Travel 2017: Urbiztondo, San Juan, La Union
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La Union: It's sweeter the second time around.
I have been to La Union last 2014 as part of my Ilocos trip. It was just a short visit and there were no waves during that time so our group tried stand-up paddle boarding (click here for details).
This summer, my girlfriends and I wanted to take a quick weekend getaway. With all the buzz and hype about La Union lately, we've decided to pack our bags and go North!
How to get there
Travel time from Manila to La Union will just take 4-5 hours if you will go there via private transport.
Via commute, it may take 5-6 hours depending on the bus stops. There are several bus lines that operate trips to La Union. You can take buses bound for San Fernando in La Union or Vigan. If you will board a Vigan bound bus, just tell the conductor to drop you off at Sebay Surf in Urbiztondo. Alternatively, if you are on a San Fernando, La Union bound bus, alight at the terminal then take a jeep or tricycle going to Urbiztondo.
Our group took the bus going to Vigan via Dominion Bus Lines in Cubao. They have hourly trips daily and the fare is PHP392.
Where to stay
During the peak season it may be hard to book a hotel or inn so I suggest to plan ahead. Our group stayed at Hacienda Peter's Beach Resort. We stayed in a pretty decent fan room with a double bed for PHP1600/night.
Here are some of the beachfront resorts around Urbiztondo:
I have been to La Union last 2014 as part of my Ilocos trip. It was just a short visit and there were no waves during that time so our group tried stand-up paddle boarding (click here for details).
This summer, my girlfriends and I wanted to take a quick weekend getaway. With all the buzz and hype about La Union lately, we've decided to pack our bags and go North!
How to get there
Travel time from Manila to La Union will just take 4-5 hours if you will go there via private transport.
Via commute, it may take 5-6 hours depending on the bus stops. There are several bus lines that operate trips to La Union. You can take buses bound for San Fernando in La Union or Vigan. If you will board a Vigan bound bus, just tell the conductor to drop you off at Sebay Surf in Urbiztondo. Alternatively, if you are on a San Fernando, La Union bound bus, alight at the terminal then take a jeep or tricycle going to Urbiztondo.
Our group took the bus going to Vigan via Dominion Bus Lines in Cubao. They have hourly trips daily and the fare is PHP392.
Where to stay
During the peak season it may be hard to book a hotel or inn so I suggest to plan ahead. Our group stayed at Hacienda Peter's Beach Resort. We stayed in a pretty decent fan room with a double bed for PHP1600/night.
Here are some of the beachfront resorts around Urbiztondo:
Hacienda Peter's Resort (Pfeifer Beach Resort)
0918-441-5475
Monaliza Surf Resort
+63 72 607 1396
Fatwave Surf Resort
+63 917 885 5754
Kahuna Resort
+63917 830 0363 or +63998 855 2837
Little Surfmaid Resort
+63 (72) 8885528 or +63 9205486112
Flotsam and Jetsam Artist Beach Hostel
+63-9178021328
Where to eat
La Union is not just for surfing enthusiasts but for foodies too. There are a lot of food stalls around the beach. And since we are hungry babies, we tried some of them.
Gefseis Greek Resto Bar
Looking for something Greek and exotic? Try Gefseis Greek Resto Bar. Order their best-seller beef souvlaki. It is a flavorful mix of fries, beef, onion, garlic, homemade sauce and hot sauce all wrapped in pita bread. Pair it with their refreshing banana yogurt shake and your tastebuds will definitely thank you for it!
Beef Souvlaki PHP120 |
Seawadeeka
If Thai or Vietnamese food is your thing, Seawadeeka is your perfect match. It is a cute blue food truck offering Asian street food like pad thai, satay and banh mi.
Shrimp Pad Thai PHP170 |
El Union Coffee
Undeniably the most famous local coffee shop in Urbiztondo, El Union serves the best coffee in town. They use only premium beans to make their signature drinks. Aside from their coffee blends, don't leave LU without trying their yummy indoor smores. It's finger lickin' good!
Indoor Smores PHP160 |
Flotsam and Jetsam Hungry Nomad Kitchen Bar
If you are looking for a night life and a crazy crowd, Flotsam and Jetsam is the place to be. The place is popular for the young crowd in search for some fun and drinks. Try their signature local craft beers and pair it with pizza, chicken or fries from their kitchen bar. Flotsam can be pretty jampacked especially during Friday and Saturday nights so if you want a space come there early. But of course, you can always share a table with strangers. Why not, right?
Sunstoked Local Craft Beer PHP180 |
Personally, I love the La Union vibe! Plus, it's very accessible from Manila. Will definitely go back and bring more friends! :)