Jamjen's lodge — Hotel in Baler

My family and I stayed at Jamjen’s Lodge on the 13th to 17th of November.||||If you’re looking for a less expensive, clean, no-fuss place to stay in Baler then Jamjen’s Lodge is your best option. It’s about a minute walk to the beach with a lot of restaurants and small sari-sari stores (convenience stores) nearby.||||Their rooms are averagely sized, very clean, and the beds were equally comfortable. We’ve asked for an extra bed and unlike other inns/hostel, they’ve provided a single foam bed instead of the usual annoying folding bed, so that was a plus. The bed sheets, pillow cases, and towels were clean and pressed as well. Their bathroom is basic but functional; I think it’s a norm in the Philippines specially if you have limited space that the shower is in the same area as the toilet bowl. This is not a problem at all as the bathroom’s size is not really that small. The also have free Wi-Fi.The lodge’s grounds and surroundings are kept by the diligent helper who comes every morning to clean the area. The owners (Marlon and Marivic) are equally helpful and nice.||||The lodge is 5-10 minutes ride to the town’s market (Pamilihang Bayan ng Baler) where you can find the bigger convenience stores, souvenir stores, and stores that sell fresh produce in case you intend to cook your own food. The bus/ city terminal is also in the same area. Just few minutes away from the lodge is the main town where you can find few of their heritage sites such as Aurora Quezon’s ancestral house, Museo de Baler, and Baler Church. These 3 places are just walking distance from each other.||Just outside the lodge, you will find tricycle drivers who offer tours + rides to more attractions for a fee. You will find the itinerary on their tricycles. If you brought your car just like us, you may, of course you’re the ever-trusty Google Maps that can take you to these places.||||Baler is a tourist-friendly town with nice people but don’t expect to see supermarkets, large malls, and popular fast food chains. You are here to enjoy Sabang Beach and the historical sites of Baler anyway. Power outage in Baler is also common, so be prepared. Overall, it’s a restful and...

When I first came to Baler I stayed at Marivic and Marlon's place. The reservations are done through SMS or phone call (highly suggested) and does not require an initial deposit. However, they only have 4 rooms with one that can fit a family of 5 (as of 2016) so better book early. Marlon offered to pick me up at the terminal for free which is awesome for a first time solo traveller like me. This is a very humble place and is perfect for backpackers. I booked a solo fan room (Php800/night) that has its own hot & cold shower. It's nothing fancy yet it's clean and spacious inside; bath towels are also provided. It's not a beach front hotel but very close to the beach; you can almost hear the waves when you leave the room. If you a want an all-day tour of Baler (Php800) Dennis will be your tour guide--he's the brother of the owner. ||||They have a small eatery and variety store where some locals (surfers and tricycle drivers) eat and buy stuff, so if you need new toiletries, or want a quick bite or craving for a hot noodle soup you can go there instead. It's a typical "tambayan" but the good thing is the locals are very respectful; you don't have to worry about the catcalls or constant stares if you're a female solo traveller. ||||What I really liked about this place (and Baler in general) are the people. Marivic and her sister toured me along Sabang Beach and Buton Street on my first night so I'd know where to eat in the next 5 days. I also got to share stories (and chicharon) with them, including some local surfers, at the eatery at night. I was away from home for a week but I felt the warmth of a family. I'm...

Owners Victoria and Marlon are the best examples of excellent customer service over and beyond. They patiently and immediately answered all text messages and phone calls to them. We were picked up and sent back to the bus terminal during our stay last week. ||||Hotel is budget friendly considering its location which is just across the Sabang beach. All basic amenities are in the hotel as clean beddings, towels, bidet, shower (cold only, which we find more appealing!), air con, tv (although not remote control, we were able to get by!), wifi which easily connects!||||No breakfast included in the hotel package but sold outside in the sari store, also owned by Jam Jen's, and costs at P 70.00 per plate, we enjoyed the bangusilog and tocilog from its breakfast menu. ||||Dennis, our assigned tricycle driver/tour guide/photographer was so accommodating to all our requests for side trips and waiting patiently to each and every tourist places we visited in Baler. Only if all tour guides around the country are as helpful, respectful and wonderful to work with as Dennis! ||||You will never regret going back to Baler with Jam Jen's as your place to stay. ||We hope to come back again before...