La Union Travel Guide (Itinerary + Expenses)

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.