Baler
A Pacific surf town with a place in Philippine history, waterfalls in the hills and empty coves along the coast.
Quick answer
- Where: the Pacific coast of Luzon, capital of Aurora province, about five to six hours from Manila.
- Surf: Sabang Beach is a good place to learn, with surf schools along the shore.
- History: Spanish soldiers held out in Baler Church for nearly a year in 1898 and 1899, in the Siege of Baler.
- Nature: Ditumabo Mother Falls, Dicasalarin Cove and the Diguisit rock formations.
- Best surf: roughly September to March.
Why it is a wonder
Baler, on the Pacific coast of Luzon, is one of the country’s original surf towns, with long beaches facing the open ocean and green mountains behind. Sabang Beach is lined with surf schools and small resorts and is a friendly place to learn.
Baler is also a page of history. In 1898, a small Spanish garrison shut itself inside Baler Church and held out for about eleven months, refusing to believe Spain had lost the Philippines. The Siege of Baler ended only in June 1899. The church and the Museo de Baler tell the story.
Inland, Ditumabo Mother Falls pours into a boulder-filled pool, and along the coast are coves and rock formations to explore.
Beat the crowds
- Avoid long weekends, when Manila surfers fill the town.
- Surf early. The morning is calmer and less busy.
Getting there
Buses run from Manila to Baler, about five to six hours over the Sierra Madre. In town, tricycles take you to the beaches and sights. See our guide to getting around the Philippines.
A perfect day
- A surf lesson at Sabang Beach in the morning.
- Walk the old town: Baler Church, the museum and Doña Aurora’s house.
- Hike to Ditumabo Mother Falls and swim in the cold pool.
- Sunset from Ermita Hill above the bay.
Through the seasons
- September to March: the best surf season on the Pacific side.
- March to May: calmer, sunnier beach days, good for beginners.
- Typhoons can hit the Pacific coast from about July to November.
Respect the place
Respect the line-up and local surfers, swim only between flags or with a guide, and keep the waterfall trail clean. See our guide to surfing in the Philippines.
Photo gallery
Frequently asked questions
Is Baler good for beginner surfers?
Yes. Sabang Beach has many surf schools and gentle waves on most days, while more experienced surfers head to Cemento.
What was the Siege of Baler?
A Spanish garrison held out in the town church from mid-1898 to June 1899, long after Spain had given up the Philippines. The survivors became known as the last of the Philippines.
How do I get to Ditumabo Falls?
It is in San Luis, a short drive from Baler, then a walk of around 20 to 30 minutes along a trail beside the river.
How do I get to Baler?
Buses run from Manila, taking around five to six hours.
Pagsanjan Falls
A canoe ride up a jungle gorge to a thundering waterfall, then a wild ride back down the rapids.
We checked this guide against the 3 sources listed below. Last updated 14 November 2026. Basis: researched from official sources. Written and edited by Delfin, with AI-assisted research (how we work). Prices, hours and rules change, so confirm before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
