Bike Ride to Bale Batu, Arayat, Pampanga: “The Little Cambodia of the Philippines”

Bale Batu is being dubbed as the Little Cambodia of the Philippines probably because of its architectural structure, which is kind of similar to the temples in Cambodia. It is located in Brgy. Baliti in the municipality of Arayat, province of Pampanga. But, what is more interesting to know is the story behind Bale Batu.

With our bicycles, as early as 6 in the morning, we got ready and started pedaling to the foot of Mt. Arayat to reach Bale Batu from Balibago, Angeles City – our meeting place and starting point. We passed by three major roads: Aniceto Gueco Street, Angeles-Magalang Road, and Magalang-Arayat Road.

The 18-kilometer road going to this place is quite easy and less tiring. There are few ascends, which are mostly just the bridges. Other than that, the road is mainly flat and seems descending gradually. We finally arrived Brgy. Baliti at around 7:30 am.

P.S. I am a beginner. Thus, I am not very familiar with the terms used in cycling or biking if any that I have described. 😅

BALE BATU

Bale Batu, Kapampangan for stone house, was built by a Filipino artist named Jesus Padilla, also known as Apung Susing. Originally, Apung Susing’s house is made of wood, bamboo, kugon, and talahib. As it is situated at the foot of Mt. Arayat, termites kept on destroying his house which causes him to repair it every now and then. Also, fear that forest fire might reach and easily affect their house, he then decided to build a house that is safe from both termites and forest fire.

Funded from selling vegetables, Apung Susing started and spent half of his life building this pyramid-temple-like house during the 70’s using cement and pulverized mountain rocks. It also became his burial tomb when he died in 2007.

It is just amazing to think that the construction of Bale Batu, including the carvings on it are actually hand made. Absolutely, that is a lot of effort exerted by him.

Inside, it is quite dark. There are few ornaments displayed and there are partitions which I think are rooms, including toilet and bath. It also has a second level, where you can see the surroundings.

As I explored the surroundings, aside from the different kinds of plants and trees that added in the ambiance of this place, I also saw a pool-like structure at the back of these stone houses/huts (some are like unfinished). I must say Apung Susing’s lot area is quite big.

If Apung Susing is still alive, I think he would continue constructing anything that he might think of. Or maybe that pool-like structure (if it was really meant to be a swimming pool) I saw might have been filled with water and his grandchildren would have fun swimming on it.

For me, a deeper understanding about the story of why Apung Susing built this place is simply because he is a father, a father who loves and puts his family first. I think this drove him to make this ambitious plan of his into fruition.

Still, it also came across my mind and curious to know what was the truest inspiration of Apung Susing that led him to create and build this architectural design/structure of his. Sadly, that would remain unknown and unanswered. But indeed, this is an amazing work by the late Kapampangan artist.

By the way, you may also want to visit Gintung Pakpak Eco Park. It is just few meters away and walking distance from Bale Batu. As for us, we just had a quick photo op near the entrance.

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BIKE RIDE HOME

We left Bale Batu at around 9:00 am. Since the road going here is quite easy, it is expected that going back home was a little bit of exhausting because this time the road is false flat and the weather is very hot. We had several stops to hydrate until we finally reached home. Yet, I still enjoyed the journey and experience despite that.

HOW TO GET THERE

Via Private Vehicle: Google Maps (or Waze) is the key just like how we manage to get to this place.

Via Public Transportation:

• From Cubao Bus Terminal (Five Star or Victory Liner), take a bus that would stop at SM Pampanga, City of San Fernando (usually buses bound to Olongapo) or Marquee Mall, Angeles City. Make sure to inform the conductor about your drop-off point.
• From SM Pampanga, take a jeepney to Magalang and ask the driver to drop you off at Brgy. Buensuceso.
• From Marquee Mall, take a jeepney to Arayat and ask the driver to drop you off at Brgy. Buensuceso.
• From Brgy. Buensuceso, take a tricycle to Bale Batu or Gintung Pakpak Eco Park.

Note: Nowadays, given the pandemic, I honestly do not know if public transportation is available. It would be better to check and make sure before going there.

REMINDERS & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Entrance fee is 50 pesos per head.
• Since Bale Batu is a private property and not an official tourist attraction, let us respect the privacy of the family and be thankful that they have welcomed us in their property.
• Do not litter. Do not vandalize.
• Do not forget to bring water and wear sunscreen/sunblock especially if you choose to go here riding a bicycle.
• Best time to visit is during day time.
• Nearby attraction you can also visit is Gintung Pakpak Eco Park (walking distance, entrance fee is 150 pesos).