Aurora's Balete Tree: The Spooky Encounter

Balete, a relative of Banyan tree, is a graceful shade tree in the Philippines which is being feared due to its haunted reputation. According to a Filipino folktale, the tree has long been associated with supernatural creatures like “kapre” (mythical tree demon), “tikbalang” (half human, half horse beings), and the legendary “white lady” (female ghost dressed in all white) which is believed to be their home. I heard a lot of spine chilling stories about this creepy tree since my childhood days and its “ghostly residents” are commonly portrayed on local horror films. And maybe my encounter with this mystical tree might explain some of its long kept mysteries.

 

 

Part of my backpacking trip to Baler, Aurora province is to see the 600 year old Balete tree of Barangay Quirino in the nearby town of Maria Aurora known as the “Millennium Tree”. It is said to be the largest of its kind in Asia and it would take 60 adults holding their hands with arms outstretched to encircle the giant tree. The tree measures about 200 feet tall; its aerial roots are around 33 to 49 feet in diameter, big enough for people to pass through. This out of the ordinary living thing is a main attraction in the province.

 

The tree grows on a private property. According to the story, the owner of the property, or a member of the family mysteriously gets ill every time they try to cut down the tree. When it was attempted to remove by a bulldozer, the bulldozer operator also gets sick until the owner decided to just leave it where it grows.

 

There’s a 20 pesos fee being collected by the caretakers before you enter the grounds and they said it goes to the Balete tree’s maintenance and safeguarding. There are also mini stores selling food and souvenir items near the tree’s premises.

My mind was blown away the moment I saw the mystic Balete tree. While it is somewhat frightening at the first glance, but seeing the tree is more like of a huge spectacle. I’ve never seen any living thing this old and monstrous, a one of a kind indeed. The tales about Balete trees that use to flash in my mind turned into an amusement when I started to gaze at it. It’s surprising that the tree has survived a lot of catastrophes and numerous attempts to dismantle it according to the townspeople.

I didn’t miss the chance to go inside the tree where it forms a hollow from its massive trunk. The chamber which was formed by the sprawling roots can also serve as a shelter to people and other animals. Walking under its roots is like being inside a tunnel with an eerie ambiance. The “spirits” dwelling within might be disturbed so I had to be extra careful while checking around.. As I look up inside its trunk, I was greeted with flashes of sunlight gleaming between the root gaps. The trunk has two passageways and people may opt to enter or get out on whichever sides they prefer.

After spending some time inside the trunk, then comes my moment to get out the tree and swing around its straggling roots. I even dared to climb as high as I can and made sure I had a nice grip so I won’t fall. You can see me here as I was dwarfed by its massive root system. The tree provides a wholesome amount of shade where people can relax and play under its wide ranging root branches.



 

You’ll be greeted by a small group of young boys upon entering the premises who will serve as guides-cum-photographer. One thing that surprised me about these kids was they know how to work with your cameras and mindful of every details just like a pro. I was accompanied by one of the boys who guided me to some of the tree's best spots.

The tree that we always thought to be haunted can actually be a dreamy and enchanting place for the most adventurous one. Balete trees might be a scary at night. But when the day becomes bright, the tree becomes a natural playground where people can adore its extraordinary charm. I highly recommended to visit this “creepy giant” and this is something that you shouldn’t miss. Aurora province is not all about surfing after all.