Wave Hello To Affordable Activities in La Union (+ Commute Details)

No strangers

I’m the girl who’s always down for an adventure and there is no better time to plan one than during a long weekend. Last August, we had TWO (2!!!) long weekends so I was more than excited to tick off La Union on my bucketlist. Heading up to LU is more affordable than you think!

The Circle Hostel

I have never experienced staying in a hostel so when my friend Raf Dionisio gave me the idea, I immediately asked him if he could book me a slot at The Circle Hostel in La Union. It’s a chain of budget friendly eco-hostels in the Philippines. The best part? It is a much more affordable lodging arrangement compared to hotels and creates a positive and friendly community atmosphere amongst travelers. A place for the both artsy and adventurous, people can experience ultimate freedom when staying in The Circle Hostel.

Beach dog

My friend Denise and I did the ultimate adventure and rode a bus going to La Union. Skip the gas expenses and getting drained from driving, sometimes a commute is the better choice. Here is how to commute to La Union:

1. Head over to the Partas bus station in Cubao (call beforehand to inquire re: departure times of buses)
2. Pay Php450 bus fare
3. Get down at San Juan Surf Resort (add bus driver to drop you off here)
4. Look for Moonleaf Tea Shop and take access road leading to The Circle Hostel

Sleeping area

Once we arrived, we headed over to The Circle Hostel to settle down. The vibe exudes a fresh ambiance perfect for beach lovers and surfers. In a hostel, there is a co-ed common area with double deck beds.  This was new to me but I really enjoyed trying it out. It’s also pretty convenient that the beach is just 200 meters away from Circle.

Common area

Aside from the bunk beds, The Circle Hostel has 35 hammock spaces and a relaxing common area where you can sleep on the floor with pillows or sit back in a hammock. The best part for me is the place is powered by WiFi. It’s also strategic how they placed the charging station in the common area so you’ll have time to mingle with the other travelers.

Hip and welcoming

The rates are Php400 to 550 per night (depends if peak or non-peak season). With this rate, it’s perfect for solo travels and if you don’t mind sleeping with no aircon. When I stayed over, the wind was pretty chilly – perfect for a good night’s sleep.

Hammocks for rent

Going al fresco! It’s funny how we bumped into friends while staying in Circle. Even if it was originally planned as a solo trip, staying in a hostel led me to join a new circle of friends and met fun, new people.

Washing area

Here is the washing / shower area. Staying in a hostel is perfect for backpackers or solo travelers who don’t want to splurge getting a hotel room for 4. Try it out! To book yourself a slot, check out www.thecirclehostel.com and follow them on Instagram via @thecirclehostel. Now, time to hit the beach!

San Juan, La Union

The main event – surfing! You can rent the surf boards for Php800 – unlimited rides in a day or a trial 1-hour moment of Php350. I personally enjoyed the waves of LU better than the one in Baler. I feel like they’re more for beginners while the ones in Baler – pang pro na! 🙂

Surfing lessons | Eight Mermaid swimwear

San Juan Surf Shack

I truly enjoyed pigging out in La Union because the food places were reasonably priced – just like these delicious wraps from Surf Shack.

Fritz Uy and Reg Delos Reyes

As for the activities, everyone there really comes for the surfing but you can also rent out a paddle board. I learned that the waves during 8AM between 10AM are perfect for surfing. These two came in matching shorts – how cute!

La Senza hot pink kimono

Mornings at the beach are sooo relaxing.

Denise Villanueva

I was joined by my best friend Denise. We went through a series of unfortunate events to get to La Union but all I can say is – it was worth it!

in La Union

Thank you also to the group of Fritz Uy (Reg, Aldwin and Bianca) for adopting Denise and I into your Circle! There are indeed, no strangers in La Union.

Yuki Tansengco and Denise Villanueva

Thanks for checking out my La Union photodiary. It’s definitely a place checking out and we are so excited to go back – this time, with better surfing skills!

Hang loose,

Yuki

(Photos (c) of Style Cat)