Trip to Baler, Quezon
The best way to travel to Baler in Quezon Province is to take the "Joy Bus" at the Genesis Bus Station in Cubao!
We tried to reserve the Joy Bus a week before our intended trip but it was already full. The staff at the bus station told us that it is best to reserve the Joy Bus at the earliest date possible. It is always full of passengers. Perhaps it is a good move to reserve this Joy Bus at least a month before the trip.
While the fare at the Joy Bus is slightly higher than the deluxe, I would definitely suggest that tourists going to Baler should take this bus at the Genesis Bus station in Cubao. The travel to Baler that can last for more than six (6) hours can be very inconvenient, uncomfortable and challenging as it traverses the Sierra Madre Mountains. The twists, turns, and the rugged terrain of the trip to Baler can be very arduous to endure in an inconvenient bus.
As we failed to make a reservation at Genesis in Cubao, We waited for hours at the bus terminal given the huge number of travelers bound for Baler. There were a few buses. After hours of waiting, we were almost resolved to forego our plans of traveling to Baler as there is a slim chance riding a Genesis Bus direct to Baler. We even tried our luck as “chance passengers” in the Joy Bus. The moral of the story - it is the best move to make a reservation:
Genesis Bus Station – Telephone Nos. (02) 7090803/421425
After desperately waiting for hours, we were set that there is no way for us to take a Genesis bus directly to Baler. We expected to take the 3 am schedule but with the long queue of travelers, we decided to call this trip off. As we were walking towards another bus terminal, we heard the conductor shouting for passengers to Cabanatuan.
We immediately took this bus bound for Cabanatuan with the plan of then riding a bus or van to Baler. This is an option taken by most tourists if there are no buses with a direct route to Baler. There are plenty of buses in Cubao that can take you to Cabanatuan. From Cabanatuan, you can take a bus or van to Baler.
The travel was somehow tough and tiresome. The bus that we rode in has defective air conditioning. The aircon control buttons cannot be controlled. It was practically freezing inside the bus. During this occasion, it is best to have a blanket to cover you up. If you are traveling dressed up in a thick sweater, the travel inside this kind of bus may be worthwhile.
When we arrived in Cabanatuan, there was a bus bound for Casiguran, Aurora being filled up with passengers. It was a non- aircon bus that is commonly seen in provinces. Passengers with loads of baggage, cargoes, farm products and other personal belongings are fast filling up the bus. It was crowded. Several passengers are already standing. While inside the bus, we were told by the conductor that we have to sit on separate seats. As the bus appears to be overloaded and it would be very inconvenient for us to travel in this type of condition, we decided to get off and wait for the next bus. We are not even sure whether this bus bound for Casiguran, Aurora would take us to Baler.
After the bus bound for Casiguran, Aurora left the terminal, we tried to rest and had some coffee from a stall near the bus station. It was a long wait. There was no bus or van in sight. While waiting, we tried to get some sleep but it is really difficult to get a shut eye in a bus terminal. Next time I travel to Baler, I promise to reserve that Joy Bus or any bus that travels directly to Baler to avoid this kind of trouble. Taking the bus to Cabanatuan and transferring to another bus or van bound for Baler results to several hassles and lost of time. In traveling, it is always best to reserve a bus and a place to stay. It saves precious time and several forms of inconvenience and difficulties are avoided.
In Cabanatuan bus terminal, we waited for at least two (2) hours before the bus that would take us to Baler arrived. It was indeed a long wait. When the bus arrived, we still have to wait for an hour for the bus to be filled up with passengers. I can no longer wait. It is really difficult waiting. Without any choice, we settled for this bus.
The sun was out when the bus left the depot. The passengers came in slowly and after the bus was filled with a sizeable number of passengers it was only then that driver decided to leave the bus station and proceed with the trip.
When we arrived in Baler, the sun was at its peak. We can feel the dreadful heat of the sun as we traveled from the Cabanatuan to Baler. As we traveled, we were greeted with a spectacular view of greens and mountains. The Sierra Madre Mountain Range is one spectacular sight to behold. I imagined that the great Philippine Eagle used to live in its thick forest. I can imagine how this magnificent bird thrived when the mountain range is still full of life and trees. Now that a few portions of the mountain range are covered with forest, it is rare to find a Philippine Eagle in the Sierra Madre. I think it is about time to seriously consider and take action in ensuring the survival of the last remaining patches of forest cover. Concrete actions have to be taken and reforestation projects should be immediately implemented. Deforestation and illegal logging have to be prevented through actions and not on mere lip service. I really hope that someday we can revive those areas that appear to be bald patches of soil evident of the deforestation that has taken place for several years.
First Impressions
Baler is a place full of potential for tourism. It has the potential of being a traveler’s haven. Other than La Union, everything about Baler speaks of surfing.
It is a place where the old is starting to change. It is rural but the signs of the coming change can be found in almost all corners. Sooner or later, the rural landscape will transform into an urban setting. I hope that Baler can cope up with the rapid changes that are taking place.
Baler is meant primarily for surfing. After getting off the bus, we then took a tricycle to our hotel near the beach. Here we saw a great number of surfers trying to conquer the waves. The extreme heat of the sun is not enough to deter these surfers from their endless and repetitive attempt to stand at the board and fly above the sea. It seems that just being able to stand up for a brief moment on the board is an achievement. Worries are forgotten and everything seems to be perfect on top of the surfboard.
Surfing schools abound in Baler. Surfboards can be rented and you can have a surfing instructor on the spot. This place is meant for surfing. The waves are perfect for this summer activity. It is neither too high nor intimidating. It is perfect for both beginners and enthusiasts.
Perhaps the trip to Baler or the heat of the sun or both has taken its toll on us. When we arrived in Baler, despite the lack of sleep, aching body, and after overcoming a lot of inconveniences, we would really like to get out and enjoy the sun and the waves. But given our physical limitations, we opted to take a rest in the hotel. Tomorrow is another day. But for Baler, we are glad to be here… at last.
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