LA UNION ON A BUDGET: Travel Guide & Itinerary

LA UNION ON A BUDGET: Travel Guide & Itinerary

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As I dipped my toes in the sand and watched yet another glorious sunset, I began to wonder why I had never been here before.

La Union isn’t that far and I had frequented destinations more remote and harder to reach than this, but this was my first time in this often overlooked province since I started travel blogging six years ago. To me, La Union was just one of the provinces to pass through en route to Ilocos or Baguio City. Such a shame really, especially upon seeing first-hand just how enjoyable a quiet moment here can be. A small crowd of surfer was cheering in the distance, but their laughter was more like a gentle score playing as the waves danced. La Union is absolutely worthy of a stop.

THEPOORTRAVELERKLOOK

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

Understanding La Union

Cornered by the Cordillera Mountains to the West Philippine Sea, La Union is an arid strip of land that gained prominence over the past years as the Surfing Capital of Northern Luzon. Of all the surfing hotspots, it is one of the most easily accessible, only 6-7 hours on paved roads, and one of the most tourism-ready, boasting a steadily growing number of resorts and restaurants.

While surfing remains what most tourists visit La Union for, more and more sites are starting to come into view. One of the restaurant-owners we had spoken to even said that she had been living in the province all her life but never knew that there are waterfalls nearby that are worth seeing.

Best Time to Visit La Union

It depends on the purpose of your visit. La Union has unusual travel seasons. While most destinations in the Philippines come to life during summer (March-May), San Juan’s peak season runs from October to March, when the big waves make their appearance to play with the town’s growing surfing community. But remember that October and November are rainy months. If you’re surfing but don’t want uncaring weather, December-March is your safest bet.

If you’re planning on just relaxing by the beach, the summer months of April-May are ideal. The waves may not be present, but who can refuse the call of a relaxing beach getaway? Note though that summer weekends are usually packed.

Where to Stay in La Union

Check hotel rates here.

La Union Beach Resorts

Two of the most popular destinations in La Union lie just next to each other. San Fernando, the capital city, and San Juan, the surfing hub. Which to pick depends on your itinerary and desired type of accommodations. San Fernando is where you’ll find Thunderbird Resorts, not for the budget-conscious.

But for a budget traveler like me, San Juan is the better option. San Juan has a wide array of inns and hostels in a much better location, by the beach and along the national highway. If you’re visiting La Union to swim or surf, stay in San Juan.

During my visit, I really wanted to stay at Flotsam and Jetsam Hostel , arguably the most well-known hostel in Urbiztondo Beach, but they were fully booked at the time. I was able to try three others:

  • Urbiz Garden Bed and Breakfast .
  • G Hotel . A newly opened budget hotel. Not beachfront but surrounded by the town’s best restaurants. P1700 for a double room, P1900 triple room.
  • Chill’n . Typical budget resort. Neat, close to the beach but not beachfront.

For more information about my experience in the hotels above, check out: Where to Stay in La Union

Top Resorts and Hotels in La Union

If you have a bit more dough to spare, you might want to consider the following hotels and resorts. These are the top 4 accommodations in La Union according to Agoda users.

Search for more: La Union Hotels

solo travel la union

How to Get to La Union

La Union can be reached after a 5-7 drive or bus ride northward from Metro Manila. If you’re coming from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), which is on the southern end of the metro, add one or two hours, depending on how bad the traffic is.

Make your way to any of the following terminals. If you’re coming from the airport, the nearest is the Pasay Terminal of Partas Bus.

Partas Transportation – Cubao 816 Aurora Boulevard, Cubao, Quezon City

Partas Transportation – Pasay Tramo corner Edang St., San Roque, Pasay City

Dominion Bus Lines EDSA corner New York St., Quezon City

Viron Transportation Co., Inc. 1209 Dapitan corner Blumentritt Streets, Sampaloc, Manila

If you’re staying in San Fernando, board a bus going to San Fernando (P400-ish).

If you’re staying in Urbiztondo, board a bus going to Vigan or Laoag and ask the conductor to drop you off in Urbiztondo (P425).

Another way is to take the bus to San Fernando and then ride a tricycle to Urbiztondo (P100). One of our readers in Urbiztondo, Krysna Quintos, has this to add: Get off at the plaza, Happy Tummy, or Partas Terminal and then make your way to the jeepney station near the round market. Ride the jeepney to Urbinztondo (P11).

Things to Do in La Union

  • Surf in San Juan. Much of the renewed interest in La Union can be traced back to San Juan’s flourishing surfing culture. It is what put the province back on the tourism map. If you’re visiting between October-March, you’ll be greeted by challenging swells that are surfboard-magnets. If you don’t know how to surf yet, you’ll find a number of groups offering surfing lessons along the beaches of San Juan.
  • Trek to Tangadan Falls in San Gabriel. Accessible after a 45- to 60-minute trek, this waterfall is one of the better cascades in La Union and is near San Juan. You’ll be straddling Baroro River so prepare to get wet along the way. Make a splash at the pool under the column at the end of the trail! How to get there from San Juan : Ride a jeepney to San Gabriel (P16) and then hire a tricycle to the start of the trail (P30).
  • Visit Ma-cho Temple in San Fernando. Perched atop a hill 70 feet above sea level, this Taoist temple overlooks the city of San Fernando. Dedicated to Ma-cho, the goddess of the sea, it was built by the the city’s Chinese community but is open to people of all faiths. In fact, an 8-inch image is Ma-cho housed in the temple is said to be the same image of Our Lady of Caysasay , venerated in Taal, Batangas.
  • Get extreme at Pugad in Pugo. At Pugad: Pugo Adventure, you may enjoy wall climbing, rappelling, ATV driving, and ziplining among others.
  • Take a dip at Tapuakan River in Pugo. Not too far from Pugad is Tapuakan River, a shallow stream punctuated by giant white boulders. It’s a totally scenic spot to relax and refresh.
  • Stroll along the Pebble Beach of Luna. The best beaches are not always strewn with fine sand. Luna’s pebble beach has its own charms. Don’t leave without dropping by the Luna Watch Tower and Bahay na Bato. Also in Luna is Occalong Falls, a small waterfall that can be reached after a short trek. How to get there from San Juan : Ride a bus bound for Vigan/Laoag and tell driver to drop you off at Balaoan (P30). From Balaoan, take a tricycle to Luna (P10).

Where to Eat in San Juan, La Union

La Union Food Trip

Aside from the proximity to the beach and surf spots, one of the reasons we recommend spending your nights in San Juan is the thriving food culture in the area. Over the past few years, restaurants and food stalls mushroomed along Urbiztondo Beach and the main road, giving visitors plenty of dining options after a day of touring and surfing.

Some of the foodie favorites are:

  • Flotsam and Jetsam Hostel . This popular hostel has a restaurant open to non-guests, too. They offer a wide range of dishes from pastas to pizzas to local ulams .
  • Surf Shack . More like an outdoor bar than a proper restaurant. Tourists and locals gather here for a night of drinking and live music. Bar favorites like buffalo wings, finger foods, and pizzas are available. There’s also a kebab and pinoy barbeque (isaw!) stand just by the entrance.
  • Gefseis Greek Grill . It’s hard to find a good Greek resto even in Manila, so if you’re a fan of the cuisine, this might be worth a try. It’s an open-air resto by the beach, so ambiance is on point. Try their Moussaka (P200) and Kontosouvli (P200).
  • El Union Coffee . A well-known cafe by the road, offering local and international selections. We ordered an Iced Latte and Horchata after a morning of touring.

More about our experience at the places mentioned above and more restaurants in this post: Where to Eat in San Juan, La Union

Sample Itinerary + Budget Breakdown

Here’s a sample 3D-2N itinerary. This puts most of the heavy activities in the morning and the easier ones in the afternoon. It also has rest hours so you could recharge and regain energy, and plenty of time to surf and swim.

Another thing about the itinerary below: It allows you to try San Juan’s best restaurants. They’re pricey but they may be worth a try.

Feel free to make changes according to your preferences, schedule, or budget.

DAY 1 – SAN JUAN, TANGADAN FALLS 00:00 – ETD Cubao (Bus, 6 hours, P425) 06:00 – ETA San Juan, drop off bags at hotel (G Hotel, P1700/night, P850 per person) 07:00 – Breakfast 08:00 – Jeepney to San Gabriel (P16 one-way), then tricycle (P30) 09:00 – Start trek to Tangadan Falls (P200 guide fee) 10:00 – Enjoy Tangadan Falls 11:30 – Depart Tangadan Falls, go back to San Juan 13:00 – Lunch at Flotsam & Jetsam (P300) 14:30 – Check-in at hotel/resort, rest, nap 16:30 – Surf in Urbiztondo Beach, watch sunset 20:00 – Dinner at Geifseis (P300)

DAY 2 – LUNA RUINS, OCCALONG FALLS 07:00 Breakfast 08:00 Bus ride to Balaoan (P30), tricycle ride to Luna (P10) 08:45 Explore Luna Pebble Beach and Ruins 10:00 Tricycle to Occalong Falls (P200 for ride and waiting time) 11:30 Occalong Falls (P10 entrance fee) 12:30 Lunch (your choice of resto, P200) 14:00 Tricycle to Ma-cho Temple 14:30 Ma-cho Temple 17:00 Rest 19:00 Dinner at Surf Shack (P300-P400)

DAY 3 – SURF AGAIN 07:00 Breakfast 08:00 Surfing, swimming, relaxing 10:00 El Union Coffee (P200) 11:00 Pack up 12:00 Check out

Depending on what time your bus leaves, you can stay longer at the beach and relax or have lunch. If you choose to stay longer, just deposit your bags at the reception of your hotel and resort.

Supposing you’re able to book a double room for P1700 and you’re a party of two, the above itinerary will cost you a total of PHP 4700 (USD 100).

Note that the above cost assumes that you’re spending P200-300 per meal at a well-known restaurant. You can reduce the cost by dining somewhere cheap. If you can keep the cost of your meal to P120 only, the total cost is down to only: PHP 3650 (USD 78).

You can still bring down the cost if you add one more person to the group.

Last update: 2️⃣0️⃣1️⃣8️⃣•3️⃣•8️⃣ First up: 2️⃣0️⃣1️⃣6️⃣•7️⃣•2️⃣0️⃣

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guest

I DO LOVE YOUR BLOG I HAVE A TIGHT BUDGET FOR 2 AND THAT VACATION IN LA UNION IS A MUST TRY ILL BE PLANNING TO GO WITH MY PARTNER SOON. THANKS FOR INSPIRING AND SHARING A LOT EVEN THOUGH I DIDNT LIKE TO READ PARAGRAPHS BUT WHEN IT COMES TO TRAVELLING I REALLY DO ENJOY READINGS, SEARCHING IN GOOGLE AND BROWSING PHOTOS IN INSTAGRAM. I HOPE YOUR BLOG NEXT TIME WILL HAVE A PHOTOS OF YOU SO THAT IT CAN EASILY CATCH UP TO THE READERS LIKE ME. I WILL FOLLOW YOU IN INSTAGRAM you can check also my travels @ Instagram by searching #Vinvidtravels

yoshke

Thanks, Earvin!

I hope i could have time to do such blogging like thiss!

Miera

You can make time for it if you really want to! :)

Please let me know how to create a blog like this what language or app to be downloaded and publish it online email me @[email protected]

Ela

Does going to Tangadan Falls require swimming skills? I’m planning a vacation for me and my friends and some of us can’t swim so I’m not sure if I should add the falls to our itinerary. Thanks!

Angel

Hello, do u have contact number of G Hotel? We cannot wind in the web-we are planning a 7-9april getaway and all hotels we know are fully booked. Thanks!

Yosh Dimen

Wala po eh. Nag-walk in lang kasi kami nun.

Katt

Do you know a good and affordable spot to camp?

You can camp at the beachfront of Urbiz Garden, P500 per night with access to bathroom/toilet and trash collection. Bring your own tent. :)

Melissa

Paano po yung Surfing? How much and may contact person ba?

Cielo

Hello! Would like to ask if you have contact details ng recommended tour guide based in LU? We plan to hire sana van/car which can take us sa mga tourist spots. Thank you! :)

Bill

“One of the restaurant-owners we had spoken to even said that she had been living in the province all her life but never knew that there are waterfalls nearby that are worth seeing.”

Why does that not surprise me………………… **eye-roll**

Sing Calahat

Is Chill’n Hotel found in facebook?

yep, they have an FB page.

DV

Hi writer! This La Union blog is very good! I always wanted to visit LU since I am from Pangasinan. I wanna ask more details about it. I am a first timer traveller and I have a friend who wanted to join me. Kindly please notice this. Because I am so badly need a help in booking a cheap but good hotels. Thanks!

Lou

Hi! Thank you for sharing your experience! Would you know if there’s a place where we can pitch our tent? Planning to do an overnight stay in La Union staying on our tent.

Hi Lou, You can camp at the beachfront of Urbiz Garden.

Last year, the rate was P500 per night with access to bathroom/toilet and trash collection. Bring your own tent. :)

Carla

Hi! We’re planning to bring a car. Do you think the falls and other places will be accessible? Or do we really need to ride a trike? Thank you!

Sirang Lente

Good to read. LU, you’re next

Drei

Good day, Thank you for sharing May I ask, did you ride a partas bus bound to San Juan, La Union? Will it be passing to G Hotel? Thank you in advance

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La Union Solo Travel Tips: Surfing, Beaches and More!

Are you thinking of the beautiful beaches in the country? Do you feel like you need to unwind and give yourself some me-time? La Union is one of the best places to see and visit if you feel like you have some sort of Vitamin Sea deficiency or if you simply need a breather from all the stress.

The buzz surrounding La Union, particularly San Juan, La Union is more than just your regular tourist-destination popularity. La Union is anything but short when it comes to surprises and fun. It has also been very famous thanks to its beaches, hidden gems, and of course, surfing.

Surfing in La Union also popularly known as Elyu is one of the primary reasons why tourists go on a trip to Northern Luzon. La Union is a famous destination as well, thanks to its proximity to Manila and can be an excellent destination for a weekend getaway.

Posted by Camp Avenue on  Monday, February 5, 2018

La Union sounds so majestic and exciting. However, there is a bump on the road: you’re traveling solo! So what should you prepare for? Fret not, in this article, we will give you some solo travel tips when visiting La Union, especially on schedules and activities.

1. Know the Manila to La Union Bus Schedules and Vice Versa.

There are several bus trips that you can ride going to San Fernando in La Union. This includes Viron, Partas, and Dominion. Rates differ based on the type of bus you are riding. Travel time takes around 5-7 hours and depending on the bus, and fare may range from 500 to 600.

In San Fernando, you may ride a jeepney going to Urbiztondo Beach or San Juan, or you may opt to take a tricycle instead.

Partas Bus Line offers trips from Pasay to San Juan, La Union at midnight and the second trip is at 5:00 AM. Meanwhile, Cubao trips to San Juan, La Union is at 1:00 AM and the second trip is at 6:00 AM.

So when you’re coming from San Juan, La Union, the trips to Cubao or Pasay are at 3:00 PM, and another trip is at 10:00 PM. Meanwhile, the trips from San Fernando, La Union to Cubao or Pasay is at 3:30 PM and 10:30 PM respectively.

2. Activities You Can Enjoy

Elyu offers an array of activities for the solo traveler. However, if you want your pictures taken, you may either have a selfie stick, a tripod, or a tour guide to take those Insta-worthy photos.

Flotsatsam is one of the most popular nightlife spots in La Union. It is also an artsy place to stay in Elyu.

Surfing is one of the main reasons why most tourists visit La Union. The province is also known as “The Surfing Capital of the North” and surfing in Elyu does not disappoint—all you have to do is know when the best waves and swells are on the beaches.

Soul-Surfing in La Union Travellog spent a few reflective days in La Union, the surfing haven 4 to 5 hours north of Manila. Sharing with you all a short video of our memorable retreat which brought us closer to nature, the beautiful works of God's mighty hands: Psalm 19:1"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands."Featured Locations: the quiet Pindangan Ruins and the Poro Point Lighthouse in San Fernando, the enchanting Tangadan Falls in San Gabriel, and the surfing area in Urbiztondo, San Juan.Stay tuned for tours, sample itinerary and accommodations around La Union. Happy travels!#travellogph #itsmorefuninthephilippines #travellogphloveselyu Posted by TravelLog.ph on Sunday, February 25, 2018

The South Swell is present from July to October, and the North Swell is from November to March. If you are new to surfing, you may try to learn how to surf with the accommodating team of Badz Surf School.

Laid-back type? You may want to check out Camp Avenue . It is located in the northern part of Urbiztondo beach in San Juan. It is a Bali-themed campsite perfect for those who want to avoid the busyness or rush of surfing waves and surfers trying to catch waves.

Hiking and trekking lovers may want to check out Tangadan Falls especially when activities like surfing are too much for you.

3. Take Note and Book Ahead

Another essential tip when you are a solo traveler is to take note of the ratings and prices of different accommodations in Elyu. It is best to research ahead before your scheduled trip. This is to ensure that you can avoid the hassle of beating time and you can save money as well.

So what are you waiting for? Plan ahead and maybe book your tickets ahead.

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Jhoana Shaynne

Moved by her love for her country, she aims to expose the beauty and power of every Filipina through Wonder Pinays. Initially, this blog is her mere outlet for self-expression, but her goal to empower Filipinas all over the world inspired her to do more. She hopes to provide answers to other's problems through her words, which may somehow alleviate their dilemmas, allowing them to discover their Filipina powers.

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What makes philippine adobo so popular, you may also like, merry “crisis-mas”: celebrating filipino..., get the most out..., thanksgiving among filipinos, 11 comments.

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La Union looks and sounds beautiful. As a solo traveller, these tips are extremely useful. I would love to see all of the surfing. Better yet, I’d love to take a lesson!

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That’s amazing! Imagine you’ll get to visit a nice place and learn a new skill at the same time.

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I would love to check out the Tangadam Falls one day. Thanks for sharing all these tips!

You are welcome! Enjoy your next trip to La Union 🙂

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I’ve never been to the Philippines! This sounds like an add on to any trip to Manila.

It sure is! La Union is far from Manila but I’m sure it’s worth the trip especially if you are a beach lover.

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I haven’t been to the Philippines in over 18 years! I can’t believe it’s been that long! Makes me long to return!

Wow 18 years! Hope you’ll get to visit the country again soon.

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Stunning pictures. I haven’ done surfing before, your post makes me want to try surfing in La Union.

It’s really something that you should try!

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What a great experience! Surfing here must have been so much fun in the gorgeous, warm sunshine! I’d love to experience it one day.

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The Pinay Solo Backpacker Itinerary Blog

LA UNION: Travel Guide 2018 (Budget + Itinerary)

by thepinay solobackpacker | May 2, 2018 | Itinerary , La Union , Tourist Spots , Travel Guide | 0 comments

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.

TRAVEL BLOG CONTENTS

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

solo travel la union

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

LA UNION SURFING 1 (1 of 1)

MANILA TO URBIZTONDO BEACH (SAN JUAN, LA UNION)

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.

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).

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

AGODA COSTA

Urbiztondo, San Juan, La Union, La Union

Isla Bonita Beach Resort

agoda isla bonita

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

MIDRANGE RESORTS IN SAN JUAN, LA UNION

Kahuna Beach Resort and Spa

AGODA KAHUNA

BEST BUDGET HOTELS/RESORTS IN SAN FERNANDO, LA UNION

CV Bed and Bath La Union

AGODA CV

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

MIDRANGE RESORTS/HOTEL IN SAN FERNANDO, LA UNION

Aureo Resort La Union

AGODA AUREO

San Francisco, San Fernando, La Union, La Union

Thunderbird Resorts – Poro Point

AGODA THUNDERBIRD

Poro Point Freeport Zone, San Fernando, La Union

 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 SURFING (1 of 1)

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

LA UNION TANGADAN FALLS 5 (1 of 1)(2)

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

la union grape farm 4 (1 of 1)

For a list of La Union Grape Farms, ALSO READ: LA UNION GRAPE F ARMS 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

la union macho temple 1 (1 of 1)

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

pebble beach luna la union 3 (1 of 1)

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

luna pebble beach (1 of 1)

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

pebble beach luna la union 4 (1 of 1)

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

LA UNION 2 (1 of 1)

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

la union food trip (1 of 1)

HALO-HALO DE ILOKO

LA UNION TANGADAN FALLS 4 (1 of 1)

KAIZEN IZAKAYA & JAPANESE RESTAURANT

LA UNION FOOD TRIP

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

LA UNION FOOD TRIP 1

LA UNION ITINERARY WITH EXPENSES (2 Days 1 Night)

la union tangadan falls 22 (1 of 1)

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

LA UNION URBIZTONDO BEACH 2 (1 of 1)

TOP ATTRACTIONS IN LA UNION AND HOW TO GET THERE

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10 UNIQUE Hostels in La Union | Solo travellers, couples, surfers + more!

solo travel la union

There are so many reasons to stay in one of the 10 best hostels in La Union! Are you looking to learn to surf cheaper than anywhere else in the world? Then La Union is the best place to go! Not only is it a great place for beginners, but between November and March, there are waves for advanced surfers too! It’s not all about surfing though, there are also the pretty Tangadan Falls just a hop, skip, and a jump away!

To get the best experience of La Union, you’ll need to pick the perfect place to stay. Skip the hotels and resorts and stay in a hostel . It’ll save you plenty of money which you can put towards surfing lessons and tasty Filipino street food! And, you’ll meet fellow travellers and experience a fun and friendly atmosphere.

With all that in mind, we’ve put together a list of the 10 best hostels in La Union . It’ll help you plan your trip according to your travel style, personality, but most importantly – budget!

Quick Answer – Best Hostels in La Union

  • Overall Best Hostel in La Union – Lokal Home
  • Best Hostels for Solo Travellers in La Union – KLPW 2514 Hostel
  • Best Cheap Hostel in La Union – The Circle Hostel La Union
  • Best Hostel for Couples in La Union – Natures Healing Home

Best Party Hostel in La Union – Camp Avenue La Union

Best hostel for digital nomads in la union – affordable la union.

  • Best Hostel with a Private Room in La Union – The Escape San Juan

Best Hostels in La Union

Best Hostels in La Union

Overall best hostel in la union – lokal home.

Lokal Home best hostels in La Union

  • BBQ facilities
  • Book exchange
  • Security Lockers

Let’s kick off our list of the best hostels in La Union with a property that has something for everyone! The traditional kubo huts come as one of the highest recommended hostels in La Union according to Hostelworld reviews.

There may not be aircon here, but the roof is made of a natural material which will keep you cool – and it’s more environmentally friendly. When you’re out exploring the island, leave your stuff in the security lockers. You can rest assured they’ll be safe there.  

Check for Best Price

Best Hostels for Solo Travellers in La Union – KLPW 2514 Hostel

KLPW 2514 Hostel best hostels in La Union

  • Free breakfast
  • Quiet and tranquil

This isn’t just one of the coolest hostels in La Union, it’s a huttel – a hostel made of huts! Fuel up before a day of exploring, sightseeing, or surfing with the awesome free breakfast. 

This isn’t the sort of hostel to expect a wild party, but it does have chilled out and relaxed vibes. It’s very clean too, so you can be assured of a comfortable and relaxing stay . And once again, it’s got security lockers. So, if you’re travelling as a digital nomad you can keep your laptop safe!

Best Cheap Hostel in La Union – The Circle Hostel La Union

The Circle Hostel La Union best hostels in La Union

  • Outdoor Terrace
  • Bicycle Parking
  • Free Breakfast

Looking for a budget hostel in La Union? Look no further than The Circle Hostel . It’s one of the lowest prices you’ll find in town, but you don’t have to compromise on quality! There are plenty of facilities that you can enjoy while you stay.

Kick off your day with a tasty free breakfast, before exploring La Union or chilling in the hostel. You can take advantage of the outdoor terrace or the shaded hammocks to chillax. Keep your costs down by preparing your meals here with the self-catering facilities! 

Best Hostel for Couples in La Union – Natures Healing Home

Natures Healing Home best hostels in La Union

  • Yoga Studio
  • On-site restaurant
  • Free parking

If you’re travelling with your other half, a sweaty, smelly, and noisy dorm just won’t do. So why not sweep them off their feet with a lovely place like Natures Healing Home?  It’s a little outside the surfing town of San Juan – a 35 minute drive.

But being away from the hustle and bustle might just be what you need to get a little privacy and really enjoy each other’s company! There’s an on-site restaurant and a yoga studio , so you certainly won’t be bored during your stay. And free parking means it’s a whole lot easier to rent a car to get around. 

Check for Best Price       Check for Best Price  

Camp Avenue La Union best hostel in La Union

  • Beach parties
  • Surfing lessons
  • Bar on site

In somewhere as hot as the Phillippines, it’s not even like you need a roof to keep you warm at night – here, you can camp with either a tent or a private room .

It’s got the vibe of one of the coolest hostels in La Union, with an awesome bar and restaurant on site. Start your evening with Filipino street food to kick off your evening, then depending on what’s on, you could be enjoying cocktails at the bar or even a beach party. 

If you’re not too hungover the next day, why not sort out a surf lesson too? 

Affordable La Union best hostels in La Union

  • Fully equipped kitchen
  • Laptop friendly workspace
  • Shared Lounge

You got us – this isn’t actually a La Union hostel. But when you’re working as a digital nomad , you can afford to splash out a little extra – as long as the place you’re going has a laptop-friendly workspace and Wi-Fi of course!

This has both of those with a fully equipped kitchen to boot. If you do get a bit bored a lonely with just your own company, there’s a shared lounge where you can go to work or just chill in the evening! 

Check on Booking.com     Check on HotelsCombined  

Best Hostel with a Private Room in La Union – The Escape San Juan

The Escape San Juan best hostels in La Union

  • Private dorms with en-suites
  • Right on the beach
  • Laid back atmosphere

If you’re looking for the best hostel in La Union with a private room, you sure found it here. A range of private rooms from four to twelve beds means that no matter how many family members are travelling or how big your group is, you won’t have to share a dorm with strangers!

There’s plenty to keep you entertained on-site too, including a pool table and some of the best sunset views in the Phillippines! 

More Great Hostels in La Union

Rada hostel.

Rada Hostel La Union best hostels in La Union

  • Private Parking

Just because it’s not in a category above doesn’t mean Rada Hostel isn’t one of the best hostels in La Union!

The comfy dorms here can sleep up to four, a much more comfortable number than ten or twelve. Throughout this La Union hostel, there are Wi-Fi and complimentary drinking stations making your stay a comfy one. In the morning, take advantage of a free à la carte breakfast! 

Check on Booking.com       Check on HotelsCombined

HADS Beachfront Room Rental

Hads-Hostel-View

  • Private Beach Area
  • Bike Hire available
  • Billiards at the guest house

As well as the top hostels in La Union, let’s check out some awesome guest houses too. You won’t get a dorm here, but there are double and family rooms. So, it’s ideal for a couple or a family on a budget !

There’s private parking at an extra charge, but it’ll be worth paying it to know your vehicle is safe. Especially when you take the guest house’s bikes out to explore the island! Unwind in the evenings with a game of billiards or simply just chill out on the private beach!  

Gregorio Homes

Gregorio Homes best hostels in La Union

  • Private Bathroom
  • Seating area

Last but not least on our list of the best hostels in La Union is another charming guest house . These are more like fully equipped apartments that can sleep up to five guests, and they’re great for families as they’ve got bunk beds!

There’s also a seating area where you can play cards or board games if you’ve brought them with you. The best spot though is out on the terrace! The price may seem a little more expensive, but remember it’s per room – not per person! 

What to Pack for your La Union Hostel

We don’t often travel without these essentials.

solo travel la union

Final Thoughts on the Best Hostels in La Union

So, that’s all from our list of the best hostels in La Union. We hope you’ve found something that you like! Whether you want to stay in a party hostel on the beach, a romantic double with your other half, or make lots of friends in a cool common room, there’s a hostel in La Union for you! 

We just hope you haven’t been given too much choice. If that’s the case, just head back to the top of our page and book our favourite hostel in La Union. That’s Lokal Union! It’s the best combination of a chilled out atmosphere, a great location, and most importantly – value for money! 

Now that we’ve helped you plan out your trip to La Union a bit better, all that’s left is for us to wish you a great vacation in the Phillippines! We hope you have a great time!

Don’t forget to sort your travel insurance! We’ve put together a roundup of the best travel insurance for backpackers – check it out here , or if you’re low on time, get a quote from World Nomads now , our favourite travel insurance provider.

Yay for transparency! Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you book your accommodation through the site and will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you . Your support helps keep the site going.

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A Weekend Solo Travel Guide To San Juan, La Union

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I knew I wouldn’t be having a party on my 18th birthday so I asked my parents if it was possible we celebrate it at least at Max’s Restaurant; they laughed at me. My father just gave me a few hundred bucks to shut me up. It did, but it still made me sad. I promised myself that when I finally start earning my own money I would celebrate my birthday every year. I started by organizing a party on my 27th birthday just to make up for a childhood frustration. Years passed and I quickly lost interest in balloons, booze, and karaoke. Now I just want to travel and the tradition began just last year when I rented a small island to celebrate my 33rd birthday. This year, I wanted to do it alone so on the weekend after I hit 34, I took a bus that goes to La Union.

Getting There

At around 6AM, I went to Partas bus terminal in Pasay and paid PHP 665 (USD 14.29) for a seat on a first-class bus that goes to Laoag. The price nearly gave me a heart attack considering the information that I got from my friend whose province is La Union. She told me that bus fare is only around 400 bucks.

solo travel la union

Later on, I realized she may be referring to Partas Cubao station, in which case it would be understandably cheaper. When I saw the layout of the seats inside the bus—the seat is big, comfortable, with wide leg space—it made me feel okay that I had to spend a little bit more. At least I got my money’s worth. The bus started moving at 6:42 and I was happy to be seated by the window because it made sleeping easier. Travel time took 6 hours with three rest stops.

Flotsam and Jetsam

I booked an overnight stay at Flotsam and Jetsam Hostel located at San Juan. You can see it on the side of the road along McArthur Highway. I assumed that the bus drivers know where it is based on some blog posts but it was not the case on the bus that I got on. Thankfully, my phone’s network works well in San Juan so I was able to rely on Google Maps. I suggest that you use it if the driver or the conductor is not familiar with Flotsam and Jetsam, or you can look on the left side of the street when you reach San Juan. Just watch out for the hostel’s signage.

san-juan-la-union-coffeehan (34)

Flotsam and Jetsam is called an art hostel and indeed there are some art pieces on display in their in-house restaurant, but to call it as such seems inappropriate to me. In my experience, party hostel is more a fitting description with all the noise that they made that Saturday night. This doesn’t mean I hated the hostel, well I won’t go as far as say that I loved it but it was okay. I liked the ambiance and the fact that it is quite close to the beach.

Check-in time is at 2:00 p.m., I was about an hour early so they told me that I could hang out and wait in their restaurant. I did, I went ‘round the back and found the restaurant that faces the beach. My friend who went to La Union recently met new friends and hang out a lot there. He described the crowd as young and hip, the rich kids from the city. When I saw them I realized what he was talking about. They looked to be around their teens or early 20s, with beautiful skin, and speaking either in English or Taglish. Most of them drove with their own cars and they didn’t sleep in the Kubo dorms but in the building with air-conditioned rooms.

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I stayed at the Kubo dorm (PHP 780 – USD 16.76) that has four bunk beds. The towel is provided and there is also a locker where you can keep your personal belongings. Each bed has a pillow, a blanket, and a mosquito net. There are also some mini fans to use if it gets too hot. It was comfortable enough for me that the only thing that ruined my sleep was the noise coming from the party that night.

If you stay at the Kubo dorm you can only use the shared bathroom and toilet. I didn’t mind because they were clean and spacious. You can buy from the reception for toiletries but I suggest that you just bring your own bath essentials to eliminate unnecessary expenses.

san-juan-la-union-coffeehan (3)

There is free breakfast from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. It’s basically just coffee, banana, cereal with milk, and some toast or pandesal with different kinds of spread, such as butter, peanut butter, and fruit jam.

solo travel la union

Nice Eatery

I didn’t buy anything from Flotsam and Jetsam restaurant because the menu is ridiculously expensive. I don’t mind indulging a little but this is not one of those times. I talked with some locals and they recommended this bulaluhan place that is cheap but offers delicious food. I went out sometime in the afternoon to search for it.

solo travel la union

Nice Eatery is a no-frills restaurant on the side of the road whose patrons are mostly the locals especially the jeepney and tricycle drivers. It offers home-cooked meals and there is a lot to choose from. I ordered bulalo because it’s what I came for. Admittedly, it was not the best bulalo I’ve ever had but for only PHP 50 (USD 1.07) I had a hot-filling meal so I’m not complaining.

El Union Coffee

There is a hip café in San Juan that the surfers frequent and it’s called El Union Coffee. The best thing about it, they serve specialty coffee so you can be sure that their coffee drinks are of quality.

san-juan-la-union-coffeehan (11)

When I came to the bar I saw a familiar face, it’s Chloe, a barista who was in the coffee cupping event that I attended recently. I went over to say hi and told him that we went to the same event. He was nice and warm though I bet he didn’t really remember me. I didn’t know which drink to order so I asked for his recommendation. I wanted a cold drink, he suggested dirty horchata.

Horchata is a cold drink with rice milk, cinnamon, almond essence, and vanilla extract. They call it Dirty Horchata when it has espresso. There is something unique to the taste of this drink that separates it from any of the iced coffee drink that I had before. It was nice but could use more espresso. Somehow the rice milk dulled the coffee flavor. But it was refreshing, which is just what I needed that hot afternoon.

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The grilled cheese came with Sriracha sauce. Why would anyone put this red hot sauce in a cheese sandwich?! Beats me, but I tried it anyway to see if they are on to something, and apparently, they are. For some reason it works, the sauce did something to enhance the taste of the sandwich that I finished the sandwich in no time.

At night I went back to El Union after realizing I didn’t want to get wasted at Flotsam and Jetsam . I ordered a flat white and contemplated about buying their bestseller, s’mores but eventually decided against it.

San Juan Beach

After a restless night due to much noise that was coming from the all-night partying at the restaurant, I got up at around 6 for a morning stroll by the beach. San Juan beach has dark gray, coarse-grained sand, but not rocky. I spotted a few tents by the seashore, apparently, camping is allowed.

solo travel la union

The waves, though not that strong had enough force for a sole surfer to play with. I watched him ride the waves several times, but the waves weren’t so impressive, it didn’t allow him to get that far. I tried surfing in Baler a few years back, it was fun but it was just one of those things I had to try at least once in my life. Hence, I was just happy watching the others do it, I had no plans whatsoever to go surfing in La Union.

solo travel la union

There are a few cottages by the beach available for rent. It was still too early I guess for anyone to use it so I was able to stay there for half an hour without being required to pay. I like to describe myself as a beach appreciator than a beach lover in the sense that I just love staring at the sea and the waves, but not really swimming in it. In those few hours, I had the peace stolen from me last night by the party.

Final Thoughts

Before this, La Union, was just two things to me: one of the best surfing spots in the country and the province you pass by before reaching Baguio. Today, I have found a better appreciation of it; the kind people, the good food, and the quiet beach made quite an impression on me. All in all, it has been a lovely birthday weekend.

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Mara is a BS Journalism major who decided to create this coffee blog to explore coffee around the world. She has traveled to many countries exploring coffee shops, discovering digital nomad cafes, and getting to know the big coffee culture of our planet.

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49 comments.

San Juan La Union is great place to unwind and party.. haha. 🙂 The waves when I went there some time in 2016 is quite strong and the surfers are all around; the tourists including the kids who are enjoying the waves. I love watching those local kids surf because I have no courage to do it. haha 🙂

Never heard about San Juan (la Unión) before reading this post but it seems like a cool place to spend a birthday. Look that you can celebrate your special day doing what you like most, traveling! A nice view and a good coffee are a plus 🙂

We have the same childhood frustrations, but it’s time to take our bag and travel. Anyway, I didn’t know La Union is one of the best surfing spot in the Philippines maybe because I’m not a beach lover or anything, but I love the serenity of the place though, it really appeared on how you write and on your photos as well. I’ll surely penned this on my bucket list.

Solo travelling is the best one can do in their life. I must say your decision of giving travelling as a birthday gift to yourself is something others should learn from u

I love reading a about new and interesting place like this. It makes me want to travel more! The beach looked lovely; the perfect place for your early morning walk.

Thank you for providing another spectrum of life in La Union, Marge. 🙂 I am actually wanting to get to LU before the year ends but then again, it seemed that I wont be able to do this due to some constraints. Anyway, I really loved how you chronicled your journey. Will definitely go there, soon! 🙂

I still haven’t tried traveling solo, but now I’m inspired. It looks fairly easy to go to La Union with the Partas bus. I, however, don’t think I can sleep at Floatsam & Jetsam if they hold parties at night. I’m a light sleeper so I would have to look for another accommodation. Thank you for this guide. It certainly is helpful.

I went in La Union 2 years ago with highschool friends. We really didn’t do much, just ate seafood and drink beer at the beach while watching people surf. Back then I didn’t know about all these hip resto and resorts.

Btw, I’ve always admired the way you write and how you don’t sugarcoat things. 🙂 I feel that’s rare in travel bloggers nowadays, who more often than not build up hype rather than tell their experience like how it really is.

What an amazing travel guide! In my opinion solo traveling is such an amazing thing to do. It really brings you closer to yourself. I think its amazing that you push yourself to meet new people and explore new things. The pictures in this post are gorgeous!

I’ve never been to La Union but your blog made me want to go on weekends na haha. Flotsam is really a art hostel before but I don’t know what happened, it turned into a party hostel. And El union Coffee should never been missed by LU visitors. I heard their smores is the best. Why did you go against it? 🙁

This made me think of doing a road trip to La Union. I have done roadtrips to further and nearer provinces than La Union but i am not really sure of what else to do and how to appreciate this province. At least this post gave me some hints. Thanks

Hey Marjorie, This looks like a lovely spot that doesn’t get a lot of press. I was a bit confused as to which country it was located until you mentioned PHP. Then I realised it’s in the Philippines. Which part of Philippines is it in?

Hi Christina, La Union is on the island of Luzon, Ilocos Region.

Great place to spend your birthweekend 🙂 Very informative post on the place, adding it to my list just in case I get to that part of the world. The eatery pics are most tempting.

I am curious how you added the slide show of 4 pics in the blog at several place.

Traveling solo to celebrate birthdays makes your day more special, glad you made it… Belated happy birthday 🙂 Didn’t know much about La Union, thanks for this post… Though I only know how to speak their language-Ilocano.

Sitting quietly on a peaceful beach sounds like heaven to me! I’m also done with partying, although I’m sure in my 20s Flotsam and Jetsam would have been a great stay. A very informative post; I’m glad you’ve been objective about what you experienced 🙂

This is a very informative (and inspiring) travel post! Bookmarking this for my next trip! I believe that El Union Coffee is one of the best places in LA Union! Thanks for all the tips!

Hi Marge! It’s great that you went to LU. I’m itching for the beach as well. La Union is one of those places where I can also go alone. The surfing, the vibe is just awesome. It almost feels like a community already.

Wonderful! I’ve always wanted to try travelling alone but with my zero sense of direction I might just encounter a lot of problems…. and well I ain’t got budget yet, but even if I do I’d still be scared. I’ve never been to La Union, even though I have relatives living there… The place you stayed looks cozy and homey. Looks fun too. Thanks for the photos.

There’s More to Mica // http://www.micadeleon.com

I haven’t visited La Union, although was able to have a super quick stop last two years ago but never get the chance to stroll the place. I like the Filipino ambiance of Flotsam and Jetsam, shouldn’t be missed then when I will have the chance to visit La union. And of course, I noted about El Union coffee, I’m a huge coffee lover.

I used to want to go to Flotsam and Jetsam but after reading your post, I’m having second thoughts haha. I will surely also eat in the restaurants you mentioned especially El Union coffee. Looks like they’re definitely worth the try!

Seems like a nice place to travel to. I will definitely consider going there on my next trips. Travelling the Philippines has always been a dream of mine. This will definitely be on my bucket list.

It’s definitely a great way to celebrate. I have always wondered what La Union is like since it’s the next attraction after we drove down to different parts of Pangasinan. We didn’t make it past Bolinao. Reading your post makes me want to travel up north again one day and spend a few days in La Union.

Oh La Union! It’s another good place to discover in the northern part of the country. Awesome beach! It’s a nice place to visit for beach lovers. Thank you for sharing.

I have not heard much about La Union. Sounds like an easy enough place to get to if you want a beach adventure. Too bad about all the noise. It is so hard to enjoy your vacation without having a good night’s sleep. Sounds like you made the most of it though and had a great birthday anyway.

La Union. I watched Drew Arellano’s BWD program that featured the place. It’s a must visit place indeed and knowing how you went there alone, is one of the best part, for me. I love the Kubo, it’s so province.

La Union is another lovely place that you have introduced. It seems to be unique and have its own character. So one more place to add to the already huge list of lovely places in the Philippines.

Great tips and recommendations in La Union. I’ve only been to Ilocos but a lot of my friends are raving about La Union and the laidback feel of the province. I wish I could go one day. 🙂

I hope you get to visit La Union too, Melai.

I went there couple of years ago and had intended to use some great sunset pics I took while there. I didn’t stay in the same place as you did though. I just sort of drove around and wherever I fancied, I stayed. I spent a few days soul searching so San Juan will always be a part of my rebranding as a person.

http://www.amazinglifedaily.com #AmazingLifeDaily

The place is indeed, conducive for reflection. The beach is peaceful.

Havent tried that kind of kubo accommodation. Must be fun and really something new to try. Been to La Union twice and both were so memorable. Youre right, La Union not only prides itself with its surfing waves but of its amiable locals, delightful delicacies and beautiful landscape.

True, that’s why I want to go back and explore more of the province.

I loved how you started your post with a personal story from a past experience that I think many people can relate to, it made me want to keep reading. The Phillipines is one of the only countries I’m missing from Asia so I’m planning on rectifying that soon – I’ll keep San Union in mind, the food, transport & accommodation is definitely in the budget range I travel in. Thanks & Happy Birthday 🙂

Thanks Sheena. Hope you get to visit La Union too. 🙂

That sounds like a great way to celebrate your birthday. I’ve sometimes gone away for the weekend on my birthday–to Boston or Washington DC and it’s been fun. I would most like to try that hipster cafe. The cheese sandwich sounds delicious!

That sandwich is a must-try.

Funny how our thoughts and wishes change with age to a certain degree. We reevaluate where we find happiness and it seems us with wanderlust find it while traveling! Sounds like a perfect solo birthday weekend. Happy Birthday!

You are right Angela. It also amuses how I used to obsess about some things when I was younger but now they no longer mean anything. Thanks!

I’ve never been to La UNion before. And to be honest, just like you know knew a few things about it before, I have to say I know nothing about La Union. I didn’t even know there’s a beach there, that’s really cool! I wish I could visit La union someday, with my loved ones.

The beach is not white sand but it’s beautiful nevertheless. The waves are strong so it’s a popular surfing spot.

Made me feel that urge to travel once more! Yeah, I have to agree with you that I only know La Union because it’s a province you pass by if going up North (e.g. Baguio or Ilocos). Plus, I haven’t visited it for quite sometime now. Plus, what I love about traveling to provinces is that the vibe is always different depending on the area. For me, I see traveling alone as a milestone and I admire you for doing it. Congrats!

Maybe that’s the charm of La Union really, is that people are familiar with it but they don’t really go there and once they do the fall in love with it.

Great trip. the coffee bar looks very nice! I love coffee. Just had a nice special mocca banana coffee yesterday. The Horchata sounds very nice as well. I love to go to the beach. Beautiful pictures.

Thanks Carola.

Visited La Union last when I was still single. Went to that beach also. I had nice memories in that place. El Union Coffee is owned by my friend Martine’s brother.

Ooh, I think I’ve seen the owner although I can’t be too sure. Did you see him in the video that I put here?

I sincerely enjoyed reading this post. Great work! 🙂 I used go to La Union a lot when I was still limber and had energy to surf. It definitely changed a lot since then, but I’m glad to know that people are still friendly and the vibe is still laid back. Congratulations on traveling solo! Recently took a solo trip myself (mine was in palawan though) and it was pretty awesome. 🙂

Yeah, I travel solo sometimes, and I find it to be much more fulfilling than traveling with a group.

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LA UNION TRAVEL GUIDE : DETAILED ITINERARY AND BUDGET FOR 3D/2N

solo travel la union

La Union Travel Guide : Detailed itinerary and budget for 3D/2N || More than surfing, explore the grape farm, visit a temple, swim in the pristine waterfalls of Elyu as you check out different food resto places, accommodation that is worth the stay. Check out this blog.

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A laid back weekday as I learn how to surf, let the waves took me far and the striking sunset that made everything more perfect. More than this activity, an escapade to the Grape Farm, a soak in the falls, sight seeing on Temples, food binging plus a perfect hostel place to stay at made this Elyu Trip of mine, one of my favorite.

La Union known as the Surfing Capital of the north, located in the Ilocos Region of the Philippines.

La Union or “Elyu” has that sense of joy and fulfillment that even I can’t explain the feeling after my 3 days 2 night trip. It was really special and I had the sense of urgency to return back to this province.

In this blog, I’ll be sharing with you my itinerary for 3D/2N, sites to see, budget and full guide, resto and food choices to try out, the hostel where we stayed all for a chilling weekday vacation with two of my favorite office buddies.

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HOW TO GO TO LA UNION FROM MANILA :

  • Booked ticket in advance via Partas Bus Line website  earliest schedule was at 5:30AM and paid thru my card (Debit Card is also possible for payment)
  • what is good about this, is you get to secure a sit for you in advance, also less the hassle in waiting for your bus on your way home
  • alight at San Juan Terminal (*or in my case, we alight in front of our accommodation area — Flotsam and Jetsam Hostel)
  • Tricycle is other mode of transportation in Elyu, so may ride one to take you at your accommodation area

HOW TO GO BACK TO MANILA FROM ELYU :

  • From Elyu, ride a tricycle and take you to Partas Bus Terminal (since we booked for 2 way we have reserved seats in the bus)
  • Bus normally passes thru San Juan bound to Manila on a regular basis so you may also want to wait for a bus home instead of advance booking

WHERE TO STAY IN ELYU?

  • There are actually many options to choose from in Elyu and it depends on your budget and convenience.
  • Chose Flotsam and Jetsam as it is widely known in Elyu, the place is very artsy, Bali feels and inspired, very comfortable and it is such a nice place to spend a vacation at.

FLOTSAM and JETSAM HOSTEL – in our case, I booked a private room for 3 person worth P1,133.00 per person per night. It might be somehow expensive but it comes with a free breakfast already. AC and it is a private room. F & J is famous of its hostel and bunk beds available for solo or budget travelers with a stay for as low as P600 – P800 pesos per night.

Detailed Post Here : Flotsam and Jetsam Hostel – An artsy place to stay in El Yu (La Union)

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After a 6 hour bus ride all the way to Elyu, we immediately checked-in at Flotsam by 12nn (*lucky for us as it was not a peak season, and since I usually travel on a weekday I get this as a privilege *wink)

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WHERE TO EAT IN ELYU?

A trip wouldn’t be complete without trying out the most sought resto places. Dining with your friends or travel buddies, and good thing that Elyu has so many food selections to choose from. So you and your buddies would never run out of choices depending on your cravings. All of this places were also very convenient to reach as you may just walk around or ride a tricycle for P10 per pax rate.

Also read : WHERE TO EAT IN ELYU (DETAILED LIST)

DAY 1 – LEARN HOW TO SURF IN URBIZTONDO

One thing that would make you wanna travel to Elyu is due to its Beach Area perfect for surfing. One on my list as I wanted to learn how to surf as well.

From Flotsam we rode a tricycle going to the beach area (Fare is P10 per person) you may just walk going to the beach area so it actually depends on you. Once in Urbiztondo, you’ll see a lot of instructors all over the place with a surfing board. You may approach one and ask for assistance.

Rates in Elyu for 1 hour usage of the surf board plus the basic training with the instructor is worth P400.00 // if you feel like you already know how to surf after an hour you may extend your surf board rental for additional P200.00 per hour.

Here’s the contact number of our instructor – Kuya  Alex 09554425678 you may text him or call him if you like.

I was amazed that after 3 tries I made to maintain my balance in the surf board, and it was pretty much fun than I expected.

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It was my first time to go on surfing and I love the experience, it seems scary at first but just make sure to listen to your instructor well and apply every part of it then you’re good .

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Basically, our first day was spent by the beach and surfing.

Here’s our Day 1 Actual Expense in Elyu, please do take note that 2 way bus transfer and the 3 days accomm. stay is part of the expense below.

Where to eat in Elyu? Also Read :  Where to eat in La Union? – Menu, Offerings and Food Finds

DAY 1 ELYU

DAY 2 – CITY TOUR IN ELYU

Stayed pretty much late on our first day as we enjoy our comforting bed and chitchat as we savor dinner. Early morning we rise up, seeking for a sumptuous breakfast as what F & J is also offering.

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Then we headed to the tricycle stand and barter for our plans for the entire day. Our tricycle agreed to bring us to all the land destination for the entire day for P1,200 pesos // this is good for 3 pax. There is actually no standard rate to date and you may ask and commute each site for yourself. However, it’ll be more efficient and convenient to have a service to join you as well the entire time.

Bauang Grape Farm

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From San Juan, we headed to Bauang in a tricycle for 30 – 45 minutes. There is Lomboy Grape Farm, Gapuz Grape Farm and more in the area however they have an entrance fee of P100 per person.

We headed at Orpilla-Estigo Grape Farm instead, as our trike driver knew the owners of the farm. You may enter for free, take photos with the Grape Farm, pick all you want and pay it after weighing it (price ranges from P250 – P350 pesos per kilo)

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I was so amazed when I discovered this place, who would have thought that a grape farm is available in the Philippines. I was pretty much happy when apart from the grapes they also do sell Grape Wine for only P100 per bottle.

We had the wine tasting and that made me bought 3 more bottles of the Grape Wine to bring it at home. It has low alcohol content but the longer it stays the better it’ll taste as per the locals.

Ma-cho Temple

On to our next site, is the Ma-cho Temple. Entrance is FREE! and it felt like China in La Union.

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Avoid making too much noise as it is still a temple of worship. After staying and roaming around for an hour, headed to our next destination.

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Occallong Falls

Visited Occallong Falls in Luna, it was roughly more than an hour of tricycle ride from San Juan. There is an entrance fee of P10 pesos per person.

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What is good about this falls is you may have the entire place for yourself. Swim all you want in fresh water and savor its cold pristine water.

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Bahay na Bato

Same way back to San Juan, you’ll be passing thru Bahay na Bato but be sure to make it before 6PM as it closes already by that time.

It was named Bahay na Bato as everything is literally surrounded and made of “Bato” or Rocks. All of which were pretty fine and it seems that the locals use it as a form of living.

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We decided to watch over the sunset here in Bahay na Bato. It was definitely so quiet and very relaxing. Please take note that swimming is not allowed in this area as it is dangerous.

Here’s the summary of expense on our Day 2. From the agreed P1200 pesos of trike ride we added additional P200 pesos to our driver as he serves as our guide during the entire trip as well.

DAY 2 ELYU

DAY 3 – BOUND HOME

As for our last day in Elyu, we initially planned to visit the beach once again, however, F & J was really comforting to stay for the entire morning, after our heavy breakfast prepared for our stuff and headed for check-out by 12NN.

We then passes thru a Coffee Shop and had our lunch before heading back home to Manila.

DAY 3 ELYU

Here’s the summary of our full expense for 3D/2N in Elyu. Please take note that all expense here is based on my personal trip. You may save on food if you want to skip the resto houses, or opt for a non-AC room to save on accommodation. If you have a bigger group to join the trip could be more cost-efficient as well as you get to divide the expense more.

SUMMARY OF EXPENSE ELYU

As a whole, I totally enjoyed this Elyu Trip!! It was fun-filled with everything. And it was nice to have for 3 Days so you don’t feel tired after the trip. I was energized and was pretty happy with every part of our itinerary.

  • They say it’s the new Boracay as it is a perfect go-to place
  • Restaurants were everywhere and you may check each to try out based on your preference
  • it was relatively cheap in Elyu, but it depends on how you’ll manage your itinerary
  • my itinerary may just serve as a guide for your next trip 🙂

Looking forward to spend more vacation leaves in Elyu!!!! Surely be back in this province ❤

If you enjoy reading my page you may like and follow me on the following sites below :

Facebook : @ilovenatsblog

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To more travel destinations. – xoxo

*All photos were original from the blogger @nathaliecsalcedo

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Published by nathalie salcedo.

Hola! Nathalie is your typical city girl who loves the island life, beach, travels, food and adventures. She’ll rather jump off cliffs than watch horror movies, go over beaches than hiking mountains, and never travels without a pashmina. An OC traveler keeping her research and spreadsheets every time she travels and would never say NO to new adventures. Follow her daily escapade @nathaliecsalcedo View more posts

26 thoughts on “ LA UNION TRAVEL GUIDE : DETAILED ITINERARY AND BUDGET FOR 3D/2N ”

This place seems reasonable in terms of cost. I have not been to Phil yey but I have always wanted to visit Cebu. Let me see if La Union can be added when I actually get to travel. Thanks for this post and looks like you had a great time 🙂

yes 🙂 consider it also in your travel in the Philippines.

Man Cho Temple sounds fascinating – I assume it is a Chinese temple or is it a Buddhist Temple?

It is a chinese temple 🙂

Wow!! Occallong Falls looks amazing!! Definitely will come back to this itinerary if we ever travel to the Philippines.

yes 🙂 worth the visit.

  • Pingback: Flotsam and Jetsam Hostel – An artsy place to stay in El Yu (La Union) – ilovenats

Awesome Elyu guide! Didn’t realize there was so much to see in La Union — I only went to the beach area last time. Love your photos in the grape farm!

Same thoughts, not until I came across other tourist destination to look out for at Elyu.

Thanks so much for sharing this is very informative. I had never heard of La Union. So many cool places to visit in the Philippines. I think it looks like a great place for a first surf lesson. A swim in Occallong Falls also sounds perfect. The sunset at Bahay na Bato looks spectacular.

HI Cindy, yes indeed the Philippines is rich with so many destinations to look after too. And La Union was really perfect for first time surfers too.

  • Pingback: Where to eat in La Union? – ilovenats
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Looks like you had a great time at La Union! I never tried surfing (even though I lived near surfing beaches for many years). This place looks ideal to pick it up though! And I really liked the look of these temples. What really impressed me was that you keep track of your expenses in an Excel spreadsheet. That’s a very clever approach and a technique that will serve you well throughout your life. Well done!

try surfing! it was just a first time but it was such a great experience. And yeah, always keep an excel file with me just to remind me of future plans as well 😀

Surf and turf is a winning combination for a relaxing holiday. And all within a very reasonable budget too. I noticed that you mentioned tricycle as a transport..how cute that would be!

yes 🙂 tricycle is famously used in the Philippines 🙂 its small but can take you to places 😀

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As a non surfer I’d never heard of La Union, but it looks like so much fun even for someone like me. I love Occallong Falls, I’m a sucker for natural beauty like this Your hostel looked pretty comfortable too, and the whole budget was reasonable – one to add to the list!

Thanks a lot for such an extensive post. So many little details in these photographs! Surfing is always great but these vineyards, and food, everything looks exotic. I also liked the little details in decor such as the traditional umbrellas dangling from the roof.

I love that tricycles are a mode of transportation. It’s such a unique thing in comparison to bicycles. My daughters love the beach and have tried surfing once or twice so I’m sure they would love Urbiztondo. The Occallong Falls look splendid. I will definitely be saving away your itinerary. We plan on visiting the Philippines.

La Union sounds like the perfect place to learn to surf. Any that long board, very cool.

Love the whimsical umbrellas at the hostel, they add a lovely splash of interest. The grape farm would have been so much fun.

This made me miss LU even more! Good read ❤

Yessss :))) I always missed LU as well 😦

This post is really helpful! Planning to go there by the end of this month. Thanks for this!

happy to help ❤ hope you enjoyed it as much as I do!!! ❤

Looks like such a fun place to visit! Your photos are all so dreamy! Thanks for sharing. Hope someday i’ll visit La Union.

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