The Circle Hostel: Where Budget-Conscious and Artsy Travelers Meet

BALER, AURORA – You’re a bit adventurous yet still conscious about the budget. Or maybe you love color, and a bit of art.

Surfboards. Wall Paints. Handwritten Dedications. Hammocks. Pebbles.

These, along with the Nipa huts and a simple native common area, are what make The Circle Hostel an artsy yet budget-friendly hostel, a home away from home.

This hostel proves you don’t need a posh hotel for the experience of a lifetime. Sometimes all you need are new would-be friends, Instagram-worthy photos, and some good food. With those and a great experience in mind, the Circle Hostel is the place to be — at least when your destination is this surfing haven.

“First time is always the best time to remember.”

It sounds more like fact to me than just a nice-sounding line worthy of a Facebook post. This was my first time staying in a hostel. I’m no introvert, but I sometimes hate being surrounded by a lot of people, especially strangers who are mostly experts at things I’m just starting to learn — surfing, for instance. I get intimidated easily.

Hostels are a magnet for people. Hostels in the Philippines, particularly in surfing destinations like La Union, Siargao, and Baler, are like sweet candy left in the middle of an ant colony — they attract them so easily.

Without much preparation, our original plan was to go glamping, but it sounded boring after some spirited discussion, so the next plan had to do: stay in a hostel, mingle with people, and go surfing with the locals. I was hesitant at first, but it turned out to be the best time to try staying in one. So together with a friend, I booked a bus trip to Baler for the weekend.

After a few hours of travel from Manila, we found ourselves unpacking in one of the hostel’s rooms. A simple Nipa hut that accommodates groups large or small, couples, or solo travelers, the hostel offers not just the usual comforts but a great backdrop for photos too.

The Circle Hostel photo of the common area

This is the common area for the guests of The Circle Hostel in Baler. Visitors could use the hammocks to either take a nap or read their favorite books.

These hammocks serve as the bed for the super-budget travelers who would rather stay outdoor and just take a few hours of sleep.

Local surfers were around to mingle and swap stories of great surfing escapades, including the best spots in town. They even invited us to join one of their surfing sessions in the nearby town.

There are common wash rooms and shower rooms for everyone’s use. The common kitchen offers free food, including free breakfast, and they also take short orders — their pastas are delicious, and meals stay well within budget.

A simple meal costs only around P100-P200 ($2-4).

The common area was my favorite place when trying to be idle. While their brewed coffee is less than P100 (US $2), I brought sachets of Starbucks Matcha with me. Cups and mugs are free to use and they provide hot and cold water as well.

As with most local hotels, the Filipino hospitality shows here too. Ask anyone around, and you’ll get the kindest response.