La Union 2019: 3 Days 2 Nights DIY Travel

The first 2 quarters of the year didn't go well for me. Not all throughout, but most days, even nights were so terrible until the point came that I fell to depression due to anxiety attacks and too much stress and heartbreaks at home and work. From those messed up events I encountered, I decided to go on a vacation to help myself rest and heal. I searched for a far, but accessible getaway from Manila, and La Union caught my attention.

La Union is a province in the Philippines located in the Ilocos region. San Juan is one popular town in La Union, which is known for its surfing spot. I didn't think twice going there because surfing means beach, and I love beaches, so... that's it! 😃 But there's a lot of things La Union has to offer, and those I'm going to share with you guys on this blog.

Special thanks to my workmate Angel because he lent me his action camera and extra DSLR battery for free, and Ate Gelica and Justine for sharing some info and tips before I went to La Union. Also thanks to my boyfriend who joined me in my adventure (basically, it was my plan alone, and he just joined me). We also spent our 6th monthsary there... So ayon. Ayie, ang cheesy. Tse. (eye rolls but kilig inside)
Below is our 3 days 2 nights DIY travel in La Union. What you will see here are:

➤ Our sample itinerary
➤ Places visited

- Ma Cho Temple

- Bahay na Bato

- Baluarte Watch Tower

- Pindangan Ruins

- Chill'n Hotel

- Flotsam and Jetsam

- Fatwave Surf Resort

- Charlies Hangar Surf Hostel

➤ Food we ate

- Halo Halo de Iloko

- Persia House

- Tuna Station

- Mad Monkeys

- Olas Banditos

- Curious Creatures

- Makai Bowls

➤ Some expenses


DAY 0

8 PM - ETD Cavite
I already packed my things a week before the travel, but rechecking packs was done when I got home from work to make sure that I won't miss any important stuff. Last minute hanash ika nga. We had our dinner before leaving Cavite. 

10:30 PM - ETA Partas Terminal
From Cavite, we dropped off at Pasay Rotonda, then rode a jeepney to Partas Terminal. Fare is Php9.00. You can just take a 5-minute walk instead from Pasay Rotonda to the terminal, but it was already late night, and walking was no longer safe. Upon arrival at the terminal, there was the 11PM bus going to La Union, but we still chose to book the 12 midnight schedule because it was still early to go. Fare is Php500 per head (estimated). BTW, if you get tired and hungry while waiting, there's a fastfood chain available at the terminal. 

DAY 1

12 AM - ETD Manila
Time to sleep! 😪

5 AM - ETA Sebay Surf Central, San Juan, La Union
I felt no discomfort on the trip, given that we rode on an air-conditioned bus, with spacious leg room. There were also bus stops for those who need to use a CR, or to buy some goods.
We ate and waited at 7Eleven near Sebay Surf Central until 6AM for our first destination - the Ma Cho Temple.

6 AM - Ma Cho Temple
Ma Cho Temple is a Taoist temple located in San Fernando, La Union. There is no entrance fee, and it is open Monday to Sunday from 6AM to 6PM.

It is only few minutes away from Sebay. We rode a jeep going to San Fernando, then dropped off at Ma Cho Temple. The said temple is operational so there's a strict rules compliance inside. Dating is not allowed inside, visitors should observe silence, and wear proper attire. That day, I was wearing shorts, but a staff let me roam inside because there was no service happening that time. Will wear proper attire next time. 😔

8 AM - Bahay na Bato
Bahay na Bato is located at Barangay Nalvo Norte, Luna, La Union, and opens daily from 6AM to 8PM. Entrance fee is Php20 for a day tour. As per name itself, Bahay na Bato showcases sculpted arts and crafts made from stones and driftwoods. 

From Ma Cho Temple, we rode a bus going to Balaoan Town Plaza. It is a 30-minute journey going there. From the plaza, we rented a tricycle for Php150 going to Bahay na Bato and Baluarte Watch Tower (our next stop), then going back to the town plaza.

Bahay na Bato is open for staycations, and also open for any occasions like weddings, birthdays, and other functions. The place is so quiet and peaceful, you can clearly hear the waves crashing against the shore. Although there's a beach facing the area, swimming is not allowed due to safety reasons. 

As you can see, the beach area is filled with pebbles, not sand. That's why swimming is not allowed here. Just imagine a strong wave hits you, and you'll crash on these stones.

9 AM - Baluarte Watch Tower
Baluarte Watch Tower is a national historical landmark located at Barangay Victoria, Luna, La Union. It was built during the Spanish period as a solution to the frequent ransacking of Japanese, Chinese, and Moro pirates in the coastal towns of La Union. (source: Baluarte: The Leaning Tower of Luna, La Union.)
What you actually see in the photo below is not the original form of the tower. It has eroded over time, until the local government made some reconstructions to preserve the ruins.
There's nothing to see here but the tower and the beach (and mooore pebbles) only, so we left the place after 15 minutes because the sun was up and it was very hot already.

This one caught my attention, for it reminds me of love locks in Paris and Seoul Korea. (No I haven't been there... yet. :D)

10:30 AM - Pindangan Ruins

If you are a history lover or a researcher, you might consider visiting Pindangan Ruins. Pindangan Ruins is another national historical site located in San Fernando, La Union. It is the remnant of an old catholic church built by the Spanish priests in 1764. The said church was destroyed by wars and earthquake, and today, the local government is still undergoing strict preservation of this place.

The place is very peaceful and quiet, a good place for educational tours, and can only be reach by riding a private vehicle or a tricycle. Entrance fee is Php25. There's a chapel nearby where a mass is regularly celebrated.

From Balaoan Town Plaza, we rode a bus going back to San Fernando. Then we hired a tricycle going to Pindangan Ruins and Halo Halo de Iloko (our next destination) for Php200.

When we saw this, we thought that this is a secret passage going to the coastal area of the city, but actually, this is the old well that supplies water in the village way back time. (it's empty for a long time now)

There are altars in some corners of the ruins to inspire silent prayers.

11:30 AM - Halo Halo de Iloko

After visiting Pindangan Ruins, we finally had our first decent meal for the day at Halo Halo de Iloko. They serve Filipino cuisine, and they are popular for their pinoy dessert which is the halo-halo.

Pork Iloko Sisig: Php165.

Pusit Anghang: Php165.

Dinengdeng: Php220.00

For our dessert, we ordered classic vanilla New York style cheesecake (I forgot the price)😟

And La Union experience is not complete without trying their Buko Halo-halo! Price is Php185.

Halo Halo de Iloko also sells local delicacies. Perfect for pasalubong.

I noticed that many people go here and the place gets crowded, especially during lunch time. Some will have to wait at the waiting area until there is a vacant table available. So if you are planning to go here, make sure you come early.

1:30 PM - Chill'n Hotel
After we had our lunch, we finally headed to Chill'n Hotel where we booked our 2 nights stay. It is located at Barangay Urbiztondo San Juan, La Union. It is just few steps away from the beach area and food hubs. We booked an air-conditioned room good for two which costs Php1,700 per night, with cable TV, free use of swimming pool, Wi-Fi at the corridor, and complementary breakfast for two. The CR is clean and the shower has heater. 
I missed taking photos of the room, but you can refer to this blog to see. 😉

Among all hotels I found on the internet, Chill'n Hotel has the cheapest rooms, but the quality is not compromised. But I find it a bit difficult transacting with them, because they don't entertain phone calls. As indicated on their Facebook page, all inquiries should be done through SMS. For the payment, I sent them a screenshot for confirmation as per their instruction. I encountered late replies, but they do reply, just be patient. 😃

4 PM - Flotsam and Jetsam

After 2 hours of rest, we went to Flotsam and Jetsam for site seeing.
Flotsam and Jetsam, despite of its pricey accommodation, is the most visited hostel in San Juan, La Union. The said hostel is highlighted for its artsy and tropical vibes. The beach area and the restaurant bar is open for everyone, no entrance fee, but any food and drink bought outside is not allowed inside F&J. Party happens here every Saturday night.

5:00 PM - Persia House

We went outside Flotsam and Jetsam for a food crawl, and then we found Persia House. They serve authentic Keema, Kebabs, and Shawarma.

Kebab Rice: Php180. 

6 PM - Flotsam and Jetsam

We went back to Flotsam and Jetsam and stayed there until late night to chill, and eat (food is life nobyo ko).

F&J's Pizza Margarita: Php360.

DAY 2
Our original plan was to visit Tangadan Falls in San Gabriel, La Union at 5AM, but a heavy rain came. As what I have read from the other blogs, the trail going to Tangadan Falls is easy, but very muddy and slippery. We thought trekking is no longer safe for us, so we decided not to go. What a miss. 😔

9 AM - Breakfast at Tuna Station
Within the hotel area, there is the Tuna Station, where they serve food for their guests. The said canteen has their own management, and is not owned by Chill'n Hotel. Maybe their service is contracted for the hotel's guests.

I picked boneless bangus, while my boyfriend chose tuna belly. Both comes with coffee or juice. It looks ordinary in the picture, but for me, it's more than just a complementary meal, especially the viand, hindi kakapurit.

1 PM - Mad Monkeys

We had our lunch at Mad Monkeys before going back to Flotsam and Jetsam for surfing. You can take a 15-minute walk from the hotel going here, or ride a jeepney or tricycle. 
Mad Monkeys is a well-known burger house in Urbiztondo. They are located in front of Sebay Surf Central.

We ordered BBQ bacon burger (Php295), and BBLT burger (Php285). An additional cost is applied for sides like fries or onion rings. I'm not a fan of burgers, but it was good and I like it. 

2 PM - Flotsam and Jetsam

It was still hot that time for surfing, so we waited until 4PM. While waiting, we enjoyed our avocado shake and mango shake bought at F&J restaurant bar. 

4 PM - Surfing

I already mentioned awhile ago that San Juan, La Union has the best spot for surfing. Actually, San Juan is the surfing capital in the Northern Philippines. The best month to visit San Juan for surfing is from July-September (south swell) and October-March (north swell).

We headed to the beach area when the sun was almost down to try surfing. It was our first time, and for the first timers like us, a guide or instructor is mandatory. They will teach you the basics of surfing. It costs Php500 per head for an hour. 

Surfing wasn't easy for me. But after I learned to manage my balance (or after I fell for many times... 😄), I can finally ride on the waves easily. It was really fun, it made me wanna go back to La Union.

5:30 PM - Chill'n Hotel

After surfing, we went back to the hotel to try their swimming pool. 

7:30 PM - Fatwave Surf Resort

When we were done swimming, we went back to our room, took a bath, and rested for awhile. Then we met Jireh, a friend from Instagram who lives in San Fernando, La Union. He took us at Fatwave Surf Resort and spent time there for getting to know each other. Fatwave is just few meters away from our hotel. The said resort has the same setup as F&J. They have room accommodations, beach area, and bar and restaurant. Party also happens here occasionally.

We ordered a bucket of Smirnoff Mule, and pizza margarita (Php280)

9 PM - Charlies Hangar Surf Hostel

When we finished drinking and eating, he also took us at Charlie's Hangar Surf Hostel, just few steps away from Fatwave. It is also one of the popular hostels in San Juan, La Union. The big aircraft is the highlight of the hostel, which is said under renovation to make it into a resto bar.

We then decided to go part ways when the rain was approaching again. I told him that I'll go back to La Union so we can spend more time on surfing and party. Jireh is a cool guy, you can follow him on Instagram @imjirehmagno and watch his vlogs in Youtube at Jireh Magno.
It was fun meeting people from social media. 😉

9:20 PM - Olas Banditos

And up to this time, my boyfriend was still up for a food crawl. So while walking back to our hotel, we found the Olas Banditos, a Mexican joint in San Juan, La Union. 

Taco Carnitas: Php50.00

9:50 PM - Curious Creatures

...And then, the Curious Creatures, our last stop before going back to the hotel. They serve craft beers "and other curiosities." Wanna find them out? Check them on their Facebook page. 😉

DAY 3

6 AM - Fatwave

We woke up early and went back to Fatwave to enjoy the beach before we say goodbye to La Union. We didn't swim, we just spent more time for photo ops.

7:40 AM - Makai Bowls

We had breakfast at Makai Bowls before heading back to the hotel. They serve healthy smoothie bowls made with real fruits.

Our orders: Surfer's Bowl, and Carille. I forgot the price, but it ranges from Php200-300.

10 AM - Early Lunch at Tuna Station

We took our breakfast at Tuna Station as our early lunch before leaving the hotel. This time, I picked bagnet.

11 AM - Packing up

12 PM - Checkout at Chill'n Hotel

12:30 PM - San Fernando, La Union
Last minute pasalubong shopping! 😃

1 PM - ETD San Fernando

There's a Partas Terminal located in San Fernando, La Union. Bus fare is just the same (Php500 per head, estimated)

8:30 PM - ETA Partas Terminal, Pasay

10 PM - ETA Cavite

Home! 😊

And that's our DIY Travel in La Union. These are just some of the wonders of La Union. We will go back here to explore those we have missed.
For more questions, leave a comment below. Thank you guys! 💛