The warm weather is here, and I know most of you are already looking for destinations to spend your summer. A place where you can relax with your friends and loved ones. Where you can soak up the sun at a beach, watch the waves as it hit the shore, witness the breathtaking sunset, and forget all your troubles and fears.
We decided to start our summer in La Union.
It is known to be the surfing capital of the Northern Philippines.
It is 4-5 hours drive from Manila via TPLEX, and it is estimated that you will travel 5 - 7 hours if you want to DIY.
For commuters, ride a bus going to San Fernando, Vigan or Laoag. It also depends on where you are staying. If you’re going to stay in San Fernando, board a bus going to San Fernando. But if you’re staying in San Juan, board a coach going to Vigan or Laoag and ask the conductor to drop you off in San Juan.
Partas Transportation
- 816 Aurora Boulevard, Cubao, Quezon City
- Tramo corner Edang St., San Roque, Pasay City
FARE (Partas Bus):
First Class Bus/Express Bus
- Cubao - P436/P524
- Pasay - P453/P541
Or you can also go to other bus terminals
- Dominion Bus Lines in EDSA corner New York St., Quezon City
- Viron Transportation Co., Inc. in 1209 Dapitan corner Blumentritt Streets, Sampaloc, Manila
Where to Stay in La Union
There are plenty of hostels and inns options in La Union. The most popular and recommended is Flotsam and Jetsam Hostel located in San, Juan/Urbiztondo.
For a hassle-free way of finding a place to stay in La Union, you can search here in Travelbook. You will see a list of affordable hostel and inns that you can book right away.
We decided to stay at Camp Avenue, located in Taboc, La Union. We wanted a different vibe and uncrowded place.
Camp Avenue is a Bali-inspired campsite which will make your boho dream come true. An oasis of tourists who just want solitude and need to take a break for a while. It’s 10-15 minutes away from San, Juan.
During weekdays (normal days) you will only spot a few campers here.
The campsite instantly gets full during weekends. So if you want to enjoy a quiet paradise and avoid human interaction, I recommend that you visit the place during weekdays.
Tent/Bali hut rental
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Apartment INDO - BALI HUT is P1,200.00 / head. It includes foam beds, pillows, blankets, towels and toiletries such as shampoo, soap and toothpaste, bottled water and the following day’s free breakfast.
- TENT RENTAL is P750/head.
Including foam insulation, pillows for throwing, toiletries such as shampoo, soap, toothpaste and next day free breakfast.
For more information/reservation you can visit their Facebook page here.
Swimming hours is from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm only.
Where to Eat in San Juan, La Union?
El Union Coffee
A favorite cafe by the road, offering mouth-watering desserts, excellent coffee blends and relaxing vibe. I only tried one of their famous dessert the Indoor Smores (P160 good for two pax), because I’m not allowed to drink caffeinated drinks since my stomach is acting up.
Tagpuan
Tagpuan is one of the most affordable places to eat in Urbiztondo. They offer Filipino dishes, and I believe that their best-seller is Pork Bagnet Rice (P120) and Beef Tapa (P95).
Other recommended restos are Flotsam and Jetsam Hostel, Surf Shack, Gefseis Greek Grill, Halo Halo De Iloko Balay, and Mad Monkeys.
Where to Go & Things to Do in La Union
Aside from Surfing, especially for Non-surfers like me, you can visit various places in La Union without spending too much.
Artsy Parking lot beside Flotsam & Jetsam
Take unlimited photos in this artsy parking lot. You have to pay P10/head for maintenance fee.
Balaoan Church
Pebble Beach
One of the most popular tourist spot in Luna, La Union.
A place of beauty where you will find a jewel-blue sea while watching the waves cascading onto the shore. It is only good for photo taking, and sunset/sunrise watching.
Baluarte Watch Tower is also a few meters away from the shore of pebble beach. According to Choose Philippines’s Blog, “It was built during the Spanish period as a solution to the frequent ransacking of Japanese, Chinese, and Moro pirates in the coastal towns of La Union.“
Bahay na Bato
It is also known as the “Stone-hand Art Gallery.” Entrance fee is P50/head. When we visited the place, the Bahay na Bato is under renovation, so we were only able to attend the Art gallery.
What’s inside was terrific. You will see 3D paintings, stone sculptures, and carvings. They also have a souvenir shop and a store with refreshments and snacks inside.
And lastly, chasing the sunset in La Union.…
Seeing the sky with a blend of reds, oranges, and yellows while the water below mirror the effect. As I stare at the sun setting, I started to feel calm and relaxed. It feels like the time is slowing down, and I am just there enjoying every minute of it.
The main reason why I love the beach or the ocean is that it makes me feel like all my difficulties and worries are so small compared to the vast sea in front of me. Like every problem are being washed away by the waves. Everything feels alright.
Sample Itinerary + Budget Breakdown
Here’s a sampleof our 3D2N itinerary:
You can download the file here.
Feel free to make any revisions or additions.
Where should I go next???
For any destination suggestions, just comment it down below.