"Surfing Sabang" Baler by regmanh

A town where everyone seems to know everyone, Baler is in Aurora province and lies on the eastern side of Luzon. Facing the Pacific Ocean, it is one of the provinces notorious for being frequently hit by typhoons that build-up during the monsoon season. This geographic location also makes Baler famous for its waves that surfers search for. It is a long seven-hour bus ride through parts of the majestic Sierra Madres mountain range and rough gravel roads but it’s worth it.

There are several surf sites in the area. Sabang beach is also known as Beach Break where its sandy bottom and moderate surf is perfect to start learning to ride the waves. One of the few foreigners, a professional French surfer, couldn’t stop raving about Cemento Break. It is more for seasoned surfers what with the rocky bottom and the ‘cobra-like’ tendency of the swells to suddenly rise and strike.

Probably the most famous place for movie-buffs is Charlie’s Point. This was where the beach scene in Apocalypse Now was shot wherein air support units napalm a Vietnamese coastal village. The surfing-crazed Kilgore gives one soldier a clear choice: "You want to surf soldier? Cause you either surf or fight, is that clear?" Kilgore also goes on about the impressive 6-foot swells where “one guy can break right, one left simultaneous.”

Probably the most popular guest house is Bay's Inn located right on Sabang Beach. It also is a popular surf break ideally suited for beginners and intermediate surfers to practice their skills.