More vitamin sea: Baler finally reopens to domestic visitors

Beach trip in November? Why not!

The sun’s out, surf’s up, and COVID-19 cases are down, which means more beloved tourist destinations are opening up to welcome the wanderlusts in. This time, it’s the country’s “Birthplace of Philippine Surfing,” Aurora’s municipality of Baler.

If you’ve missed the famed lighthouse of Baler or the stunning rock formations in Ampere Beach, then read up on the requirements for domestic travelers which were made public on Wednesday, November 10.

According to Executive Order No. 24, series of 2021, signed by Baler Mayor Rhett Angara, visitors must present a handful of requirements upon entry into the province.

Requirements for entering Baler, Aurora:

• S-PaSS registration
• Government ID
• Negative RT-PCR test results taken within 72 hours
• A medical certificate for ages five to 10 years old
• Booking confirmation from Department of Tourism-accredited accommodations

All hotel, tourism, and, hospitality employees should also be fully vaccinated. 

The Municipal Tourism Office of Baler also released on social media a full list of accommodations that have acquired a Safety Seal Certificate from the national government. 

Moreover, Angara also submitted a proposal to the provincial inter-agency task force to do away with the negative RT-PCR test result as a requirement for incoming tourists, as long as they are fully vaccinated and are fit to travel. For updates, keep an eye out on the Municipal Tourism Office’s page.

Baler is currently under Alert Level 4 until November 14. 

Art Daniella Sison