Well, my sister was there too. But I'd rather go with the sea, makes for better blog posts. #BetterFeels

It was more of a snap decision when we finally said we were going to Zambales. We had two weeks to prepare. It was a slightly painful 8 hour trip on the road because it's 8 HOURS and even more so because I didn't sleep the night prior. I was like a kid on the eve of her school trip. I was stoked.

Not so stoked when we set out and I had crazy eyes though.

On the road, our ride wasn't as streamlined as I thought it would be. We had to transfer a lot between buses and wait at bus stops a couple of times but I wasn't that upset since I was asleep on the bus most of the time. Sure enough all that sitting made my ass cheeks numb.





We stayed at the very backpacker friendly Circle Hostel, a quaint little place, that we used strictly for sleeping. There was no hanging out here because of the other (annoying) guests.

Rule #1 Respect other guests at the establishment. Do not sing your lungs out/play loud music until 4 fucking AM.

The place was in the province and it gets extremely quiet once the sun sets so think about that for a second. The usually open sari-sari stores closed 2 hours earlier according to my snooping sister. Why you ask? Take a wild guess.

Now look, when I say backpacker place, don't expect high quality service, accommodations and surroundings. We saw a couple of dirty diapers, tin cans, bottles and several bags of chips on our way to the beach. I would love it if the people who lived there cleaned after themselves, but who's to say these weren't the guest's fault? Sigh...humans.

Rule#2 Seeing as it's not a sought-after, commercialized, big establishment, make sure to clean after yourself. Bring trash bags so you can properly dispose them at the earliest convenience. The earth isn't a big fucking bin.


 Having said that, I still had fun at the beach. Even after all the things that upset me, I didn't mind. It was part of the experience.

 Lounging (and sleeping) for hours was a first for me. I don't think I ever slept while lying down on sand before...

Seeing the sun set at by the sea is really something else.

My sister had the best solo shots during the whole trip

I don't want to go back unless it's in a big group, 'coz let me tell you, I basically threw a lot of money during this trip. It's cheaper and more fun in a group anyway. I think La Union would be much better.



Directions to Circle Hostel: (from website)
BY BUS:

From Manila Option 1

• Take Victory Liner from the Cubao Station OR Pasay Station to Iba Zambales
• Tell the bus driver you will get down in the town of San Felipe
• From the town take a tricycle and tell them you want to go to Liwa-liwa near the pier (Sa may dating pier)
• From the town center the tricycle will pass Bobulan Elementary School and turn right.
• He will go straight to the end and make a left (you'll see an electric post with purple spray paint) then go straight until a clearing
• He'll make a right-ish straight. keep your eyes peeled for The Circle on your left!

From Manila Option 2

• Take Victory Liner from the Cubao Station to Dau Pampanga Bus Station OR take Victor Liner from the Pasay Station to Iba, Zambales
• Transfer to a bus/shuttle going to Olongapo OR Iba, Zambales
• Upon arrival in Olongapo transfer to a bus  going to Iba, Zambales
• Tell the bus driver you will get down in the town of San Felipe
• From the town take a tricycle (we paid Php 80) and tell them you want to go to Liwa-liwa near the pier (Sa may dating pier)
• From the town center the tricycle will pass Bobulan Elementary School and turn right.
• He will go straight to the end and make a left (you'll see an electric post with purple spray paint) then go straight until a clearing
• He'll make a right-ish straight. keep your eyes peeled for The Circle on your left!

Website : http://www.thecirclehostel.com/