The Circle Hostel Zambales: So Artsy and Budget Friendly Eco-hostel

1. Drying racks
   I haven’t seen this on other hostel/resort, a small thing but so helpful on guests going back from the beach to hang their wet clothes/swimsuits. It will be more better if they placed it on a not so visible area and drying rack for boys and girls is separated.
2. Common toilet and bathroom stalls
   There are 3 toilet rooms with door and 3 shower rooms covered by a curtain in both male and female. There is a showerhead that is not working but it was not a problem for me cause they have small pail and a dipper. My only concern is the curtain because it can be easily opened by other girls while you are taking a shower if they assumed no one is using it.
3. Free use of lockers
   We forgot to bring padlocks so we just left our things on our bed. But if you are planning to stay here this hostel has lockers that you can freely use to secure your valuables.
4. Reception Hut / Store
   It is open by 8AM and closes around 11PM or until there are guests who wants to buy drinks, just ring their bell and they will surely assist you.
5. Common area
   You will surely love this area because there is an outlet wherein you can charge your gadgets. There are plenty of bean bags, throw pillows and two hammocks, making it a perfect place to rest after a long day of surfing. You can also play their ukelele and guitar and get the chance to know other travelers while drinking and playing games. Ika nga nila, #ThereAreNoStrangers.
6. Pet-friendly
7. So Artsy

Accommodation

They have 2-3 level bunks with own bedding set that they will give to you upon checking-in. Each bed has a mosquito net and curtains for your privacy. There is no air-conditioning, only wall-fans circulated around the area so the humidity is not a problem during our stay there.

Where To Eat

There is a kitchen area that you can use if you want to cook. You may also eat on the two nearest eating place – Fely’s Store and Canteen and Mommy Phoebe’s Place.

Activities

1. Surfing
   Surfboard rental – 200 PHP/hr, half-day 400 PHP for 4 hours
   Surf Instructor – 200 PHP/hr
2. Trekking to Lubong Nanguloan Falls
   Tricycle rate – 100 PHP/pax
   Guide fee – 100 PHP/pax
3. Island Hopping
4. Mountain Climbing
5. Aetas Tours – 1,500 PHP
6. Bonfire

Liwliwa Beach

Just 5 minutes from The Circle Hostel you can reach Liwliwa Beach. You can surf or just seat on the shore and watch the waves. Keep in mind that the current is strong so be cautious when you are planning to swim.

How To Get There

Address: Sito Liwliwa, San Felipe, Zambales

• By car. Drive from Manila via NLEX or SCTEX.
  Travel time: 3-4 hours
• By bus and then tricycle.
  Take Victory Liner from Pasay/Cubao Terminal to Iba Zambales and tell the bus driver or the bus attendant to drop you off in the town of San Felipe. Wag kang gumaya sakin bes sabi ko kasi, “Sa Iba kami ibaba.” Kaya ayun napamahal ng 32 pesos ang pamasahe. Sayang din yun.

Fare: 380 PHP
Travel time: 4-5 hours
Suggested departure time: 11:30pm or 5am
Expected time of arrival: If you took the 11:30pm ride you will arrive at 4am which is too early.

Where To Go Next?

• Inflatable Island, Zambales
• Magalawa Island, Zambales
• 20 Affordable Weekend Getaways Near Manila

Disclaimer: I am not sponsored or being paid by any of the brands mentioned. Some of the links in this post are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase I will earn a commission at no additional cost to you.