Okay, I think this has been long overdue, so while the trip is still fresh off my mind, and since there's no work today, I better go ahead and start.
Remember when I said I would try this thing called travel blogging, and that I've entered a YOLO phase with my friends? Well, I think the following post will kick it all off. So, all thanks to my friend, Ronna, who initially planned for us to go to San Juan, La Union to try surfing. Of course, being in YOLO mode, I said yes!
After researching on transportation, accommodations, surfing and wind conditions, and other expenses, we were finally set to go. Me, Ronna, and our other friend, Cheska, met up at around 9 PM in Gateway, Cubao so we could all go together to Partas Transport at the other side of EDSA. Since it was already quite late and I did not trust Cubao at all, especially at night, I suggested we take a cab to the station. A tip for taking cabs: take those that are part of a franchise group so you can be more sure of your safety. The driver of the cab we rode on agreed to taking us to our destination but kept yapping about how it was too near and that we could've just walked or taken a jeepney instead. Ugh, hate those kinds of drivers.
Well anyway, we arrived at the station at around 10 PM, and tried to buy tickets for our 12 MN trip. It turned out that we were still early so we had to sit out for another hour and wait to buy. Partas Transport Station is a small station which is situated in Aurora Blvd., and is not near the other major bus stations so it was more peaceful in their area. It wasn't the cleanest station I've been to, but there were enough benches to sit on, and it was still comfortable because there was proper ventilation and there's also a little television if you did not bring anything for entertainment.
At around 11PM, I lined up again to buy three tickets to Urbiztondo. A little while after I got them, the bus was ready to accept passengers already so we went inside. It was only a regular airconditioned bus since the last deluxe bus already left an hour before. We thought there were no seat numbers indicated so we just sat anywhere, but when another passenger who was supposedly assigned to the seats we were sitting on told us that we were assigned to another seat, we finally saw where we were supposed to go. Fail moment. Anyway, it was a clean bus, but it wasn't that comfortable since the seats were too near each other and there was little leg room. I just had to rest my feet on top of my backpack. At least the airconditioners were working well and it didn't have that weird bus smell (ever experienced that?).
The bus left Cubao on time, which was a good thing. We had two bus stops: one in Urdaneta (I'm not sure, since I didn't see any signs when I got off the bus), and one in San Fernando, La Union.When we got to San Fernando, I got off with a map and asked some drivers and conductors where we should be dropped off. Since the place we're staying at was a new destination, and the drivers had a hard time identifying the landmarks, I just stayed awake the whole time from San Fernando so I could watch out for the signs. It turned out that it was only five to ten minutes from the bayan and we got off near our destination. The bus trip was supposed to take six hours, but since we took the night trip and the bus driver drove too fast, we arrived there an hour earlier. By the way, the last destination of the bus we took was Vigan, and it passes by La Union.
We walked through a short dirt road to Circle Hostel. When we got there, the reception area was closed and everybody was still sleeping, but we still rang the bell because we were so tired and sleepy as well, and we didn't know where to wait since it was still dark. Luckily, the receptionists, Kuya Larry and his girlfriend, I think, woke up immediately and warmly received us. We paid our check-in fee (Php 400) and our deposit for the linen (Php 100 - to be given back during check-out). I wasn't able to appreciate the surroundings yet since most of the lights were turned off and I just really wanted to rest. After fixing our stuff, we finally dozed off for a bit to energize for the upcoming activity - surfing! :)
I woke up first at around 8 AM so I could prepare my swim wear and check out the area. I really like Circle Hostel's vibe - creating an open area to encourage socialization among travellers, surfers, and guests alike (a skill I will have to learn more about). What I liked most were the different paintings about living life to the fullest and loving life because of surfing. I guess the place was really a surfer's haven. I also personally liked the hammock area where there were pillows on the floor as well if you wanted to sleep there. Sleeping on the hammocks was a nice idea, but we opted for the bunk beds instead. That provided more comfort, and there was a personal kulambo for each bed as well to fight off the mosquitoes. There were also some books and musical instruments which you can spend your time with if you just want to chill and relax.
I asked Kuya Larry if it was okay to surf at this time and he said that mornings were actually the best times for beginners. I then immediately woke up my two friends and after preparing, we were set for an adventure!
The weather was nice at this time (9 AM). It was not yet too hot so it was perfect for us. Kuya Larry handed us over to our personal instructors. They first taught us the basics on land, such as how to stand up on the surfboard and what to do when we fall from it. After the orientation, we were finally brought to the water. We had a one-hour lesson in the morning and another half and an hour in the afternoon. It was really fun! It was hard to get up on the surf board and balance, but once I got the hang of it, it was easier to do. However, I still wasn't good, which was okay according to the instructors, because at least I got to experience standing on it for a long time. You may think that an hour of lessons is too short, but that one hour felt like an eternity, especially if you repeatedly fall and go back up on your surfboard. Plus, you also have to keep holding on to your surfboard when big waves come. It was really tiring to continuously do those, but I must say that it was truly worth it. It's something I would do again, if I have the time and the funds. An hour of lesson is worth Php 400 and that already includes the surfboard rental. Pretty cheap at first, but if you want to do it again and again, you may have to save up and invest more on this.
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| Our best shots. Thanks, Kuya Larry! :) |
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| Ronna, Cheska, and myself. STOKED! :) |
After surfing in the afternoon, we hung out by the beach to wait for sunset. It was really a magnificent view when we came - one of the best I've seen in my life. I love sunsets by the beach. They make me feel more relaxed and feel peaceful, watching them while hearing the waves crash into the shore as well. Me and my friends were chatting while watching then we suddenly realized: Why not make a side trip to Baguio on the next day? It was feasible, since Baguio was just a 2-hour trip from San Fernando. Well, we actually pushed through! But that I would just write about on my next post.
During the course of our trip, we've encountered some bumps here and there, and I guess the following are the tips I could give you (and things I've learned as well) so you could have an awesome backpacking trip like we did!
1. RESEARCH about your trip beforehand. This includes the exact place where you are going, your transportation to and fro (and the schedules), your accommodations, weather conditions, and expenses. Also, find out about their specialties - where to go, what to do, where to eat, what to wear, etc. It would be very helpful if you know someone who's from the place you're going to. That could help you save a lot. If you don't know anyone, there are a lot travel blogs with DIY trips. My personal favorites are SENYORITA and Ambot-ah Travel Blogs :)
2. PLAN everything before you leave your home. This is related to my first tip. Make sure you are ready and check all your things and reservations again. Don't be like us who had the map but still didn't know where we're getting off from the bus. It's nice to get lost from time to time to get the feel of backpacking, but it's not a nice feeling to get lost during the wee hours of the morning!
3. Pack LIGHT, but don't forget the essentials. This is a trick that I haven't mastered yet, because sometimes I nail it, and sometimes I just really overpack. Pack only the things that you really need: toiletries and clothes that are appropriate for your trips. Find out as well if the place where your staying offers the stuff that you forgot to bring, or those that can be lessened from your bag. It's difficult if you forgot some things that can't be bought where you're going. They may be in the form of towels, blankets, etc. I also always bring a jacket and blanket when I'm in long road trips. A friend gave me a blanket that is malong-type, so that is always handy and light to carry.
4. Bring extra money, but try your best to be EFFICIENT. Separate your money and put them in hard-to-find and secure places, such as inner pockets, notebooks, other pouches, etc., just in case of emergency. Extra money is also important just in case you run out and can't find any ATMs where you're going. However, it doesn't mean you have to spend them all. What's great about backpacking trips is that you don't need to go to expensive hotels or eat at expensive, fine dining restaurants to say that your stay was worth it. Try the turo-turo areas or the small stalls, especially if you're in the provinces. Most of the time, they provide the more authentic food from that area. You don't need to stay at expensive hotels as well; you're not going to spend most of your time there anyway.
5. SOCIALIZE. Again, this is a skill I'd have to master. It's nice getting to know the people from the place you're visiting. Try talking to them and getting to know their background. It's a humbling experience as well. During our trip, I came to know more about the instructors just by asking how long they've been teaching surfing. You can trust them, I know. But still, beware of those who take advantage, especially if they know you've got money to pay them.
6. Of course, HAVE FUN! Leave the stress in the metro, take pictures, eat lots of food, commute and get lost; there are a lot of things to do in one day. Have a worry-free trip :)
So there, good enough for a first blog post on travel? Hihi. Baguio post coming up soon! I'll post the links here as well.
ITINERARY
Friday
10 PM - Arrival at Partas Transport
Saturday
12AM - Bus to Urbiztondo
5AM - Arrival at Urbiztondo, Check-in at Circle Hostel, La Union
6AM to 8AM - Rest
8 AM - Prepare for surfing lessons
9 AM to 10AM - Surfing lessons
10 AM to 12 NN - Hang out by the beach
12NN - Lunch
1PM to 3PM - Siesta at Circle Hostel
3PM to 4:30PM - Surfing lessons
4:30 PM to 6PM - Waiting for sunset by the beach
6PM to 7PM - Preparing for dinner
7PM - Dinner
11PM - Time to sleep and get ready for an early trip to Baguio
EXPENSES
Cab to Partas Transport - Php 60
Bus to Urbiztondo - Php 400
Circle Hostel - Php 400
2 hours surfing lesson - Php 1000 (you can cut down on this)
Lunch at Seanymph Restaurant and afternoon snacks - Php 260 (you can cut down on these)
Dinner at Angel and Marie's Place - Php 204
-E
