“I believe the world is incomprehensibly beautiful — an endless prospect of magic and wonder.” — Ansel Adams

In the Philippines, it has become a tradition to head to the beach during the summer season. Being blessed with some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and choosing which coastlines to bum around is a delight to any sand-sun-sea lovers.

However, the popular beach destinations usually become stuffed with packs of beachcombers. Being avid fans of off beaten paths, my friends and I decided to go to Baler, Aurora one weekend. Most people, who frequent this surfing haven at the northeastern side of Luzon in the Philippines, would have a taste of surf, sand and sea at Sabang Beach. However, my wandering soul wanted a more serene place so off we went to a cove tucked away from the busy Baler town.

Dicasalarin Cove is still almost unheard of, making it one of baler’s best kept secrets. It is a secluded cove with a white sandy beach, a unique lighthouse atop a hill, a piece of the Sierra Madre’s lovely mountainscape and a seemingly endless, spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean. So if you desire serenity at its finest, then a visit to this cove is a must when you are in Baler.

Most Baler tour offered online, does not include a trip to Dicasalarin Cove. For one, the cove is pretty isolated. Moreover, the way to the cove is steep and can pose danger when one isn’t very versed in maneuvering its way to the area. If one decides to walk his or her way to the cove, make sure to be physically fit since going up and downhill may require patience and stamina. Nonetheless, the view along the way is way too scenic that one’s tired body may not notice.

Dicasalarin Cove is a private area that is owned by the Angara Family. The entrance fee costs Php 300 per person. I know it could be a bit pricey. Maybe this is another reason why people do not consider coming to the area. But then again, the beauty of the place would make you forget you shelled out 300 bucks. The place is open only for day tour, from 8 am to 6pm.

How to Reach Dicasalarin Cove from Baler:

You can hire a tryke that will take you all the way to the Digisit. The jump-off point is a n ascending concrete road to the PAG-ASA weather station The tricycle cannot make it up steep road so either you hike your way or hire a “habal-habal” or a single motorcycle that can take you upto the cove. (Php 75 one-way).

Private cars may be used, but then again, make sure that the driver is capable of maneuvering such steep road.

Alternatively, one may charter a Bangka (an outrigger boat) from Sabang to take you to Dicasalarin Cove. However, this could be a very nauseating considering the strong waves of the Pacific Ocean.

What You Can See in Dicasalarin:

• A cove with white, sandy beach.
• Beautifully scattered rocks.
• A lighthouse perched atop a cliff. (One has to climb 170 steps to reach the top where the view is beyond words).

• A verdant view of the Sierra Madre.
• A seemingly endless view of the cerulean Pacific Ocean.
• An artist village.
• A small river that empties out into the ocean.