Land Area & Location
Land Area & Location
Land Area Land Area
Aurora Province has a total land area of 323,954 hectares, representing about one percent of the Aurora Province has a total land area of 323,954 hectares, representing about one percent of the country's total land area.
country's total land area.
Location Location
Aurora Province is located o
Aurora Province is located on the East-Central side of Luzon Island. It is the non the East-Central side of Luzon Island. It is the no rth-eastern mostrth-eastern most province of Central Luzon (Region III).
province of Central Luzon (Region III). It is bordered on the north by the proIt is bordered on the north by the pro vinces of Isabelavinces of Isabela and Qurino, on the west by Nueva Ecija and Nueva Viscaya, on the south by Bulacan and and Qurino, on the west by Nueva Ecija and Nueva Viscaya, on the south by Bulacan and Quezon, and on the east by the Pacific Ocean. The province's main link to the rest of Luzon is Quezon, and on the east by the Pacific Ocean. The province's main link to the rest of Luzon is through a narrow mounta
through a narrow mountain gravel road that twists through the Sierra Madre Mountain Range.in gravel road that twists through the Sierra Madre Mountain Range. The road is located between Baler and Bongabon, Nueva Ecija.
The road is located between Baler and Bongabon, Nueva Ecija.
Topography
Topography
The province of AuroraThe province of Aurora covers the eastern portion of the Sierra Madre Moucovers the eastern portion of the Sierra Madre Mountainsntains, hence , hence it isit is generally mountainous. There are flat lands unevenly distributed throughout the province. Its generally mountainous. There are flat lands unevenly distributed throughout the province. Its coastline spans 332 kilometers in length. The
coastline spans 332 kilometers in length. The municipalimunicipality oty of Dingalan, in the south, has tf Dingalan, in the south, has thehe most irregular topography.
most irregular topography.
The main drainage systems of Aurora
The main drainage systems of Aurora consist of six rivers:consist of six rivers: y
y Aguang River, Baler Aguang River, Baler y
y Calabgan River, CasiguranCalabgan River, Casiguran y
y Ditale River, DipaculaoDitale River, Dipaculao y
y Dibatuan River, DipaculaoDibatuan River, Dipaculao y
y Ibuna River, DingalanIbuna River, Dingalan y
y Sinagnuan River, DingalanSinagnuan River, Dingalan
Cl
Cl
imate
imate
Rainfa Rainfallll
Aurora's climate is characterized by rainfall that
Aurora's climate is characterized by rainfall that is evenly distributed throughout the year, sinceis evenly distributed throughout the year, since Aurora faces the Pacific Ocean and
Aurora faces the Pacific Ocean and has no barriers to shield it from typhoons cohas no barriers to shield it from typhoons coming from theming from the east. Tropical cyclones are also a
east. Tropical cyclones are also a seasonal occurrence.seasonal occurrence. The average monthly rainfall is 273.9
The average monthly rainfall is 273.9 millimmillimeters. Rainfall is heaviest during the eters. Rainfall is heaviest during the months of months of January, February, April, October, and No
W
WindindCuCurrentrrent
The province experiences t
The province experiences two main wind currents. From November to April, the two main wind currents. From November to April, the t rade windrade wind generally reaches the province fro
generally reaches the province from an easterly direction. The wind then m an easterly direction. The wind then moves in amoves in a southwesterly direction for the rest of the year. In Casiguran,
southwesterly direction for the rest of the year. In Casiguran, the wind comes from the norththe wind comes from the north from October to March and t
from October to March and the South from April to September. The South from April to September. The average annual wind speedhe average annual wind speed is four knots.
is four knots.
Temperat Temperatuurere
The mean monthly temperature o
The mean monthly temperature of Aurora is 25.3 degrees Celsius. The cof Aurora is 25.3 degrees Celsius. The coldest months areldest months are January and February, w
January and February, with a temperature ranging from 19.3 to ith a temperature ranging from 19.3 to 20.4 degrees Celsius. The20.4 degrees Celsius. The warmest months are from June to July, with te
warmest months are from June to July, with temperature from 30 to 33 degrees Cemperature from 30 to 33 degrees Celsilsius.us.
HISTORY
HISTORY
y
y RELATED ARTIRELATED ARTICCLESLES y
y excerpts from Sen. Ed excerpts from Sen. Ed Angara's book - Baler, AuroraAngara's book - Baler, Aurora y
y Baler For Baler For All TimeAll Time y
y GGeographyeography y
y Baler and Its PeopleBaler and Its People y
y PrehistoryPrehistory y
y Agta / DumagatAgta / Dumagat y
y Spanish OccupationSpanish Occupation y
y Baler RevoltBaler Revolt y
y Start of Baler SiegeStart of Baler Siege y
y Baler Siege (Part 1)Baler Siege (Part 1) y
y Baler Siege (Part 2)Baler Siege (Part 2) y
y Baler Siege Versions and ContradictionsBaler Siege Versions and Contradictions y
y During The American PeriodDuring The American Period
The Province of Aurora, with Baler as its capital, was founded by President Ferdinand E. Marcos The Province of Aurora, with Baler as its capital, was founded by President Ferdinand E. Marcos in August 13, 1979
in August 13, 1979 by virtue of Batas Bambansa Blg. 7. Tby virtue of Batas Bambansa Blg. 7. This act was the fulfillment of thehis act was the fulfillment of the prayers of the people o
prayers of the people of the former Municipalities of Baler and Casiguran to be f the former Municipalities of Baler and Casiguran to be truly independenttruly independent from the Province of Quezon
from the Province of Quezon for the first time since the Spanish occupatfor the first time since the Spanish occupation.ion.
Early History Early History
In 1572, the Spanish explorer Juan de Salcedo became the first In 1572, the Spanish explorer Juan de Salcedo became the first European to visit the region that
was exploring the northern coast of Luzon. Salcedo reportedly visited the to wns of Casiguran, Baler and Infanta.
In the early days of the Spanish colonial period, Aurora was ecc lesiastically linked to Infanta, which today rests further south in the Province of Quezon. The earliest missionaries in the province were the Franciscans, who had established missions in Baler and Casiguran in 1609.
Due to lack of available personnel, the region was given to t he jurisdiction of the Agustinians and Recollects in 1658, but was returned to the Friars Minor in 1703. Other early missions included Dipaculao, established in 1719, and Casiguran, in 1753.
The early history of Aurora is linked to Quezon Province, of which it originally formed a part, and Nueva Ecija. In 1591, Quezon (then named Kalilaya) was organized into a district that included a good portion of what now constitutes the Provinces of Laguna and Nueva Ecija. The original capital of Quezon was Kalilaya, now known as Unisan. In 1701, Nueva Ecija was split from Kalilaya Province. Around 1749, the provincial capital was transferred from Kalilaya to the town of Tayabas. The entire province then took on the name of Tayabas as well.
1800s to American Occupation
In 1818, Nueva Ecija annexed the towns of Palanan from the Province of Isabela, as well as Baler, Casiguran, Infanta and Polillo Island, from Tayabas. Between 1855 and 1885, Aurora (then named El Principe) was declared a comandancia politico-militar, with its capital at Baler. During the Philippine Revolution of 1898, a provincial revolutionary government was instituted briefly in El Principe. During this period, Bo ndo, formerly under the municipal jurisdiction of
Mulanay, was made a separate municipality.
With the arrival of the Americans in the 1890s, a short-lived military government was
established, followed by a civil government for this "district", established on June 12, 1902. In concert with the installation of the latter civil provincial government, the district of El Principe was transferred from the administrative jurisdiction of Nueva Ecija, which had co ntrolled it since 1818, and placed under the jurisdiction of Tayabas.
The Birth of a Province
It wasn't until after World War II, however, that this part o f Quezon Province languished in extreme isolation from neighboring pro vinces and cities. It was Mayor Pedro V.Guerrero, with the prodding of Doa Aurora Aragon
Quezon, who sought the creation of a Sub-Province of Aurora, named in honor of Doa Aurora, as a stop-gap measure to pave the way for the eventual
municipalities was attained.Guerrero was appointed LieutenantGovernor in recognition of his accomplishment.
In 1951 the municipalities of Baler, Casiguran, Dilasag, Dipaculao, Dinalongan, Dingalan, Maria Aurora and San Luis were o fficially formed into the Sub-Province of Aurora by virtue of
Republic Act 646.
The dream of converting the Sub-Province into a regular province was indefatigably pursued by Atty. Luis S. Etcubaez, who has the distinction of being the last LieutenantGovernor of the Sub-Province of Aurora. Etcubaez was appointed as the firstGovernor of Aurora when it became the 73rd province of the country in 1979. Etcubaez issued an Executive Order
declaring February 19 of each year Aurora Foundation Day in honor of the late Doa Aurora Quezon.
SO
C
IO-E
C
ONOMI
C
PROFILE
Pop
ul
ation
Population Size
Aurora Province has a population of approximately 173,797 based on the May 2000 national census. It has a density of 54 persons per square kilometer, the fifith lowest in the co untry. The province's growth rate has slowed down to an annual rate of 1.84%.
Demographics
Aurora has a predominantly rural population. Approximately 75.85% percent of the total populace lives in rural areas, while the remaining 24.15% lives in urban areas.
Aurora has a large youth demographic, with 43.16 percent of the total population younger than 15 years of age. The largest age group, however, is the 15 to 64 range, which comprises 50.68 percent of the population. Those aged 65 years and older represent the remaining 2.56 percent.
The sex ratio is 106 males for every 100 females.
Ed
u
cation
Aurora's educational needs are met by public institutions consisting of 128 primary and elementary schools, 25 secondary schools, and one state college. This is augmented by 25 private elementary and
secondary schools as well as three private colleges. Public schools dominate the educational system of the province.
Forty-seven percent of the total household population aged five years and older have attended or completed elementary education while 29.74% have attended or completed secondary studies. Only 7.89% of the population attended or completed college. The rest had either vocational background or had not gone to school. While there were more males who attended o r finished
elementary and secondary studies, females holding academic degrees and post baccalaureate courses outnumbered males.
According to the country's Department of Education (DepEd), Aurora's population showed a literacy rate of 94.54% in 2000.
Hea
l
thcare
The province has four government hospitals located in the municipalities of Baler, Casiguran, Maria Aurora, and Dingalan. It has 44 barangay health stations, mainly located in the central municipalities. Each municipality has a health ce nter to support the hospitals in bringing medical assistance to the barangays.
Health manpower under the Department of Health Provincial Health Office include 19
physicians, 24 nurses, 52 midwives, 9 dentists, 9 sanitary inspectors, 4 medical technologists, 2 pharmacists, 2 health inspectors, a nutritionist/dietician and a sanitary engineer.
Recreation
Recreational facilities totaled 246 in 1988. The majority of facilities, or 41.9 percent of the provincial total, are located in the
municipalities of Maria Aurora and Dingalan.
The most common types of recreational facilities are basketball and volleyball courts, which can be found in virtually every municipality and many barangays. Pool halls are also popular.
Cockfighting is the most popular form of recreation for men. Mo st of the cockfighting
enthusiasts from the central zone and nort hern towns still go to Baler and San Luis to enjoy the sport.
Only three movie houses were operating in Aurora as of 1988. They are located in the municipalities of Baler, Dipaculao and Maria Aurora, respectively.
Sec
u
rity & Safety
Three Philippine National Police (PNP) forces maintain peace and order in Aurora. They are stationed in Baler, Casiguran and Maria Aurora, respectively. There are also a number of PNP detachments in other areas of the province. In addition, each municipality has its own police headquarters.
Mani
l
a-Ba
l
er F
l
ights
SEAir's planes are flying between Manila and Ba ler once again.
Flight Schedule
Route Flight No. Days Departure Arrival Manila - Baler DG295 Monday / Friday 1:50 pm 2:40 pm Baler - Manila DG296 Monday / Friday 3:00 pm 3:50 pm
Rates
y Manila - Baler: Php 3,314.08 y Baler - Manila: Php 3,330.88 y Roundtip: Php 6,644.96
For ticket reservations, please contact +63(2) 709-0545 or 44 and look for Patty or Rio.
HOTELS & RESORTS
Most of the resorts are located in Baler town where most tourists stay overnight. Dingalan has some beach resorts but no information is available as of now. Tourists who trek to the rest of the province either go back to Baler for the evening or stay with relatives and hospitable strangers
nearby. Camping is also an o ption. Not much information exists on accommodations in Aurora but we will update this section, as facts are made available to us.
AMCO Beach Resort is a low-rise colonial style bu ilding with halls overlooking the driveway. Although the property is not beach front, facilities/amenities include private bathrooms and different types of bedrooms. As one of the biggest resorts around, AMCO is ideal for
conferences and conventions. Rates range from PhP400 to PhP500 per night. For reservations, call + 63 (44) 552-4209.
Angara's Beach Ho
u
se
The Baler Guesthouse is located in Barangay Sabang, conveniently by Sabang Beach. It has seven regular rooms. There are also two public bathrooms and a public co mfort room. The
restaurant can seat as many as 50 diners. The resort is personally managed by its o wner, Karen. It is situated right behind Bay's Inn and although it does not have a beach view, it offers its guests a private, well-landscaped garden ideal for meditation. Rates range from PhP300 to PhP500 per
night. For reservations, call +63 (42) 209-422.
Bay's Inn
Arguably the most popular resort in Sabang, Bay's Inn boasts panoramic views of Baler Ba y, the Pacific Ocean and surrounding cliffs and beaches. It remains a favorite among foreign guests and out-of-town surfers.
Formerly known as Ocean View, this resort located in Barangay Sabang, Baler, has a booking office in Metro Manila. The booking office is at 20 Lanutan Street, Project 7 in Quezon City. The resort has accommodations for up to 32 guests and a restaurant that serves a maximum o f 70 people. Rates range from PhP400 to PhP500 per night. They also rent surfboards for PhP150/day
and boogie boards for PhP75/day. For reservations, call +63 (2) 410-0643.
MIA (Make It A
u
rora) S
u
rf & Sports Resort
Located along Sabang Beach in Barangay Sabang, Baler, the MIA Surf & Sports Resort offers various accommodations. Five VIP rooms have their own flush toilets, showers and electric fans. There are also seven single rooms and four double rooms. There is a restaurant with a seating capacity of 100. The resort offers facilities for horseback riding and rental of equipment for surfing, windsurfing and snorkeling.
FAST FA
C
TS
Geographical Location Mid-eastern coast of Luzon Region 4 Boundaries North Northwest West Southwest South East
Isabela & Quirino Province
Nueva Vizcaya Province Nueve Ecija Province
Bulacan Province Quezon Province Pacific Ocean
Legal Basis of Creation Batas Pambansa Blg. 7 August 13, 1979 Number of Municipalities 8 (Baler as capital) August 13, 1979 Number of Barangays 152
Dominant Population Tagalog and Ilocano
Population 159,621
(NSO, Sept. 1, 1995) PopulationGrowth Rate 2.6%
Total No. of Households 31,340 Ave. Household Size 5.1
Population Density 51.5 persons per sq. km
Topography Generally mountainous
with
30% coastal flatlands
Forest Cover 70%
Total Land Area 323,954 hectares
Virgin dipterocarp
rainforest 39,000 hectares
Climate Type IV under corona's
classification
Average Rainfall 273.9 mm. (monthly ave.) Road Network 1.507,682 kms. (1993) a) 1,468,061 km -gravel b) 7,736 km - asphalt c) 31,885 km - concrete
Literacy Rate 86% (DECS, 1995)
Schools (DECS, 1999) Elementary 125 Secondary 31 Tertiary 2 Employment (NSO, Sept. 1, 1995) Agriculture/Fishing Forestry Services Trade Manufacturing Construction Oil 53.5% 21.8% 11.5% 8.8% 3.8% 0% Major Crops Produced
Coconut Rice Banana Area Production 21, 618 ha 42,000 T/year 8,945 ha 24,000 T/year 1,443 3,900 T/year Length of Shoreline 328 kilometers
Total Area for
Present Land Use Build Up Residential Institutional Commercial Recreational Industrial Roads 2,388 ha 272 ha 64 ha 24 ha 14 ha 103 ha (Poblacion only) Agricultural Land Riceland Cocoland Other Crops Fishpond Diversified Crops 14,084.82 ha 17,817.39 ha 1,493.60 ha 77.65 ha 128.50 ha Forestland Watershed Forest Reservation
Timberland w/o legal Proclamation CB-FM Agreement Cert. Of Ancestral Domain Certificate Integrated Social Forestry Lowland Forest Beach Forests Mangrove Forests Social Industrial Forest Mgt. Agreement National Park IFMA 43,324.642 ha 150,879.86 ha 8,091.51 ha 22,559.0 ha 2,757.0 ha 1,112.04 ha 405.07 ha 537.83 ha 3,157.20 ha 1,745.59 ha 6,760.86 ha Riverwash 2,709.8 ha Wetland 679.47 ha Grassland 10,995.93 ha Reforestation 306.62 ha Shrubland 6,968 ha TLA 7,107.65 ha Military Reservation 3,904.37 ha Non-Christian Reservation 62.69 ha Kaingin 1,408 ha Water Reservoir 28 ha
Miscellaneous Land Use Swamp Beach Sand
45.10 ha 852.41 ha
HISTORI
C
AL SIGHTS
Aurora is a province blessed with an abundance of tourist attractions. It has its share of historical sights such as the home and resthouse of former Philippine President Manuel L. Quezo n. The province also has a beautiful Catholic church and several historical markers. Its natural
attractions include picturesque waterfalls, lush greenery on mounta insides, and panoramic
beaches. Surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, mountain climbing and trekking are only some of the activities a tourist can enjoy in Aurora.
Doña A
u
rora Memoria
l
Shrine
to follow
A
u
rora Q
u
ezon Marker
Location: Poblacion, Baler
Getting There: From the bus station at the Baler market, take a tricycle and ask to be taken to the site.
Travel Time: 3-5 minutes
Not far from the Lt. Gilmore Marker and the Baler Catholic Church is the historic marker built in honor of Doña Aurora Aragon Quezon, the wife of Commonwealth President Manuel L. Quezon. Aurora Quezon was known for her untiring efforts in social welfare, especially for the benefit of the people of Aurora province. Like her husband, she was born in the town of Baler. She died in an ambush on the mountain roads of Nueva Ecija leading to the province that now bears her name.
Ba
l
er
C
atho
l
ic
C
h
u
rch
Getting There: From the bus station at the Baler market, take a tricycle and ask to be taken to the church.
Travel Time: 3-5 minutes
The structure is an old church with a simple facade. Here, the last Spanish garrison of four officers and 50 men was besieged by Filipino insurgents from June 27, 1898 to July 2, 1899. This was the last pocket of resistance of the Spanish Armed Forces to surrender to American troops. This is also where the La Campana de Baler, an ancient bell, was used and later stored as a relic.
Lt.
C
ommander James Gi
l
more Marker
Location: Poblacion, Baler
Getting There: From the bus station at the Baler market, take a tricycle and ask to be taken to the site.
Travelling Time: 3-5 minutes
From the left wall of the Baler Catholic Church stands a simple marker for Lt. Commander JamesGilmore, who commanded the U.S. gunboat Yorktown and was captured with all his men when he came to Baler, Aurora in April 1899 to relieve the Spanish soldiers besieged in the church of Baler.
Q
u
ezon Ho
u
se
Location: Barangay Cemento, Baler
Getting There:The best means to go there is by private vehicle as there is no regular public transport going to Barangay Cemento from the Baler town proper. It is also possible to tak e a tricycle from Baler to Barangay Sabang and take a 45-minute walk to Barangay Cemento, but one would have to wade through the river that cuts between the two barangays.
Travel Time: Approximately an hour's drive
Once the vacation home of President Manuel L. Quezon, the house is a short walk from Cemento Beach. Today, only the foundation and a cement staircase remain; the house was destroyed by a typhoon.
Q
u
ezon Memoria
l
Park
Location: Poblacion, Baler
Getting There: From the bus station at the Baler market, one can walk to the site.
Travel Time: 3-5 minutes
This quiet park of trees and lawns was developed in honor and in memory of the late president Manuel L. Quezon. A marker fenced by concrete and set on a circular cement platform serves as a landmark of Baler, the birthplace o f Quezon.
CU
LT
U
RAL & RELIGIO
U
S EVENTS &
SIGHTS
Moro-Moro Zars
u
e
l
a
Location: Baler
Presented on February 19 (Aurora Day) in Baler, Aurora, the
"Zarsuela" is an interplay of drama and dance. Taking three days to complete (although it could be shortened to a day), the "Zarsuela" performed here is composed of several acts that revolve around the
main theme of Moro-Moro or Moslem-Christian conflict. The
"Zarsuela" presents slightly different variations for the Moro-Moro theme year after year. T he roles of princes and princesses, warriors and laymen for both the Christian and Moslem sides are performed in dance, while a narrator accompanies the pantomime act. What makes this particular performance more dramatic is that real knives a nd bolos are used. Often in the heat of the
presentation, miscalculations result in knife and bolo gashes. Both actors and actresses participate in this particularly sensitive and dangerou s sword-play. Only beautiful, graceful
ladies and handsome men are chosen and trained for the theater. Indeed, this is a cultural theater that demands talent, beauty, skills and courage from the actors, and highly skilled and
experienced trainers are needed to create this unique style of "Zarsuela".
Location: Baler
A glass coffin encasing a statue of Jesus Christ is displayed in a makeshift wooden chapel in Baler. The name of the sculptor is lost; however, locals claim that this icon possesses miraculous powers and grants miracles to those who believe. During Holy Week albularyos (spiritual doctors) and amulet holders flock to this
revered statue to insert their anting-anting (amulets) into the niches o f the coffin. After Good Friday, they retrieve their respective amulets now "recharged with power." It is also said that the amulets in the niches are visible only to their owners.
Ermita Hi
ll
Location: Casiguran
Located in the Poblacion of Casiguran town, Ermita Hill provides an enchanting view of the entire Poblacion, the dark blue coast of Casiguran Bay and the barrios nearby. Aside from its magnificent landscape, Ermita Hill is known as a sacred haven for religious activities by devotees of the Miraculous Mother Mary, of whom a
life-size statue is situated in a grotto on top of the hill. Under the Spanish rule, a Watchtower was built to guard the town aga inst possible attackers.Governor Bella Angara-Castillo (then a
Congresswoman) appropriated funding for the prevent ion of erosion of the hillside and its beautification.
NAT
U
RE AREAS & BEA
C
HES
Ampere Beach
Location: Ampere, Dipaculao
Getting There: From Baler town proper, take a tricycle going to Sabang Beach. From there, hire a motorized banca and ask to be taken to the site.
Travel Time: One hour
This beach is covered with smooth rocks of various sizes and darker co lor. This beach is an area called Bunga Point or Ampere Point, where local residents flock to Okotan Cave, a time-honored
locale for forecasting the weather. The Pacific waves, upon hitting the shoreline cave, produce an explosion, the intensity of which, according to local lore, determines the intensity of the
incoming weather.
Aniao Is
l
ets
Location: Off the coast of Barangay Zabali, Baler
Getting There: Take a tricycle from Baler to wn proper to the river outlet south of Sabang Beach. From there, hire a motorized banca which can take you to the area.
Travel Time: Five minutes by tricycle and 20 minutes by boat
Two small but imposing islands lie south of the islet of Dimadimalangat. These islets jut straight from the sea like bullets, with shrubs, small trees and other greenery growing on top surfaces. Kingfishers, gulls and hawks use these islets as looko ut points for fish. Towering waves
relentlessly pound the base of the formations, challenging even the most intrepid of rock climbers.
Ba
l
ete Park & Mi
ll
enni
u
m Tree
Location: Maria Aurora
This park contains a 600-year-old balete tree that was designated the official "Millennium Tree" of The Philippines. It is the largest tree of its kind in Asia, and it would take 60 grown men, holding one another at arm's length, to encircle its gigantic trunk.
Due to its age, the tree's thick roots have grown above ground, such that caves have formed under various sections of the trunk. This unique tree has generated national media attention and is now the most visited tourist spot in Aurora.
Banj
u
Springs
Location: Barangay Real, San Luis
Getting There:Take a private vehicle or hire a jeep from Baler town proper to Barangay Real in San Luis. Another kilometer-and-a-half
walk on a rough road passing through a rice field will take you to this site. Travel Time: Approximately an hour's drive
Natural terraced steps overflowing with spring water best describe the Banyu Springs. A mass of ferns surrounds the springs, which stretch up to a hundred meters toward the source of the spring, hidden amidst shrubbery. Because a cement quarry located under the spring flow was exposed and weathered due to the constant flow of water, the cement settled into a terraced formation.
Bor
l
ongan Beach
Location: Barangay Borlongan, Dipaculao
Getting There: From Baler town proper, take a tricycle going to Sabang Beach. From there, hire a motorized banca that can take you to the site.
Travel Time: About two hours
Borlongan Beach, like Ampere Beach, is covered for several kilometers with gray pebbles and smooth, fist-size stones. This makes Borlongan beachfront different from most other beaches.
C
asig
u
ran So
u
nd
Location: Casiguran
Getting There: Hire a motorized banca from Baler town proper and head north.
Travel Time: Approximately 5.5 hours
Casiguran Sound is a bay nearly enclosed by the Casiguran landmass and the cape of San Ildefonso. Only a kilometer-wide inlet serves to connect t he sound to the sea. Its very location provides protection from the typhoons that seasonally ravage most of the province. Casiguran
Sound is also unaffected by the monsoon winds that blow from October through February, making it an ideal spot for windsurfing, should facilities be available. For the time being, bring your own windsurfing equipment.
The area has its share of white beaches and numerous places for relaxation. Many foreigners have taken advantage of the natural placidity, having built vacation homes along the coast.
C
emento Beach & Reef
Location: Barangay Cemento, Baler
Getting There: Take a tricycle from Baler to wn proper to the river outlet south of Sabang Beach. From there, you can either hire a motorized banca for a 10-minute ride to the reef, or take a 40-minute walk.
White sand, seashells, and crushed cora ls carpet the stretch of Cemento Beach. From October to February, waves tower up to 14 feet high, making for excellent and challenging surfing, as experts from Europe, Japan and Australia can att est. The area is recommended for expert or professional surfers as the waves break at the reef and are of the right-hand break type. The
surfer is advised to wear wetsuits for protection.
The area is also suitable for snorkeling and wall diving during the calm season from April to June. Finally, Cemento Beach is a popular haven for lobsters and other marine species.
Cu
nayan Fa
ll
s
Location: Barangay Pimentel, San Luis
Getting There: Hire a jeep or take a private vehicle from Baler town proper to Barangay Real in San Luis, where a short walk from the
end of the road near the river will take you to the falls. Travel Time: Two hours
Barely a hundred meters away from a dirt road passable to most vehicles, Cunayan Falls is one of the more accessible falls of Aurora. The falls strongly sprays from a cliff where greenery and even some flowers grow, creating a great contrast against the white and light gray gravel sand area washed out by intermittent floods. The falls flow into a crystal clear stream tinged only by the blue reflection of the sky and its mild temperature makes it ideal for baths. The gravel bank of the stream is a sandy area suitable for picnics.
Dib
u
t Bay
Getting There: From Baler, hire a motorized banca and ask to be taken to the area.
The wide Dibut Bay coast affords numerous sights-island formations, peninsulas, short stretches of beaches, and imposing cliffs. One formation, appropriately named "Birhen" (meaning
"virgin"), resembles the Virgin Mary praying amidst the waves. S ince Dibut Bay is not a favored spot for the fishing industry, tourists may catch a glimpse of the magnificent Hammerhead shark and Mako shark. For diving enthusiasts, moreover, Dibut Bay is the perfect place to test out your latest flip.
Dicasa
l
arin Bay
Location: Dicasalarin, San Luis
Getting There: Take a tricycle from Baler to wn proper to the river outlet south of Sabang Beach. From there, hire a motorized banca which can take you to the area.
Travel Time: Five minutes by tricycle and approximately 45 minutes by boat.
With beaches, hills, a peninsula, a Grotto of the Blessed Virgin, coves, caves, a cave-pool and reefs; Dicasalarin Bay; while small in area, offers hours of recreation and relaxation for the entire family.
Digisit Beach
Location: Barangay Zabali, Baler
Getting There: Take a tricycle from Baler to wn proper to the river outlet south of Sabang Beach. From there, hire a motorized banca which can take you to the area.
Travel Time: Five minutes by tricycle and 30 minutes by boat.
From the islands collectively known as Lukso-Lukso, one can hike to the white coral beach of Barangay Zabali. Digisit Beach stretches to about a kilometer in length. The upper landward shore is mostly sand, while the water shores are barricades of corals forming a protective reef that prevents strong waves of the Pac ific from smashing onto the shore. The area is good for diving and, during calmer months, snorkeling.
Di
l
asag
C
oast
Location: Dilasag
Dilasag, a municipality at the northernmost area of Aurora, offers a coast with kilometer upon kilometer of white sand beach alternating occasionally with forests, hills, and cliffs. Its
undeveloped features and natural attractions offer tourists the sensation of discovering something new and unspoiled. Inaccessible to most transportation, Dilasag Coast is a true getaway.
Dimadima
l
angat Is
l
et
Location: Off the coast of Barangay Cemento, Baler
Getting There: Take a tricycle from Baler to wn proper to the river outlet south of Sabang Beach. From there, hire a motorized banca which can take you to the area.
Travel Time: Five minutes by tricycle and 15 minutes by boat.
This rock formation is actually a small island just a few meters away from the reef shore of Barangay Cemento and serves as a point identifying the southernmost tip o f Baler Bay. During low tide, this islet becomes a peninsula, of sorts, where one could walk and wade from the reef shore to this natural rock formation. Around this island are reefs for the more daring divers.
Dinadiawan Beach
Location: Along the Dicadi Highway
Getting There: Take a private vehicle from Baler town proper and use the Dicadi highway to drive north.
Travel Time: Four hours
Dinadiawan Beach is one o f the most beautiful beaches in Aurora, with a fabulous view of the Pacific Ocean, the lush, diverse forests of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range, and the ro ck formation along the shoreline. And, Dinadiawan Beach is resort-free.
Location: Barangay Tanawan, Dingalan
Getting There: From Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija, take a bus bound for Tanawan Travel Time: Two hours and 10 minutes
"Tanawan," as the place is called, means "viewsite." Upon approaching the border of Dingalan and Nueva Ecija, one passes through an area sloping upwards. At its peak is Dingalan Bay View Site. Undeveloped, except for a solitary nipa hut and several electric poles, the area provides fantastic view of the town and the blue bay, as well as the green mountains and the igneous rock formations. Dingalan Bay is a total contrast from the hot, dry and brown environment of Nueva Ecija. One would be amazed by the almost sudden emergence of greenery that overlooks
Dingalan upon reaching the Bay View Site. Dingalan Bay View Site is a perfect place for photography and picnicking.
Dit
u
mabo Fa
ll
s
Location: Barangay Ditumabo, San Luis
Getting There: Hire a jeep or take a private vehicle from Baler town proper going to Bgy. Ditumabo passing through Poblacion San Lu is.
From there, it is a 4-km hike o ver rough terrain and river trail. It is advisable to hire guides who are knowledgeable of the area.
Travel Time: Two hours and 15 minutes' drive and another 3-hour hike.
The crystal clear water of Ditumabo Falls gushes endlessly, flowing and twisting among
countless rocks and boulders. The trek to the falls traverses several kilometers through the river and over a few steep mountain trails surrounding the falls on both banks. Occasionally, the trekker will unavoidably come upon fallen or cut logs that serve as either natural bridges or obstacles. Approximately 140 feet high, the falls are surrounded by huge cliffs-an unforgettable sight for nature lovers!
Hi
ll
site of Proposed Ermita Park
Location: Barangay Zabali, Baler
Getting There: Take a tricycle from Baler to wn proper to the river outlet south of Sabang Beach. From there, one can walk to the site. Travel Time: Five minutes by tricycle, approximately 35 minutes'
walk to the foot of the hill and 15 minutes' trek uphill.
This shrub-covered area provides an excellent view of the town of Baler, Sabang Beach, Cemento and Dimadimalangat islet. It is a short, steep trek from the foot of the hill, throu gh small trees and cogon grass, to the top. Hidden beneath a clump of trees are the almost
unrecognizable remains of a bell tower. Owing to its excellent vantage point, the bell tower was formerly used to warn people of Baler of raiding pirates. During sunny days the p lace is
swelteringly hot.
Pa
l
tic Fa
ll
s [Inter-Pacific Forest Reso
u
rce
C
orporation
(IFR
C
) N
u
rsery & Fa
ll
s]
Location: Paltic, Dingalan
Getting There: From the town proper, it is possible to reach the site on foot or by any private vehicle.
Travel Time: Approximately 15 minutes' drive.
The nursery is used to raise hardwood for replanting logged areas. Trees such as narra,
kamagong, mahogany, kapok, yantoc and others are planted in small plastic bags and lined up underneath larger trees that provide shade a nd moisture to the young trees. Not far from this nursery is a stream that leads to two falls, one about 15 feet high and the other about 20 feet high. The falls, approximately 50 meters apart, form pools that are perfect for swimming or relaxing after a poolside picnic.
Lamao
C
aves
Location: Paltic, Dingalan
Getting There: Take a boat from the Dingalan fishing port located north of the town proper. Travel Time: 35 minutes
A dozen caves along the seaside cliff of Paltic, Dingalan, are constantly pounded by Pacific Ocean waves. A few mini-beaches serve as docking points for bancas and during the calmer months of April to June, one can maneuver a small banca inside the caves. Aside from a small waterfall that trickles outside one of the caves, t he site would seem deceptively ordinary. A close inspection inside one of the caves, however, reveals a de lightful natural waterfall gushing from an underground stream. Another cave showers water, giving the impression of an indoor
rainstorm. The shore facing the cave steep ly descends and is immediately immersed in the deep sea. Rare marine life such as giant turtles and some sharks patrol the area. Local fishermen have
spotted more interesting undersea life along the cora l reefs a few hundred meters southeast of the caves. The hills that encompass the north and south of the cliff show well-groomed grassland continually caressed by the sea breeze.
L
u
kso-L
u
kso Is
l
ets
Location: Off the coast of Barangay Zabali, Baler
Getting There: Take a tricycle from Baler to wn proper to the river outlet south of Sabang Beach. From there, hire a motorized banca which can take you to the area.
Travel Time: Five minutes by tricycle and 25 minutes by boat.
At least three islets comprise the rock formations known to t he locals as "Lukso-Lukso." One of these small islands is connected to the mainland and at low tide you can see white grainy sands, crushed corals and numerous seashells, some inhabited by hermit crabs. This island formation is the southernmost point and is accessible to vehicles coming from Baler. The sea bottom and undersea reefs around these islets are reportedly good areas for diving, and during calm months, snorkeling.
Motyong
Location: Motyong, Casiguran
Getting There: From Baler town proper, you can either hire a motorized banca and head north or take a private vehicle and drive along the Dicadi highway, passing through Dinadiawan and
Dinalungan municipality. Travel Time: Six hours
Motyong is a popular beach filled with fine white sand. There are no resorts in this area.
However, there are few private resthouses. There is a private airstrip located nearby, however, and plans are underway to make it into a full-sized airport, making Motyong ideal for possible resort investment.
Pimente
l
Fa
ll
s [Nationa
l
Irrigation A
u
thority (NIA)
Location: San Luis
Getting There: From Baler town proper take a private vehicle or hire a jeep to Poblacion San Luis. From there, the NIA Watershed is just a few kilometers away, easily accessible along t he main road leading to Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija.
Travel Time: One hour and 15 minutes
The NIA watershed is a small dam built beside a picnic area in San Luis. The water below the dam is clear, with a greenish reflection of the vegetation surrounding the pond. The place is a coconut plantation covered with short carabao grass and some shrubbery, making the place ideal not only for swimming but for picnicking as well.
Rocks of Dinga
l
an
Location: Barangay Tanawan, Dingalan
Getting There: From Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija, take a bus bound for Tanawan. Travel Time: Two hours and 10 minutes
Large boulders of black igneous rock litter the mountainside all the way from the bord ers of the province, despite the absence of volcanoes in the area. Some local residents suggest that the
rocks must date back to prehistoric times, since they've been there as long as the residents' ancestors could remember.
Sabang Beach
Location: Barangay Sabang, Baler
Getting There: Take a tricycle from Baler to wn proper and ask to be taken to the site.
Travel Time: Approximately 5 minutes
Located on this long stretch of gray sand beach are several resorts namely: Angara's Beach House, Bay's Inn Resort, MIA Surf and Sports Resort and Baler Guesthouse and Restaurant, which, offer accommodations near the beac hfront and provide food, relaxation, and respite for swimmers and surfers.
From March through June, the waves are relatively calm providing a good beachfront for swimmers and an excellent challenge for expert windsurfers. The months from October to February bring in the large waves for beginner surfers to learn the basics with relative safety from scratches, since most of the beach is sandy- bottomed. Undertows, which are helpful to surfers and dangerous for non-swimmers, do occur in certain areas.
The most popular surfing point is found right in front of Bay's Inn, where beginners brave t he moderate waves and regular surfers practice.
Lindy's Point, found further north along Sabang Beach, is a highly-prized secret spot among local surfers.
Sierra Madre Mo
u
ntain
Location: Parts of Aurora Province
Getting There: The best jump-off point is Barangay Ditumabo. Travel Time: Two hours' drive to reach Barangay Ditumabo. This mountain range covers a large part of the province of Aurora.
In fact, apart from the Aurora coastline, the mountain range is where the flora and fauna of the province is concentrated. Waterfalls, rivers and crystal-clear streams of varying sizes are located
within, if not adjacent to, the Sierra Madre Mountain Range. Activities such as mountain climbing, photo safaris, birdwatching, ecological studies, or simply picnicking could be rolled into one by taking trails recommended by local nature trekkers.
W
hite Beach (Dinga
l
an)
Location: Paltic, Dingalan
Getting There: Take a boat from Dingalan town proper. One can also hike from the town to the beach.
Travel Time: This two-kilometer long beach has nu merous shells and corals scattered along the entire length of its southern half, which is appro ximately one kilometer long. The shore is made up of coral reefs that gradually slope into the sea, and a bit farther from the shore is a sudden drop into the sea bottom. This area has a variety of undersea flora and fauna for divers to observe. Brain corals, sea urchins, hermit crabs and even an occasional lobster may be seen in the reef site. The northern half of the beach is of brownish white sand and is an excellent place for swimming. The whole White Beach area is bordered on the landward side by a long hillcrest
with bushes and trees scattered from the foot to the top of the hill. Off-shore coral reef formations provide interesting spots for diving.
