Aurora Tourist Spots: Baler, Dingalan, and More
Aurora Province is your next big adventure. This gem in the Philippines is packed with stunning beaches, majestic waterfalls, and scenic mountains. From the surf town of Baler to the breathtaking views of Dingalan and the hidden treasures of Casiguran, there's something for every traveler.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through tourist spots in Baler, Dingalan, Casiguran, and other famous tourist destinations in Aurora, as well as where you can stay, eat, and buy pasalubong for your friends and family.
Let’s get started.
About Aurora Province
Aurora Province is located in Region 3, also known as Central Luzon. Aurora is right there on the eastern edge, facing the mighty Pacific Ocean like it’s the first to say “good morning” to the sun. Sunrise lovers, this is your place.
Map of Aurora Province
Aurora is made up of eight municipalities—no cities yet, but that’s part of its charm. Each town has its own flavor and something awesome to offer:
■ Baler – The capital of the province and probably the most famous. Known for surfing, history, and good vibes. This is where you’ll find many of the top Baler tourist spots like Sabang Beach and Baler Aurora Mother Falls.
■ Dingalan – Sometimes called the "Batanes of the East" for its dramatic cliffs and mountain views. It’s a rising Aurora tourist spot that’s perfect for hikers and soul-searchers.
■ Dipaculao – North of Baler, with long stretches of beach and peaceful coastal scenes. One of the chillest places to visit in Baler Aurora.
■ Maria Aurora – Inland charm, surrounded by mountains and forest. This is where you’ll find the massive century-old Balete Tree. TikTok-worthy? Yes.
■ San Luis – Neighboring Baler, home to lush hills and the beautiful Caunayan Falls.
■ Dilasag – Further north, remote and rugged. If you want an off-the-beaten-path adventure, this is it. The beaches and forests here are pristine.
■ Casiguran – Home to scenic beaches and quiet retreats. It's a lesser-known Casiguran Aurora tourist spot, but it’s ideal if you want peace and nature.
■ Dinalungan – Small and sleepy, but with lovely mountain and beach landscapes. You might just discover your new favorite secret spot here.
Aurora Province is laid-back, but don’t underestimate its charm. Whether you’re surfing in Baler, hiking in Dingalan, or beach-hopping in Casiguran, you’ll find adventure in every corner. It’s one of the most underrated Aurora tourist attractions in the Philippines.
Baler Tourist Spots
Surfing in Sabang Beach
Baler isn’t just about surfing. Yes, the waves are pretty iconic. But this coastal capital of Aurora Province is also rich in natural wonders, historical landmarks, and Instagram-worthy sights. If you think it’s just a one-beach town, think again. Baler is stacked with attractions that'll make you want to extend your leave and call in “too inspired to work.”
Where to Go in Baler
■ Sabang Beach – Surf central of the Philippines. Great for beginners and pros. Long beach, big vibes.
■ Ditumabo Mother Falls – Also called Mother Falls Baler Aurora. A powerful 140-foot waterfall after a scenic forest trek.
■ Dicasalarin Cove – Secluded white-sand beach with cliffs, lighthouse views, and peaceful vibes.
■ Ermita Hill – Historical hilltop with views of Baler Bay. Perfect for sunset and a quick leg workout.
■ Museo de Baler – Cool, air-conditioned museum with artifacts, history, and trivia about Baler's past.
■ Doña Aurora Aragon House – Ancestral house of Doña Aurora Quezon. Heritage and photo-op in one stop.
■ Baler Church (San Luis Obispo de Tolosa) – Historic church from the Siege of Baler. Small but full of story.
■ Balete Tree in Maria Aurora – A massive 600-year-old tree you can literally walk into. Slightly spooky, very cool.
■ Diguisit Beach & Rock Formations – Coastal stop with rugged rocks and tide pools. Insta-worthy views!
■ Aniao Islets – Tiny islands off Diguisit Beach. Great for photos and beach-bumming nearby.
■ Cemento Beach – Quieter than Sabang, but great for advanced surfing and wave-watching.
■ Cobra Reef – Popular among pro surfers. If you’re not surfing, just chill and watch the action.
■ Caunayan Falls – Less crowded waterfall option with a chill hike and refreshing pool.
■ Lukso-Lukso Islets – Small rock formations you can hop around on during low tide. Fun and quirky!
Pro Tip: Wear something comfy, and yep—bring a portable travel bath towel if you’re going to the beach and exploring Aurora’s falls. These towels are very handy and don’t consume too much space in your bag.
Where to Eat in Baler
Let’s be honest—no trip is complete without a proper food trip. After all that surfing, hiking, and chasing waterfalls, your tummy will demand attention. And Baler? It delivers. If you’re craving silog, seafood, coffee, or something fancy pang-Instagram, Baler has you covered. So here’s a quick list of the top restaurants in Baler when the gutom hits hard:
■ Kusina Luntian
■ Kubli Bistro
■ Yellow Fin Bar and Grill
■ Charlie Does
■ Dogtown Collective
■ The Beach House at Costa Pacifica
■ Gerry Shan's Place
■ Madison's Café
■ Sonia's at Surfer's Garden
■ Chloe's Pizza
Where to Stay in Baler
Now you know where to go and where to eat, all you need is a comfy place to crash after a long day of exploring. Here are the top hotels, resorts, and/or accommodations in Baler:
■ Costa Pacifica
■ Bay's Inn Resort
■ Coco Baler Beach House
■ Nalu Surf Camp
■ Kahanamoku Inn
■ L'Sirene Boutique Resort
■ Aliya Surf Camp & Resort
■ Casa Herminia Baler
■ Brown Epitome Lodge
■ Seasta Beach Resort
Whatever your vibe—surf-side, budget-friendly, or IG-worthy luxury—Baler's got you. Adventures resume early tomorrow!
See our beach vacation essentials checklist here.
Pasalubong from Baler
Let’s be real—no trip is complete without pasalubong. It’s the ultimate Filipino love language. Baler has a solid pasalubong game—from surf-inspired merch to local delicacies your titas will fight over.
■ Pasalubong Center at Baler Public Market
■ Yolly’s Souvenir Shop (near Sabang Beach)
■ Nanay Pacing’s Peanut Butter
■ Baler Surfer’s Souvenir Stall Strip (Sabang Beach Road)
■ Coco Jam and Lambanog sellers at Ermita Hill
■ Museo de Baler Gift Shop
■ Bay’s Inn Souvenir Corner
■ Gerry Shan’s Corner Store (for local chips and snacks)
■ Homemade suman and cashew sellers at the market
■ Surf tee and rashguard pop-up stalls (weekends)
Dingalan Tourist Spots
Dingalan View Deck
Dingalan might not be as hyped as Baler, but that’s part of the charm. This hidden gem on the southern edge of Aurora Province is sometimes called the “Batanes of the East” because of its dramatic cliffs and rolling hills.
But don’t worry, you don’t need to book a plane ticket or sell a kidney to get there. Just a scenic land trip, a bit of hiking, and boom. Breathtaking views and peaceful vibes.
Dingalan is for beach lovers, mountain hoppers, and everyone who wants to escape the crowd. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s ready for your next travel story.
Where to Go in Dingalan
■ Dingalan Lighthouse and View Deck – A short hike to stunning sea-meets-mountain views. The closest thing to Batanes without hopping on a plane.
■ White Beach – Beige sand, calm waters, and not a lot of people. Perfect for picnics and pretending you’re in a shampoo commercial.
■ Lamao Caves – Sea caves accessible by boat or hike. Great for adventurers and those who love dramatic rock backgrounds.
■ Tanawan Falls – Hidden and refreshing. A chill trek leads to cool, clear water and a natural pool.
■ Dingalan Mountain View – Jaw-dropping panoramic views of the Pacific and green slopes. Sunrise here? Magical.
■ Abungan Falls – Small but scenic. A peaceful stop for nature lovers who like it quiet and serene.
■ Umiray River – Where river and sea meet. Chill, scenic, and ideal for a quick nature break.
■ Ibona Fishing Village – Get a feel of local life, take photos of colorful boats, and maybe score fresh catch for lunch.
■ Aplaya (Seashore Trail) – A long coastal walk perfect for sunset views, reflections, and dramatic Instagram reels.
Where to Eat in Dingalan
No trip is complete without a solid food trip, and while Dingalan’s food scene is still lowkey, you’ll find gems that hit the spot. Expect home-style meals, seafood overload, and friendly carinderia vibes. Here are some must-try food spots in Dingalan:
■ Ate Fe’s Kitchenette
■ Seaside Paluto Restaurants
■ Lamag Eatery
■ Kubo sa Baybay
■ Nympha’s Karinderya
■ Tapsi sa Baywalk
■ Aurora Bistro (in town proper)
■ Pat’s Silog Express
■ Local Seafood Paluto by the Pier
■ Beach BBQ pop-ups near White Beach (weekends)
Where to Stay in Dingalan
Dingalan isn’t a hotel-heavy town, but that’s part of its off-grid charm. You’ll find beach huts, cozy inns, and mountain view stays that let you disconnect from the world. Here are some top accommodations in Dingalan:
■ Island View Inn
■ Aplaya Beach Resort
■ Cave Beach Resort
■ Seacoast Inn
■ Ate Fe’s Homestay
■ Tanawan View Lodge
■ Casita by the Sea
■ White Beach Campsite (bring your own tent or rent one)
■ Ridge View Homestay
■ Mountaineer’s Lodge (near lighthouse trail)
Whatever your travel style—beach camp, basic room, or mountain view chill, Dingalan gives you options. Just don’t forget to bring a bath towel with you, especially when camping or staying in homestays, inns, transients, or budget accommodations.
Make sure to bring all necessary travel essentials as well, so you don’t miss out on anything you need, especially since you’re staying at a rather off-grid area.
Pasalubong from Dingalan
Dingalan is more lowkey, but if you know where to look, you’ll find some local goodies perfect for gifting (or snacking on the bus ride home).
■ Dingalan Public Market (dried fish, suman, and vinegar)
■ Baywalk Souvenir Stalls (weekends)
■ Lighthouse Trail Pop-Up Shops (shirts and keychains)
■ Barangay Butas Local Pasalubong Stand (banana chips, native delicacies)
■ Abungan Falls sari-sari store (local treats and crafts)
■ Homemade peanut brittle and polvoron vendors (ask locals!)
■ Pineapple vinegar and tapuy (local rice wine) from nearby stores
Casiguran Tourist Spots
Casapsapan Beach
Casiguran is Aurora’s peaceful northern escape. It’s less touristy, less crowded, and 100% more chill. If you're into off-the-beaten-path destinations, quiet beaches, and lush surroundings with zero signal (hello, forced digital detox), Casiguran is your dream spot.
Where to Go in Casiguran
■ Casapsapan Beach – Powdery cream-colored sand, crystal clear water, and zero crowd. Pure, peaceful paradise.
■ Tidal Pools in Tibu – Natural saltwater pools among rocky formations. Great for wading, floating, and pretending you're in a shampoo ad.
■ Bulawan Falls – A tucked-away multi-tiered waterfall surrounded by trees. Cold water, quiet setting, perfect reset.
■ Calabgan River – A long and scenic river that meets the sea. Great for boat rides, fishing, or just soaking in the view.
■ Dianao Beach – Calm, clean, and quiet. The kind of beach where you just want to nap under a tree.
■ Bunga Point – A rugged coastal point with strong waves and big views. Best for photos and contemplative staring into the distance.
■ Amro River Protected Landscape – Nature reserve with biodiversity galore. Forest trails, river views, and clean air included.
■ Casiguran Sound – A bay-like body of water perfect for kayaking, fishing, and slow-living moments.
■ San Ildefonso Peninsula View Deck – Panoramic views of the ocean and the entire peninsula. Worth the ride and short hike.
■ Panatawan River Estuary – Mangroves, birdwatching, and relaxing boat rides in a serene river setting.
Where to Eat in Casiguran
Food options in Casiguran are mostly local eateries and carinderias, but that’s the charm. No fast food chains, just fresh seafood, home-cooked meals, and small-town hospitality. These food spots in Casiguran may not have five-star ambiance, but the lutong-bahay taste hits differently.
■ Jams Carinderia
■ Casiguran Seafood Grill
■ Nanay Lilia’s Eatery
■ Baybay Lutong Bahay
■ Aling Pina’s Halo-Halo
■ Joefer Eatery
■ Lucky 8 Food Corner
■ Casiguran Food Hub
■ Fisherman’s Wharf BBQ Stalls
■ Riverside Ihaw-Ihaw
Where to Stay in Casiguran
Accommodations in Casiguran are simple, peaceful, and often surrounded by nature. No high-rise hotels here, just beachfront homestays, mountain lodges, and low-key inns perfect for digital detox or true relaxation.
■ Casapsapan Beach Resort
■ Sea Breeze Lodge
■ Bunga Point Homestay
■ Casiguran Inn
■ Bulawan Nature Lodge
■ Dianao Beach House
■ Casiguran Bay View Lodge
■ Resthouse by the Sound
■ Happy Hermit Homestay
■ Tibu Beach Eco-Stay
If you’re looking for silence, salt air, or just a hammock with a view, Casiguran gives you that slow travel experience. And hey, while you’re chilling by the beach or drying off after a dip in the falls, your IslaDry Travel Bath Towel is right there: light, compact, and dry.
Pasalubong from Casiguran
Casiguran’s pasalubong is all about fresh from the source—expect natural, handmade, and heartfelt items you won’t find in malls.
■ Casiguran Public Market (seafood delicacies, smoked fish, and dried pusit)
■ Local honey from San Ildefonso
■ Handwoven mats and native bags from barangay women’s cooperatives
■ Casiguran Suman and Nilupak stalls (usually outside churches on Sundays)
■ Homemade bukayo and kalamay from roadside vendors
■ Lambanog and nipa wine from neighborhood stores
■ Dried squid and danggit sold near the pier
■ Casapsapan Beach souvenir booths (limited but worth checking out)
■ Woodcraft and coconut products from local artisans
Other Tourist Spots in Aurora
Looking to explore beyond the usual Baler-Dingalan-Casiguran loop? Aurora’s lesser-known towns also have hidden gems that deserve a spot on your travel bucket list. Here are more places to check out:
■ Ampere Beach (Dipaculao) – Rocky beach with dramatic waves and sunrise views. Bring your camera and existential thoughts.
■ Dinadiawan Beach (Dipaculao) – Long white sand stretch with clear waters and fewer tourists. Peace and quiet? Found it.
■ Dinadiawan Falls (Dipaculao) – Short walk to a beautiful multi-tiered waterfall. Great for a quick cool-down session.
■ Lipit Beach (Dilasag) – Remote and raw, with wide sands and a real “walang signal, walang stress” vibe.
■ Dilasag Protected Landscape and Seascape (Dilasag) – Rich in biodiversity and nature trails. Bring your eco-warrior energy.
■ Canawer Beach (Dinalungan) – Small, peaceful beach with natural rock pools and clear waters. Good for a half-day chill trip.
■ Culasi Point (Dinalungan) – Lighthouse, cliff views, and crashing waves. A bit of a trek, but worth it for the dramatic view.
■ Sabang River Bamboo Raft Ride (San Luis) – Cruise through calm waters on a floating bamboo hut. Snacks + nature = yes please.
■ Caunayan Falls (San Luis) – Tall and powerful, with a cold basin perfect for swimming. Not far from Baler, so easy add-on!
■ Balete Tree Park (Maria Aurora) – Not just spooky—this 600-year-old tree is iconic and photo-ready.
■ Aurora Eco Forest Park (Maria Aurora) – Trails, trees, and birdsong. Great for morning hikes and nature lovers.
Transportation Options: How to Get to Aurora
Getting to Aurora is part of the adventure. It doesn’t have its own airport (yet), so you’ll be road-tripping your way into paradise. But don’t worry. It’s accessible, scenic, and full of kwento stops (hello, gas station kwek-kwek and sari-sari store ice candy).
From Manila to Baler (Aurora's Capital)
■ By Bus – Direct buses to Baler leave from Cubao (Genesis Transport). Their JoyBus offers comfy, air-conditioned rides with no stopovers. Travel time is around 5 to 6 hours. You can also try Five Star, Daltrans, or Partas with varying routes and schedules.
■ By Car or Private Vehicle – Drive via NLEX > SCTEX > La Paz Tarlac > Cabanatuan > Baler. Approx travel time is 5 to 6 hours, depending on traffic and how many “CR break muna” stops you make. Waze is your bestie here.
From Manila to Casiguran (Direct Route)
■ By Bus (Limited) – Some lines like D-Liner or Five Star may offer direct trips to Casiguran from Cubao or Pasay, but they’re not daily. Best to check ahead.
■ By Car – Buckle up! The road trip from Manila to Casiguran is around 9 to 10 hours. Route goes through Baler, so you might as well stop over, surf, and grab some pancit before continuing north.
From Manila to Dingalan
■ By Bus + Trike/Van – Ride a bus to Cabanatuan (Victory Liner, Five Star, Baliwag, etc.), then transfer to a van or bus to Dingalan Public Market. From there, hop on a tricycle to White Beach or the jump-off points to the lighthouse and caves.
■ By Car – Take the Manila > Cabanatuan > Gabaldon > Dingalan route. It’s about 4 to 5 hours, and the drive through Sierra Madre is chef’s kiss—scenic AF.
Visit Aurora Province for Your Next Adventure
From the surf of Baler to the cliffs of Dingalan and the quiet beaches of Casiguran, Aurora tourist spots are perfect for every kind of lakwatsero. Nature, adventure, food, and good vibes? Check, check, check!
Here’s a road trip essential checklist so you don’t miss out on anything you need for your Aurora vacation.
Tara na. Explore Aurora province tourist spots the smart way!