Best-kept secret of the north
Explore the pristine beauty of Aurora province
By Gayleen Caballero, Editorial Assistant
For most tourists and local travelers, Boracay, Puerto Galera, and Palawan are probably the best summer destinations in the country with their magnificent beaches, natural scenery, and rich history.
Not known to many trying to find escape from the modern and complex living in the lowlands are other places they can go to to relax and discover the unique wonders of nature.
Not too many have discovered the unique splendor of the best-kept secret of the north that hides behind the enormous mountains of Sierra Madre. Only a few have laid eyes on the lush forests, crystal blue waters, and varied coastal flatlands of Aurora-a land of delight long hidden.
Sound beauty
Casiguran Sound is a bay nearly enclosed by the Casiguran land mass and the cape of San Ildefonso. The Casiguranins (people of Casiguran, Aurora) are proud not just of the beauty of Casiguran Sound but its usefulness to them. Casiguran Sound offers Aurora not only untouched white beaches but protection against typhoons that regularly ravage the province. This protection from monsoon winds that blow from October to February makes the place ideal for windsurfing. Vacation homes line its
coast, built by many foreigners who want to take pleasure in its unspoken
beauty.
View from Dinadiawan
Dinadiawan Beach best portrays the grandeur of the entire province of Aurora. It provides visitors the best view of the Pacific Ocean, the blue-ridged mountains of Sierra Madre, the green virgin forests, and the distinct rock formation along the shorelines.
In the mountains of Sierra Madre
Rich in Philippine flora and fauna, the mountain range of Sierra Madre covers a large part of Aurora. Sierra Madre is also famous for its mystic rivers, towering waterfalls, and crystal-clear streams. Here, visitors enjoy mountain climbing, photo safaris, bird watching, picnicking, and mountain trekking. Barangay Ditumabo offers the best access point to the Sierra Madre. Travel time is about two hours.
Beach and cave to forecast weather
Local residents are proud of their reliable and time-honored locale for forecasting weather-the Ampere Beach and the Okotan Cave together. The area is also called Bunga Point, where the Pacific Ocean's waves explode in a loud roar each time they hit the shoreline. Local folks say the intensity of the ocean's roar tells the intensity of the incoming weather.
Hill of the religious
In the Poblacion of Casiguran town is Ermita Hill where townspeople flock together to pray and honor the Miraculous Mother Mary on a grotto atop the hill. Aside from its magnificent landscape, Ermita offers a view of the entire poblacion and the dark blue coast of Casiguran Bay.
Philippine Millennium Tree
This 600-year-old balete found at Maria Aurora is the largest of its kind in Asia. It is so huge it would take no less than 60 adults, holding one another at arm's length, to encircle its trunk. Designated as the official "Millennium Tree" of the Philippines, it is the most visited tourist attraction in the province. Age has made the tree's thick roots grow above ground, forming caves under several portions of its trunk.
How to get there
Genesis Transport Corporation connects Pasay to Baler while D-Liner Bus connects Cabanatuan to Casiguran, Aurora. Air transportation is also available via SEAIR. For more information on transportation services and hotel accommodations, visit www.aurora.ph.
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