Travelogue: Top 3 Things You Can Do in La Union Aside From Surfing

The moment I stepped down from the bus, I almost forgot we traveled for six (6) hours just to reach our destination. The stores along the highway sounded so familiar to me - Figaro and Moonleaf - to name a few.  It felt like I'm just in Manila, without the pollution anyway. Haha! 

La Union is a famous surfing spot up north from the metro. The place somehow reminded me of Boracay because the establishments are also along the beachfront. However, aside from these, are there other things one can do other than play with the waves? Well, you'll be surprised that there lots of activities in La Union that are just waiting to be explored. Oh and by the way, when we were there, the waves weren't big enough for surfing. So yes, some alternative would be a great idea.

The aim of our La Union trip was actually just to breakaway from the stress brought about by work. I went there with my workmates, including our manager and her husband, and Neil, of course. It was just a quick weekend getaway before the Holy Week. 

If you're thinking of going to La Union this summer, here are the top three (3) things you can enjoy doing if you choose not to surf (like us):

3. Beach bumming while watching the sunset

Bring out your mats/ malongs/ shawls and lay them by the beach while waiting for that beautiful sun to set. You can also buy from the vendors who are selling the famous Filipino street foods (pork barbecue, isaw or chicken intestine, adidas or chicken feet, etc.) If you're feeling the summer heat, you can also buy a refreshing shake from Coast Call Kitchen & Bar at San Juan Surf Resort. The bartenders are kind enough to allow you to consume your order by the shore. Just promise them you'll return the glass once it's empty. LOL! Of course, a beach wouldn't be useful if you won't swim. Wear your most comfortable swimming attire and have fun at the water with your friends. Don't forget to take photos.

2. Trekking to Tangadan Falls

If you're looking for a heart-pumping activity, you can trek to Tangadan Falls which is 45 minutes away from San Juan. There's a lot than you can do there. You can jump off a cliff, swim against the current and have a relaxing waterfall massage after. Learn more about our Tangadan Falls adventure on my other post (complete with itinerary and budget).

1. Food tripping, with social drinking on the side

To be honest, I think this is mostly where our money was spent. Haha! Need I say more, err, because it's food we're talking about here. There are a lot of restaurants to choose from in La Union. The prices of food range from P150-P350 per order. It's more expensive if you're planning to eat at the restaurants located near the beach though.

My favorite of all the places we have eaten was Surf Shack. The overall feel of the place is really vibrant and colorful. I also fell in love with the food, especially their Grilled Cheese. To know more about our food trip adventure in San Juan, check out my post about it here.

Below are the specifics of our trip.

Itinerary:
Day 1
4:30 AM   Meet-up at Partas Bus Terminal in Aurora, Cubao
5:00 AM   ETD from Cubao to La Union (Bus departs every hour)
1:00 PM    ETA at San Juan, La Union; Check-in at Angel and Marie's Place (AMP)
1:30 PM    Settle down and rest before grabbing lunch
2:00 PM   Late lunch at Surf Shack
3:00 PM   Free time (Chill. Swim. Eat. Surf)
6:00 PM   Return to AMP
7:30 PM    Dinner at Sandbox Bar and Grill (Food places tend to get full early)
9:00 PM   Chill and drink at San Juan Surf Resort
12:00 MN Head back to AMP; Lights off

Day 2
7:00 AM    Breakfast at AMP (Free with the accommodation) 
8:00 AM    ETD to Tangadan Falls; Meet our guide Kuya Jerry
8:45 AM     ETA at jump-off point; Start trek
11:20 AM    Arrival at Tangadan Falls
12:45 NN    Back to jump-off
01:30 PM   Back to San Juan
02:00 PM  Pack-up
03:00 PM  Late lunch at Magellan's Restaurant and Lounge
03:30 PM   Head on to Partas Bus Terminal
11:00 PM    ETA at Partas Bus Terminal in Aurora, Cubao

Where We Stayed
We booked a reservation at Angel and Marie's Place (AMP), which I also mentioned in the itinerary. We got two (2) of their air-conditioned rooms which are good for four (4) persons each, since there were seven (7) of us. Their rooms are simple, spacious and really homey. They have clean linens, with free towels and blankets. Their bathrooms have tissue papers and soaps. They also have a flat screen cable television inside, you won't get bored. Also, the owners personally manage the place, and they are really accommodating.

If you are looking for a budget-friendly place, this is definitely the right accommodation to book. Prices are as follows: 
Fan Room (for 1-2 persons) - P1000/ day
Fan Room (for 4 persons) - P2000/ day
Fan Room (for 8 persons) - P4000/ day
Aircon Room (2-4 persons) - P2800/ day

Rates are inclusive of courtesy breakfast, which are very delicious by the way. Also, they don't have a specific time of check-in unlike the hotels. Our stay their was on a 24-hour basis, meaning the time of our check-in will also be the time of our check-out the next day. If you are planning to extend a few more hours, their charge is by hour (Computation: Room Rate/ 24 hours). For additional inquiries and reservations, feel free to contact the owner directly, Ms. Marie, through 0917 723 3253.

Budget reference:

Partas Bus from Cubao to San Juan, La Union - P422

Accommodation with breakfast (reserved) - P400/ person (P2800/ 7 pax)
Day 1 Lunch at Surf Shack- P371

Day 1 Dinner at Sandbox Bar & Grill - P175
Cocktails at San Juan Beach Resort - P175

Tangadan Falls Guide Fee plus tip - P300/ person

Raft rental - P25/ person (P50/ 2 - Our guide managed to ask for discount)

Day 2 Lunch at Magellan's Restaurant & Lounge - P189

Moonleaf Wintermelon with pudding - P110

Jeep to Partas Terminal - P7

Bus back to Manila - P411