Falling in Love with Luzon Amidst Its Pitfalls

Perfection is nothing but an idea, to which everyone aims to be; yet the most genius of them all ends up imperfect at the end. Luzon, the largest island in the Philippines, with its magnanimity among other islands in the country may seem to cater everything: From dive sites, pristine beaches, remote islets, magnificent mountains and volcanoes, highly urbanized areas, and to the far rural reaches. Yet seemingly almost perfect with its diversity, there still lies some of its ugly reality. The island may fall short on some aspects, but being aware of its imperfections is the key to falling in love with it.

Travel Guide to Baler Aurora

Part 6 of Baler Series

If you are at the Philippines and surfing is in your mind. There is only one location that is dubbed as the surfing birthplace of the country. It is Baler in Aurora Province. Although known for surfing having a two-kilometer beach facing the Pacific Ocean, there are still many things to do here. Aside from the gray surfing sand of Baler, there are other white beach to bum at, rock formations to climb, and water falls to trek to and swim. The town also boasts a history that crafted the Philippines during the early 20th century. This is Schadow1 Expeditions guide on how to get to Baler and things to do while at this laid-back town.

Sabang Beach of Baler - The Birthplace of Philippine Surfing

April 18, 2014
Part 5 of the Baler Series

Sabang Beach is a two-kilometer strip of gray sand facing East over the Pacific Ocean. Famously known with its frequently strong waves that are massive enough to give life to people who would like to ride the waves. As such, Sabang Beach of Baler is the birthplace of surfing in the country. From posh resorts to serene home-stays and beach-fronts, this beach gets you stoked!

Six Hundred Years of its Legacy - Asia's Oldest Tree in Aurora

April 19, 2014
Part 4 of the Baler Series

For almost 600 years that stood witness to the Philippines prior to its colonial history until the present, a lone tree masquerades itself at the town of Maria Aurora in Aurora Province. A tree towering itself and dwarfing out other coconut trees in the area. A sight to behold and an example of how a true Filipino culture gives importance to its environment and how nature can get back to its locals in the form of tourism.

Diguisit Rocks and Cemento Beach - an escape for rock climbers and surfers

April 19, 2014
Part 3 of Baler Series

The Diguisit Rocks is one of the rocky shores of Baler Bay along the Cemento and Diguisit Beach. It is a testament of a million years of pounding waves that shaped its form. Located along the semi-white beach of Diguisit and just lying beside the famous Cobra Reef - an ultimate surfing location in Baler. There are three special things at this location in Baler: Beyond the rocks is a surfing paradise while its beach is an exquisite location for beach-goers... and the rocks itself are a challenge for rock climbers.

Ditumabo Falls - The mother of all waterfalls in Aurora

April 19, 2014
Part 2 of the Baler Series
Famous for its name as the Mother Falls - being the tallest waterfall in Aurora Province is located at Barangay Ditumabo, San Luis, Aurora, is one of the best places to visit when you are at Baler. The Ditumabo Falls is about fifty meters high and falls on a 30 meter wide basin which provides a natural cold swimming pool. This falls is the best way to refresh yourselves on a hot summer day in Baler after you already had an overdose of salt water when surfing along the shores of Sabang Beach.

Discovering Baler - a mapping expedition

April 17-20, 2013
Part 1 of the Baler Series

In modern times, Baler is known as the place in the Philippines where surfing was first introduced as the waves in this town is always favorable for surfing. Sabang beach, the town's longest beach, is on a strategic location. With its concave shape and facing the Pacific Ocean, its topography supplies a continuous opportunity for surfers to enjoy the sea. Aside from the beach and its waves, Baler offers even much more: with stunning rock formations, waterfalls, and a vivid history. Schadow1 Expeditions went there during a long summer weekend to enjoy it and map it.