#baletetree

Summer Paradise by Bea NIcole Aguilan

The ride became a roller coaster as the road turned into a zigzag, going on sharp turns as the cliff stood right beside us. The jeep drove up the mountain road, the engine igniting as loud as a barking dog. But the moment we passed through the mountains, the sea became clear over the horizon and wind hummed over my ear.

Baler may not be as famous as other tourist spots, but it is one of the most frequent spots our family visits every summer. And thinking about the place reminded me of the memories of our last visit to the place.

Baler is known for its best surfing spots, offering some of the best waves in all of Asia. The water in deep, aqua color. Its waves can reach up to 14ft high in during high tides and peaks of surfing season. I had remember a moment as a 5ft wave came rushing towards us as we swam into the ocean, jumping as high as we can, being splashed down by the ginormous wave.

The Sabang beach is one of the greatest surfing spot in Baler, offering both soft and thrilling waves perfect for people who are looking for an adventurous ride and for people who are only there to relax.

But the Sabang Beach isn’t the only attraction you can visit in Baler. There is also the Ditumabo Falls, also called Mother Falls. The waterfalls is grandest among all the waterfalls in Baler, standing at 140ft high. But getting there takes a one to two hour trek through a rocky path, into a forest with a path.

The hike wouldn’t be in vain though. With its cold water coming from the highland of Sierra Madre Mountain Range, it is perfect for swimming after the long trek. But beware as there might be rocks flying down from the cliffs surrounding it. I, myself, nearly got hit by one. Plus, one might not want to get too close to the falls itself as they might get sucked down by it and drown to death.

And, if some do not wish to tire themselves of the long trek, there is also a river that flows down from the waterfalls that also serves the same cold water as the spot itself offers. Be on the lookout for small waterfalls along the way as well

And finally, before leaving the city, you may as well visit two more tourist spots that is picturesque, especially for the people who love photography. If you’re going to visit Baler, you might as well stop by at the town plaza, where the iconic signage is located.

It might not be the greatest place to take a photo, but the shot is also worth it as it is located in the center of the town.

Finally, the one place a tourist must never forget to visit in Baler is the Balete Park and Millenium Tree. The Millenium tree is the biggest Balete tree in Asia, standing at 215 feet with a diameter of almost 200ft. It does have an entrance fee to enter though, but paying it is surely worth it.

From afar, the tree may look like a normal tree, standing high above the rest of it. But when I take a closer look at it, branches swirled from one place to another. Vines fell down from the branches, leaves turning into a ceiling above us as we make our way around the tree.

Fun fact, it takes 60 people, arm-to-arm, to circle around the tree. The inside of the tree can also be explored, but a person would need a light and payment fee if they want to enter. The inside is like a cave, pitch-black darkness surrounding you as you enter inside.

And much more, it is a perfect place to have a pictorial for those who people who love taking pictures of themselves.

At the end of the day, once we’ve visited all of these places, we go back to the beach, where we watched as the sun sets on the horizon. The colors swirling in hues of orange and yellow, contrasting against the blue color of the sea. The sea humming, its high waves splashing over the coast as I sat down on the white sand.

Watching as the summer ends.

Sources:

Google Images