Joanna Marie O. Santos
November 16, 2022

 

Are you planning a vacation to La Union this year? Here's a La Union travel blog to help you determine what to do in La Union and where to go in La Union. 

La Union is a popular weekend getaway for young Metro Manila residents. This relaxed coastal town is well-known for its surfing locations. Find out what else La Union has to offer and stay for longer than just a weekend. There are numerous natural and heritage attractions, as well as cultural events, in the town.

 

The top tourist attractions in La Union await your exploration. If you're looking for a list of the top attractions, must-see locations, and places to visit in La Union in 2022, this article is for you.

 

La Union, the Best Place to Surf in Luzon

In the Philippines, there are numerous surfing sites, one of which is in San Juan, La Union. The northern Philippines' premier surfing destination is San Juan, La Union. It is one of the best places to unwind and feel-good vibes, as well as one of the best places to go surfing. San Juan La Union is a second-class municipality in the province of La Union, located in the west of the province. Surfing spots and surf schools may be found along the shores of Urbiztondo Beach, which has consistent swells that are conducive to surfing. Surfing is one of the water sports that everyone, even those with no prior expertise, can try.

 

If you don't like riding waves or are simply not a beach person, there are lots of other things to do in La Union besides surfing.

 

6 Experiences to Try in La Union Apart from Surfing

Volunteer at Project Curma

 

Make your summer productive by volunteering with Project Curma. It is a non-profit organization that was established in 2010 with the primary goal of protecting sea turtles, also known as pawikan. A marine turtle hatchery is located at the team's headquarters in La Union, where volunteers and locals collected turtle eggs around the eLyU shoreline.

 

Image from Isolana Co.

 

You can volunteer to join the patrols and lead the young turtles back to the sea once they are ready to hatch and emerge from their shells. The turtle hatching period lasts from September to March.

 

Contact them via their social media platforms if you happen to be in La Union during these months and would like to offer your help.

 

You can visit Project Curma’s Facebook or Instagram for more information.

 

Spend a day at the Gapuz Grapes Farm

Many people are unaware that La Union has had multiple vineyards since the 1970s. The majority of these family-owned estates are public and may be located in the Bauang municipality. Gapuz Grapes Farm is one of them.

 

Image from TripAdvisor

 

You can visit the area, meet the farmers, and learn how to make wine from the lush grapes. If you want to pick grapes, the only harvest season is from March to May, so it's better to contact the farm in advance.

 

Admission is free, but there is a small charge if you want to take photos so it's better to contact the farm in advance. Admission is free, but there is a small charge if you want to take photos. You can also take home some locally produced wines as a souvenir.

 

Gapuz Grapes Farm is open from Monday to Sunday from 7AM to 5PM. For more information, you can visit their official Facebook page or Instagram.

 

Hike at the Arosip Ecotrail

 

La Union is a wonderful place to go hiking in addition to having beautiful beaches. The Arosip Ecotrail, located in the municipality of Bacnotan, is one trail you may climb here. The hike is 6.5 kilometers long, with various waterfalls along the way, including Tekdag-Aso Falls, Padtok Falls, and Zim-sim-ug Twin Falls. When you reach the summit, you'll be rewarded with a panoramic view of the surrounding lowlands.

 

Image from La Union Tayo!

 

To begin your adventure in the Arosip Ecotrail, go to the Bacnotan town market and take a tricycle to Barangay. Register at Arosip and the barangay hall. Additionally, you can hire a local guide to help you on your adventure here.

 

Appreciate art at the Kamay Na Bato Art Gallery

 

The Kamay Na Bato Art Gallery in La Union is a good alternative if you need a break from the beach. The museum features artwork created by Korean artist Vong Kim and his students.

 

Inside, you'll find eye-catching woodworks, three-dimensional displays, and sculptures made of stone that range from cute animals to phallic objects. Contrary to common assumption, the Bahay na Bato gallery is not to be confused with Kamay Na Bato.

 

Image from Lone Prowler

 

Contrary to common assumption, the Bahay na Bato gallery is not to be confused with Kamay Na Bato. The latter was formerly a renowned tourist attraction but is now a private house. PHP50 is required for admission to Kamay Na Bato.

 

The Kamay Na Bato Art Gallery is open from 7AM to 6PM, Mondays to Sundays. For more information, you may visit their official Facebook page.

 

See a sea of clouds at Mt. Puraw

 

Mt. Puraw is another well-liked hiking destination in La Union. A sea of clouds might even meet you if you schedule your trip perfectly. It is only 1.5 kilometers long and takes less than an hour to finish. You will be rewarded with views of the surrounding mountains, rolling hills, and rivers as you reach the peak.

 

Image from Sunday Punch

 

The mountain in Brgy. Guerrero in Bauang, La Union, is an excellent place to begin the day. From here, ride a tricycle to Brgy. Limmansangan-Palugsi and register at the barangay hall before you may participate.

 

Entice your taste buds with a food trip

 

La Union's food industry has improved as a result of the increasing number of tourists who visit the city each year. There are no rows of fast-food restaurants here. However, you'll be treated to a broad variety of local eateries serving both nutritious foods and anything from regional to international cuisine!

 

If you want a no-frills dining journey, Tagpuan sa San Juan is a local favorite that serves familiar yet wonderful cuisine at reasonable prices. Bagnet and adobo flakes are two of their sure winners that are worth a try.

 

Image from The Poor Traveler

 

When is the Best Time to Experience La Union?

 

It all depends on why you're staying. In La Union, the travel seasons are unusual. While San Juan's peak season is from October to March, when the large waves come to play with the town's growing surfing culture, most areas in the Philippines are alive during the summer (March to May). But bear in mind that October and November are typically rainy months. The months of December through March are your best choice if you want to go surfing but don't want to deal with bad weather.

 

If you just want to relax on the beach, the summer months of April and May are ideal. Even when there are no waves, who can resist the charm of a relaxing beach vacation? However, keep in mind that summer weekends are typically crowded.

 

How to Create an Itinerary When Planning a Trip to La Union

 

Ready to explore La Union? Here are quick some tips for creating an itinerary if you intend to visit the province.

Create a list of experiences that you want to try

 

Google is your best friend. Use it to learn fun facts about the areas you wish to visit, find out about upcoming events, locate the top restaurants and attractions, and measure distances on Google Maps. Find out from friends and relatives where to eat and what places to visit.

 

After all that research, ideas are racing through your head. Good. Write them down right away. Make a complete list of everything you wish to do. Even though you might not get to accomplish them all, once you make a schedule, you'll have plenty of time to check items off and focus your travels. Make a list of the things you think are absolutely necessary so that you don't forget to include them later.

 

Plan out your route depending on your list

 

Keep the journey time in mind. Use Google Maps to determine how long it will take to get to various locations in order to locate the fastest routes.

 

Check online for ticketing information and schedules

 

There are a number of bus companies that may transport you from Manila to La Union, either on the way to Vigan or Laoag or to the nearby town of San Fernando. Going straight to San Juan is the simplest option if you want to go surfing.

 

The only bus company that provides direct trips from Manila to San Juan is Partas Transportation Company. It departs twice a day from 1 AM and 6 AM from either Cubao or Pasay, and takes around 5-7 hours to get to Sebay Surf Central in Urbiztondo. The cost is PHP 541 one-way, and daily return trips to Manila leave at 3 PM and 10 PM.

 

You can buy tickets at the bus station, but getting transportation tickets ahead of time guarantees you a seat.

 

Decide on which experiences to try based on your route

 

Without a doubt, La Union is a fantastic place to visit for both surfers and non-surfers! Due to its close proximity to Manila, La Union is a popular weekend destination for tourists coming from the capital.

 

To make and experience an unforgettable trip, you must know the culture, beliefs, and activities of La Union in order to decide what to do there.

 

Image from Escape Manila

 

La Union is a wonderful place to explore. La Union's beaches might not have Boracay's immaculate white sands, but they do have a certain charm that will make you fall in love with this beautiful province's unique character.

 

If you want to get away from the crowded streets of Manila, you'll love La Union, and with this thrilling adventure to try aside from surfing, you'll be well-prepared for your trip.

 

To have a good trip in a location with so many attractions and things to do, planning your trip in advance is more than required. Also remember to bring your hiking boots, insect repellent, and swimming gear!