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Baler, Aurora, Philippines |
It was around 3hrs drive from Tarlac Province, (coming from Manila I think it's about 5-6 hrs) there are actually two road networks you can opt to choose if you're going here via : Maria Aurora-Pantabangan Road and Baler-Bongabon Road. We chose the 1st route Maria Aurora - Patanbangan Road since the 2nd option was still undergoing renovation and road widening. The road is about 90% smooth there are fewer roads that haven't been paved yet, but not more than 500 meters, so if you're carrying a small car ( not 4x4 ) you're car can still survive this road. Other details on how to get to Baler is posted below.
On the Maria Aurora - Pantabangan Road you can see the breathtaking Pantabangan Dam and even pass by Nueva Viscaya on your way to Baler, Aurora. So savor the 3 hrs drive, enjoy the view and roll down your window to smell the fresh mountain air. It was a tricky drive, specially on the curves when nearing Maria Aurora, I could only manage to drive halfway through the road my boyfriend and I had to switch, he took my place on the driver seat (yes!he is indeed very, very good when it comes to driving that's one of the things I love about him I am not bragging but he's a defensive and offensive driver hahaha indeed if he wanted to pursue racing i'm sure he can nail it). <3
Pantabangan Dam, Maria Aurora - Pantabangan Road |
We arrived around lunch time, we needed to find ourselves some delicious meal to satisfy our hunger. While driving around, we passed by Yolly's ihaw-ihaw it was not that hard to convince myself to eat here since the lobsters and crabs are displayed on a glass shelf outside, ohh man was I drooling. I ordered, boiled lobster for 250PHP ( prices vary depending on the size) which is really really really cheap for me, since here in Manila it's too expensive for me to eat a lobster. Not to worry, Yolly's ihaw-ihaw is near mercury drugs and Baler Municipal Hall this establishment can easily be located.