations and coast at diguisit beach. Diguisit also has tiered falls which is even very accessible from the road.

Other than this falls, there is an even more majestic Ditumabo falls in the town of San Luis. Then, in the town of Maria, there is a century old balete tree where tourists can climb at its branches all the way to the top.

Assuming you were sold out to the idea of heading to Baler for a weekend, here's what to do.

First, no need to go undertime or rush too much for your friday work. You may be that excited, but you only need to be at the Genesis bus station at least before 12MN. The Baler bound buses leave at midnight and will probably reach baler at around 6am. Buses leave every hour after.

Depending on the volume of passengers, which becomes dense during summer months, and especially fridays, you may want to be at least in the terminal by 11pm. Reserve seats asap. Genesis bus normally provide queue tags for priority seating in the bus trips. Fare to Baler is 450; for students, it shall be 360.

Upon arrival in Baler bus station/market, have your breakfast in the Market. You may also want to purchase some more supplies, such as your food. Yellow fin tuna is pretty cheap in this town, normally P130/kilo. 

Likewise,  you may want to have your first taste of their native suman as you may not find it anywhere else.

Once finished from marketing and breakfast, it's time to head to Sabang (the surfing area).

Tricycle fare to Sabang shall be P15 per head (from Market, and P12 fr Museo). The tricycle will ask where to be dropped in Sabang, and it's time to tell him which resort.

Here are some of the budget resorts I chanced on:

+63 920 253 0502

Beach House (0928) 507 6551

Pacific Waves (0928) 801 1888

For first time Baler travellers, and not so surfing addict, do your tour on Day 1. Depending on the size of your group, you may want to rent either a Van or a Trike.

For van, you may contact: 

Arnold (0918) 242 0698

For trike, you may contact: 

Efren (0919) 983 8490

For the van service, you can ask P1500 for a whole day tour (inclusive of gas); for tricycle, P600 shall be OK (say Ian's price). 

Your best destination arrangement will be Balete Tree and then the Museum (in case that's not boring for you). There are no fees in the Balete Tree, although there are some kids who guide and collect on donations. 

After that,have lunch at Chef for P185/head. This is a buffet of probably 20 plus dishes (totally worth it).

After your lunch, you can head to Ditumabo Falls. You may have to walk from the highway up to the powerplant and then further to the falls. There are some tricycle service offered from the highway, but if it's the three wheels, i think you're better off walking. If you take the trike, most of the time, you'll have to get off and walk because the road is too rough anyway. As per my last visit though, there are single motorbikes offering services too (like habal habal), and I think you are better off with these. 

In case you contact kuya efren, his trike can normally handle the rough road, though just like I said, he may have, or you might want to ask him to let you get off at some parts, for your safety. There were cases he'd insist there's no need, but I chose to get off.

This road wasn't really as rough on my first visit back in 2010. From what I heard, it has been intentionally torn to give way for some livelihood for these drivers.

It will probably take you 20-30 minutes to the original jump off, which is the electric power plant. From this powerplant, it will be another 30 mins or so trekking (including river trekking), depending on how quick you walk, and tackle the huge boulders of rocks in the river.

Nevertheless, if its your first time, and not so often do you see waterfalls, you'll just completely forget about what you had to go through to get there.

Remember to have a dry bag ready when visiting Ditumabo falls. IF none available, at least seal your valuables with some qualtity plastic.

After Ditumabo falls (and I hope you didn't over enjoy and knock off all the remaining hours of the day just in the falls), you can head next to Diguisit beach. You may also choose to sleep here instead; camping is also possible. Unlike sabang, over here is more quiet and at peace. The resort also has a pool (whewww!). Walking distance from the resort is the falls. In case you are fit, you may climb the falls; On the left side facing the falls is a trail going up (Although there isn't really a lot to see there).

Then, on your way back to sabang, you can cut a side trip to the Ermita hill (overlooking sabang, province of aurora, and the pacific ocean). That's also where the tsunami monument is.

Then, after Diguisit, you may either want to get back to your hotel/resort (and have dinner a little later), or take your dinner at the Rolling stores. The rolling stores are actually several carinderias, side by side, and are open 24/7. They are local's favorite though you'd realize that the buffet is actually much more worthy.

Where to drink?

If you're in a group, you can just buy your alcohol from the stores, sit next to the beach, or stay in the resort vicinity and drink there. If you'd rather be out, there is one bar that has a band playing from 9pm onwards (close to Mahdox). There are also several videoke bars lined up next to the beach (and just close to this bar). Within Bahia de Baler, there is also this cozy bar (no band, but just music though on an elevated floor with open air) that you can try. They also serve P65 tapsi there in case you get hungry late.

Next day is Sunday, wake up early to surf. Surfing is at P200/hr per board, and  P150 for the one hour lesson. In case you already know how to surf, I suggest you approach some random instructor and ask if they own any spare board that you can rent. You can haggle it cheaper from the surfing school rate.

Meantime, remember not to overenjoy it. Be sure to be back in the Bus stop at around 1pm. The last trip for the genesis bus is published 3pm,but if there are a lot of passengers, sometimes it leaves early. The alternative is to take the next AURORA bus line to cabanatuan, and from there, take another bus (and a lot of choices including five star, etc) to your destination in Manila. In case you still didn't make it to that bus schedule, you can take the van to cabanatuan. There will be vans until 5pm, or even so, depending on the plight of passengers.

Also, give a lee way for lunch before taking the bus back. This time, try Carlitos; Over here it is only 120; There's less choices when it comes to dishes, but the food actually taste better.

Oh yes, there are banks in Baler. PNB, Landbank, and some rural banks.

In case you have more than a weekend stay, try visiting Dinadiawan, Dipaculao, or even perhaps, Casiguran, and Dilasag where the virgin beaches are.


(update on 1/24/2015) After a year of backpacking in SEA, i came back with a german traveller i met in Vietnam, and surprised that the accomodation options have doubled and prices were jacked. 

Meantime, one of those i consider as backup options before still have their bamboo cottages for P500. See pic for Contact

And, if you walk at its gate behind that leads to the beach road; just next to the INC church, you will have your place to eat. Veggies at P10/30 per serve. Serving is enourmous, you can go for half rice and half veggie for P20 for both. Problem Solved!

Recommended Iti:

Day 1

1:00am - Genesis Bus Station Cubao 5:30am - ETA Baler Town (or 1-2 hours earlier for the express Joybus service); breakfast and supplies purchasing in the market7:00am - check in; rest and then tour: Ermita hill, Diguisit Falls and Beach, Museo, 
8:00am - proceed to preferred surf shop for board rental and instruction;

11:30am - Lunch at Buffet (Chef's; be sure to arrive before lunch to have the complete buffet set and available seat too). 1:00 pm - Baliti Tree, and then Ditumabo Falls

5:00 pm - back in Sabang Beach and  or dinner in Town Center

Day 2

7:00am - Breakfast

11:00am- depart Sabang and head to Town for Lunch

11:30am - Lunch at Carlito's

1:00pm- Pasalubong Center and Depart back to Manila 

(No ticket reservations accepted in the terminal except for Joy Bus. Alternatively, if you miss the genesis bus, you may take the Aurora bus to Cabanatuan, and even vans, and then take Manila bound buses from there.)

I am en route to Pantabangan dam as I write this article through a bus bound to Baler. 

I couldn't fall asleep so I thought about writing something about How to spend a weekend in Baler.

While some people still associate Baler to Quezon, Baler is under the jurisdiction of the province of Aurora, which used to be actually part of the Quezon province.

Amongst the destinations in Aurora, Baler would have been the most popular, especially for surfers and wanna bees like me. 

Then again, as others may not know, more than just surfing, baler has a lot more to offer. Visitors would love the rock formations and coast at diguisit beach. Diguisit also has tiered falls which is even very accessible from the road.

Other than this falls, there is an even more majestic Ditumabo falls in the town of San Luis. Then, in the town of Maria, there is a century old balete tree where tourists can climb at its branches all the way to the top.

Assuming you were sold out to the idea of heading to Baler for a weekend, here's what to do.

First, no need to go undertime or rush too much for your friday work. You may be that excited, but you only need to be at the Genesis bus station at least before 12MN. The Baler bound buses leave at midnight and will probably reach baler at around 6am. Buses leave every hour after.

Depending on the volume of passengers, which becomes dense during summer months, and especially fridays, you may want to be at least in the terminal by 11pm. Reserve seats asap. Genesis bus normally provide queue tags for priority seating in the bus trips. Fare to Baler is 450; for students, it shall be 360.

Upon arrival in Baler bus station/market, have your breakfast in the Market. You may also want to purchase some more supplies, such as your food. Yellow fin tuna is pretty cheap in this town, normally P130/kilo. 

Likewise,  you may want to have your first taste of their native suman as you may not find it anywhere else.

Once finished from marketing and breakfast, it's time to head to Sabang (the surfing area).

Tricycle fare to Sabang shall be P15 per head (from Market, and P12 fr Museo). The tricycle will ask where to be dropped in Sabang, and it's time to tell him which resort.

Here are some of the budget resorts I chanced on:

+63 920 253 0502

Beach House (0928) 507 6551

Pacific Waves (0928) 801 1888

For first time Baler travellers, and not so surfing addict, do your tour on Day 1. Depending on the size of your group, you may want to rent either a Van or a Trike.

For van, you may contact: 

Arnold (0918) 242 0698

For trike, you may contact: 

Efren (0919) 983 8490

For the van service, you can ask P1500 for a whole day tour (inclusive of gas); for tricycle, P600 shall be OK (say Ian's price). 

Your best destination arrangement will be Balete Tree and then the Museum (in case that's not boring for you). There are no fees in the Balete Tree, although there are some kids who guide and collect on donations. 

After that,have lunch at Chef for P185/head. This is a buffet of probably 20 plus dishes (totally worth it).

After your lunch, you can head to Ditumabo Falls. You may have to walk from the highway up to the powerplant and then further to the falls. There are some tricycle service offered from the highway, but if it's the three wheels, i think you're better off walking. If you take the trike, most of the time, you'll have to get off and walk because the road is too rough anyway. As per my last visit though, there are single motorbikes offering services too (like habal habal), and I think you are better off with these. 

In case you contact kuya efren, his trike can normally handle the rough road, though just like I said, he may have, or you might want to ask him to let you get off at some parts, for your safety. There were cases he'd insist there's no need, but I chose to get off.

This road wasn't really as rough on my first visit back in 2010. From what I heard, it has been intentionally torn to give way for some livelihood for these drivers.

It will probably take you 20-30 minutes to the original jump off, which is the electric power plant. From this powerplant, it will be another 30 mins or so trekking (including river trekking), depending on how quick you walk, and tackle the huge boulders of rocks in the river.

Nevertheless, if its your first time, and not so often do you see waterfalls, you'll just completely forget about what you had to go through to get there.

Remember to have a dry bag ready when visiting Ditumabo falls. IF none available, at least seal your valuables with some qualtity plastic.

After Ditumabo falls (and I hope you didn't over enjoy and knock off all the remaining hours of the day just in the falls), you can head next to Diguisit beach. You may also choose to sleep here instead; camping is also possible. Unlike sabang, over here is more quiet and at peace. The resort also has a pool (whewww!). Walking distance from the resort is the falls. In case you are fit, you may climb the falls; On the left side facing the falls is a trail going up (Although there isn't really a lot to see there).

Then, on your way back to sabang, you can cut a side trip to the Ermita hill (overlooking sabang, province of aurora, and the pacific ocean). That's also where the tsunami monument is.

Then, after Diguisit, you may either want to get back to your hotel/resort (and have dinner a little later), or take your dinner at the Rolling stores. The rolling stores are actually several carinderias, side by side, and are open 24/7. They are local's favorite though you'd realize that the buffet is actually much more worthy.

Where to drink?

If you're in a group, you can just buy your alcohol from the stores, sit next to the beach, or stay in the resort vicinity and drink there. If you'd rather be out, there is one bar that has a band playing from 9pm onwards (close to Mahdox). There are also several videoke bars lined up next to the beach (and just close to this bar). Within Bahia de Baler, there is also this cozy bar (no band, but just music though on an elevated floor with open air) that you can try. They also serve P65 tapsi there in case you get hungry late.

Next day is Sunday, wake up early to surf. Surfing is at P200/hr per board, and  P150 for the one hour lesson. In case you already know how to surf, I suggest you approach some random instructor and ask if they own any spare board that you can rent. You can haggle it cheaper from the surfing school rate.

Meantime, remember not to overenjoy it. Be sure to be back in the Bus stop at around 1pm. The last trip for the genesis bus is published 3pm,but if there are a lot of passengers, sometimes it leaves early. The alternative is to take the next AURORA bus line to cabanatuan, and from there, take another bus (and a lot of choices including five star, etc) to your destination in Manila. In case you still didn't make it to that bus schedule, you can take the van to cabanatuan. There will be vans until 5pm, or even so, depending on the plight of passengers.

Also, give a lee way for lunch before taking the bus back. This time, try Carlitos; Over here it is only 120; There's less choices when it comes to dishes, but the food actually taste better.

Oh yes, there are banks in Baler. PNB, Landbank, and some rural banks.

In case you have more than a weekend stay, try visiting Dinadiawan, Dipaculao, or even perhaps, Casiguran, and Dilasag where the virgin beaches are.


(update on 1/24/2015) After a year of backpacking in SEA, i came back with a german traveller i met in Vietnam, and surprised that the accomodation options have doubled and prices were jacked. 

Meantime, one of those i consider as backup options before still have their bamboo cottages for P500. See pic for Contact

And, if you walk at its gate behind that leads to the beach road; just next to the INC church, you will have your place to eat. Veggies at P10/30 per serve. Serving is enourmous, you can go for half rice and half veggie for P20 for both. Problem Solved!

Recommended Iti:

Day 1

1:00am - Genesis Bus Station Cubao 5:30am - ETA Baler Town (or 1-2 hours earlier for the express Joybus service); breakfast and supplies purchasing in the market7:00am - check in; rest and then tour: Ermita hill, Diguisit Falls and Beach, Museo, 
8:00am - proceed to preferred surf shop for board rental and instruction;

11:30am - Lunch at Buffet (Chef's; be sure to arrive before lunch to have the complete buffet set and available seat too). 1:00 pm - Baliti Tree, and then Ditumabo Falls

5:00 pm - back in Sabang Beach and  or dinner in Town Center

Day 2

7:00am - Breakfast

11:00am- depart Sabang and head to Town for Lunch

11:30am - Lunch at Carlito's

1:00pm- Pasalubong Center and Depart back to Manila 

(No ticket reservations accepted in the terminal except for Joy Bus. Alternatively, if you miss the genesis bus, you may take the Aurora bus to Cabanatuan, and even vans, and then take Manila bound buses from there.)

Read More »

Palanan, Isabela : That Tragic Trip

Taken in Palanan airport, palanan, isabela

Arrived in Dau terminal at 9:30, and the only option to get to cabanatuan is the van that's taking forever to get passengers. I thought about taking a bus to La Paz, Tarlac - those going to Talugtog that arrived after 2 hours - 11:37am. By 12:26pm, i got off in the victory liner/five star/cisco bus stop in La Paz, where i'll be waiting for a baler bound bus.

It has been a while, and the bus vendors in the stop are saying only 3-4 baler buses ply this highway in a day; not quite like what the genesis staff in Dau said about the hourly trips. 

I also don't see any genesis bus bound for manila so I thought i'll have to take the vendors words. Thereby, i decided to head to  Cabanatuan, and take the baler buses from there.

The victory/5 star buses there want to charge P185 to cabanatuan, so, i took d jeep instead; it'll eat some time but what is P40 versus P185 to a budget traveller. It was 1:06pm when i hopped in the jeep and was already 2:29pm when i arrived in cabanatuan; Luckily, a genesis bus was ready to leave (though i hoped i had at least time to smoke).

At nearly 6pm, i arrived in Baler. The plan was to spend the night there, but since there are still Casiguran bound bus, I thought it would be better closer to Dilasag. The van left at around 7 pm.

A few minutes past 11pm, right in the Casiguran town, we were held by a fallen bridge. A lot of the buses are stucked up too. We had to wait until the arrival of a chartered tricycle to bring us to the town center.

It was almost 1am when we got to the town center. The whole town is asleep and there's nowhere to get a bed; I  slept wherever I can lay (in the terminal) feeling quite cold as the rain poured continously heavier.

It was still dark when I woke up. More and more passengers are arriving. As the rain consistently poured, we kept hearing reports of unpassable rivers ahead. One of the public utility jeep in the terminal went ahead empty to check, and indeed, vehicles can not handle the current.

At 11:30, we heard there's a jeep that has dropped passengers next to the river, and is due to go back to Dilasag. The stranded passengers in the terminal began packing things. We finally left the Casiguran terminal thru a tricycle that will bring us to the first (vehicle) unpassable (knee high) river. 

After successfully crossing the stream, we walk further onto the next river. This time, it was chest deep. I almost felt frightened about the current, especially i have to lift the weight of my baggae, but i crossed in no hassle.

There was a steady flock of passengers, and before everyone got boarded, one passenger noticed the flat tyre (yet another trademark only in casiguran experience). Most passengers walked ahead while waiting fr the tyres to be replaced.

First river crossing somewhere in Casiguran Town

The first river crossing "easy round"

Second river crossing; still in Casiguran Town "Difficult Round"

Add caption

some more challengers along the way in Dilasag; waist deep flood

Drop off point in Dilasag, Aurora: Brgy Masagana

Sure I enjoy toploads, but that ride was the most inconvenient and risky topload experience I had. I think only a fourth of my ass is accomodated by the jeep's rock solid carrier. If not for my reliable grip, i would have dropped off the cliffs.

At 1:11, we got off in brgy masagana where we'll take a trike to Aplaya; One of the stranded passengers I was with in casiguran is headed to Palanan, so i just moved with him from there... took lunch, did comfort breaks and shower, and then went ahead to the Aplaya.

As soon as I hopped in the boat, as expected, I was asked questions about my purpose in visiting Palanan, and if I know anyone in the town. In turn, I asked them questions too, and was overwhelmingly surprised to hear that they've been boarded in the boat since 22nd; ( And, yes, they spent christmas in the boat). They could not leave because of the situation in the waters. In fact, much of the vegetable cargo is rotting..

in "Mahogany", Dilasag, Aurora ; our Boat for Palanan, Isabela 

our Situation in side the boat for Palanan, Isabela

no leftover from our first fisherman meal

Anyhow, the weather seemed better, and everyone is itching to get home, even the boat personnel. In less than half an hour in Aplaya, the boat moved. I was told the boat has to dock somewhere in the sea as it is about to go low tide.

It was a whirlpool. The plan was actually to leave by 9pm, but the waves just wont let us do so. It kept raining and the wind is blowing hard. The captain said we'll have to postpone until 4 am (expected to arrive in that case by 12noon on favorable weather conditions). It has been 2D/2N commuting, of unprecented circumstances; we were afloat like a piece of trash for the next 12 hrs. The wind is blowing hard and the waves are raging.

When i woke up, We were moving. I checked the time and it was 20 minutes past 4. It seems we moved at exactly 4 o'clock indeed.

weather in the pacific

The waves were initially ok, so I went back to sleep; But, just two hours later, I was awaken by the aggression of the waters.

During weather interruptions, we get reports about possible wave heights. I used to wonder how 3m waves looked like, or if there really is such.  Never actually seen one. 

Suddenly, I wondered what sank Titanic. I also had a recall of moses' biblical story. And i recall the guy I was with in the trike from the fallen bridge to casiguran town; upon hearing that I'm heading to Palanan, he said he got to Palanan only once, and will never do it again.

The waves were just outrageous; ready to crack and swallow the boat. I had to say 'yes, it's the pacific'. The waves were lifting us at a height that's more scary than the look of the waves themselves.

The view of the Luzon border would have been picturesque had it been a sunny weather. 

When we got in Pulong Diablo, indeed we were like being stirred in a wash tub. I must say the captain was just really good in tackling the waves, and if only not that this is a bigger boat, I would have freaked in silence.

At 2:20, we were going to dock; I was told we've already gone past Palanan, and because of d current and height of the tide, we had to dock in Divilacan, and wait until the water settles. By now, its already been 3 days and 5 hours, and have yet to set foot in Palanan. The captain also received a report thru txt that the town is currently flooded.

Pulong Diablo

Bay in Divilacan, Isabela where we had to dock overnight; boat personnel went to the shore to refill some water

So far, the captain's directive is to park and move back to Palanan by 4am. Yet another 10 hours steady in the sea. By now, it is getting frustrating and I am almost loosing interest of getting around. It seems going away and back to the city is more important.

During the night, the skies have gone better. It has been clearer than the past few nights. Everybody in the boat was hopeful we'll move on very soon.

Then again, at the middle of the night, heavy rains poured along with strong winds. The momentum of the heavy rain as it drops the boat roofs woke us up one by one. I had to keep forcing myself back to sleep everytime.

Someone woke me up at nearly 6am. The captain has ordered the tarp covers from the front cabin (where i slept); the wind was blowing so hard, and it would fly them away, and perhaps, the boat too. We all had to move to the backside.

Just a little while later, we moved. And in just less than half an hour, a lot of the passeners were throwing up already. We're back on the outrageous waves; and it seems it is much more dangerous this time as we have to battle the wind. I thought it would have been better if we proceeded with an assault to Palanan the day before, as the wind is manageable then.

I must say this time the waves are probably about 20feet; yes, the height of a 2 storey house (no exaggerations).

Somehow we managed to move close to Palanan. Because of the tide though, the boat couldn't get to Sabang, so we had to be dropped in Dicotcotan beach in San Isidro. We had to transfer to the paddle boats to get to the shore.

From Dicotcotan beach, we walked all the way to Sabang. Crossed several deep streams and from there, took a motor boat that will bring us to the town proper through the river of mud flowing from the mountains, battling through boulders of raging logs .

Dicotcotan Beach in Barangay San Isidro, Palana, Isabela

The paddle boat that takes us to the shore; see our boat from afar

another river crossing in Palanan, Isabela; 

The port in Palanan town proper

First thing i did when i got to the town proper was get some meal. Dadn't eaten anything yet for the day (and only one meal for the day before).

After a meal, went straight to the police station to log. I'm not sure if it is the SOP but i felt like they were suspecting me of something; Gave them 2 ids so far (a school id and a driver's license) and were still asking for a company id. Told me i should be bringing it all the time (when my point is, what if i loose it? Aren't 2 ids enough?). Besides, even court cases use the "innocent til proven guilty" postulate, and that time it felt like "guilty til proven innocent". 

I have been so distressed by the events in the past 4 days, and there is just no space for any more hassle. Anyhow, they pointed me to Aling Mery who has transient accomodation.

As soon as i reached Nanay Mery's house, i cleaned up. Had a few storytelling minutes, and later, she told me I might as well book a flight right on if I plan to leave thru plane. I was too tired though so I waited til morning.

In the morning, the first thing I did was go to the booking office. From the booking office, I was told to proceed to the airport where I can find the dispatcher Polai.

Upon reaching the airport, there was just way too much passengers. I was told the last flight was way back 22nd because of the bad weather. I was wanting to get a booking but Polai wont give me any confirmation. She just kept saying try tomorrow. I got worried. From that point on, i spent my time running back and forth the airport.

This time, i wasnt even interested in seeing the closer blue lagoon; i just wanted to get out.

There were only 2 planes plying, one 3seater, and another 6seater (including pilot). 

non operating landbank in Palanan, Isabela

Emilio Aguinaldo shrine in Palanan, Isabela; said to be a marker of where Emilio Aguinaldo was caught during american colonization

Aling Mery's transient house in Palanan, Isabela

Palanan State University

Palanan Catholic Church

Cyclone airways aircraft on Repair

The passenger terminal (P10 passenger terminal fee by the way)

Palanan Coliseum

Carol singers even past christmas in Palanan, Isabela

a graffiti in the walls of the airport

I spent the next days smoking with my face up the clouds in the north, waiting for sunshine. Everytime the skies would clear, i'd run to the airport and hope there would be a flight.

After 4 days running around the town of Palanan, I was finally allocated a seat on the 3rd flight of January 2. I began texting my friends and family that I will be out in a few hours. I got so excited. Suddenly, just a few minutes before the arrival of the plane, I was told, because of my baggage, I have to be moved to the next flight. 

But at that time, I was more concerned about going out than carrying back my baggage with me. I told Polai I'll leave and wait for the arrival of my left baggage in Cauayan airport. I got on board! yay...

And, thanks to my instinct, as soon as we landed in cauayan, the pilot and repairman were talking. The plane is not working again.. 

Cyclone airways aircraft on repair again as soon as our arrival in Cauayan, Isabela

I spent the rest of the day around Santiago and Cauayan. I went back noontime of the following day; Luckily, my baggage is in the city. And since there's few more hours for the day, I took the time to head further to the town of Naguillan and took some pictures of the landscape.

a nice payback for all that occured; taken in Naguillian Bridge in Isabela

*fare fr dau to la paz (thru five star/cisco talugtug bus) is P50. From cabanatuan terminal to baler is 198 (student; remove 20% disc for non student/senior). From Baler to Casiguran is P200. From Casiguran to Dilasag, it should've been P20, but we were asked P50. Boat fare for Dilasag-Palanan is P500. From Sabang to Palanan Town, we were asked P100 each (5 in the boat), where, according to my co-passengers, on normal conditions, it should've been P50. Trike around Palanan is P10 (though everything in town is a walking distance). Airfare from Palanan to Cauayan was P1900 with free 5 kilos (When i went to claim my baggage in Cauayan, it seems to have been hiked to P2000, ..poor people of palanan! Tsk). Excess kilos is P25 each. I was also told there are flights to Tuguegarao (but where, at that time, to resume only 4th Jan).
*in dilasag, when water is rough, boats dock in river "Mahogany". The drop off point in Dilasag is Brgy Masagana, where trike fare to mahogany is P20. To aplaya, i.e. regular pier, is P25.

*Dinapigue to santiago is 350 on Samana Trans
*brgy libutarek is where the blue lagoon is


*Prices around town of Palanan are relatively the same as in the city (as opposed to what I heard that it is extremely expensive). There is a scarcity of vegetable though. All the time I was in Palanan, my meals were all pork. (Nilaga itself didn't even have a cabbage but just pork, water and pepper). Pork in fact is just P100/kilo.

*Polai (cyclone airways) may be reached through 09153527214.  Nanay Mery (transient house) at 09294911403. Rate is P200/head per night.

Taken in Palanan airport, palanan, isabela

Arrived in Dau terminal at 9:30, and the only option to get to cabanatuan is the van that's taking forever to get passengers. I thought about taking a bus to La Paz, Tarlac - those going to Talugtog that arrived after 2 hours - 11:37am. By 12:26pm, i got off in the victory liner/five star/cisco bus stop in La Paz, where i'll be waiting for a baler bound bus.

It has been a while, and the bus vendors in the stop are saying only 3-4 baler buses ply this highway in a day; not quite like what the genesis staff in Dau said about the hourly trips. 

I also don't see any genesis bus bound for manila so I thought i'll have to take the vendors words. Thereby, i decided to head to  Cabanatuan, and take the baler buses from there.

The victory/5 star buses there want to charge P185 to cabanatuan, so, i took d jeep instead; it'll eat some time but what is P40 versus P185 to a budget traveller. It was 1:06pm when i hopped in the jeep and was already 2:29pm when i arrived in cabanatuan; Luckily, a genesis bus was ready to leave (though i hoped i had at least time to smoke).

At nearly 6pm, i arrived in Baler. The plan was to spend the night there, but since there are still Casiguran bound bus, I thought it would be better closer to Dilasag. The van left at around 7 pm.

A few minutes past 11pm, right in the Casiguran town, we were held by a fallen bridge. A lot of the buses are stucked up too. We had to wait until the arrival of a chartered tricycle to bring us to the town center.

It was almost 1am when we got to the town center. The whole town is asleep and there's nowhere to get a bed; I  slept wherever I can lay (in the terminal) feeling quite cold as the rain poured continously heavier.

It was still dark when I woke up. More and more passengers are arriving. As the rain consistently poured, we kept hearing reports of unpassable rivers ahead. One of the public utility jeep in the terminal went ahead empty to check, and indeed, vehicles can not handle the current.

At 11:30, we heard there's a jeep that has dropped passengers next to the river, and is due to go back to Dilasag. The stranded passengers in the terminal began packing things. We finally left the Casiguran terminal thru a tricycle that will bring us to the first (vehicle) unpassable (knee high) river. 

After successfully crossing the stream, we walk further onto the next river. This time, it was chest deep. I almost felt frightened about the current, especially i have to lift the weight of my baggae, but i crossed in no hassle.

There was a steady flock of passengers, and before everyone got boarded, one passenger noticed the flat tyre (yet another trademark only in casiguran experience). Most passengers walked ahead while waiting fr the tyres to be replaced.

First river crossing somewhere in Casiguran Town

The first river crossing "easy round"

Second river crossing; still in Casiguran Town "Difficult Round"

Add caption

some more challengers along the way in Dilasag; waist deep flood

Drop off point in Dilasag, Aurora: Brgy Masagana

Sure I enjoy toploads, but that ride was the most inconvenient and risky topload experience I had. I think only a fourth of my ass is accomodated by the jeep's rock solid carrier. If not for my reliable grip, i would have dropped off the cliffs.

At 1:11, we got off in brgy masagana where we'll take a trike to Aplaya; One of the stranded passengers I was with in casiguran is headed to Palanan, so i just moved with him from there... took lunch, did comfort breaks and shower, and then went ahead to the Aplaya.

As soon as I hopped in the boat, as expected, I was asked questions about my purpose in visiting Palanan, and if I know anyone in the town. In turn, I asked them questions too, and was overwhelmingly surprised to hear that they've been boarded in the boat since 22nd; ( And, yes, they spent christmas in the boat). They could not leave because of the situation in the waters. In fact, much of the vegetable cargo is rotting..

in "Mahogany", Dilasag, Aurora ; our Boat for Palanan, Isabela 

our Situation in side the boat for Palanan, Isabela

no leftover from our first fisherman meal

Anyhow, the weather seemed better, and everyone is itching to get home, even the boat personnel. In less than half an hour in Aplaya, the boat moved. I was told the boat has to dock somewhere in the sea as it is about to go low tide.

It was a whirlpool. The plan was actually to leave by 9pm, but the waves just wont let us do so. It kept raining and the wind is blowing hard. The captain said we'll have to postpone until 4 am (expected to arrive in that case by 12noon on favorable weather conditions). It has been 2D/2N commuting, of unprecented circumstances; we were afloat like a piece of trash for the next 12 hrs. The wind is blowing hard and the waves are raging.

When i woke up, We were moving. I checked the time and it was 20 minutes past 4. It seems we moved at exactly 4 o'clock indeed.

weather in the pacific

The waves were initially ok, so I went back to sleep; But, just two hours later, I was awaken by the aggression of the waters.

During weather interruptions, we get reports about possible wave heights. I used to wonder how 3m waves looked like, or if there really is such.  Never actually seen one. 

Suddenly, I wondered what sank Titanic. I also had a recall of moses' biblical story. And i recall the guy I was with in the trike from the fallen bridge to casiguran town; upon hearing that I'm heading to Palanan, he said he got to Palanan only once, and will never do it again.

The waves were just outrageous; ready to crack and swallow the boat. I had to say 'yes, it's the pacific'. The waves were lifting us at a height that's more scary than the look of the waves themselves.

The view of the Luzon border would have been picturesque had it been a sunny weather. 

When we got in Pulong Diablo, indeed we were like being stirred in a wash tub. I must say the captain was just really good in tackling the waves, and if only not that this is a bigger boat, I would have freaked in silence.

At 2:20, we were going to dock; I was told we've already gone past Palanan, and because of d current and height of the tide, we had to dock in Divilacan, and wait until the water settles. By now, its already been 3 days and 5 hours, and have yet to set foot in Palanan. The captain also received a report thru txt that the town is currently flooded.

Pulong Diablo

Bay in Divilacan, Isabela where we had to dock overnight; boat personnel went to the shore to refill some water

So far, the captain's directive is to park and move back to Palanan by 4am. Yet another 10 hours steady in the sea. By now, it is getting frustrating and I am almost loosing interest of getting around. It seems going away and back to the city is more important.

During the night, the skies have gone better. It has been clearer than the past few nights. Everybody in the boat was hopeful we'll move on very soon.

Then again, at the middle of the night, heavy rains poured along with strong winds. The momentum of the heavy rain as it drops the boat roofs woke us up one by one. I had to keep forcing myself back to sleep everytime.

Someone woke me up at nearly 6am. The captain has ordered the tarp covers from the front cabin (where i slept); the wind was blowing so hard, and it would fly them away, and perhaps, the boat too. We all had to move to the backside.

Just a little while later, we moved. And in just less than half an hour, a lot of the passeners were throwing up already. We're back on the outrageous waves; and it seems it is much more dangerous this time as we have to battle the wind. I thought it would have been better if we proceeded with an assault to Palanan the day before, as the wind is manageable then.

I must say this time the waves are probably about 20feet; yes, the height of a 2 storey house (no exaggerations).

Somehow we managed to move close to Palanan. Because of the tide though, the boat couldn't get to Sabang, so we had to be dropped in Dicotcotan beach in San Isidro. We had to transfer to the paddle boats to get to the shore.

From Dicotcotan beach, we walked all the way to Sabang. Crossed several deep streams and from there, took a motor boat that will bring us to the town proper through the river of mud flowing from the mountains, battling through boulders of raging logs .

Dicotcotan Beach in Barangay San Isidro, Palana, Isabela

The paddle boat that takes us to the shore; see our boat from afar

another river crossing in Palanan, Isabela; 

The port in Palanan town proper

First thing i did when i got to the town proper was get some meal. Dadn't eaten anything yet for the day (and only one meal for the day before).

After a meal, went straight to the police station to log. I'm not sure if it is the SOP but i felt like they were suspecting me of something; Gave them 2 ids so far (a school id and a driver's license) and were still asking for a company id. Told me i should be bringing it all the time (when my point is, what if i loose it? Aren't 2 ids enough?). Besides, even court cases use the "innocent til proven guilty" postulate, and that time it felt like "guilty til proven innocent". 

I have been so distressed by the events in the past 4 days, and there is just no space for any more hassle. Anyhow, they pointed me to Aling Mery who has transient accomodation.

As soon as i reached Nanay Mery's house, i cleaned up. Had a few storytelling minutes, and later, she told me I might as well book a flight right on if I plan to leave thru plane. I was too tired though so I waited til morning.

In the morning, the first thing I did was go to the booking office. From the booking office, I was told to proceed to the airport where I can find the dispatcher Polai.

Upon reaching the airport, there was just way too much passengers. I was told the last flight was way back 22nd because of the bad weather. I was wanting to get a booking but Polai wont give me any confirmation. She just kept saying try tomorrow. I got worried. From that point on, i spent my time running back and forth the airport.

This time, i wasnt even interested in seeing the closer blue lagoon; i just wanted to get out.

There were only 2 planes plying, one 3seater, and another 6seater (including pilot). 

non operating landbank in Palanan, Isabela

Emilio Aguinaldo shrine in Palanan, Isabela; said to be a marker of where Emilio Aguinaldo was caught during american colonization

Aling Mery's transient house in Palanan, Isabela

Palanan State University

Palanan Catholic Church

Cyclone airways aircraft on Repair

The passenger terminal (P10 passenger terminal fee by the way)

Palanan Coliseum

Carol singers even past christmas in Palanan, Isabela

a graffiti in the walls of the airport

I spent the next days smoking with my face up the clouds in the north, waiting for sunshine. Everytime the skies would clear, i'd run to the airport and hope there would be a flight.

After 4 days running around the town of Palanan, I was finally allocated a seat on the 3rd flight of January 2. I began texting my friends and family that I will be out in a few hours. I got so excited. Suddenly, just a few minutes before the arrival of the plane, I was told, because of my baggage, I have to be moved to the next flight. 

But at that time, I was more concerned about going out than carrying back my baggage with me. I told Polai I'll leave and wait for the arrival of my left baggage in Cauayan airport. I got on board! yay...

And, thanks to my instinct, as soon as we landed in cauayan, the pilot and repairman were talking. The plane is not working again.. 

Cyclone airways aircraft on repair again as soon as our arrival in Cauayan, Isabela

I spent the rest of the day around Santiago and Cauayan. I went back noontime of the following day; Luckily, my baggage is in the city. And since there's few more hours for the day, I took the time to head further to the town of Naguillan and took some pictures of the landscape.

a nice payback for all that occured; taken in Naguillian Bridge in Isabela

*fare fr dau to la paz (thru five star/cisco talugtug bus) is P50. From cabanatuan terminal to baler is 198 (student; remove 20% disc for non student/senior). From Baler to Casiguran is P200. From Casiguran to Dilasag, it should've been P20, but we were asked P50. Boat fare for Dilasag-Palanan is P500. From Sabang to Palanan Town, we were asked P100 each (5 in the boat), where, according to my co-passengers, on normal conditions, it should've been P50. Trike around Palanan is P10 (though everything in town is a walking distance). Airfare from Palanan to Cauayan was P1900 with free 5 kilos (When i went to claim my baggage in Cauayan, it seems to have been hiked to P2000, ..poor people of palanan! Tsk). Excess kilos is P25 each. I was also told there are flights to Tuguegarao (but where, at that time, to resume only 4th Jan).
*in dilasag, when water is rough, boats dock in river "Mahogany". The drop off point in Dilasag is Brgy Masagana, where trike fare to mahogany is P20. To aplaya, i.e. regular pier, is P25.

*Dinapigue to santiago is 350 on Samana Trans
*brgy libutarek is where the blue lagoon is


*Prices around town of Palanan are relatively the same as in the city (as opposed to what I heard that it is extremely expensive). There is a scarcity of vegetable though. All the time I was in Palanan, my meals were all pork. (Nilaga itself didn't even have a cabbage but just pork, water and pepper). Pork in fact is just P100/kilo.

*Polai (cyclone airways) may be reached through 09153527214.  Nanay Mery (transient house) at 09294911403. Rate is P200/head per night.

Read More »

Why and why not: Casapsapan Beach | Casiguran, Aurora

The initial plan was just in Dipaculao but further researching  about aurora, I got my itinerary stretched all the way to Dilasag (In fact, if only time could permit, I would have changed the plan to Palanan, Isabela, after reading that there are boats in Dilasag bound for Palanan).

Then again, with the commuting mishaps, I had to cut the trip to Casiguran, aurora instead. 

Casiguran wasn't so bad after all. Very early in the morning, I scouted for a tricycle that would take us to casapsapan beach (I initially planned getting a single motorbike instead so I can have a faster, and more sights to see trip, but as I will be with some 3 other fellows, I looked for a tricycle instead.) The other 3 travellers I've met in the van were supposed to have rented the van again for P2400 just for Casapsapan beach from the town, but as I've offered them the option of sharing a tricycle instead for just P500, they bought in.)

the road to casapsapan beach from casiguran town proper

the road to casapsapan beach from casiguran town proper

the road to casapsapan beach from casiguran town proper

the road to casapsapan beach from casiguran town proper

the road to casapsapan beach from casiguran town proper

It was a bumpy uphill and downhill. There were some river crossing, and at some points, we had to get off the trike so it can climb the steep trail.

The driver dropped us in Casapsapan beach (resort), where he told the caretakers that we'd just be taking pictures. We weren't thinking of any charges til that time as there was no plan of staying long. After surveying the place, while the other 2 fellows are still taking their pics, I and their lead thought about scouting some food; The trike driver drove us to the nearby barangay, where, when we got there, there was no more fish to buy; Everything's delivered to the market.

The P1000/night rooms

Casapsapan Beach Resort from the shore

I roamed around the village next to the shore to see if any fisherman has any leftover. Unfortunately, there was none left. Every person I ask points me to another until I got to a sari sari store; What I got: TUYO! Then, I can't eat tuyo alone. However, I see some homegrown vegetables in the sari sari store's backyard so I asked to buy the squash, which, they thankfully sold me for P10. I thought we can ask it cooked in coconut milk. Other than that, I got some eggplants (torta), etc. There was no choice anyway, as that's the only option versus starving.

the fish dealer's pit in the village

basketball court in the village

shoreline of the village

some fishermen I asked have asked me for a toss

We drove back to the resort and gave it to the caretakers for them to cook. We also asked if they can get us fresh coconuts which they did for P15 a piece (asked for a minimum of 10). Meanwhile, I asked the driver to show us around further in the trail. We drove through, and we broke through a number of unattended picnic areas. A few more pictures, then we drove back. Just a little while later, we were told food is ready.

driving further from casapsapan beach resort

taken from the unattended picnic site

the better beach past casapsapan beach resort

It did not take us more than 20 mins to munch on our poorman's meal. And, since there's not much to do anymore in the beach, we decided to leave. I walked back towards the caretaker's cabin and asked how much we owe them. I was surprised I was being asked P300 for the table charge. I was ready to pay entrance charges, but I must admit, I did not pay attention on what they charge for the rest. The caretakers pointed us to the Rates Board posted on a tree, which I've come across several times but did not really pay attention to. It was only when they were charging us that I had a look at what's written.

fresh picks

Their rooms are overly basic if I were to stay there, I'd rather lay on the sand. Their toilets are as public as can be. In the end, I ended up paying only the buko (150) + table (300) + cooked rice (50) and only P50 for cooking charge... nothing extra thought necessary.

shoreline in casapsapan beach resort

shoreline in casapsapan beach resort

shoreline in casapsapan beach resort

Casapsapan beach resort is the only resort in the vicinity.. the rest is an open entrance. Unless you are staying overnight, and don't mind paying their rates, consider just getting to the beach without having to pass through casapsapan beach resort. Besides, their beachfront is rocky and filled with sea urchins. You'll just end up walking til you tire, give up, and just walk back. In case you'd like to try the water, go past the beach resort.

Also, check out the shore near the village. The water flowing from basin to basin looks nice (pics below)...

en route to Casiguran, aurora, you can try surfing in Baler

Travelling Philippines? Follow @CheapBedsPH on Instagram for geotagged backpacker accomodation below PHP400 (US$9) for easier searches.

The initial plan was just in Dipaculao but further researching  about aurora, I got my itinerary stretched all the way to Dilasag (In fact, if only time could permit, I would have changed the plan to Palanan, Isabela, after reading that there are boats in Dilasag bound for Palanan).

Then again, with the commuting mishaps, I had to cut the trip to Casiguran, aurora instead. 

Casiguran wasn't so bad after all. Very early in the morning, I scouted for a tricycle that would take us to casapsapan beach (I initially planned getting a single motorbike instead so I can have a faster, and more sights to see trip, but as I will be with some 3 other fellows, I looked for a tricycle instead.) The other 3 travellers I've met in the van were supposed to have rented the van again for P2400 just for Casapsapan beach from the town, but as I've offered them the option of sharing a tricycle instead for just P500, they bought in.)

the road to casapsapan beach from casiguran town proper

the road to casapsapan beach from casiguran town proper

the road to casapsapan beach from casiguran town proper

the road to casapsapan beach from casiguran town proper

the road to casapsapan beach from casiguran town proper

It was a bumpy uphill and downhill. There were some river crossing, and at some points, we had to get off the trike so it can climb the steep trail.

The driver dropped us in Casapsapan beach (resort), where he told the caretakers that we'd just be taking pictures. We weren't thinking of any charges til that time as there was no plan of staying long. After surveying the place, while the other 2 fellows are still taking their pics, I and their lead thought about scouting some food; The trike driver drove us to the nearby barangay, where, when we got there, there was no more fish to buy; Everything's delivered to the market.

The P1000/night rooms

Casapsapan Beach Resort from the shore

I roamed around the village next to the shore to see if any fisherman has any leftover. Unfortunately, there was none left. Every person I ask points me to another until I got to a sari sari store; What I got: TUYO! Then, I can't eat tuyo alone. However, I see some homegrown vegetables in the sari sari store's backyard so I asked to buy the squash, which, they thankfully sold me for P10. I thought we can ask it cooked in coconut milk. Other than that, I got some eggplants (torta), etc. There was no choice anyway, as that's the only option versus starving.

the fish dealer's pit in the village

basketball court in the village

shoreline of the village

some fishermen I asked have asked me for a toss

We drove back to the resort and gave it to the caretakers for them to cook. We also asked if they can get us fresh coconuts which they did for P15 a piece (asked for a minimum of 10). Meanwhile, I asked the driver to show us around further in the trail. We drove through, and we broke through a number of unattended picnic areas. A few more pictures, then we drove back. Just a little while later, we were told food is ready.

driving further from casapsapan beach resort

taken from the unattended picnic site

the better beach past casapsapan beach resort

It did not take us more than 20 mins to munch on our poorman's meal. And, since there's not much to do anymore in the beach, we decided to leave. I walked back towards the caretaker's cabin and asked how much we owe them. I was surprised I was being asked P300 for the table charge. I was ready to pay entrance charges, but I must admit, I did not pay attention on what they charge for the rest. The caretakers pointed us to the Rates Board posted on a tree, which I've come across several times but did not really pay attention to. It was only when they were charging us that I had a look at what's written.

fresh picks

Their rooms are overly basic if I were to stay there, I'd rather lay on the sand. Their toilets are as public as can be. In the end, I ended up paying only the buko (150) + table (300) + cooked rice (50) and only P50 for cooking charge... nothing extra thought necessary.

shoreline in casapsapan beach resort

shoreline in casapsapan beach resort

shoreline in casapsapan beach resort

Casapsapan beach resort is the only resort in the vicinity.. the rest is an open entrance. Unless you are staying overnight, and don't mind paying their rates, consider just getting to the beach without having to pass through casapsapan beach resort. Besides, their beachfront is rocky and filled with sea urchins. You'll just end up walking til you tire, give up, and just walk back. In case you'd like to try the water, go past the beach resort.

Also, check out the shore near the village. The water flowing from basin to basin looks nice (pics below)...

en route to Casiguran, aurora, you can try surfing in Baler

Travelling Philippines? Follow @CheapBedsPH on Instagram for geotagged backpacker accomodation below PHP400 (US$9) for easier searches.

Read More »