Social Items

history of ermita hill in baler, aurora kasaysayan ng ermita hill baler ermita hill location tromba marina ermita hill saan matatagpuan ermita hill history tagalog tromba marina ermita hill location ermita hill description ermita hill activities

Learn a bit of history at this tourist spot in Baler.


We started our tour in Baler by visiting Ermita Hill in the morning. Our guide brought us here first since we can reach other tourist spots along the way such as Diguisit Beach, Diguisit Falls, Aniao and Lukso-Lukso Islets and Casiguran from Zabali Road.

For detailed itinerary and complete tourist spots to visit, read my Baler DIY Travel Guide.


ABOUT ERMITA HILL

Ermita Hill is one of the highest places in Baler. There, you will be treated to a fabulous panoramic view of Baler's lengthy and pristine coastline and the bay area.

Ermita Hill Signage

There you may learn about Tromba Marina, the destructive tidal wave that wiped out a huge part of Baler, the uphill view deck, the abandoned/closed tunnel and the tall white cross upstairs.


THE DESTRUCTION BROUGHT BY TROMBA MARINA

Tromba Marina was the name given to the destructive tidal wave that struck Baler, Aurora on December 27, 1735. This monstrous wave caught everyone off-guard when it arrived around 2:00 AM. The town was devastated in seconds and many lives were immediately lost.

Ermita Hill Landmark

The tidal wave tremendous proportion engulfed the town without a warning that within an hour it was gone, Fray Jose de San Rafael, OFM, the parish priest of Casiguran, who was on vacation in Baler survived the deluge by swimming to the hill of point Baja (Ermita). Others who survived the catastrophe included members of the Angara, Bihasa, Bitong, Carrasco, Ferreras, Lumasac and Poblete clans.


The phenomenon was weird, because it happened so suddenly. There was no sign or manifestation of bad weather and no predicted typhoon; besides, the night was clear and bright. The nearby town of Casiguran, mission of Dipaculao, and the hamlets of Dingalan were not affected despite the fact that they were located on the same shoreline.

Overlooking Baler Bay from Ermita Hill view deck

After the devastation, a new town was resurrected on a land belonging to Sitio Zabali located 15045’ latitude on a hilly terrain about 8 kms, west of Baler Bay. It borders 15 km. northwest, with the mission of San Jose de Casecnan (Maria Aurora); 62 km. southwest, the district Pantabangan; 52 km. to the north, the town of Casiguran; 97 km. south, the district of Infanta; and, 99 km west, the town of Bongabon. The previous site of the town that was wiped out by the devastating tidal wave was renamed Kinagunasan (washed out).

Except for the memories and legend that has behind, the destruction of the old town still remains a mystery to this day.

Loading...

WHAT TO PACK FOR ERMITA HILL 

Here are some things you might consider bringing with you for your day tour / adventure:
Shopee is my go-to app for things I needed like the ones above. If you'd like discounts and vouchers, you may get the best offers here:

THINGS TO DO AT ERMITA HILL 

Here are some activities you can do during your visit to Ermita Hill:


Check Out Tombra Marina Installation

At the base of the hill, just along the highway, you’ll find this sculpture called Tromba Marina. The sculpture serves as a reminder of that incident. It depicts several residents climbing the hill and behind them is a giant wave.

Posing at Tromba Marina monument

From the Tromba Marina sculpture, you can choose to use the stairs of drive to the viewing deck area where the chapel and the tunnel are also located. Or you can opt to drive and bring your vehicle since there's parking space uphill.


Enjoy The Panoramic Overlooking View

Once you reach the uphill part of this place, there's a view deck for those who wanted to see the bay of Baler and the Sabang Beach from afar.


From here, there's also a vantage point where you can see a part of the river of Baler and the hanging bridge of Sabang.


Stop At The Chapel

There’s a chapel at the viewing deck with a very interesting marker that spoke of a tunnel here leading to Santa Elena. The marker describes the Ermita Hill Chapel, the ancient viewing point and tunnel.

Ermita Hill Chapel

Hike Up To The White Cross

If you have enough energy, go take the stairs to the cross located at the uppermost part of Ermita Hill. The stairs are different from the ones connecting the monument of Tromba Marina to the view deck area.

Stairs to the cross

From here, it will give you lush green ambiance and it doesn't have good overlooking view compared to the decks downstairs. You may appreciate the place and say a prayer while you are there.

Ermita Hill Cross

From Ermita Hill, you may go to Diguisit Beach next since it is located along the same road in Zabali.


WHERE TO STAY NEAR ERMITA HILL 

Knowing that Baler is one of the top tourist destinations in the country, finding a place to stay here is not really a big challenge but of course, it would be ideal and less hassle to book your reservations as early as possible.

Baler Nina's Transient House

There are many budget hotels, transient houses and of course those luxury hotels to stay in. You can check our list of hotels in Baler and see which one suits your budget.



Cheapest Flights and Airline Tickets Online Booking

HOW TO GET TO ERMITA HILL

There are tricycles for hire from any point in Baler that can bring you straight to Ermita Hill.


FROM MANILA TO BALER

Take a transit bus from Cubao via Genesis Bus which will take you directly to Baler. These airconditioned buses has daily trips from 3Am to 7:30 Am with 6-7 hours travel time. The fare would cost you around Php550-600 per head.

For those who are bringing own vehicle, you may use Waze or Google Maps for directions. If you don’t have a private vehicle, you can rent a car or van here.



Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Related To Ermita Hill

  • What is Tromba Marina Ermita Hill?
    Tromba Marina was the name given to the destructive tidal wave that struck Baler, Aurora on December 27, 1735. This monstrous wave caught everyone off-guard when it arrived around 2:00 AM. The town was devastated in seconds and many lives were immediately lost.

  • How many steps in Ermita Hill?
    250++ steps

You may also check my COMPLETE DIY BALER TRAVEL GUIDE with budget and itinerary.


ALSO IN BALER



IMPORTANT NOTE: The rates, contact details and other information indicated in this post are accurate from the time of writing but may change without IMFWJ's notice. Should you know the updated information, please let us know by leaving a message in the comment box below.

 history of ermita hill in baler, aurora kasaysayan ng ermita hill baler ermita hill location tromba marina ermita hill saan matatagpuan ermita hill history tagalog tromba marina ermita hill location ermita hill description ermita hill activities

ERMITA HILL: The Story of Tromba Marina and the Survival of 7 Families (Plus Overlooking Baler Bay)

history of ermita hill in baler, aurora kasaysayan ng ermita hill baler ermita hill location tromba marina ermita hill saan matatagpuan ermita hill history tagalog tromba marina ermita hill location ermita hill description ermita hill activities

Learn a bit of history at this tourist spot in Baler.


We started our tour in Baler by visiting Ermita Hill in the morning. Our guide brought us here first since we can reach other tourist spots along the way such as Diguisit Beach, Diguisit Falls, Aniao and Lukso-Lukso Islets and Casiguran from Zabali Road.

For detailed itinerary and complete tourist spots to visit, read my Baler DIY Travel Guide.


ABOUT ERMITA HILL

Ermita Hill is one of the highest places in Baler. There, you will be treated to a fabulous panoramic view of Baler's lengthy and pristine coastline and the bay area.

Ermita Hill Signage

There you may learn about Tromba Marina, the destructive tidal wave that wiped out a huge part of Baler, the uphill view deck, the abandoned/closed tunnel and the tall white cross upstairs.


THE DESTRUCTION BROUGHT BY TROMBA MARINA

Tromba Marina was the name given to the destructive tidal wave that struck Baler, Aurora on December 27, 1735. This monstrous wave caught everyone off-guard when it arrived around 2:00 AM. The town was devastated in seconds and many lives were immediately lost.

Ermita Hill Landmark

The tidal wave tremendous proportion engulfed the town without a warning that within an hour it was gone, Fray Jose de San Rafael, OFM, the parish priest of Casiguran, who was on vacation in Baler survived the deluge by swimming to the hill of point Baja (Ermita). Others who survived the catastrophe included members of the Angara, Bihasa, Bitong, Carrasco, Ferreras, Lumasac and Poblete clans.


The phenomenon was weird, because it happened so suddenly. There was no sign or manifestation of bad weather and no predicted typhoon; besides, the night was clear and bright. The nearby town of Casiguran, mission of Dipaculao, and the hamlets of Dingalan were not affected despite the fact that they were located on the same shoreline.

Overlooking Baler Bay from Ermita Hill view deck

After the devastation, a new town was resurrected on a land belonging to Sitio Zabali located 15045’ latitude on a hilly terrain about 8 kms, west of Baler Bay. It borders 15 km. northwest, with the mission of San Jose de Casecnan (Maria Aurora); 62 km. southwest, the district Pantabangan; 52 km. to the north, the town of Casiguran; 97 km. south, the district of Infanta; and, 99 km west, the town of Bongabon. The previous site of the town that was wiped out by the devastating tidal wave was renamed Kinagunasan (washed out).

Except for the memories and legend that has behind, the destruction of the old town still remains a mystery to this day.

Loading...

WHAT TO PACK FOR ERMITA HILL 

Here are some things you might consider bringing with you for your day tour / adventure:
Shopee is my go-to app for things I needed like the ones above. If you'd like discounts and vouchers, you may get the best offers here:

THINGS TO DO AT ERMITA HILL 

Here are some activities you can do during your visit to Ermita Hill:


Check Out Tombra Marina Installation

At the base of the hill, just along the highway, you’ll find this sculpture called Tromba Marina. The sculpture serves as a reminder of that incident. It depicts several residents climbing the hill and behind them is a giant wave.

Posing at Tromba Marina monument

From the Tromba Marina sculpture, you can choose to use the stairs of drive to the viewing deck area where the chapel and the tunnel are also located. Or you can opt to drive and bring your vehicle since there's parking space uphill.


Enjoy The Panoramic Overlooking View

Once you reach the uphill part of this place, there's a view deck for those who wanted to see the bay of Baler and the Sabang Beach from afar.


From here, there's also a vantage point where you can see a part of the river of Baler and the hanging bridge of Sabang.


Stop At The Chapel

There’s a chapel at the viewing deck with a very interesting marker that spoke of a tunnel here leading to Santa Elena. The marker describes the Ermita Hill Chapel, the ancient viewing point and tunnel.

Ermita Hill Chapel

Hike Up To The White Cross

If you have enough energy, go take the stairs to the cross located at the uppermost part of Ermita Hill. The stairs are different from the ones connecting the monument of Tromba Marina to the view deck area.

Stairs to the cross

From here, it will give you lush green ambiance and it doesn't have good overlooking view compared to the decks downstairs. You may appreciate the place and say a prayer while you are there.

Ermita Hill Cross

From Ermita Hill, you may go to Diguisit Beach next since it is located along the same road in Zabali.


WHERE TO STAY NEAR ERMITA HILL 

Knowing that Baler is one of the top tourist destinations in the country, finding a place to stay here is not really a big challenge but of course, it would be ideal and less hassle to book your reservations as early as possible.

Baler Nina's Transient House

There are many budget hotels, transient houses and of course those luxury hotels to stay in. You can check our list of hotels in Baler and see which one suits your budget.



Cheapest Flights and Airline Tickets Online Booking

HOW TO GET TO ERMITA HILL

There are tricycles for hire from any point in Baler that can bring you straight to Ermita Hill.


FROM MANILA TO BALER

Take a transit bus from Cubao via Genesis Bus which will take you directly to Baler. These airconditioned buses has daily trips from 3Am to 7:30 Am with 6-7 hours travel time. The fare would cost you around Php550-600 per head.

For those who are bringing own vehicle, you may use Waze or Google Maps for directions. If you don’t have a private vehicle, you can rent a car or van here.



Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Related To Ermita Hill

  • What is Tromba Marina Ermita Hill?
    Tromba Marina was the name given to the destructive tidal wave that struck Baler, Aurora on December 27, 1735. This monstrous wave caught everyone off-guard when it arrived around 2:00 AM. The town was devastated in seconds and many lives were immediately lost.

  • How many steps in Ermita Hill?
    250++ steps

You may also check my COMPLETE DIY BALER TRAVEL GUIDE with budget and itinerary.


ALSO IN BALER



IMPORTANT NOTE: The rates, contact details and other information indicated in this post are accurate from the time of writing but may change without IMFWJ's notice. Should you know the updated information, please let us know by leaving a message in the comment box below.

 history of ermita hill in baler, aurora kasaysayan ng ermita hill baler ermita hill location tromba marina ermita hill saan matatagpuan ermita hill history tagalog tromba marina ermita hill location ermita hill description ermita hill activities
Aurora Baler Luzon Philippines Tourist Spot Travel Travel Guide

No comments

Let us know your thoughts!

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)