Imagine being conveyed to a different place in a nick of time? One time you’re in Urbiztondo Beach in San Juan, dappled with tourists learning how to surf, next thing you know, you are hiking a jungle-clad trail and river crossing to Tangadan Falls in the neighboring town of San Gabriel. It is a popular waterfall in La Union, a perfect side trip when visiting San Juan. I’ve included the directions here on how to get to Tangadan Falls, including the estimated budget to help you plan your itinerary on your next trip to La Union.
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HOW TO GET TO TANGADAN FALLS IN LA UNION
Option 1
To get to Tangadan Falls in La Union, from Manila, take a bus bound for La Union like Partas (Cubao & Pasay), Farinas (Cubao), Viron (Cubao and Sampaloc), Dominion (Cubao) and Philippine Rabbit (EDSA Balintawak and Manila). Fare is roughly PHP 400 / USD 7.94, travel time is about 5-7 hours. You may also ride a bus bound for Vigan and Laoag. Get off at San Fernando or San Juan (Urbiztondo Beach) and ride a jeepney bound for San Gabriel. Jeepney fare is PHP 19 / USD 0.38, travel time is about 25 minutes. Tell the driver you are going to Tangadan Falls so he can drop you off at the tricycle lane. Take a tricycle to Tangadan Falls jumping-off point. Minimum fare is PHP 50 (PHP 25 per person).
Pay the PHP 30 / USD 0.30 per person Tangadan Falls entrance fee. Hire a guide to Tangadan Falls, this trail will require river trekking in Baroro River. Guide fee is PHP 500 / USD 9.92 (good for 1-6 persons). Trek is about 1 hour, it’s an easy trek and you will see a smaller falls that is perfect for cliff jumping before the main attraction – Tangadan Falls. I encountered some kids and elderly doing the trek, but I won’t encourage it as the river crossing is slippery. The river here is sprinkled with gigantic rocks so it’s quite dangerous if they slip. There are life jackets for rent at PHP 50 / USD 0.99 in case you want to cliff jump or swim.
Option 2
If you have a private vehicle, you can alight at the trailhead to Tangadan Falls beyond San Gabriel where you need to trek to the waterfalls for roughly 20 minutes. Pay the PHP 30 / USD 0.30 per person Tangadan Falls entrance fee. Hire a guide, fee is PHP 500, good for 1-3 persons.
Option 3
If you are traveling with some friends, 3-4 people. You can hire a tricycle at San Juan, La Union (near the tricycle lane at Mad Monkeys) for PHP 500 to take you directly to Tangadan Falls trailhead. But you still need to pay the PHP 30 / USD 0.30 Tangadan Falls entrance fee and the PHP 500 / USD 9.92 guide fee.
TANGADAN FALLS TRIP BUDGET
Here’ a sample list of expenses, trip budget for Tangadan Falls in La Union. I was traveling with my good friend Marcos so we shared the cost of guide fee and tricycle fare.
| EXPENSES | ACTIVITIES |
| PHP 19 | Jeepney fare to San Gabriel from San Juan, La Union |
| PHP 19 | Jeepney fare to San Juan from San Gabriel |
| PHP 50 (PHP 25 per head) | Tricycle fare to Tangadan Falls trailhead from San Gabriel |
| PHP 50 (PHP 25 per head) | Tricycle fare to San Gabriel from Tangadan Falls trailhead |
| PHP 30 | Entrance fee |
| PHP 500 | Guide fee |
| PHP 618 | TOTAL |
If you are traveling alone, estimated cost is PHP 618 / USD 12.26, but if you have a travel buddy, prepare around PHP 368 / USD 7.30 per person as you will most likely share on the guide fee. Will write a detailed itinerary and travel guide about La Union soon.
ALSO READ: HOW TO GET TO LA UNION GRAPES FARM
WHERE TO STAY IN LA UNION
BUDGET
Costa Villa Beach Resort
Urbiztondo, San Juan, La Union, La Union
Bali Hai Beach Resort
Parungao, Bauang, La Union, La Union
Puerto de San Juan Hotel Resort
San Juan Street, La Union, La Union
China Sea Beach Resort
Paringao, Bauang, La Union, La Union
MIDRANGE
Awesome Hotel
319 Eagle St. Ili Norte San Juan, La Union
HIGH END
Thunderbird Resorts – Poro Point
Poro Point Freeport Zone, San Fernando, La Union
TANGADAN FALLS TRAVEL TIPS
Smoking is prohibited at Tangadan Falls. They have strict penalties.
Tangadan waterfalls is only open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Avoid visiting during the weekends and holidays as it can get too crowded.
ALSO READ:
HOW TO GET TO TANGADAN FALLS IN LA UNION
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