Here’s my latest budget travel blog about La Union! In this travel guide, you will get a sample 3 days La Union itinerary, breakdown of expenses, as well as my recommended accommodation and tours.
If you’re going to ask me last year, what’s my least favorite destination, my answer was “La Union”. Yes, I judged this place. For me, La Union was just a surfing spot near Manila with not so clear water and gray sand. I wasn’t expecting anything. But after I saw its beauty all of these negative thoughts were changed.
About La Union

La Union is well known as the Surfing Capital of Northern Luzon. It is one of the most accessible surfing spot, just 5-7 hours bus ride from Manila. Aside from surfing, there are also must-visit resort and restaurants that have late-night activities and waterfalls that are worth seeing.
How to Get to La Union
There are several options for bus terminals you can choose from. You can call them before your trip to confirm their schedules.
MANILA TO LA UNION BUS TERMINALS
Partas Transportation – Cubao
816 Aurora Boulevard, Cubao, Quezon City
Contact No.: (02) 410 1307
Partas Transportation – Pasay
Tramo corner Edang St., San Roque, Pasay City
Contact No.: (02) 8528194
Partas Transportation – Sampaloc
1716 Vicente Cruz corner Laon Laan Sts., Sampaloc, Manila
Contact No.: (02) 743-3242
Dominion Bus Lines
EDSA corner New York St., Quezon City
Contact No.: (02) 727 2350
Viron Transportation Co., Inc.
1209 Dapitan corner Blumentritt Streets, Sampaloc, Manila
Contact No.: (02) 741 0405
Bus Fare: 400 to 460 PHP
Travel Time: 5 to 7 hours
Best time to leave Manila: 12 am
Where to Stay in La Union
There are various accommodations in La Union ranging from budget-friendly to luxurious, but most of the tourists preferred to stay in San Juan area. You may check the best accommodations in La Union and compare the rates below.
Flotsam and Jetsam Hostel

There are lots of resorts and hostels in San Juan, La Union that you can choose from. As for us, we chose Flotsam and Jetsam Hostel since the location is near the beach, the vibes are lively and there is late-night activity.
➡️ CHECK RATES AND AVAILABILITY
Thunderbird Resort

Thunderbird Resort can be found tucked away on a one-hundred-foot cliff of the Poro Point Peninsula within San Fernando. The resort looks out over both the San Fernando Bay and the West Philippine Sea, making this destination popular amongst many travelers.
➡️ CHECK RATES AND AVAILABILITY
How to Get Around La Union
Book La Union Tour via Rizanoia
Day Tour: 1,099 PHP/pax
Destinations:
- Grapes Farm
- Tangadan Falls
- Thunderbird Resort (optional)
- San Juan Beach
- Ma-Cho Temple
- Halo- Halo De Iloko
- St. Paul and Peter Parish
- Poro Point Lighthouse
Inclusions:
- Roundtrip Van Transfer (Manila- La Union- Manila)
- ALL Entrance Fees except Thunderbird Resort
- Tour Coordinator/ Photographer
- Environmental Fees
- Local Tour Guide Fee
2 Days 1 Night Tour: 1,999 PHP/pax
Destinations:
- Tangadan Falls
- Flotsam & Jetsam
- San Juan Beach
- Baluarte Watch Tower
- Pebble Beach
- Namacpacan Church
- Paloair Balaoan (Bohol- like Forest)
- Kamay na Bato Art Gallery
- Ma- Cho Temple
- Halo-halo De Iloko
- Poro Point Lighthouse
- Thunderbird Resort (optional)
- Grapes Farm
- Agoo Basilica
Inclusions:
- Roundtrip Van Transfer (Manila-La Union-Manila)
- Driver’s Fee, Driver’s Meal, Diesel, Toll Fees, Parking Fees
- 1 Night Air-conditioned Accommodation (Room Sharing)
- Tour Coordinator/ Photographer
- Environmental Fees
- Local Tour Guide for Tangadan Falls
- ALL Entrance Fees except Thunderbird Resort
Tourist Spots in La Union
Urbiztundo Beach

Surfing lesson starts at 695 PHP/pax inclusive of 1 hour and 30 minutes surf lesson, instructor, surf board rental and water refill.
➡️ BOOK SURF LESSON VIA KLOOK
Tangadan Falls

Tangadan Falls water is refreshing after the hike along the trail. Since the water is deep, some people may feel safer if they rent a life vest for their little swim. As soon as a person is done with the water, but not yet ready to leave the beautiful area, they may want to consider hopping onto one of the bamboo rafts for a break. This will allow them to still be on the water to enjoy the views and will let them get closer to the falls than many of the other swimmers and jumpers.
Ma-Cho Temple

The Ma-Cho Temple is a Taoist temple that was dedicated to the sea goddess, Mazu. According to the legend, Mazu was a girl with the name Lin Mo who only lived until she was twenty-eight years old. She was born during the Northern Sung Dynasty, which was in control from 960 until 1127 A.D.
Kamay na Bato Art Gallery
Baluarte Watch Tower

Pebble Beach

Paloair Balaoan Luna Forest

Where to Eat in La Union
I’ve read that pizza in Flotsam and Jetsam Hostel is a must-try. But if you’re in a budget like us eating pizza and other meals in this hostel is not for you. When we found out that rice meals in our hostel are pricey and we only allotted 100 pesos budget per meal for 3 days we asked some locals where to find budget meal restaurants or carinderia.
Beach Bum Food Park
What to do after dinner? Just a minute walk from Nak Nak you will reach Beach Bum Food Park. This place is so cool!
Mad Monkeys Burger Lab

Tagpuan

This one of the most popular places to eat in La Union. We ordered Combo 1.
La Union Itinerary & Expenses
Check this DIY La Union Tour I made with itinerary and budget breakdown that you can download and edit for your convenience.
➡️ DOWNLOAD LA UNION ITINERARY
If you find this helpful, please share this travel guide! ?
Where To Go Next Weekend?
My Travel Gear
- Point & Shoot Camera: Canon G7X Mark II
- DSLR Camera: Nikon DSLR
- Action Camera: SJCAM M20
- Drone: DJI Drone
- Mobile Phone: iPhone 6s | Realme
- Powerbank: Jaguar 24K mAh
- Tripod: Yunteng VCT 5208
- Backpack: Cabinzero Bag
Disclaimer: I am not sponsored or being paid by any of the brands mentioned. Some of the links in this post are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase I will earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
60 comments
wow ang ganda pala dyan? sana makapasyal kaming mag anak dyan this summer?
Good to know, you had a great time on your travel here in La Union, Sa sa susunod may pics ka rin sa Grape Picking site in Bauang.
Yes will do thanks Aliz!
Hi, I’ve tweeted your link na about a couple of times pero hindi parin naguunlock yung content. 🙁
Hi! What’s your username on twitter? I’ll check.
hi! may contact ka po nung tricycle sa La Union? Thanks!
hi. san po makakahire ng tricycle on tour. and walkin din po ba yung pag stay niyo sa fj hostel or need reservation?
Sa labas ng Flotsam may mga tricycle na, nagpareserve din kami for our accommodation.
Hi, what’s the best bus line to ride to urbiztondo la union? What did you ride going there? Thanks!
Partas Bus po yung sinakyan namin. The best bus line depends san po kayo manggagaling. 🙂
Hi! How to download your file?
Like or share the post and the content will be unlocked. 🙂
Share or like the post to unlock the content. 🙂
Hello! Thanks for this post, it’s so informative. Can I ask how to go to the Paloair Bauang Forest please? Thank you!
Thru tricycle po sabihin nyo lang po sa driver. 🙂
Hi … di ko po madownload yung sample itinerary niyo.. already like and shared it two times..
but still no link appeared
Hi Crystalline it’s okay on my end. Can you try again?
Hi, may I ask where the forest is located in Luna? Thanks!
Paloair Balaoan
Love this article. it really helps me gauge what I need for our future trip to la union! thanks <3
Glad it helps. Enjoy LU! 🙂
Hi Rizanoia,
Thanks a lot for the informative blog.
However, may I ask for the exact location of Paloair Balaoan or any nearby landmark or establishment. Thank you.
Hi Val! Sorry I don’t know the exact location. Biglaan lang kasi kami napababa nun then super liblib yung lugar.
No worries Rizanoia.
I think this is where I am looking:
https://www.google.com.ph/maps/@16.8149899,120.3310063,3a,25.2y,224.07h,90.49t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sB_XOibjBr-BlnOw_p9stOg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
Yes yan nga yung lugar. 🙂
Hi I just went to La Union last week and was able to find the Bohol-like forest along the Bacnotan-Luna-Balaoan Road. You may take this route going to Luna, La Union to make sure that you will pass by the forest. Also, the Balay na Bato was closed for renovation, but the nearby Kamay na Bato is open. Good luck!
The grapes picking activity in La Union is on my must-try list. Looks like it’s a great family bonding activity.
hi! where can we avail of the tour option A? do you have a contact person? thanks!
Hello! Maraming tricycle dun outside ng mga hostels ang nag-ooffer ng day tour. You may approach them. 🙂
Hello there Rizanoia! Than you for this travel guide, I was able to plan our LU itinerary 🙂 I’d like to know if I can refer to this travel guide of yours by posting its link onto my blog? I’m currently working on a La Union Travel Guide that I’ll be publishing this September 2018 🙂 Pls let me know! Thanks again!
Hi Mat! Sure it would be great!
Thank you! Cheers!
Hi Riza, pano at saan mag aavail ng tour packages? Sa mgatrike driver nlng ba?
Hi Celien! Yes sa mga tricycle drivers or via Travel Book.
Hi, we cant access the spreadsheet.
Hmmm sorry for that. Please let me know the step you did so I can check.
Hi ano schedules ng La union to manila thanjyou po
Schedule ng ano po?
Hi Ms. Riza! Super helpful po ng travel guide nyo. Gagamitin ko po sya pagpunta ko sa ElYu soon! More power po sainyo! <3
Aw kilig! I’m happy to know that this travel guide helps. Enjoy ElYu Ms. Milet! 🙂
Hi! Thanks for this travel guide/itinerary. This is a big help for us and we’ll use this as a reference for our DIY trip to La Union this March. Thank you!!! 🙂 Stay safe always and God bless you
Thanks DJ! Glad to help. 🙂
Hi Where to find the itinerary?
Wow! Great blog! Very useful information. Thank u so much! ?
Welcome!
Hi Dj! Can we go inside the Thunderbird resort even if we’re not staying there? Just to take pictures and see the beautiful scenery? 🙂
Hello MC! Yes you can go inside with entrance fee of 500 PHP. Check my post about Thunderbird for more info https://www.rizanoia.com/thunderbird-resort-la-union/
how much is your total expense on 3days stay in La Union?
My friends and I are planning to visit LU and your blog is a big help for DIY.
You go, girl! Post more travel blogs! -xoxo
Thanks Alods! Planning to get back in LU to update this guide. Enjoy there!
What camera were you using during your trip?
I used Canon G7X Mark II for this trip.
Hello, I just want to know if Flotsam and Jetsam accepts walk in Guest/customers? Thank you. ☺
Hello, they are always fully booked so it is recommended to book in advance.
Hi, do you have contact no of local tricycle for the city tour?
Hello, unfortunately, I don’t have the number of our local tour guide but there are lots of them outside Flotsam.
Hi Riza wow! I’ve been in san juan la union for my surf trips but I don’t know there at several activities to do and also we stayed in Thunderbird. Thanks for your travel guide itinerary it was really amazing.
Yes, aside from activities there are also several restaurants to try! I can’t wait to visit again!
Awesome guide, looking forward to checking out all these places especially the Thunderbird when I head there this week! Thanks Riza!
Thanks for including our resort to your website. I wished you more adventures 🙂