The San Luis Obispo de Tolosa Parish, or more commonly known as Baler Church, was constructed back in 1611. It first stood on the site of an important battle called the "Siege of Baler" which took place during the Philippine Revolution.
The church was initially made from bamboo and nipa. Years after, it was renovated using stones and rocks that were held together by lime and honey. However, the church was later destroyed by a massive tidal wave known as "Tromba Marina" in 1735. Soon after that natural disaster, locals rebuilt the chapel on the highest point in San Luis Street in Barangay Buhangin, where it currently stands.
During the Spanish period in the country, Spanish forces made the church their garrison until they surrendered it in 1899. Aside from this, Baler Church was also the home of a famous large bell called La Campana De Baler. Fray Jose de Esperagoza brought it to the province in the 17th century. The bell later became well-known for its loud echoing sounds that even reached the neighboring towns of San Luis, Maria, and Dipaculao.
In light of its cultural significance in Baler, the National Historical Institute proclaimed it as a historical landmark in 2000.
The Baler Hanging Bridge is situated along Zabali Road and connects the barangays of Tibang and Sabang. The bridge is made of wooden planks and railings that are suspended above a wide river by sturdy metal cables. It measures about a meter in width and is over a hundred meters long.
While locals often use it for their daily errands, it has become one of the well-known tourist attractions in Baler, Aurora over the years due to the stunning views it offers. As you make your way from one end of the bridge to the other, you will be able to get a panoramic view of the river and the vast mountainscape in the distance. Travelers can also catch a glimpse of the river's opening that connects to Baler Bay.
Visitors who traverse the bridge are treated to a refreshing breeze as well, thanks to its position. Before reaching the other end, you can also take the time to take photos of the beautiful scenery around you. On either end of the walkway are a couple of souvenir shops that feature local delicacies and trinkets that showcase the area's culture.
Another popular spot that provides tourists with stunning views of Baler's natural wonders is the Baler Lighthouse, one of the top lighthouses in the Philippines. This white structure sits on one of the hills of Sitio Tibag. After arriving at the parking area, visitors will have to hike up the hill to reach the towering structure.
Once you reach the top of the hill, you are immediately rewarded with a stunning view of Baler Bay's deep blue waters. You can also see Diguisit Beach from the hill's peak. For travelers looking for an even better vantage point, you can climb up the steps that circle the lighthouse to reach its top.
From the top, you can feel the sea breeze blowing while enjoying the panoramic view of the bay and the nearby hills. You can also see the structure's huge light and solar panels that power it. While it no longer serves as a beacon for ships coming to Baler, tourists still drop by to take in the view.
Photo by Provincial Government of Aurora
A few minutes away from the museum is another historic site: a replica of the ancestral home of Aurora Quezon, the wife of the late president Manuel L. Quezon. The cement and wooden home is situated on the corner of Rizal Street and San Luis street. It also features a roof made from dried nipa leaves, which was often used for traditional homes in the Philippines.
However, the house is not an exact copy of Aurora's original home, as local authorities recreated it with sturdier material. Despite this, it still features many items, such as a coal-heated iron that were likely used by Aurora's family back in the day. The interior also houses a large colored painting of Aurora and the late president.
While Aurora was widely known as the second First Lady of the Philippines, she was an important historical figure in her own right as well. Aurora gained the respect of her fellow Baler natives and other Filipinos through her various humanitarian efforts. Among these was her time as the first Chairperson of the Philippine National Red Cross and her involvement in advocating for Filipino women's right to vote.
In honor of her notable contributions, the province where Baler is located, Aurora, was named after her.
The Balete Tree in Aurora is known for being the biggest of its kind in the whole continent of Asia. This enormous tree is cared for in a park inside the municipality of Maria Aurora. This tree has been around for over 600 years and has grown to about 200 feet.
Balete trees are also often regarded as homes of fairies and other magical creatures in Philippine mythology. Whether or not you believe in myths, you can slip past an opening between the roots of the tree here to inspect for yourself.
The tree is so huge that several people can fit inside its interior of twisted roots. The interior appears almost like an otherworldly destination, as light can only come in from the gaps between the entangling roots.
From inside the tree, you can climb up the tangle of roots to get a closer look at the tree's large crown. However, scaling the tree from the inside involves squeezing through tight gaps. Aside from this, travelers can also climb the tree from the outside by clinging to the sturdy roots that make up the gigantic evergreen.
Diguisit Beach is one of the popular surfing spots in Baler and is located about 11 KM from the town proper. In addition to the constant waves that are great for surfing, this white sand beach also boasts unique rock formations and crystal clear water.
The most famous formations here are the Aniao Islets, which are two small islands. These islets were naturally shaped by the strong waves that slam against the shore when the winds are strong. Surrounding these sturdy formations were rocky landscapes that become pools of cool water whenever the tide is low.