Beautiful Baler and Dicasalarin Cove

Baler is a small sleepy town on the Northeastern side of Luzon. Since it directly faces the Pacific Ocean, it has consistent waves mostly year round thus Baler is known for surfing. Sabang beach is where most of the action is - beginners learn how to surf here, there are several resorts and restaurants, and people go walking along the beach and boardwalk.

The Boardwalk at Sabang Beach

Catch the sunrise over the Pacific Ocean! Several people are already at the beach at the start of the day. Alot go walking on the beach, some jog, bike or walk their dog.

 The Beach Life - laid back vibe at Sabang beach

But Baler isn't just for surfers as there are several points of interest where one can go. One of these is Dicasalarin Cove. This gem of a place is worth the 30-minute drive from Baler town. Stop at the PAGASA Weather Station on top of the hill for spectacular views of Dicasalarin Cove! This is a good spot to bring out the camera and take photos.

Amazing view of Dicasalarin Cove

There is an entrance fee to enter Dicasalarin Cove as this is privately owned. You can bring your own food and have a picnic at the tree shaded picnic ground areas.  You can also buy food and drinks there but the choices are very limited. A few meters away is the beach! This is really the highlight of the place as it is a secluded cove with clear clean waters and white sand.

Secluded white sand beach and clear blue waters at Dicasalarin Cove

We enjoyed swimming in the cool waters that was refreshing from the hot sun and humid weather. Be wary though because there is no lifeguard.  At the far right end is a lighthouse.  You will need to climb several steps to get there although our group didn't go that far.

Museo de Baler

There are more places to see and visit in Baler but we didn't have time anymore. There's Ditumabo Waterfalls, the 600 year old Balete Tree, Ermita Hill and more! Fortunately we were able to visit Museo de Baler and the historical Baler Church where the Siege of Baler took place.

I love the laid back vibe of Baler and it is a beautiful place that I will keep coming back to.


How to get to Baler:

From Manila, it is about 230 kilometers or roughly 5-6 hours by private car via North Luzon Expressway and SCTEX.  You can also take the bus by Genesis Transport. They have direct trips to Baler and even have a Deluxe bus called Joy Bus with Lazy Boy seats, free snacks and lavatory on board.  Travel time is about 5-6 hours.

Carbin Reef white sand bar off Sagay City in Negros Occidental Philippines

Carbin Reef is a white sand bar located off Sagay City and the island of Negros in the Visayas (the central islands of the archipelago).  It is a clean white sand beach near Bacolod City, ideal for day trip and picnic.

This tiny island is 150 meters long and 30 meters wide, it is ideal for a relaxing day for tourists who discover the island of Negros and nearby Bacolod.

It's about a 1 hour drive from Bacolod City and is accessible via a "pumpboat" (a small local boat) from the port of Sagay.

The comfort of the island is very basic but there shaded areas ideal for a picnic and day trip.

You'll probably one of the few visitors of this tranquil and calm islet. The proposed activities are mainly relaxing and swimming.

This beautiful island is in fact a Marine Sanctuary where aquatic life can recover. The rules are so strict on the use of waste and it is forbidden to take anything from the island.

I recommend spending the day on this island because you feel alone in the world. Plan a picnic and bring your own food and drinks. Remember to bring water and sunscreen.

Our top 10 travel destinations in the Philippines

Are you planning a vacation to the Philippines for the first time?  Don’t know which of the 7,107 islands to choose from?  Have you been saving up for a 2-week vacation and want to make the most out of it? Or maybe you’ve traveled the Philippine Islands and want to discover more and go to somewhere you’ve never been to yet?

Our list of the top 10 Philippine tourist spots can give you a preview of what the Philippines can offer.  It can jumpstart your vacation plans as you have a travel guide and a shortlist of the Philippines destinations and their main attractions. 

Boracay Island, Philippines

Boracay is best known for its famous white sand beach that stretches for 4 kilometers.  Boracay Island has been voted many times over as one of the best beaches in the world. Aside from its powdery white sand beach and clear blue waters, it is a favorite destination because Boracay has a lot to offer. From the vibrant Boracay nightlife and party scene, to the many activities one can do in the island like diving, windsurfing, kiteboarding, and so much more! There are several Boracay beach resorts one can choose from.  

Palawan, Philippines

Palawan is one of the most biodiverse islands in the Philippines and was cited as the best island destination in East and Southeast Asia by the National Geographic Traveler in 2007.  Palawan is composed of one big main island and several smaller islands and islets surrounding it.  Its capital, Puerto Princesa, boasts of the Underground River National Park, a finalist for the New 7 Wonders of Nature.  From Puerto Princesa, one can go island hopping to the nearby white sand islands or go diving in Tubbataha Reef – an underwater sanctuary and marine natural park with some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world. Both the Underground River Park and Tubbataha Reef has been named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Banawe Rice Terraces and Sagada

The Banawe Rice Terraces were carved some 2000 years ago by the ancestors of the Ifugao, the indigenous people of the Cordillera region where the terraces were built.  The rice terraces are often called the 8^th Wonder of the World and is declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  It is located in Northern Luzon, some 240 kilometers north of Manila.  A further yet worthwhile trip into the Cordilleras in Mountain Province is the town of Sagada.  More popular as a backpacker’s destination, Sagada has a lot to offer. It also has rice terraces like in Banaue, plus other points of interest like the hanging coffins, waterfalls, underground river and caves.

Bohol

Bohol in Central Visayas is home to the famous Chocolate Hills.  It is also a major tourist destination because of the other major attractions of this island.  The white sand beaches in Panglao Island are very popular and from there, one can go dolphin watching, island hopping and diving in Balicasag Island and nearby dive spots.  Bohol is also home to the second smallest primate in the world, the Philippine Tarsier.   There are also the old Churches in Bohol that are worth visiting, although some have been destroyed by the 2013 earthquake.

Siargao

Siargao is known as the surfing capital of the Philippines because of its famous world class surfing break called Cloud Nine.  There are numerous surfing breaks in and around Siargao as it is located at the Southeast part of the Philippines where it meets the Pacific Ocean swells.  Aside from its fabulous surf spots, Siargao is a beautiful island and because of its remoteness, it has unspoiled beaches and a distinct idyllic charm.  For non-surfers, there is plenty to see, do and discover.  One can go kayaking around the island’s vast natural mangrove forest, go diving or island hopping in the lagoon and nearby islands which have natural white sand and crystal clear blue waters.

Mt. Pinatubo

Mt. Pinatubo is an active volcano in Luzon, about 87 km northwest of Manila. It erupted in June 1991, after 500 years of being dormant.  The catastrophic event affected many lives and had a major environmental impact globally.  But several years after the devastation, Mt. Pinatubo has become a major tourist destination.  Day trips and treks to the Mt. Pinatubo and its crater has been a favorite activity and destination to both local and foreign tourists.  One can also take an aerial tour from Clark Airport.  Recently a volcanic ash spa has opened offering spa services and unique treatments from the mineral rich surroundings such as a volcanic mud pack, hot springs and a treatment using hot volcanic ash.

Cebu

Cebu is a narrow island located in the center of the Philippines, particularly in Central Visayas.  It’s capital, Cebu City, is the oldest city in the country.  It was the first Spanish settlement in the Philippines and a number of significant Spanish colonial buildings can be found in the city such as the Santo Niño Basilica and Magellan’s Cross.  Aside from the Cebu mainland, there are 167 surrounding islands that are part of Cebu, making island hopping an ideal tourist activity.  Nearby Mactan Island offers an several world-class beach resorts.  For those seeking a quieter and idyllic island experience, a few hours away is Bantayan, Malapascua and Camotes Islands.  Cebu is also a jump off point for other island destinations such as Bohol, Dumaguete and Siargao.

Manila

Manila is the Capital of the Philippines and Metro Manila is the center of business, government and trade in the country.  It is the gateway to most international flights as well as domestic.  A notable tourist spot is the old Spanish walled city called Intramuros where there are centuries old churches, buildings and walkways.  Nearby is the Manila Ocean Park, an oceanarium with several species of marine life including those found in the waters of the Philippines.  For a wide array of hotels, restaurants and bars to go to at night, Makati City, which is the central business district, offers a lot to choose from. It’s neighbor, Fort Bonifacio, which is a new “global” city, also offers several restaurants, bars and clubs.

Bicol Region – Donsol and Mt. Mayon Volcano

The Bicol Region is in the southeast part of Luzon and has 6 provinces.  One of which is Albay province, home to the world-renowned perfect-coned volcano due to its almost perfect conical shape.  Further down south is Donsol, in the province of Sorsogon, a popular tourist destination because of the whale sharks that swim in its seas.  This has attracted thousands of tourists where one can actually swim with the harmless whale shark and have a unique experience and memorable encounter with the friendly marine creature.  

Camiguin

Camiguin is a small island province in the northern coast of Mindanao.  It has 7 volcanoes, with more volcanoes in the island that towns. Although only there is only 1 active volcano, Camiguin has the most number of volcanoes per square kilometer than any island on earth.  It has several unspoiled natural resources for the traveler and tourist such as a lush forest, hot and cold springs, white sand beaches and sand bar, majestic waterfalls and exotic marine life.  It is also know for its underwater sunken cemetery, submerged by a volcanic eruption in 1871, marked with a huge cross.  All these plus its mystical charm and idyllic island lifestyle make Camiguin a great Philippine destination.