SEE: Things to do in San Juan, La Union

Lately, everyone seems to be heading to La Union for its beaches, restaurants, and surfing spots. That is why my friends and I decided to have a weekend getaway to San Juan to check it out for ourselves. Keep reading to know more about our quick escape!

How to get to San Juan, La Union

1. Ride a bus from Cubao heading North (Vigan or Laoag).

• Dominion Bus Terminal (PHP 390) EDSA corner New York Avenue. Route will pass through TPLEX that will take 5-6 hours.
• Partas Bus Terminal (PHP 425) along Aurora Blvd. Journey to La Union will take 6-8 hours.

2. Get off at San Juan Surf Resort or Costa Villa which is just a few kilometers away from each other.

Things to do in San Juan, La Union

SURF. La Union is most known for its majestic waves. In San Juan alone, numerous beaches have already become popular surfing spots for beginners and skilled surfers alike. 

Just a few steps outside where we stayed (Costa Villa) is a surfing spot. However, the waves were crazy wild that day so the trainers led us to a much more subtle beach with waves perfect for beginners.

Surfboard PHP 200/hr
Surfboard with trainer PHP 400/hr

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TREK. A not-so-hidden gem in La Union is Tangadan Falls, which is 30 minutes away from San Juan city proper. Our hotel arranged for a jeepney to drop us off at the starting point of the trail. There, the guide briefed us that we will be trekking for more or less an hour to the falls. The trail itself was bearable, and the scenery we pass by were serene and breath-taking.

Environmental fee PHP 30
Raft to go under the falls PHP 30/person 
Life-vest PHP 50  

Norelli - Me - Alvin - Josamm - Gladys - Krizzy - Kim

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EAT AND REPEAT. If you opt for a relaxing stay in LU, you might want to check chill foodie hubs we came across in San Juan.

• Flotsam and Jetsam Hostel. First resto we visited in San Juan. Great ambiance, pricey food. I recommend going here at night instead of lunch time.
• Surf Shack. We rode a jeepney from Costa Villa to San Juan city proper, however, we were craving for rice so we opted for another restaurant.
• Mad Monkeys. We considered eating here for lunch but there were no more tables available.
• Angel and Marie's Place. This is where we had lunch after 2 restaurants later. They offer the best home-cooked breakfast meals. 

 

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CHILL AT NIGHT. Unlike Boracay's crazy night scene, La Union offers mellower hippie ambiance. We headed to Flotsam and Jetsam Hostel (again) and discovered our new favorite night place in LU. Beach mats were spread-out across the shore with huge pillows and colorful bean bags. Best part is - they have awesome 70's and 80's music!!!!

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WATCH THE SUNSET. Just a recap on our geography subject, La Union is at the west side of the Philippines overlooking the Philippine Sea, meaning the sunset is fully visible by the beach. We literally chased the sunset because we just finished surfing and quickly headed to the beach to watch the picturesque scene.  

This February 2017 was my first time in La Union and I'm certain that this won't be my last. I have yet to explore different places in La Union, not just in San Juan. Hopefully, there will be a part two of this blogpost soon. :) 

Most pictures used in this post belongs to my friend and photographer, Josamm Felices.

Have you been to San Juan, La Union?

Do you have any suggestions to add on my list? Comment them below.