Baler Adventure!

The Circle Hostel Baler

I love my life and my job, but sometimes, the daily grind just gets too toxic for me that at some point, I find myself aching for a vacation. Even just a short one. I'm sure I'm not alone in this. Especially for people living in the city, I know there are times when a person just wants to get away from it all. 

I was having one of these episodes when an angel sent from heaven (hi, Aldous!) invited me to go to Baler. A friend of his owns a relatively new hostel there called The Circle Hostel and he is inviting people to try it out. In addition, his friend was also going to host a mini retreat for people who are finding their purpose in life called Passion & Purpose (will blog about this later). Aaaand of course, we'll surf, eat, and explore (will blog about this later also). How could I say no?

It turns out that my friend Aldous invited three other girls whom I've never met before on the trip. Also, we were going to travel in one vehicle to be driven by the owner who is also bringing a friend who will actually start working at the hostel. I was uneasy about meeting so many new people and the thought of being with these new people for a whole weekend, but we all hit it off quickly. So folks, meet my new friends! :)

Raf, me, Aldous, Angelica, Obie, Rubie, and Claire. :) 

It took us about six hours to get to the place from Katipunan. It didn't feel too long though because the bunch of us were talking and laughing and singing on our way there. :)

The Circle Hostel. Photo taken the morning after we arrived. 

Just coming up to the door of the hostel will give you the feel that this is a fun, colorful, and laid back place.

We were told that most of the paintwork in the hostel were done by guests, and yes, there are paint cans, and guests can still paint on the walls. :)

Really, just looking around the hostel is fun. In addition to the colorful art, many quotable quotes can be found everywhere. 

The place is fun, but it is secure. Check-in time is flexible.

Reception area. Friendly staff! 

When we stayed there (October 2015), beds in a co-ed cabana were priced at Php500/night. Exclusive rooms good for two were priced a bit more at Php1,250/night. For hardcore backpackers, hammocks were also available at Php400/night. These prices change, depending on the season. 

Pricelist. 

House rules. 

Hammocks. 

We had to go upstairs to get to our room. 

Stairs going up to the rooms.

The room we stayed in has five wooden bunk beds. The walls are made of sinamay, which keeps the room cool. However, the walls also make it pretty easy for guests to hear everything going on outside. A bit of a caveat, there are videoke bars nearby, and yes, you can hear them. This didn't bother me so much, though, save for the times that I wanted to snatch the mic from whoever was singing because he/she was singing the song wrong. :p

Room entrance.

Each bed has a net for bug protection, and curtains for privacy. 

Each guest is given a pillow, a blanket, and a matress cover. The bed was comfy enough for me. 

The room also has fans for extra ventilation and of course, working lights. 

Angelica ready to sleep.

Guests can keep their things in lockers. Locks not provided. 

I don't know about you, but my number one concern about any accommodation is the bathroom situation. I am happy to report that The Circle Hostel Baler has clean wash areas and strong running water. They have working showers with heaters, and yes, their toilets have bidets and tissue. 

Sinks. 

Shower and toilet cubicles. 

The hostel serves free breakfast, which consists of bread, fruit, and peanut butter. They make their own peanut butter, and it's yummy. :). It's a shame I wasn't able to take a picture. 

Lazy morning at the hostel. 

Kitchen. 

They do serve some food items. I got to try their coffee. They have two kinds: Dipaculao (Php40), the local Baler brew, and Dark Arabica (Php60). The Dipaculao brew had a nutty flavor, and was moderately strong. The Dark Arabica was stronger and had a more bitter, acidic taste. Both were pretty good. 

Raf was also kind enough to let me try their S'mores (Php80). It's graham crackers, marshmallows, and their homemade peanut butter. And chocolate. You can't go wrong with S'moresssss. 

S'mores.

Thanks, Raf! ^_^

Guests can enjoy their meal at the tables near the kitchen, or at this cozy lounge. 

We had nice mornings at the hostel. :) 

Us girls enjoying our coffee. 

This place is so relaxing!

Right in the middle of the hostel is a skating ramp thingy! How fun! 

Of course, I had to try it!

There is also a lounge upstairs.

Stairs to the lounge.

There are board games and also some magazines and lots of outlets for charging. 

Still further up is a loft..

..where you can see a peek of the waves. :)

If you are going to Baler to have fun and make friends, The Circle Hostel is the place for you. It's budget friendly, and it's overall environment is conducive to making new friends. 

It's not at all a fancy place, and it doesn't try to be, but it's clean and comfortable. Also, they have a very friendly and accommodating staff. 

The walls are thin, so privacy may be an issue. As Raf puts it, it's not the perfect place for lovers. :| 

Find out more about The Circle Hostel at www.facebook.com/thecirclehostel or at www.thecirclehostel.com.

Will post more about Baler soon!

Be happy!

<3 Missy