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.
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
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
- * - * -
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
Environmental fee PHP 30
Raft to go under the falls PHP 30/person
Life-vest PHP 50
Norelli - Me - Alvin - Josamm - Gladys - Krizzy - Kim
- * - * -
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.
- * - * -
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!!!!
- * - * -
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. :)
Have you been to San Juan, La Union?
Do you have any suggestions to add on my list? Comment them below.
Love the photos! I'm thankful for this post as I'm drafting out my backpacking itinerary and we'll be stopping at LU then so this is really helpful. BTW, what's the font you used in your cover photo? If you don't mind ;)
ReplyDeleteNikaia | www.wheresnika.com
Yay! Glad you found this helpful, Nika! The font is Hijrnotes! ♥
DeleteWhen I was still taking my undergrad course in Baguio, LU has been our go-to place during sem-enders. Good thing we have a friend who lives near San Juan so we had no problem when it comes to accommodation (and food). Haha! We've tried hostels too, and I think they are pretty cheap compared to other beach destinations. But I'll definitely try those food spots on my next visit. I've heard a lot about them!
ReplyDeletexx, The Diary Queen
I agree! Accommodations in La Union is very cheap compared to other tourist spots in Luzon. Sobrang pasok sa budget pati ang pamasahe. :D
DeleteGreat post!!!!
ReplyDeleteKisses
Marta
www.lagattarosablog.it
Thanks, Marta.
DeleteWhat a beautiful place. Anywhere that you can surf and hike is good with me.
ReplyDeleteI agree! There are a lot of places here in the Philippines that have surf spots and hiking trails. :)
DeleteVery nice place for this coming summer season. What are the upcoming summer events in La Union?
ReplyDeleteI'm not aware, sorry! :)
DeleteI love how you mentioned a lot of think to do outside. I love to explore and be out and about when I visit new places.
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked it, Keoshia! :)
DeleteThis looks like a beautiful place to go! I don't foresee any overseas traveling any time soon, but I do love traveling somewhere near the water!
ReplyDeleteConsider Philippines! :D
DeleteThese are all such great photos. I'd love to visit that waterfall and go to the beach.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteMade me miss La Union so bad!!! I miss surf shack's pizzas!!! :(
ReplyDeletexx jhanzey.net
Thanks, Jhanz! Let's go back!!! :D
DeleteMy 2 favorites are trek and eat and repeat!!! Looks like a fun place to visit
ReplyDeleteTotally! Felt closer to nature :)
DeleteI have never been, but this looks like so much fun! I love the waterfalls! They are so enchanting to me. I would love more places to visit!
ReplyDeleteConsider visiting Philippines in the future! :)
DeleteI love anywhere there is water. It looks like a dream. It's beautiful.
ReplyDeleteIt's great, really! :) But hey, there are more waterfalls here in the Philippines! :)
DeleteI've never been but it sounds like so much fun and I love all of the pics you included!!! Seems like an awesome place
ReplyDeleteIndeed! Thank you. :)
DeleteSeems like a budget friendly place to visit! I love to experience surfing too! Hopefully I can visit Philippines soon!
ReplyDeleteYes, it's very budget friendly! And you can explore the place in less than two days!
DeleteI have a 5 year old .So all holidays we head to a beach.Love the sea.Enjoyed the pics
ReplyDeleteThanks, Amrita! I'm a beach lover as well!
DeleteHow good you decided to do this instead! It must be really wonderful there. Thanks a lot for sharing.
ReplyDeletexx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
www.dressedwithsoul.com
Thanks, Rena! ♥
DeleteSan Juan looks like a beautiful destination for a weekend escape! Looks like you had a wonderful time there!
ReplyDeleteWe did! San Juan was wonderful. :)
DeleteGlad you liked our place! The next time you visit, try El Union's Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwich!
ReplyDeleteYeah, sayang nga di namin napuntahan El Union! I'll be back for sure! ♥
DeleteThis was our target destination last year. I enjoyed surfing in Baler, so I wanted to visit La Union too. Anyway, the plan still remains a plan. Hahaha.
ReplyDeleteYou might want to visit Sundowners Vacation Villas :) it's a perfect place to relax with friends and family.
Thanks for the suggestion, Karen!
DeleteIf you ask me, mas bet ko pa rin ang Baler. ♥
I haven't been to LU despite the distance lang niya from Manila. Haaay nako! Bet ko yung chill night lang. There's music tas kwentukwentuhan lang by the beach. That is life! haha! And the falls too. From 1/10 gano kahirap yung trek?
ReplyDeleteLeggo!!! Sobrang chill lang talaga.
DeleteIf I have to rate the trek, it would be 1 (1 being the lowest). Sobrang dali lang talaga haha mahaba lang at mainit.
Those sunset photos are so gorgeous!
ReplyDelete7% Solution