The last thing I would’ve expected to see in sleepy, laid-back Baler is a resort utilizing repurposed shipping containers—so when my friends from Pinas Muna showed me photos of this hip and modern concept, I knew that we need to stay there. Cube Baler is an 80-room property that’s chic and edgy (and I’m not just referring to the geometry)—a standout from the otherwise identical hotel options in surf town.
Situated 5 minutes away from Sabang Beach, Cube is an ideal hotel choice for travelers seeking to simply chill out in Baler. Whether you’re a surfer or not, the hotel’s location makes it easy for you to decide if you want to drop by the shore and ride the waves or just grab a drink and a snack in one of the beachfront shacks; alternatively, you can be all lazy and enjoy the cozy room or soak up all day in the pool with some ice-cold beer. While Cube might stick out like a sore thumb in Sabang, it still perfectly embodies the Baler lifestyle.
Read on to find out more about Cube Hotel Baler.
The Rooms
Cube's 80 rooms are built around the property like individual houses—some directly across the pool and some nestled in the quieter parts. I absolutely love the plain white aesthetics—this makes the structures stand out against the blue shades of the sky and the pool, and all the natural greens that abound.
The rooms come in twin, triple, and dorm configurations, all of which with en suite bathrooms. The Twin Room (check rates) is pretty spacious, with 2 single beds, a desk (or maybe it isn’t a desk—I used it as a dining table all throughout my stay, LOL), a flat-screen cable TV, a cabinet for your things, and great air-conditioning. I must emphasize the last one because when I saw the outside for the first time, I had this weird thought that it would be incredibly hot inside, I don’t know, haha! (As it turns out, the air-conditioning was so good I had to wear a jacket.)
The Triple Room has the same amenities, except that it has a third single bed. In fairness, even with three beds, the room didn’t feel cramped at all. They provide fresh towels as well, along with the basic toiletries; however, if you’re very particular with soaps and such, I recommend that you bring your own personal products.
There are dorm rooms available as well that can accommodate up to 4 persons in two double-deckers. One of my friends actually organized his company team building here—the number of persons the resort can accommodate makes it perfect for activities like this! For those who wish to have a receiving area and a dinette, suite rooms are also available.
The resort offers complimentary WiFi; however, the signal is strongest around the pool area. If you’re booking a room at Cube, I highly recommend requesting for a unit near the pool not only for the WiFi, but also for the convenience of simply pulling those sliding doors and jumping straight into the water.
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Dining
The resort has its own restaurant, open from 6:00 in the morning ‘til 10:00 in the evening. Checked-in guests can enjoy complimentary breakfast buffet, consisting of Filipino staples with several local specialties, as well as an all-day a la carte menu.
I love that the breakfast selection is compact—I hate the option paralysis I frequently experience in big hotel breakfasts—but really well-executed. Every dish is good. There are scrambled eggs, hard-boiled eggs, longganisa, dried fish, corned beef, salads, vegetable-based sides, delicious spiced potatoes, breads, and a make-your-own congee station. Drink choices include tea, coffee, and juices. Straight-up good food, if you ask me. I also love that you can enjoy the selections in the manner that you prefer or you’re used to. For example, most would eat eggs and corned beef with garlic rice, but they also serve pan de sal and these are great with pan de sal too! There are hard-boiled eggs that you can put into the congee.
I loved dining in the open-air restaurant because I can watch people enjoying the pool and feel the sun on my face as I savor my morning coffee. Actually, we arrived in Baler very early in the morning—just in time for breakfast. Our check-in wasn’t until noontime, but the lovely staff of Cube let us use one of the breakfast stubs already (they give you stubs upon check-in) even though that was meant for another day. Thank you, Cube!
The restaurant also offers an all-day a la carte menu, featuring American and Filipino cuisines, as well as some pasta, soups, and salads. I loved the Baler Longganisa Burger which uses local longganisa (sausage) for the bun. It is juicy and garlicky, perfect with the caramelized onions, cheddar cheese, and cherry tomato confit toppings. If you're craving for rice or for Filipino comfort food, get the Chicken Pork Adobo Big Bowl or the Beef Caldereta Big Bowl.
Other Amenities and Services
OK, so let’s talk about the pool at Cube Hotel. I love it. It’s huge, it’s beautiful, it gives you a feeling of being bounded by white, blue, and green all over. Lounge chairs shaped like fish surround the pool—perfect for lazy breaks, perhaps with some beer? The restaurant is just across so all you really have to do is signal to the servers so they can get you an ice-cold one. I love that they provide plastic mugs that you can take by the water.
At one point, my friend Ed and I even got the pool all to ourselves. Everyone else has checked out I think, the resort was so quiet, and we enjoyed the place with no crowds. Priceless moments in any vacation.
There are surfboard-shaped showers in one area, and male and female restrooms a short walk away. They also have a separate kiddie pool.
Cube is actually a sister property of Costa Pacifica, perhaps the most well-known resort in Baler. As such, Cube offers complimentary transfers to and from Costa Pacifica, perfect for guests who want to explore Sabang Beach, enjoy a delicious meal at The Beach House, or perhaps grab some drinks at Baler Beach Club. If you do happen to drop by Costa, make sure you buy some pasalubong to take home, like Nanay Pacing's Peanut Butter (so good!), Coco Jam, and my most favorite of all, addicting spiced Coconut Vinegar (I swear, you need to buy this).
Your Home in Baler
Admittedly, for a non-surfer like me, staying in Baler can be a bit too chill. However, if you love vacations that comprise lazy stays; long, indulgent meals; and options to check out some nature whenever you wish to, Baler is a destination worth exploring. To be honest, I didn’t learn to like Baler until it was almost time to head back to Manila. I’ll definitely come back one of these days and I’ll definitely love to stay at Cube Hotel again.
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Cube Baler
Seta Street Brgy. Sabang Baler, Aurora
reservations@cubebaler.com
+632.519.4249
Do you love Baler? What do you think about Cube Baler?
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