There’s something about Baler.
You think you’re just visiting — maybe for the waves or a quick weekend away from the city. But then, somewhere between wiping out on your first surf lesson and sipping coffee in a tiny roadside café, it hits you: I could stay here.
It’s not just the surfing, though the waves are legendary. It’s also not the laid-back pace, but the absence of city noise feels like an exhale you didn’t know you needed. It’s the way this place pulls you in.
Baler doesn’t feel like a destination. It feels like a decision.
More than just a surf town
For years, Baler has been synonymous with surfing. It makes sense — Sabang Beach has some of the most consistent waves in the country, and for beginners, it’s one of the best places to learn. Lately, however, the capital of the province of Aurora has been quietly shaping itself into something more.
Take the town’s first-ever skatepark, for example. Designed by a local architect who also happens to run a restaurant serving what might just be the best Pad Thai in the region, the park has become a hub for skaters, travelers, and curious onlookers. You’ll find kids perfecting their kickflips next to national athlete Renzo “Mak” Feliciano, who calls Baler home.
Carbs on carbs, cos why not? No need to book a flight to Thailand — just drive to Baler and savor Gagay’s take on Pad Thai. Authentic flavor, local love.
This was my second time in Baler. My first trip to Baler was in January 2024 for the inaugural Southeast Asian (SEA) Skateboarding Competition — a whirlwind 14 days of skate clinics, board giveaways, and safety lessons for local kids.
A year later, I returned, not for work, but for leisure. Still, I couldn’t resist setting up another SEA Skateboarding Competition meeting. This time, though, I had the chance to explore beyond the usual stops.
I spoke with locals, discovered waterfalls, and stumbled upon untouched beaches, where the sand is fine, the waves gentle, and the silence sacred — pristine places I hope people will learn to protect as if they were their own.
A town that moves at its own pace
Unlike many tourist destinations that cater to nightlife seekers, Baler embraces the beauty of early nights. Most restaurants and cafés close by 8 pm, but you won’t mind because here, slow living isn’t a limitation — it’s an art.
There’s an intentionality to how Baler moves, a rhythm that encourages presence over excess. It’s not that the locals aren’t eager to explore or expand — it’s that they understand the value of less is more.
Here, life doesn’t have to be a constant rush. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is just be.
It’s true — sometimes, the most breathtaking views come after the toughest climbs.
And for digital nomads like me, it’s a dream. While many cafés offer Wi-Fi, I was pleasantly surprised to find a co-working space, proving that Baler isn’t just for those looking to disconnect — it’s also for those who want to work remotely while being surrounded by nature.
And if the increasing number of visitors is anything to go by, more and more people are starting to see the magic of this place.
April tends to be the busiest, with over 124,000 tourists recorded in March 2024 alone. Despite the growing numbers, Baler still holds on to its soul, offering an experience that feels raw, real, and deeply personal.
Living the Baler way
You can live in this place. Sure, some food spots have Manila-level pricing, but if you know where to look, you’ll find hidden gems — carinderias serving meals that taste like home, without the hefty price tag. And while some accommodations lean toward luxury, most visitors opt for a simple room, because in Baler, you don’t come to stay inside — you come to experience the place.
And then there’s the view — Sabang Beach in all its panoramic glory, best seen from the hanging bridge where the wind carries whispers of the ocean. It’s a reminder that Baler is more than just a surf town. It’s a place of movement, but also stillness. A place where adventure meets introspection.
A place that asks you a question
What if life didn’t have to be lived on someone else’s timeline? What if slowing down didn’t mean falling behind? Baler makes you ask those questions. And once you do, it’s hard to unask them.
Maybe you’ll visit and leave, telling yourself it was just another trip. Or maybe, just maybe, you’ll find yourself staying a little longer. Then a little longer after that.
So if you’ve ever thought about shaking up your life, about making a bold decision, about choosing something different — be selfish. Come and see for yourself. Because slow living? That might just be the new self-care.
Just don’t be surprised if you never really leave. – Rappler.com
Millie Manahan is the general manager of Skate Pilipinas, skateboarding’s national sports association.