Exploring La Union, the surfing capital of the north

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There are three famous surfing destinations in the Philippines – the one in the south is Siargao and the other two are in the north, Baler and La Union.

La Union offers also a good beach as well if you do not want to go surfing and you only want to relax and enjoy nature.

In the town of Bauang, you will find Baccuit Sur, Paringaw and Taberna beaches while in the town of San Fernando, they have Canaoay, Carlatan and Poro Point beaches.

For first-timers in La Union, we highly suggest to experience surfing and at the same time, visit some of the famous tourist spots to maximize your overnight stay in the province.

Here are the places that you can visit in La Union.

Tangadan Falls

Tangadan Falls is located in San Gabriel, La Union. It takes about 45 – 60 minutes going to the base camp via a jeepney and more or less 15 – 30 minutes walking/trekking (depending on your pace) going to the falls. Php 250.00 per head is the cost for the tour guide and jeepney ride.

The water is clear… and cold! But once you soak your whole body, you will enjoy the fresh and clean water of the falls.

To me, the most memorable part in going to Tangadan Falls is by riding on the top of the jeep.

Baluarte Ruins

There is no entrance fee at Baluarte Ruins. This is only good for a photo-op. *wink*

Kamay na bato (Stone hand) Art Gallery

Kamay na bato Art Gallery is just a few minute drive from Baluarte ruins. In this place, you will see the handcrafted arts by Mr. Bong Kim, who is married to a Filipina.

Man-made forest

Appreciate the greatness of human and love the beauty of nature – that is the man-made forest located at Bacnotan-Luna-Balaoan Road.

Warning: Take a photo at your own risk

Surf at the beach

Of course, this is one of most thrilling part of the trip… to surf! Experience the waves and beautiful sunset at the beach.

Ma-Cho Temple

Ma-Cho Temple is located at Quezon Ave., San Fernando, La Union. The Taoist temple was built in 1977 by a group of Filipino-Chinese devotees. No matter what your religion is, the temple is open to the public.

You can take photos and videos outside the area but not inside the temple.

Poro Point Lighthouse

Same thing with Baluarte Ruins, this place only deserves a few minutes of photo-op… like this.

Grapes farm (Gapuz Ancheta Salino)

Before leaving La Union, better experience yourself picking grapes at the farm. You will pay per kilo the grapes that you harvested. They sell grapes and blueberry juice as well.

Where to eat

How to get to La Union

By Private Vehicle

You may use Waze or Google Maps for your navigation especially if long driving is your hobby. You will not get lost if you pin Flotsam and Jetsam.

By Bus

There are various bus liners that are going to La Union and one of them is Partas Bus. You may see the schedule and rate in phbus.com.

There are many accommodations that you can choose from in La Union. Of course, better book them ahead of time to avoid any hassle in your trip.

If you want a hassle-free vacation, JMX Travel and Tours is offering a La Union trip package. Their staff are nice and accommodating. You may contact them in their facebook page.

Sample Itinerary

Day 0

1:00 AM – Departure from McDonalds, Quezon Ave cor. West 4th Street
5:00 AM – Exit and Stop-over at Pozorrubio, Pangasinan (TPLex)

Day 1

7:00 AM – Arrival at San Gabriel, La Union
7:00 – 8:00 AM – Breakfast
8:00 – 8:05 AM – Travel going to jeepney terminal
8:05 – 9:00 AM – Jeepney ride from terminal to Tangadan Falls
9:00 – 9:30 AM – Trek going to Tangadan Falls
9:30 – 10:30 AM – Swimming at Tangadan Falls
10:30 – 11:00 AM – Trek back to the base camp
11:00 – 11:45 AM – Jeepney ride going back to Jeepney terminal
11:45 – 1:00 PM – Lunch
1:00 – 1:15 PM – Travel to Baluarte Ruins
1:15 – 1:30 PM – Photo-ops at Baluarte Ruins
1:30 – 1:40 PM – Travel to Kamay na bato Art Gallery
1:40 – 2:00 PM – Photo-ops at Kamay na bato Art Gallery
2:00 – 2:20 PM – Travel to man-made forest
2:20 – 2:40 PM – Photo-ops at man-made forest
2:40 – 3:00 PM – Travel to Basallo’s transient
3:00 PM – Check-in at Basallo’s transient
3:00 – 3:30 PM – Prepare for surfing/swimming
3:30 – 5:00 PM – Surfing/Swimming
5:00 – 6:00 PM – Rest/Prepare for dinner
6:00 – 7:00 PM – Dinner
7:00 – 9:00 PM – Socials
9:00 PM – Lights off

Day 2

7:00 – 8:00 AM – Breakfast
8:00 – 8:30 AM – Prepare for surfing/swimming round 2
8:30 – 10:00 AM – Surfing/Swimming
10:00 – 11:00 AM – Rest/Prepare for lunch
11:00 – 12:00 PM – Lunch
12:00 – 12:15 PM – Travel to Ma-Cho Temple
12:15 – 12:45 PM – Photo-ops at Ma-Cho Temple
12:45 – 1:10 PM – Travel to Poro Point Lighthouse
1:10 – 1:25 PM – Photo-ops at Poro Point Lighthouse
1:25 – 2:10 PM – Travel to Gapuz/Ancheta/Salino Grapes farm
2:10 – 3:00 PM – Grape-picking and photo-ops at at Grapes farm
3:00 PM – Travel back to Manila

Other options:

Thunderbird La Union (Php 500.00 entrance fee per head)

Budget

Meal

Breakfast Day 1 – Php 700.00 per head head at carinderia near jeepney terminal going to Tangadan falls
Lunch Day 1 – Php 700.00 per head at carinderia near jeepney terminal going to Tangadan falls
Dinner Day 1– Php 2800 for 10 pax at Mang Elyu Boodle Island
Breakfast Day 2 – Php 120 per head at McDonalds 🙂
Lunch Day 2 – Php 1200 for 10 pax at Bless Mamihan and Bulaluhan

Others

Surf board rental and instructor fee – Php 500 per hour per head
**Grapes and Blueberry juice – Php 2700 for 12 bottles + 3 free bottles
**Grapes – Php 350.00 per kilo (price may vary depending on the season)

Entrance/Environmental/Parking Fee

Tangadan Falls – Php 250.00 per head
Kamay na bato Art Gallery – Php 25.00 per head
**Parking at Kamay na bato Art Gallery – Php 50.00 per vehicle for 10 pax sharing
**Parking at Grapes farm – Php 50.00 per vehicle for 10 pax

** Expenses can be shared to others

Summary

Meal – Php 660.00 per head
Entrance/Environmental/Parking Fee – Php 285 per head
Total cost per head = Php 945.00 per head
Total cost per head (including other expenses) = Php 1750.00 per head

Note: Hotel or transient cost, and van rental or gas/toll are not included as it may vary depending on which one you will avail or use.