Located in the Ilocos Region, La Union is known as the “Surfing Capital of the North” and one of the best surfing destinations in the Philippines. A lot of local and international tourists go to this laid coastal town to enjoy the beach, waves, water falls, historical sites, food and a lot more.
Here are some of the must visit destinations that you should include on your itinerary.
La Union is very famous in surfing and Urzbintondo Beach in San Juan is the place to be. Locals and foreigners alike usually go to Urbiztondo Beach to surf all day especially for surfing enthusiasts. Whether your are beginner or a pro, you can enjoy surfing in this area. If it's your first time, this is the perfect place to learn surfing. Avail surfing lesson which starts at 350 per hour which includes surf board and personal instructor. If you already know how to surf, you can rent surf board for P200 per hour and P500 for half day.
Here are some of the must visit destinations that you should include on your itinerary.
Urzbintondo Beach
Lomboy Farm
Before going to San Juan beaches, you can have a quick stop at Lomboy Farm, the pioneer grape farm in the Philippines. This vineyard was established in 1972 and started with only 20 grape cuttings. Now, it's the biggest grape farm in the province of La Union.
The best time to visit Lomboy Farm is from March to May. Try the grape-picking activity with your family and friends. It's a great experience to pick your own grapes.
The best time to visit Lomboy Farm is from March to May. Try the grape-picking activity with your family and friends. It's a great experience to pick your own grapes.
If you are done with the grape picking, you can go to their instagramable cafe called Uvas Cafe. You can enjoy here some of their refreshing beverages, local delicacies and pastries. We're so lucky to try their ubas wine tasting. You should try their wine, it's one of the best local wine available in the market.
Agoo Eco Fun World
Agoo Eco Fun World is one of the newest tourist spots in La Union. It's located in the quiet town of Agoo, less than an hour drive from Urbiztundo beach. It' surrounded with "aroo" or "agoho," a pine-like evergreen tree.
At first, I thought it's a new theme park or amuse park that has several rides and attractions. But it's not. There are no houses, no stores, no chairs and no tables. Everything is natural. You can bring your own tent or picnic mat if you wish stay for long hours. Overnight is not allowed.
A few steps from agoho trees field is a very peaceful beach. It has fine grayish sands, clear blue waters and calm waves. Ideal place for swimming, sun bathing, playing Frisbee and chasing the sun. I really like the serenity and calmness of the beach, it gave a peace of mind. Something I can just think about relaxation, no pressure and no work loads.
Macho Temple
The Macho Temple is always included for every group tour. This temple reminds me the Bell Church Temple in Benguet and Taoist Temple in Cebu City. It's considered as the first Taoist temple in the Philippines where the renowned Spider Dome is found. This attraction is not far from the beach area. You can actually see here the panoramic view of the harbor of San Fernando and China Sea.
The temple is open for everyone no matter what's your religion. It is a place for praise and worship, to meditate and to seek guidance from the deities. If you enter the temple, pray and make a wish. You'll never know your wish might be granted.
Lotus Valley Farm
If you want to see several species of plants and trees, Lotus Farm is the place to be. It's located in the humble town of San Gabriel. We're fortunate to meet the owner of the farm. He toured us around to his huge property. It's truly fun to see up close some of his vegetables and other unique plants. No wonder why a lot of travelers enjoy agri tour.
After the tour, we headed to the yoga area and tried the acupuncture detox. I'm not afraid on needles so I tried the acupunture. The small needles inserted on some part of my ears. Honestly, there's a little bit pain but super tolerable. While we have the needles on our ears, we relaxed ourselves while listening to the "Gauranga" song. We also experienced their plant based food. I love vegetables and I enjoyed the food their prepared.
La Union Agri Tourism Center
La Union Agri Toursim offers a numerous of local delicacies, handicrafts and paintings that you can bring to your home as pasalubong.
Other spots that you need to visit in #Elyu include Our Lady of Charity in Agoo, Tangadan Waterfalls in San Gabriel, Namacpacan Church and Watch Tower, Balay na Bato, and Pebble Beach. More details HERE
Where To Eat in La Union
Ciano Umok Gallery
Aside from the mouth-watering halo halo, Ciano Umok features a gallery which is perfect place for art lovers. You can find here an area that houses of beautiful paintings.
Ciano Umok Gallery
If you are looking for a mouth watering dessert in La Union, I recommend the halo-halo of Ciano Umok in Bauang. It offers one of the best halo halo in the province. It's really different compared to the halo halo in Manila. The flavors are already in ice. I't's very delicious and refreshing.
Aside from the mouth-watering halo halo, Ciano Umok features a gallery which is perfect place for art lovers. You can find here an area that houses of beautiful paintings.
Kambak Restaurant
If you are craving for Filipino dishes, I suggest to visit Kambak Resto located in Santo Tomas. It's fine dining restaurant with a homey cooked authentic ilokano dishes served freshly and palatable. It compose of one bungalow structure and inspired by semi modern rustic native design which can accommodate from 70 to 80 pax.
The Little SurfMaid
If you are looking for a beach-front restaurant, you can head over to The Little Surmaid. It's a cozy restaurant located in the beach area of San Juan. We tried some of their dishes like Crispy Pata, Ilocano Pinakbet, Grilled Tuna and many more! They are all great! Will definitely bring my friends here when I go back to La Union.
Kahuna Beach Resort Restaurant
Another beach front restaurant that you must visit is Kahuna Beach Resort. You would definitely enjoy your food while looking the sunrise and sunset as well the surfers playing the waves.
Flotsam and Jetsam
Flotsam and Jetsam is not only famous for its budget friendly and cozy rooms, it's also crowd's favorite for its instagrammable on site bar. This resto bar is not only for hostel's guests, it's open for everyone.The whole area is surrounded with colorful lanterns and bean bags. The perfect time to go to the bar is at night.
Where To Stay in La Union
Lotus Valley Farm
If you want a place far away from the crowd and the city life, Lotus Valley Farm is a great place for you. This property is surrounded with several species of plants and trees. It offers a nice accommodation which made up from bamboo, logs or woods and other indigenous materials. Each hut/cottage can accommodate 5-6 persons at a rate of Php 5000-6000 per night.
Sebay Surf Central
One of the tourist's favorite resort in La Union is Sebay Surf Resort. It's a beach front resort which close to surfing spots, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and convenience stores. It offers a lot of rooms with air conditioning, beds with complete fresh bedding, and a private bathroom. It has also a restaurant with overlooking view of the beach.
Lakbay Norte 9 is a 5-day media familiarization tour of Northern Luzon organized by North Philippine Visitors Bureau and NLEX Corporation in cooperation with Victory Liner Inc., Amazon Cafe, Belo, Locally, Kremil-S, Myra Vitfirm Lotion, Department of Tourism- Region 1, La Union Convention and Visitors Bureau (LUCVB), and Pangasinan Visitors Bureau (PVB). Some photos are shot by Paul Benzi
If you are looking for a beach-front restaurant, you can head over to The Little Surmaid. It's a cozy restaurant located in the beach area of San Juan. We tried some of their dishes like Crispy Pata, Ilocano Pinakbet, Grilled Tuna and many more! They are all great! Will definitely bring my friends here when I go back to La Union.
Kahuna Beach Resort Restaurant
Another beach front restaurant that you must visit is Kahuna Beach Resort. You would definitely enjoy your food while looking the sunrise and sunset as well the surfers playing the waves.
Flotsam and Jetsam
Flotsam and Jetsam is not only famous for its budget friendly and cozy rooms, it's also crowd's favorite for its instagrammable on site bar. This resto bar is not only for hostel's guests, it's open for everyone.The whole area is surrounded with colorful lanterns and bean bags. The perfect time to go to the bar is at night.
Where To Stay in La Union
Lotus Valley Farm
If you want a place far away from the crowd and the city life, Lotus Valley Farm is a great place for you. This property is surrounded with several species of plants and trees. It offers a nice accommodation which made up from bamboo, logs or woods and other indigenous materials. Each hut/cottage can accommodate 5-6 persons at a rate of Php 5000-6000 per night.
Sebay Surf Central
One of the tourist's favorite resort in La Union is Sebay Surf Resort. It's a beach front resort which close to surfing spots, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and convenience stores. It offers a lot of rooms with air conditioning, beds with complete fresh bedding, and a private bathroom. It has also a restaurant with overlooking view of the beach.
Lakbay Norte 9 is a 5-day media familiarization tour of Northern Luzon organized by North Philippine Visitors Bureau and NLEX Corporation in cooperation with Victory Liner Inc., Amazon Cafe, Belo, Locally, Kremil-S, Myra Vitfirm Lotion, Department of Tourism- Region 1, La Union Convention and Visitors Bureau (LUCVB), and Pangasinan Visitors Bureau (PVB). Some photos are shot by Paul Benzi
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