Baler | Serene Weekend at L’Sirene Boutique Resort

L’Sirene Jacuzzi Pool It was more than 13 years ago when I first set foot in Aurora. It was an exciting road trip with friends. From Manila,...

L’Sirene Jacuzzi Pool

It was more than 13 years ago when I first set foot in Aurora. It was an exciting road trip with friends. From Manila, we drove through the Sierra Madre mountains down to Baler. Though I am fully aware of the surfing scene boom and the growing development of the province, I only got the chance to go back this early September when I chanced upon a good getaway deal at Deal Grocer for a three days and two nights stay at L’Sirene Boutique Resort in Baler. The resort looked hip and stylish, and the remote location made it even more appealing to me. It would make an ideal base for exploration and relaxation.

Rolling in Baler

Our bus rolled early into Baler at the break of dawn. It was an hour faster than expected riding the deluxe JoyBus from Cubao. We hopped in a tricycle and immediately headed to L’Sirene Boutique Resort. The resort is about seven kilometers away from Baler town proper, just behind DPWH Aurora. The cold sea wind blew during the ride. As the morning colors slowly unveiled behind the coconut trees, I felt excited as we approached the resort.

The beach at L’Sirene

Again we came in early, and the staff was just getting ready for the day. The HNGRY MRMD Bar and Restaurant opens at 7AM so we spent some time at the beach before having our breakfast. It was only a short walk. The sand on the beach was gray, but it was wide and expansive. No unsightly structures, nor unpleasant crowds in sight. Just my kind of beach. Desolate yet profound. The waves were moderately high that morning. The soothing backdrop of the Sierra Madre mountain range made the beach quite picturesque.

Super Deluxe Room by the pool

L’Sirene Boutique Resort

Themermaid and siren inspired L’SireneBoutique Resort is the brainchild of actress Sam Pinto, who fell in lovewith Baler. With enough land to build not just a retirement home, she decidedto set up her own resort, a chic 15-roomboutique resort with a lovely dipping jacuzzi pool at the center. Beside thepool are beach chairs, and along the pathwayto the beach are several lounging areas too, some with swing beds. All of themare cushioned with white foams accented by a splashof purple, teal, pink and turquoise throw pillows.

Reception area

Check-in process was smooth as I already called ahead to book my Deal Grocer voucher. We were led to our room, one of the five Super Deluxe Rooms at the resort, a spacious 40 sqm room with two queen sized beds just enough for me and my 3 good friends to stay in. Room is fully airconditioned, with a private shower and toilet room and a personal patio. I’m kinda partial to a sliding door and curtains as I like to sleep in a dark room but it’s nice that the doors have sound proofing when closed. A plus is a reusable water container instead of plastic bottles. Water refill is available at a dispenser at the lobby. Shampoo, lotion and body wash also come in refillable containers. Since L’Sirene is a pet-friendly resort, guests can bring their canine or feline friend along!

HNGY MRMD Wagyu Tapa and Surfer’s Breakfast

Baler Town Eats

One thingwe had plenty of at the HNGRY MRMDrestaurant was their good coffee. We alsotried their sumptuous breakfast offerings like the Wagyu Tapa and HNGRY MRMDbreakfast. The bacon was just the way I likeit—a little crispy but still juicy.

Daing na pusit at Kusina Luntian

With onlya 7 km ride to town, we were able to enjoy some highlights of the Baler foodscene:  Yolly’sgrilled seafood fare of shrimps, squids and liempo(grilled pork). A favorite kamayan(eating with bare hands) place, KusinaLuntian. Good local craft beer brewery in Charlie Does. Their Balerbrew is best paired with their nachos, pizza and rice meals, which are all healthy and good for vegetarians. Of course,there’s the local delicacy of suman(rice cakes) paired with coco jam.

Mother Falls at Ditumabo

Nature Adventure

I can no longer remember how Baler was a decade ago. Now it looks like a modern well-planned rural town. Several main commercial banks, large hotels and the presence of two 7–11 branches say something about the progress of the place. Despite that, the province still feels laid-back.

Surfing is the main draw of Baler and L’Sirene have surf boards for rent and surf lessons from their capable instructors. The beach is an ideal place to learn as it has a feel of exclusivity and less people around. It wouldn’t be embarrassing to fall off the board many times. The waves weren’t optimal for surfing during our stay though, so it was fun to just body surf with the waves.

The millennium tree

Arrivingon a Friday, we decided to visit DitumaboFalls as we figured there would be less people there. And we were right,many shops were closed that time and there were only a few people going up tothe falls. I can imagine the hive of activity here during weekends. The hike tothe falls was moderately easy as we followed the large pipes and establishedtrails. A few cross rivers and up some cascades. Ditumabo Falls was wonderfuldespite the landslide that has eaten a large portion of its natural basin. Imade sure to take time to enjoy the cool waters and the shower.

We also did a quick side trip to the 600-year old millennium tree in San Luis, one of the largest Balete (banyan) trees in the country. It is a fascinating parasite tree that swallows its host tree, making it hollow inside.

Dipaculao Ampere Beach

Chasing Sunrise and Sunset

On two occasions, we visited Ampere Pebble Beach in Dipaculao, Aurora for the sunrise. It was conveniently only 7 kms away from L’Sirene Boutique Resort. The beach here is a haven for landscapists, especially because of the rock formations found at the coast. But the weather wasn’t always on our side—it was gloomy the first day. On the second day when we were about to leave, we were rewarded with beguiling light.

Diguisit beach and islets

Diguisit was our location for the sunset. I clearly remember the Anao islets and other rock formations in this stretch of beach. I could imagine good light here if only the clouds had lifted. But that’s how landscape photography goes. Some days we get lucky, others days we do not.

Pool at L’Sirene

Chilling at L’Sirene

At the end of the day, after all the tours and eats, we just looked forward to taking a peaceful evening dip in the warm jacuzzi pool. After all, weekends in Baler are about relaxing and enjoying your time away from the city. If it weren’t drizzling on one of our evenings there, L’Sirene can arrange a bonfire by the beach. That would be great while stargazing at night.

At the beach side

Many thanks to Deal Grocer for the L’Sirene deal. Grab this limited offering (PHP 11,100 from PHP 16,120) for a 3D/2N stay for 4 in a Super Deluxe Room at Deal Grocer.  If you’re planning to go on your next getaway, be sure to always check out Deal Grocer’s Getaways page for more travel deals, exclusive offerings and ideas. Availing a voucher is hassle-free and secure with plenty of payment options here in the Philippines like Paypal, bank payments and even cash pick-up.

Resort surrounded by coconut trees

Hanging out at the patio with Lantaw and Oman

Enjoying the waves

At the pool

Way to the beach