I’ve been planning to blog a LA UNION Travel Guide since I returned from a trip with a friend this year.  Although I’ve been there before due to a blogger’s trip, I didn’t get to explore the attractions because our schedule was tight.  So when I revisited Abra recently, we made a side trip to La Union on our way back to Manila.  Fortunately, the weather cooperated so we got to explore the top tourist spots in La Union for first-timers.

BEST TIME TO VISIT LA UNION

Since the main reason tourists go to La Union is surfing, the best time to visit is during the surf season in La Union – July to October due to the South Swell and November to March due to the North Swell.  But this doesn’t mean you have to skip it during the off-peak months because this province is more than just a surfing destination.  La Union is a year-round destination because of the wealth of activities you can do here aside from surfing and I will discuss that in this blog.

HOW TO GET TO LA UNION FROM MANILA

OPTION 1

MANILA TO SAN FERNANDO LA UNION

If you are coming from Manila, you can ride a bus to San Fernando, La Union like Partas, Viron and Dominion. PHP 436 (USD 9/ SGD 12/ MYR 37) to PHP 524 (USD 10/SGD 14/MYR 44) depending on the type of bus. Travel time is about 5-7 hours depending on traffic and where you are coming from.

From San Fernando, you can take a jeep to Urbiztondo Beach or San Juan, La Union for PHP 11 (USD 0.22/SGD 0.30/MYR 0.93).  Alternatively, you can charter a tricycle for PHP 50 (USD 1/SGD 1.35/MYR 4) or PHP 25 (USD 0.49/SGD 1.35/MYR 4.23) per person.  Travel time is about 25 minutes.

LIST OF BUS TERMINAL FOR BUSES FROM MANILA TO LA UNION

MANILA TO URBIZTONDO BEACH (SAN JUAN, LA UNION)

Option 1

Partas Bus now offers direct trips from Manila (Cubao/Pasay) to San Juan, La Union (SEBAY). First trip from Pasay to San Juan, La Union is 12:00 AM and second trip is at 5:00 AM. Meanwhile, first trip from Cubao to San Juan, La Union is 1:00 AM and 2nd trip is 6:00 AM. Bus fare is PHP 524 (USD 10/ SGD 14/ MYR 44). Travel time is roughly 5-7 hours.

For return trip from SEBAY San Juan, La Union to Manila, first trip from San Juan, La Union to Cubao or Pasay is at 3:00 PM and second trip is at 10:00 PM. On the other hand, first trip from San Fernando, La Union to Cubao or Pasay is at 3:30 PM and second trip is at 10:30 PM. Bus fare is PHP 524 (USD 10/ SGD 14/ MYR 44). Travel time is roughly 5-7 hours.

*Special thanks to Karen Eugenio Ragudo for the heads up.

Option 2

Alternatively, you can ride a bus bound for Vigan or Laoag and tell the conductor or driver you are getting off at Urbiztondo Beach, San Juan, La Union.  Bus fare is roughly PHP 436 (USD 9/ SGD 12/ MYR 37) to PHP 524 (USD 10/SGD 14/MYR 44).

Option 3

Ride a bus to San Fernando, La Union. Bus fare is approximately PHP 436 (USD 9/ SGD 12/ MYR 37) to PHP 524 (USD 10/SGD 14/MYR 44).   Travel time is about 5-7 hours. In San Fernando, you either ride a jeep to Urbiztondo Beach or San Juan, La Union for PHP 11 (USD 0.22/SGD 0.30/MYR 0.93) or hire a tricycle for PHP 50 (USD 1/SGD 1.35/MYR 4)  or PHP 25 (USD 0.49/SGD 1.35/MYR 4.23) per person.  Travel time is about 25 minutes.

WHERE TO STAY IN LA UNION

Most tourists traveling to La Union pick either San Juan or San Fernando as a base.  We chose San Juan La Union since most of the budget and mid-range hotels and resorts are concentrated here.  Not to mention its proximity to the surfing beach – Urbiztondo Beach.   But San Fernando also offers good options for travelers who are willing to spend more for comfort.

Here’s a list of the best budget hotels and resorts you can find in La Union.

BEST BUDGET HOTELS/RESORTS IN SAN JUAN

The Little Surfmaid Resort

MacArthur Highway, 170 Urbiztondo, La Union, La Union

CHECK ROOM RATES HERE

Costa Villa Beach Resort

Urbiztondo, San Juan, La Union, La Union

CHECK ROOM RATES HERE

Isla Bonita Beach Resort

117, Velasco Street, Ili Sur, San Juan, La Union

CHECK ROOM RATES HERE

MIDRANGE RESORTS IN SAN JUAN, LA UNION

Kahuna Beach Resort and Spa

Urbiztondo, San Juan, La Union, La Union

CHECK ROOM RATES HERE

BEST BUDGET HOTELS/RESORTS IN SAN FERNANDO, LA UNION

CV Bed and Bath La Union

#18 Dalumpinas Oeste, San Fernando, Philippines, La Union, La Union

CHECK ROOM RATES HERE

MIDRANGE RESORTS/HOTEL IN SAN FERNANDO, LA UNION

Aureo Resort La Union

San Francisco, San Fernando, La Union, La Union

CHECK ROOM RATES HERE

Thunderbird Resorts – Poro Point

Poro Point Freeport Zone, San Fernando, La Union

CHECK ROOM RATES HERE

 RELATED POST:  LA UNION BEACH RESORTS

TOP THINGS TO DO IN LA UNION

As I said earlier, there’s a lot more things to do in La Union than surfing.  Reason why it beckons many travelers especially millennials .  I’ve handpicked some of the top places to see in La Union.  All these can be visited in 2 days, perfect for your weekend escape ..

SURF IN URBIZTONDO BEACH

La Union is synonymous to surfing, and the beach that tourists actually flock to in this massive province is Urbiztondo Beach.  Surfing in La Union reportedly started back in the 70’s when a Japanese trained the locals to surf.  But the father of the famous surfer Luke Landrigan – Brian Landrigan is credited for the popularity of La Union now in the surfing scene in the Philippines.   Surfing in La Union Urbiztondo Beach costs PHP 400 (USD 8/SGD 11/MYR 34) per hour with instructor and surf board and PHP 500 (USD 10/SGD 14/MYR 42) for half day lesson (surf board rental separate charge).  PHP 200 (USD 4/SGD 5.38/MYR 17) for surf board rental per hour.

How to get to Urbiztondo Beach in San Juan La Union:

Take a bus bound for La Union and alight at tell the conductor you are getting at Urbiztondo Beach in San Juan La Union.  Bus fare to la Union from Manila is PHP 400 (USD 8/SGD 11/MYR 34). Travel time is 5 to 7 hours depending on traffic or where you are coming from. If you are staying in San Fernando, La Union, you can just ride a jeep to San Juan and alight at Urbiztondo Beach.  Fare is PHP 11 (USD 0.22/SGD 0.30/MYR 0.93).  Alternatively, if you are in a group, you may take a tricycle to Urbiztondo Beach from downtown La Union for PHP 50 (USD 1/SGD 1.35/MYR 4), good for two or PHP 100 (USD 2/SGD 3/MYR 9), good for 4 persons.

TREK AND SWIM AT TANGADAN FALLS

Tangadan Falls in San Gabriel La Union lures weekenders who seek other adventures in La Union aside from surfing.  Be warned that trekking is involved here, you need to hike for about an hour to get to the waterfalls.  The trail is pleasantly forest-fringed and requires river trekking. There are 2 key falls here, the first one you’ll encounter is a perfect place for cliff jumping, while the main falls – Tangadan Falls is perfect for swimming.  Life jackets are for rent for PHP 50 (USD 1/SGD 1.35/MYR 4).  Bamboo rafts are also available at the main waterfall.

How to get to Tangadan Falls

From San Juan or San Fernando La Union, ride a jeep to San Gabriel.  Tell the driver you are going to Tangadan Falls so he can drop you at the tricycle lane bound for the waterfalls.  Jeep drivers in La Union are really helpful, so don’t be shy to ask.  Jeep fare to San Gabriel is PHP 19 (USD 0.38/SGD 0.51/MYR 1.61).   Charter a tricycle to the trailhead to Tangadan Falls, fare is PHP 50 (USD 1/SGD 1.35/MYR 4) or PHP 25 (USD 0.49/SGD 1.35/MYR 4.23) per person.

At the checkpoint, pay the PHP 30 (USD 0.59/SGD 0.81/MYR 2.54) entrance fee per person.  At the trailhead, hire a guide to take you to Tangadan Falls, guide fee is PHP 500 (USD 10/SGD 13/MYR 42).

Alternatively, from San Juan or San Fernando, you can charter a tricycle to Tangadan Falls jumping-off point for the trek. Just approach a tricycle driver or hail a tricycle. Fare is PHP 500 (EURO / USD 10/ SGD 13/ MYR 42), one way, good for 3-4 persons. Guide fee not included yet.

ALSO READ: TANGADAN FALLS TRAVEL GUIDE

PICK GRAPES AT LA UNION GRAPE FARM

 

Thanks to the recent rise to fame of La Union Grape Farms located in Bauang, La Union, Filipinos are now aware that there are grape farms in the Philippines. But when is the best time to visit the La Union Grape Farm? Grape picking season in La Union usually falls around March to May.  But best to contact the grape farms in advance to be sure. Despite the popular belief that Avelino Lomboy, dubbed as the “King of Grapes in the Philippines” and owner of Lomboy Farm started the first vineyard in the Philippines, Gapuz Grape Farm which we visited claims that Alfonso Aromin was actually of the first grape growers in La Union.  He is the owner of Aromin’s Vineyard founded in 1971.

For a list of La Union Grape Farms, ALSO READ: LA UNION GRAPE FARMS TRAVEL GUIDE

How to get to La Union Grape Farms in Bauang:

If you are coming from San Juan, you may take ride the jeep to San Fernando and instruct the driver to drop you off at the jeep terminal to Bauang, La Union. Ride the jeep to Bauang and tell the driver you are alighting at Brgy. Urayong. Jeep fare to Bauang, La Union is PHP 11 (USD 0.22/SGD 0.30/MYR 0.93).  Alight in front of Bauang Church and rent a tricycle to La Union Grape Farm.  There are many grape farms in Bauang so just tell the driver where you want to go.  Some of the popular grape farms in La Union are: Gapuz Grape Farm, Mangguera Grape Farm, Lomboy Grape Farm and Calica Grape Farm.  One way tricycle fare is PHP 100 (USD 2/SGD 3/MYR 8).  But since the grape farms are far from the town proper, I suggest you talk to the driver and ask him to wait for you for your return trip. You can negotiate the amount for your return and wait time. Otherwise, you can hire motorcycles to take you back to Bauang Proper or to the highway where you can wait for buses back to Manila.

EXPLORE MACHO TEMPLE

The 7-storied Macho Temple in San Fernando, La Union is blissfully standing on a hill.  This Taoist Temple is dedicated to Mazu, a Chinese sea-goddess. Must-see here are the Liang Thing Pagoda, the Bell Tower and the Drum Tower, the Majestic Five Door Gate, the Bamboo Garden and the golden emblem of the dragon.

How to get to Macho Temple in San Fernando, La Union:

From San Juan, La Union, ride the jeep to San Fernando. Fare is PHP 11 (USD 0.22/SGD 0.30/MYR 0.93).  In San Fernando, hire a tricycle to take you to Macho Temple.  Fare is about PHP 10 (USD 0.20/SGD0.27/MYR 1) – PHP 20 (USD 0.39/SGD 0.54/MYR 2) per person.

VISIT BALAY NA BATO

If you’re in Luna, La Union, don’t miss the charming Balay na Bato in Brgy. Nalvo Norte fronting the azure pebble beach.  This small yet stylish house was built out of woods and pebbles from the nearby beach.  The house is peppered with stone sculpture created by a Korean named Bong Kim.  There is also a 3D House inside the Balay na Bato vicinity and a gallery showcasing handcrafted goods and textiles that visitors can buy as souvenirs.  Entrance fee is PHP 30 (USD 0.59/SGD 1/MYR 3).

How to get to Balay na Bato

From San Fernando or San Juan, ride a jeep to Luna town.   Fare is PHP 30 (USD 0.59/SGD 1/MYR 3).   At Luna, charter a tricycle to take you to Balay na Bato, one way fare is PHP 50 (USD 1/SGD 1.35/MYR 4), good for two persons.

MARVEL AT  THE SIGHT OF THE PEBBLE BEACH

La Union is pretty known for its picturesque pebble beaches and you can find them sprinkled in the town of Luna.  While the Pebble Beach Resort is where most tricycle drivers will take you, I recommend going to the one near Balay na Bato instead.  Because the former is almost stripped of pebble beaches, same with the pebble beach near Luna’s Watch Tower.  The Pebble Beach near Balay na Bato is still fringed with smooth pebbles.  But I wouldn’t be surprised if in the future they become devoid of pebbles because it seems the local government unit is not prohibiting the locals from gathering and selling the pebbles. Which is unfortunate if you ask me.

How to get to Pebble Beach (near Balay na Bato)

From San Juan or San Fernando, board a jeep to Luna.   Fare is PHP 30 (USD 0.59/SGD 1/MYR 3).   At Luna, ride a tricycle to Balay na Bato, one way chartered fare is PHP 50 (USD 1/SGD 1.35/MYR 4), good for two persons.

 SEE LUNA’S WATCH TOWER

Luna’s Watchtower is strategically located along the coast near the town center.  It was built in the olden day to warn the citizens of impending raids.

How to get to Luna’s Watchtower

From San Fernando or San Juan, ride a jeep to Luna town.   Fare is PHP 30 (USD 0.59/SGD 1/MYR 3).   At Luna, charter a tricycle to take you to Luna Watchtower.

VISIT NAMACPACAN CHURCH

Once you reach Luna, the beautiful Namacpacan Church (Santa Catalina de Alexandria Church) crowning the town center will welcome you.  This beautiful Baroque Church was declared a National Cultural Treasure.  Inside the church lies the image of Apo Baket, a venerated image of the Virgin Mary believed to be miraculous.

How to get to Namacpacan Church

Hop on a jeep to Luna Town from San Juan or San Fernando. Fare is PHP 30 (USD 0.59/SGD 1/MYR 3).  Alight at the town center near Luna’s Church.

WHERE TO EAT IN LA UNION

One of the top things to do when in La Union is food trip. San Juan is peppered with stylish restaurants. Here are some of our favorites. We actually tried more restaurants, but we didn’t like the food, so I didn’t include it in this list. I’ll write a more detailed review soon.

OLAS BANDITOS

Address: San Juan, La Union
What to Order: Burrito, quesadilla and tacos

MAD MONKEYS

Address:Manila North Rd., Urbiztondo, San Juan, La Union
What to Order: Burger

SURF SHACK

Address:239 National Highway Brgy. Urbiztondo, San Juan, La Union
What to Order: Binacotan pizza, Carmen’s Best Ice cream

HALO-HALO DE ILOKO

Address: Zandueta St, San Fernando, La Union
What to Order: Halo-halo

KAIZEN IZAKAYA & JAPANESE RESTAURANT

Address: Planet G, Urbiztondo, San Juan La Union
What to Order: Sashimi boat

TAGPUAN

Address: Manila North Rd., Urbiztondo Beach, San Juan, La Union
What to Order: Pork bagnet rice

LA UNION ITINERARY WITH EXPENSES (2 Days 1 Night)

Here’s a sample La Union 2 days 1 night itinerary, perfect for travelers who wants to spend a weekend here .  Feel free to adjust this based on your schedule and budget.  The budget mentioned is based on two persons traveling to La Union. I also blogged about the expenses for each activities below.

This budget of approximately   PHP 3,145 (USD 62/SGD 85/MYR 267) -for La Union trip (2 days 1 night) is if you are a party of two, and you stick to a PHP 150 (USD 3/SGD 4/MYR 13) per meal budget and supposing you are able to book a room for PHP 600 (USD 12/SGD 16/MYR 51) per person.  This budget can go lower if you’re not doing the other activities, for example the grape farm (if it’s not grape picking season) or the surfing lesson (if you know how to surf, you can just rent a board for PHP 200 (USD 4/SGD 5.38/MYR 17).  You can also book cheaper rooms for PHP 300 (USD 6/SGD 8/ MYR 25) per person (see the list of best budget hotels/resorts in La Union).

If you are traveling solo to La Union and you will follow the itinerary above, La Union trip budget for 2 days 1 night is about PHP 3,751 (USD 74/SGD 101/MYR 318). You can bring this down if you’re able to book a cheaper room or if you join other tourists to Tangadan Falls (perhaps approach them or talk to them at the trailhead to Tangadan falls and share the guide fee).

LA UNION BUDGET

Here’s a list of possible expenses that you might incur when traveling to La Union and visiting the places I mentioned above.

ALSO READ:

TOP ATTRACTIONS IN LA UNION AND HOW TO GET THERE

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