La Union is a popular destination because of its accessibility from Metro Manila, surfing, food and the beach. You can also easily reach it by bus or private transportation.
Here's a budget and itinerary for La Union.
Guide
La Union has a surfer vibe that draws tourists to it. One of the main reasons people head north to this destination is to surf. However, the province has more attractions and things to do during your visit.
Places of Interest
Ubiztondo Beach
The main reason people make their way to La Union is to surf. The ideal season is from October to April. There are many surf shops along Urbiztondo Beach. You can get lessons and rent a surfboard for P400/hour. Half day lessons costs around P500 but you have to pay P200/hour for the board rental.
Tangadan Falls
If you want to take a break from surfing and the beach, make your way to Tangadan Falls. There are different pools where you can swim in or jump off a cliff from. The fastest way to reach the waterfall is to charter a tricycle and guide for P1000, he'll take you to the closest jump-off point and back to your accommodation in San Juan. You can also take public transportation. Make your way to Municipio de San Juan. From there, get on a jeep going to San Gabriel for around P10. Alight at the municipal hall and register. There's a P30 entrance fee. You can also rent a life vest for P50 and pay another P20 if you want to ride the makeshift cable car.
Ma-Cho Temple
This temple is a must-visit while in La Union. It is located in San Fernando and is easily accessible by jeep. If you're coming from San Juan, get on a jeep bound for San Fernando and tell the driver you'll alight at the temple, fare is roughly P11. This Taoist temple dates back to the 1970s.
Grape Farms
The grape farms are located in Bauang which is a jeep ride away. You can pick grapes during March to May. You can get to Bauang by jeep from San Fernando for P11 one way. Get down at the church and hire a tricycle to take you to Gapuz Grape Farm or Calica Grape Farm just to name two. The tricycle rate is P100 one way. Negotiate a price with the driver to wait for you and take you back to the stop.
Balay na Bato
This unique house located in Luna is a noteworthy stop with some artwork. There's a P30 entrance fee. You can reach this attraction by jeep from San Juan or San Fernando, fare is approximately P30 one way. Once in Luna, you can hire a tricycle for P50 per way to take you to Balay na Bato.
Namacpacan Church
This beautiful Baroque church is a National Cultural Treasure. From San Juan or San Fernando, board a Luna bound jeep. Alight at the town center fare is P30. From the town center, you can just walk to the church.
These are just some of the places to visit in La Union, the province has other attractions you can visit over the weekend or holiday.
Getting Around
La Union has buses, jeeps and tricycles that can take you to different parts of the province. San Juan is a popular place so many public vehicles pass by it. Many accommodations and restaurants are along the beach and are a short tricycle ride away, but you can also walk. You can also rent a motorbike for a day for approximately P500.
Where to Stay
La Union has plenty of accommodations for any budget. You can stay at a beachfront resort, guesthouse or hostel. You have plenty of options regardless of your budget.
How to Go to La Union
Many tourists drive to La Union because of its accessibility to nearby cities and Metro Manila. However, the province is also easily accessible by public transportation. There are many buses departing from Cubao (Quezon City) to San Fernando, La Union. Dominion, Partas and Viron are the companies that regularly ply this route. Fare is around P500 depending on the type of seat you get. The trip can take up to six hours. Once in San Fernando, board a jeep bound for Urbiztondo Beach or San Juan for P11 one way. The trip can take half an hour.
Budget for La Union
*Everything's in Philippine Peso unless otherwise stated. Rough estimate of your expenses during a weekend trip.
500 - Overnight or early morning bus to La Union
780 - 1 night dorm bed in Flotsam & Jetsam Hostel
400 - Surfing lessons along Urbiztondo Beach
30 - Tangadan Falls entrance fee
30 - Balay na Bato entrance fee
1200 - Food and drinks
250 - Transportation
500 - Bus to Metro Manila
3690 - Total for weekend trip
*You could easily spend a lot of money on surfing and food and drinks. La Union has plenty of coffeeshops, restaurants and bars that have pricey menus, but delicious food and drinks. You can spend less or more depending on where you eat and what you do.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
Depart for La Union from Cubao
Check in hotel
Surfing
Ma-Cho Temple
Day 2
Check out hotel
Tangadan Falls
Balay na Bato
Namacpacan Church
