Baler is more than just Surfing

We all know that Baler is one of the surfing sites in the Philippines but of course there’s more to it than just getting stoked at the beach.  So after that tiring and exhausting one hour of playing with the waves of Sabang Beach we got hungry of course and one of our trainers told us about this great resto: Kusina Luntian. Its a very simple restaurant beside the road and not like fancy ones that you will notice right away. I think only the local surfers only knows this place. We were lucky enough that our instructors pointed us to this one. This one will really prove that we shouldn't judge the book by its cover.

 Our trainers were right, the food is simply awesome. The prices are very reasonable too. They have creative presentations as well. To top the list, you will see right in front of you how they prepare your food. The restaurant is set up to give a surfer ambiance.

Wapang Wapang na Liempo

Wang Patawad na Tapa

Daing na Pusit

All smiles for a great lunch 

After feasting ourselves on the great lunch offered by  Kusina Luntian we headed back to Mahdox Backdoor to change and get ready for another sight seeing trip. We were so craving for something sweet so we headed the town proper and check what’s in store for us.

Taking a Pose on the Souvenir Shop

We headed to Gerry Shan’s place to check out something sweet. So we ended getting Halo-Halo. Gerry Shan’s Place is a restaurant popular for its Eat and Drink all-you-can for only PhP 185. Locals and tourists alike troop to this place to satisfy their bottomless stomachs with over 20 viands. They serve both Filipino and Chinese food, from Sinigang na baboy and paksiw to sweet and sour fish. There were also fruits and veggies to choose from.

 

After the refreshing Halo Halo feast we found ourselves heading towards spotting some of the famous hostorical spots in Baler. First stop is Museo de Baler. It houses several historical artifacts that link it closely to the Philippines’ first and longest colonizer, Spain. Inaugurated in 2002, the museum’s historical mural, a cold cast that covers the façade, was created by sculptor Toym Imao, son of National Artist for the Visual Arts Abdulmari Imao. Ilovita Mesina, Baler’s local historian, said the museum was put up partly to commemorate the Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day and relive the Siege of Baler.

 

Entrance and Facade of Museo de Baler

 

The PhotoBooth

Museum Exhibit Area

   

Right across Museo de Baler is the House of Maria Aurora

Simbahan ng Baler

After this short sight seeing tour, we head back to Sabang Beach to look for the famous suman of Baler and we got them at Aliya Surf Camp.  Suman is a native treat made of steamed sticky rice wrapped in either banana or coconut leaves. It is perfect partner for hot coffee or native chocolate and it can be eaten "as is" or dipped on a refined sugar. Suman in Baler is so famous that most of them are gone by late mornings and were so glad we still got some. I paired mine with brewed coffee plus the ocean breeze and crashing waves. Oh life!

After that short stay at the seaside we head back to Mahdox Backdoor to grab some rest before dinner. Unfortunately that power nap turned to be a deep slumber and we woke up realizing its a brand new day.