Last updated: 26 April 2024
When someone mentions La Union or ‘Elyu’, it evokes thoughts of waves, surfers, and a laidback atmosphere. This province in the north provides both and more. Its beaches may not have the whiteness and fineness that its popular counterparts have, but it makes up for it with surf-able waves and a distinct culture. Beginners looking to learn the sport will have many surf shops and schools to choose from.
Other than surfing, the province has a number of noteworthy attractions to add to your itinerary. One of the highlights of a visit here is Tangadan Falls. You’ll need to walk through paved and mostly flat surfaces before you reach the actual waterfall. Ride the raft, swim in its pool, and take plenty of photos. You can also go cliff-diving in the natural pool directly above the waterfall.
Visitors may also watch the sunset after a day of surfing in Urbiztondo Beach. Visit the Ma-Cho Temple or drop by the old churches in the province to learn more about La Union’s culture and heritage. You’ll also find cafes and restaurants that serve local delicacies and Western food. You can also pick grapes during your visit.
Pebble Beach in Luna is a unique destination because instead of sand, you will see pebbles lining the shore. While still in Luna, head on over to Namacpacan Church. This Baroque structure in the town center is – simply put – beautiful. Its exterior is worth at least a couple of pictures.
La Union’s accessibility is one of the reasons it is a go-to destination for those who want to surf or just hang out by the beach. Here’s how you get to this province.
WHAT'S IN THIS GUIDE?
How to Get to La Union
Other than Manila, you can reach Elyu from Baguio, Cabanatuan, or Pampanga.
From Manila
From the Metro (Cubao or Pasay Station), you have the option to alight at San Fernando or San Juan, both of which are part of La Union. If you just want to visit San Fernando, you can board a direct bus that takes roughly five to seven hours. Fare is upwards of P600.
From San Fernando, you can also get to Urbiztondo in San Juan. Board a jeep to Urbiztondo, which will usually take around 30 minutes.
For those who want to go to the beach directly, San Juan is the stop. There are direct buses from either Cubao or Pasay. The ride can take up to five to seven hours. Fare is upwards of P600 if you take a Partas bus. You can choose the Sebay drop-off, which will stop at the iconic 7-11 in San Juan.
You may also read our MANILA to LA UNION Bus Schedules & Operators article for more information.
From Baguio
If you’re coming from Baguio, the trip to La Union can take up to three hours. Go to Gov. Pack Road and board a bus bound for either Abra, Vigan, or Laoag. These buses pass Urbiztondo in San Juan. You can either take a Fred and Cathy Transport bus or a Partas bus. Fare for Partas buses range from P100 to P150.
From Clark
If you’re arriving at Clark Airport, get on a jeep or a bus bound for Dau Bus Terminal. Once at the terminal, you can board a bus traveling to San Fernando or San Juan. This trip will approximately take five hours.
You may also read our CLARK AIRPORT Bus Guide article for more information.
From Cabanatuan
Take a van or a bus to Tarlac City (P160-550), and then board a bus from Tarlac Bus Terminal to San Juan or San Fernando, La Union (P260-360).
Alternatively, you can also board a bus bound for Baguio from Cabanatuan Bus Terminal, BUT alight at Sison, Pangasinan. From there, take a bus bound for Vigan or Laoag and then ask to be dropped off at San Juan or San Fernando.
If you want to travel via TPLEX, you can take a van to Dau Bus Terminal in Pampanga from Cabanatuan, then get on a bus bound for Ilocos (Laoag, Vigan, Candon) or Abra. These buses usually drop off and pick up passengers in La Union (San Fernando or San Juan).
Exploring La Union
The area of San Juan and Urbiztondo Beach is easy to explore and walk around in. There are buses and jeeps traveling to and from San Fernando and San Juan – it’s easy to shuttle between these places. You can also use a combination of public transportation and hiring a tricycle to visit the province’s attractions. You can bring your own vehicle as well.
Where to Stay in La Union
La Union is a developed tourist destination so you’ll find plenty of accommodations regardless of your budget. San Fernando is a possible base for your trip around the province. The city has a number of places to eat after a day of activities. There are guesthouses and hotels that are affordable and comfortable. It is also a transportation hub that makes it easy to go anywhere in La Union.
San Juan is the likely stop of many because of Urbiztondo Beach and the surf shops that offer lessons and board rentals. This is where you’ll find resorts and hostels from budget to big spenders. This area is the ideal base for those who want to stay near the beach. You’ll also find plenty of buses and jeeps passing through in this area. To help you decide, you might want to consider these top hotels/resorts as rated by Agoda users, in no particular order.
Top Hotels on Agoda
- AUREO RESORT LA UNION
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - KAHUNA BEACH RESORT AND SPA
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - AWESOME HOTEL LA UNION
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - LITTLE SURFMAID RESORT
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - COSTA VILLA BEACH RESORT
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here!
Top Hotels on Booking.com
- THUNDERBIRD RESORTS – PORO POINT
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - 3BU HOSTEL LA UNION
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - ISLA BONITA BEACH RESORT
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - THE ESCAPE SAN JUAN
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - G HOTEL LA UNION
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here!
If you want more suggestions with more details about each hotel, you can also check our Top 10 Hotels & Resorts in La Union article.
Find more La Union Hotels!
Watch Related Videos on YouTube
You can watch our Things to Do in La Union for Non-Surfers video below. You can also find other related videos on our YouTube channel.
Updates Log
2024.04.26 – Updated info on how to get to La Union
2024.04.24 – Updated Where to Stay section
2019.02.17 – First uploaded
Written by: Joshua Berida
Edited and Updated by: Hannah Manalo and Astrid Alvarez
Related Article: La Union Travel Guide
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