Baler Travel Requirements for Domestic Tourists

Some destinations are bold, and some are safe. During the pandemic, Baler has been the latter — and rightfully so. With limited healthcare facilities, the small town has erred on the side of caution, warding off tourists from its otherwise tourist-centred spaces. Tightly guarded, Baler was one of the last standing COVID-free cities in the Philippines; and for the first time since the pandemic, the town finally started allowing visitors to enter its premises on 15 Nov 2021. Learn more about the latest Baler travel requirements here.

Also read: Baler, Aurora: The Ultimate Travel Guide with Insider Tips!

At the time of writing, all towns of Aurora, including Baler, are under General Community Quarantine (GCQ) Alert Level 2. The province itself adheres to the general travel protocols of the alert status; however, it also provides each local government unit with the discretion whether to require an RT-PCR test for fully-vaccinated tourists. 

Who can travel to Baler?

Under Alert Level 2, Baler allows tourists of all ages from areas under Alert Levels 1, 2, 3, GCQ, and MGCQ to enter its premises. 

Also read: San Luis, Aurora: Why You Should Visit This Town Near Baler

COVID-19 health and safety protocols

While Baler is now mostly open for tourism, the province continues to adhere to health and safety protocols. Here are the Baler travel protocols and guidelines you must remember while it is under Alert Level 2.

• Wearing face masks and regular handwashing are expected.
• All tourists, including family, company, or van-for-hire drivers, must have a confirmed booking in a DOT-accredited accommodation facility prior to the approval of their tour application.
• All tourists may only be allowed entry at the Canili Provincial Control Point in Brgy. San Juan, Maria Aurora; Brgy. Calaocan Provincial Control Point in Dipaculao; or Tanauan Control Point in Dingalan. 
• Travel agencies and tour operators bringing inbound tourists must present a DOT accreditation prior to the approval of tours. 
• Tour itineraries will be provided by the LGU of the destination. Inter-municipality tour options may be allowed subject to regulations that may be imposed by concerned LGUs.
• Should a tourist demonstrate or experience any sign or symptom of illness during the tour, the standard health and safety protocol shall immediately be implemented by the Baler local government.
• Should a tourist demonstrate or experience any sign or symptoms of illness within the premises of the accommodation establishment, the accommodation establishment staff shall immediately inform the MDRRMO of the Baler local government.

Baler travel requirements

Domestic tourists must prepare the following requirements. These will have to be presented by passengers upon arrival in the province.

For fully vaccinated tourists

• Vaccination certificate from VaxCertPH
• Booking confirmation in a DOT-accredited accommodation
• Valid ID
• S-PaSS travel coordination permit (TCP)

For tourists who are not fully vaccinated

• Negative RT-PCR or antigen test result issued within 72 hours prior to arrival*
• Booking confirmation in a DOT-accredited accommodation
• Valid ID
• S-PaSS travel coordination permit (TCP)

*Children below 12 years old who are accompanied by fully-vaccinated parents may instead provide medical certificates to prove that they are in good condition.

Also read: How to Book an Angkas Saliva RT-PCR Home Service Test

Where to stay in Baler

We’ve handpicked a few establishments that have been provided with a Certificate of Authority to Operate (CAO) issued by the DOT:

1. Amco Beach Resort
2. Bay’s Inn Resort
3. Carlitos Inn
4. Hotel Lady Nina
5. Hotel ni Pepe
6. Pacific Waves Inc.
7. La Patricia Hotel
8. Nature Green Forest Resort
9. Old Parola Seaside Inn
10. Costa Pacifica
11. Ver Amare Place
12. Vista Aurora Inn
13. Ysnowbee Baler Inn
14. Ysraela Lodging House
15. Innclusive Homestay
16. Seasta Beach Resort

Also read: 10 Airbnb Homes in Baler for a Tropical Hideaway

Where to eat in Baler

As of writing, the following cafes and restaurants are DOT-accredited:

1. Bubble Tea House
2. Dialyn’s Bakeshop
3. Hngry Mrmd Restaurant
4. Madison Cafe
5. Yellowfin Restaurant

Also read: Where to Eat in Baler: 15 Yummiest Bites for the Hungry Surfer

Baler travel resources

For more information such as the most updated Baler travel requirements and other official announcements, you may visit these links:

• Philippines.Travel Official Website
• The Philippines Safe Trip Webpage
• Municipal Government of Baler Official Facebook Page
• Baler Municipal Tourism Office Official Facebook Page
• Provincial Government of Aurora Official Facebook Page

Planning to explore more local destinations? Check out more of our COVID-19 travel guides:

• Siargao Travel Requirements for Domestic Tourists
• Boracay Travel Requirements for Domestic Travellers
• Baguio Travel Requirements for Fully Vaccinated Tourists
• Camiguin Travel Requirements for Domestic Tourists
• Bohol Travel Requirements for Domestic Tourists
• La Union Travel Requirements for Domestic Tourists
• Batangas Travel Requirements for Domestic Tourists

Featured image credit: Jerry Maximo Tanigue via Canva Pro