Dilasag, Aurora - White Beach

This long beach has numerous shells and corals scattered along the entire length of its southern half, which is approximately 1-2 kilometers long. The shore is made up of coral reefs that gradually slope into the sea, and a bit farther from the shore is a sudden drop into the sea bottom. This area has a variety of undersea flora and fauna for divers to observe. Brain corals, sea urchins, hermit crabs and even an occasional lobster may be seen in the reef site. The northern half of the beach is of golden white sand and is an excellent place for swimming. The whole white beach area is bordered on the landward side by a long hillcrest with bushes and trees scattered from the foot to the top of the hill. Off-shore coral reef formations provide interesting spots for diving.

Baler, Aurora - Lukso-lukso Islets

(Off the coast of Barangay Zabali, Baler, Aurora) At least three islets comprise the rock formations known to the locals as "Lukso-Lukso." One of these small islands is connected to the mainland and at low tide you can see white grainy sands, crushed corals and numerous seashells, some inhabited by hermit crabs. This island formation is the southernmost point and is accessible to vehicles coming from Baler. The sea bottom and undersea reefs around these islets are reportedly good areas for diving, and during calm months, snorkeling.

Baler, Aurora - Baler Catholic Church

(Poblacion, Baler, Aurora) The structure is an old church with a simple facade. Here, the last Spanish garrison of four officers and 50 men was besieged by Filipino insurgents from June 27, 1898 to July 2, 1899. This was the last pocket of resistance of the Spanish Armed Forces to surrender to American troops. This is also where the La Campana de Baler, an ancient bell, was used and later stored as a relic.

Baler, Aurora - Dimadimalangat Islet

(Off the coast of Barangay Cemento, Baler, Aurora) This rock formation is actually a small island just a few meters away from the reef shore of Barangay Cemento and serves as a point identifying the southernmost tip of Baler Bay. During low tide, this islet becomes a peninsula, of sorts, where one could walk and wade from the reef shore to this natural rock formation. Around this island are reefs for the more daring divers.

Baler, Aurora - Aniao Islets

Aniao Islets (Off the coast of Barangay Zabali, Baler, Aurora). Two small but imposing islands lie south of the islet of Dimadimalangat. These islets jut straight from the sea like bullets, with shrubs, small trees and other greenery growing on top surfaces. Kingfishers, gulls and hawks use these islets as lookout points for fish. Towering waves relentlessly pound the base of the formations, challenging even the most intrepid of rock climbers.

San Luis, Aurora - DICASALARIN Bay

With beaches, hills, coves, a peninsula, a cave-pool, a river and reefs, Dicasalarin Bay, while small in area, offers hours of recreation and relaxation. This is a great place to escape the maddening grind of urban life. Dicasalarin is indeed a treasure of unspoiled, natural wonders that promises to rejuvenate the mind, body and spirit.

Scuba Diving

Aurora has many prime spots waiting to be discovered by an adventurous scuba diver along the reefs and coral-lined shores. The main snag to the sport is the lack of scuba diving equipment and air compressor units for oxygen tank refilling.
But if you care to bring your own equipment, you may find scuba diving in Aurora to be a most rewarding experience... and you may be among the first divers to explore the untouched reefs in the deeper reaches of the province's coast.

Dive Spots
Experienced scuba divers can generally discover fine diving points on their own, since the most pristine spots are those that remain largely undiscovered. One can also try asking the locals about the best dive areas. Among the diving spots they recommend are:
Off-shore, Borlongan Beach. Two miles off-shore from the beach, a mushroom-shaped coral reef runs more than 150 feet to the bottom.
Baler.The adjacent areas of the Aniao Islets, Cemento Beach, Dimadimalangat Islet, and the Lukso-Lukso Islets are dotted with numerous coral reefs and formations.
Dicasalarin. Discasalarin is full of marvelous coral formations as yet unsullied by dynamite fishers and the general grime of modern civilization.
Also investigate the coral reef off-shore of Casiguran and Dilasag, where many potential diving spots still lie barely explored. The deep waters of Dibut Bay are also home to many species of marine life.
The MIA Surf & Sport Resort can provide a guided tour to the various diving spots in Aurora.

Nature Trekking in Aurora

Aurora's rainforest is the largest one in northern Luzon. It is a prime spot for mountain climbing and nature trekking activities due to its large forest reserve areas, its vast lowlands and foothills, and the presence of the Sierra Madre Mountain Ranges.The variety of terrain coupled with the abundance of clear streams, waterfalls and vegetation can make for a trekking experience as unique and challenging as one can plan. However, Trekkers are advised to consult local officials in the municipalities to ensure that the area is safe beforehand.

About AURORA

Aurora, Philippines has been described as the "Land of the Golden Sunrise" and sometimes "Sanctuary of Nature's Splendor", there was even a time it was known as "El Prinsipe" and also "El Contra Costa", but whatever name it has been called, one cannot deny that this east facing province with its coves (Casiguran, Baler & Dingalan) holds a lot of economic potential for the country. One will note that all major countries in the pacific region have major cities and ports facing the Pacific Ocean allowing easier access to its markets...except the Philippines...

Aerial View of Dinadiawan Beach, Dipaculao Aurora

These pictures are the breathtaking view of the vast expanse of fine, powdery white sandy beach of Brgy. Dinadiawan. This spectacular natural and unspoiled white beach is situated in the northern part of the town of Dipaculao, Aurora tucked between the Sierra Madre Mountain range and the Pacific Ocean.

Dilasag, Aurora

Dilasag, a municipality at the northernmost area of Aurora, offers a coast with kilometers upon kilometers of white sand beach alternating occasionally with forests, hills, and cliffs. Its undeveloped features and natural attractions offer tourists the sensation of discovering something new and unspoiled. Inaccessible to most transportation, Dilasag Coast is a true getaway.

Magnificent Water Falls, Beaches and Forest of Dilasag, Aurora

The town of Dilasag is the last destination in the northern part of Aurora.

With its backdrop of magnificent water falls (Dibulo and Singep Falls), shimmering white sandy shores (Canawer and Diniog Beaches), and tropical rainforest, you perceive the world in all its natural and pristine splendors free from commercialism. Here, you will realize that eating is a function of desire, not the ticking of a clock. You can leisurely walk on its resort-free beaches or skin dive and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the ocean and breathtaking landscapes.

In this simple town, you can go the life at your own pace and just savor the serene and panoramic scenery of this unknown paradise. It’s a hideaway for those who prefer to leave the pandemonium of city life behind and get back in touch with nature.

Canawer Beach - Dilasag, Aurora

Canawer Beach is the most popular destination for picnics, reunions and retreats among the locals of DICADI (Dinalungan, Casiguran & Dilasag) because of its serene and relaxing environment; white, powdery sand and magnificent view of the Pacific ocean. Its undeveloped features and natural attractions offer tourists the sensation of discovering something new and unspoiled. Inaccessible to most transportation, Dilasag Coast is a true getaway.

Sabang Beach and Bahia de Baler Resort

This is the most accessible and nearest beach from the town proper of Baler, Aurora. It is usually frequented by locals in the early mornings to jog and exercise or simply enjoy the sea breeze. Fun waves-not usually big, except during typhoons. A good site for beginning and novice surfers to learn the basics with relative safety from scratches, since most of the beach is sandy- bottomed. A local resort situated by the beach, offers surfing lessons and rents out surfing, windsurfing and snorkeling equipment. They also offer tours to the best surfing, snorkeling and diving areas.

Located on this long stretch of gray sand beach are several resorts which includes, the Carribean style, Bahia de Baler. These resorts offer accommodations near the beachfront and provide food and relaxation for tourists and surfers.

Baler Fish Port

Baler Port is situated along the coast of Cemento Beach. This is where ships take on or discharge cargo from the nearby towns and provinces and where local fishermen unload their fresh catch of saltwater fish and other sea foods. As of now, few ships dock in this harbor since locals and tourists preferred to take a trip on land as Pacific Ocean oftentimes gets rough during typhoon and storm signals.

Baler, Aurora

Baler is a 3rd class municipality in the province of Aurora, Philippines. It is the capital municipality of Aurora.

Baler is the political and economic center of Aurora. It is located some 230 kilometers northeast of Manila via a mountain pass accessible by bus. Baler is host to spectacular geographic formations and is situated on a vast plain at the mouth of Baler Bay, a contiguous segment of the Pacific Ocean. Nine-foot high waves serve as Baler's tourist asset, attracting hundreds of surfers in February for the Aurora Cup.

The town has produced some of the country's great leaders. Manuel Luis Quezon, the first president of the Philippine Commonwealth, was born in Baler. Edgardo J. Angara, also born in Baler, was a senate president and the present governor, Bella Angara Castillo was the first woman Majority Floor Leader of the House of Representatives.

Casiguran, Aurora

Casiguran is a 3rd class municipality in the northern part of the province of Aurora, Philippines. It is located 121 km from Baler, the provincial capital. It is bounded on the northeast by Dilasag, on the southwest by Dinalungan, on the northwest by Quirino and southeast by the Pacific Ocean.

According to folk legend, the name Casiguran was obtained from the word "Kasiguruhan" which means "safety" or "assurance". Safety means defense/fortress or sanctuary for sailing ships during stormy weather. On the other hand, assurance means that if an unmarried stranger comes to the place, he unavoidably falls in love with someone and eventually gets married and most of the time stayed for good. Casiguran was founded by the Spanish Missionaries on June 13, 1609. But prior to their arrival, the early settlers of the place were the Dumagats/Aetas/Agtas followed by migrants from other places of the country. These migrants spoke different dialects such as Ilokano, Visayan, Bicolano, Pampango. Gaddang, Itawes and Ibanag. Thus, a "kasiguranin" language evolved out of these dialects. To learn and see more the beauty of Casiguran, click here.

Borlongan Beach - Dipaculao, Aurora

Borlongan Beach differs from most beaches, for its beachfront is covered for several kilometers with gray pebbles and smooth, fist-size stones.

Ampere Beach - Dipaculao, Aurora

This beach, like Borlongan Beach, is covered with smooth rocks, but here the rocks are more varied in size and darker in color. This beach is an area called Bunga Point or Ampere Point, where local residents flock to Okotan Cave, a time-honored locale for forecasting the weather. The Pacific waves, upon hitting the shoreline cave, produce an explosion, the intensity of which, according to local lore, determines the intensity of the incoming weather.