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Blessed with warm weather and a stunning coastline, the Philippines has some of the world’s best beaches and islands. The country is also a favorite among surfing enthusiasts thanks to its clean and world-class waves. And while most surfers and beach bums head to the island of Siargao to catch the best waves, there’s also a hidden surfing hotspot near the metro: La Union. Also called the Surfing Capital of the North, La Union Philippines is a great destination for those who want to surf, but are short on cash to splurge on a ticket to Siargao. It is also within a few hours away from Manila, making it a perfect weekend getaway.
If you find yourself in the capital and itching for a quick vacation, look no further and plan a trip to La Union Philippines! This guide also includes a list of things to do, the best hotels, and must-try restaurants.
Where Is La Union Philippines?
Photo by Vernon Raineil Cenzon on Unsplash
La Union is a province in the Ilocos Region of the Philippines. Its capital city is San Fernando and also serves as the center of the Ilocos Region. Additionally, La Union is bordered by the provinces of Ilocos Sur on its north, Benguet on its east, West Philippines Sea on its west, and Pangasinan on its south. One-way bus tickets to the province vary by company and travel time is around 5 to 6 hours depending on traffic. The wet season runs from May to October while the dry season is from November to April. If you want to catch waves, the ideal time to visit is from November to March. December to March is a good time to visit for surfing conditions. On the other hand, if you just want to lounge by the beach or go sightseeing, plan your visit sometime between March to May. Surf lesson rates vary, and schools also offer kayak and paddleboard rentals. Guide fees for a hike at Tangadan Falls vary, so it’s better to join with other travelers as a group. For an additional fee, you may get to harvest fresh grapes when they are in season.
How to Get to La Union from Manila
From Manila, you can catch a bus going to La Union. The Partas Bus is the most popular bus company among locals and tourists and has two stations around Manila. Travel time also depends on where your departure point is.
Since bus trips to La Union Philippines take a considerable amount of time, these trips leave on schedule and you will need to book online. You may also book a ticket on the spot, but there is no guarantee when you get to leave since most slots are on a reservation basis.
You can also get to La Union by car, however, the expenses are higher since you’ll also pay for gas and multiple toll fees.
When Is the Best Time to Visit La Union Philippines?
Photo by Kurt Liwanag on Unsplash
Knowing the best time to visit almost any province in the Philippines is easy since the country only has two seasons.
The waves aren’t as strong and although the crowds can be thick, this shouldn’t be an issue if you’re up for socializing and mingling with fellow travelers and even locals.
Where to Stay
Vessel Hostel
Photo from Vessel Hostel Facebook Page
Address: Urbiztondo, MacArthur Highway, San Juan, 2514 La Union
Price: Starts at 25 USD per night
Vessel Hostel is a dorm-type accommodation made from repurposed shipping containers. Located along the main highway, it is only a few minutes away from the beach and is a few steps away from some of the best restaurants in La Union Philippines. While it offers dorm-type rooms, the beds are cozy and curtains are provided for privacy. Additionally, you don’t have to worry about the noise since the hostel itself is relatively secluded and accessible via a small street. At the roof deck, enjoy gorgeous views of the beach as you eat breakfast, usually bread, boiled eggs, bananas, coffee, and tea. If you’re looking for straightforward yet comfortable accommodation, Vessel Hostel is the place to choose.
Flotsam and Jetsam Hostel
Photo from Flotsam and Jetsam Hostel Facebook Page
Address: 12500 MacArthur Highway, Urbiztondo, San Juan, 2514 La Union
Price: Starts at 36 USD per night
Flotsam and Jetsam Hostel is a social hostel with colorful lanterns, Japanese umbrellas, and hipster decor. Unlike most hostels, it has large common areas with hammocks, pillows, and mats for guests to interact. At night, the hostel becomes a party hub where guests and visitors from other hotels gather. It offers beach access, an on-site restaurant, and a bar. For lounging or sightseeing, plan your visit sometime between March to May. Surfing lesson rates vary, and the school also offers kayak and paddleboard rentals. For an additional fee, you may harvest fresh grapes when in season.
San Juan Surf Resort
Photo from San Juan Surf Resort Facebook Page
Address: 238 Urbiztondo, MacArthur Highway, San Juan, 2514 La Union
Price: Starts at 61 USD
For families or groups of friends, San Juan Surf Resort is a popular choice. It has 43 spacious rooms that can fit up to 8 persons. Conveniently located a few steps from the beach, the hotel makes it easier for guests to go surfing or take a dip. The on-site restaurant, Coast Call, offers a variety of local as well as international dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. If you have kids or friends who are interested in surfing, the hotel offers surfing lessons at San Juan Surf School, arguably the country’s best surf school. Rates vary and the school also offers kayak and paddleboard rentals for those who prefer a more relaxing water activity.
Kahuna Beach Resort and Spa
Photo from Kahuna Beach Resort and Spa Facebook Page
Address: National Highway, Urbiztondo, San Juan, 2514 La Union
Price: Starts at 133 USD per night
Enjoy a relaxing and romantic getaway at Kahuna Beach Resort and Spa. The resort offers 40 Balinese-Filipino-style rooms with garden or seaside views. Aside from world-class facilities, the resort offers three swimming pools, a restaurant that serves Asian and international cuisine, and a bar. The staff can also arrange day tours, surfing lessons, diving excursions, and mountain biking tours. After a day of adventure, indulge and pamper yourself with a full-body massage at the in-house spa.
Thunderbird Resorts and Casinos Poro Point
Photo from Thunderbird Resorts and Casinos Poro Point Booking.com Page
Address: Poro Point Freeport Zone, San Fernando, 2500 La Union
Price: Starts at 217 USD per night
For the ultimate stay at La Union Philippines, book at Thunderbird Resorts and Casinos Poro Point. This Mediterranean-style resort boasts an infinity pool, a golf club, wellness center, and other state-of-the-art facilities. There’s also a casino with over 400 slot machines, table games, and more for guests who fancy a game of poker. As for its rooms, Thunderbird Poro Point offers well-designed air-conditioned rooms with private balconies that feature seaside views. Additionally, all rooms, suites, and villas come with a flat-screen TV, iPod dock, and en-suite bathrooms with heated showers and free toiletries.
Things to Do
Surf or Relax by the Beach
Photo by Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash
Without a doubt, one of the best things to do in La Union is to hang out at the beach. If you’re staying in Urbiztondo, popular Urbiztondo Beach is a few steps away. For surfers, catch the best waves from November to March. Those who want to try surfing can do so with licensed instructors and schools; rates vary. For those who prefer to relax, bring your beach mat and sunscreen to bask under the warm sun. Vendors sell peanuts and snacks. Minutes before sunset, locals head to the shore to take pictures.
See Tangadan Falls
Photo by Emman Asuncion Foronda on Wikimedia Commons
Address: San Gabriel, La Union
If you want to take a break from surfing, go on a hike to Tangadan Falls in San Gabriel. There are two routes available: a longer yet scenic route through rushing streams and a shorter but more challenging one. Going as a group is also better since you can get to meet new people and save money since you will split the costs between yourselves.
Hike past thick forests and be rewarded with the views of Tangadan Falls. Its spacious pool can accommodate plenty of visitors. Go on an exciting cliff-diving experience and feel the adrenaline rush as you jump from the falls into the water. Aside from swimming and cliff-diving, you can also rent bamboo rafts for an additional price and cruise along the foot of the falls.
Enjoy the Food and Nightlife
Photo from Flotsam and Jetsam Hostel Facebook Page
Although it looks like a sleepy coastal province, La Union has a thriving food culture and energetic nightlife. Near the beach, you can find hole-in-the-wall restaurants, famous establishments, and cafes exclusive to the area. Craving Greek or Mexican food? Check. Want Filipino food? There are plenty of local eateries and home-cooked options. Ask locals for recommendations.
At night, beachside restaurants and bars come to life as locals and tourists mingle over drinks. Establishments are located next to each other, making bar-hopping easy. Flotsam and Jetsam Hostel is a popular spot for parties, though quieter bars are also available.
Visit the Ma-Cho Temple
Photo by Etienne on Adobe Stock
Address: Ma-Cho Temple Driveway, Quezon Ave, San Fernando, La Union
Overlooking the city of San Fernando, the Ma-Cho Temple is a breathtaking Taoist Temple in La Union. It is also one of the few Taoist temples in the country along with the Cebu Taoist Temple and the Kiu Siao Grand Taoist Temple in Manila. The temple honors Mazu (also known as Ma-Cho), the sea goddess in Chinese mythology. Enter the temple and be in awe of its intricate designs and Chinese ancient decorations. Take photos of the Liang Thing Pagoda, walk around the Bamboo Garden, and don’t forget to snap a commemorative photo with the Majestic Five Door Gate.
Unlike most Taoist temples, even those in Taipei, the Ma-Cho Temple welcomes visitors from different religions. Take note that since you’ll be visiting a place of worship, certain dress codes may apply. There is also no entrance fee, so this is definitely one of the best free things to do in La Union Philippines.
Pick Fresh Grapes at Lomboy Grapes Farm
Photo by Dan Meyers on Unsplash
Address: 68 MacArthur Highway, Bauang, La Union
You don’t need to visit the wine regions of Italy or in Napa Valley to see and get a chance to pick fresh grapes. La Union’s warm weather is an ideal setting to grow grapes. In Bauang, various grape farms offer day tours and grape-picking opportunities. Lomboy Grapes Farm, established in 1972, is widely recognized as the best grape farm in the country.
With 20 hectares of land, discover more than 50 varieties of grapes. Enjoy a tour of the vineyard as you learn about the history of the farm. However, be sure to contact the farm in advance to confirm if grape harvesting is available.
Where to Eat
Olas Banditos
Photo from Olas Banditos Facebook Page
Address: National Highway, Urbiztondo, San Juan, 2514 La Union
Specialty: Mexican food
Olas Banditos is one of the unmissable restaurants in La Union Philippines. From the highway, you can see its signature skull drawing and warehouse-like exterior. The restaurant serves mostly Mexican cuisine so you can get your burrito, taco, and flauta fix here. They also have a local twist on the classic burrito called the Ilocos Norte burrito, made with fries, cheese, and Ilocos or Vigan longganisa (Filipino sausage). For a chill drinking session, Olas Banditos also serves beers and handcrafted cocktails.
Tagpuan sa San Juan
Photo from Tagpuan sa San Juan Facebook Page
Address: Urbiztondo Road, San Juan, 2514 La Union
Specialty: Filipino food
Looking for homey Filipino food? Tagpuan sa San Juan specializes in rice bowls topped with Filipino favorites. It’s a small eatery, but their authentic and delicious food attracts a large crowd: from tricycle drivers having a meal to visitors sobering up after a night of drinking. Feast on a warm rice bowl topped with tapa (thinly-sliced beef marinated in salt and spices), pares (braised beef stew), or bagnet (deep-fried pork belly). Aside from rice bowls, they also serve other meals like mami (wheat flour noodle soup), goto (rice porridge with ox tripe), and lugaw (rice porridge). Since this is a popular restaurant, expect to see fully-occupied chairs and eagle-eyed customers waiting for the next available seat.
Gefseis Greek Grill
Photo from Gefseis Greek Grill Facebook Page
Not far from Olas Banditos is another great restaurant in La Union Philippines. Specializing in Greek cuisine, Gefseis Greek Grill offers an open-air dining experience in front of the beach. This is also the go-to place for guests looking for something healthy, delicious, and affordable. Try their moussaka, grilled tuna, and souvlaki wrap paired with iced refreshments. The place gets packed with hungry customers from sunset, so make sure to come early or reserve a table in advance if you don’t want to miss out on this.
El Union Coffee
Photo from El Union Coffee Instagram Page
Address: The Great Northwest Travel Stop & Viewing Deck, MacArthur Highway, Urbiztondo, San Juan, 2514 La Union
Specialty: Coffee, dessert
A trip to La Union is incomplete without a coffee break at El Union Coffee. Featured in numerous lists of best restaurants, it is famous for cold brew coffee made from locally sourced beans. The cafe is also known for its horchata and dirty horchata spiked with coffee. Enjoy a cup with a skillet cookie or s’mores. It’s not as close to the beach, but you can interact with other customers and friendly baristas. As a popular stop, expect plenty of people dining in or waiting in line.
Makai Bowls
Photo from Makai Bowls Instagram Page
Makai Bowls is another healthy and delicious restaurant in La Union Philippines, serving smoothie bowls and other fruit-based desserts. They use fresh fruits and exclude dairy in all their food, perfect for those with special dietary requirements. Try their Acai Smoothie bowl, made with bananas, acai, and coconut milk. Makai Bowls also serve seasonal smoothie bowls using dragon fruit, strawberries, or avocados. Other must-try desserts at Makai Bowls include fresh fruit shakes, popsicles, fruit parfaits, and chia bowls. The restaurant overlooks the beach so not only do you get to enjoy good food, but also a picturesque view of the sea.
Enjoy La Union’s Easygoing Beach Vibe!
Located within a couple of hours from Manila, La Union Philippines is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. This is also a perfect destination for surfers, beginner surfers, and those who simply just want to enjoy the beach. There are also other non-beach-related activities for those who want to do some sightseeing. Visiting the Ma-Cho Temple, going on a hike to see Tangadan Falls, and picking fresh grapes are just some of the other things you can do here. Foodies can also enjoy staying here because of the many homegrown restaurants and cafes serving both local and international cuisine.
While many people flock to Siargao for surfing and food, La Union is another destination that should be on every beach lover’s travel bucket list!
