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Ultimate Guide to La Union

Guide to La Union

Where to work?

Our recommendation is:

Cafes, Masa Bakehouse which provides fast and reliable internet for customers visiting their cafe. Providing a relatively large area for the guests to sit down and do some work in the relaxing atmosphere.

The Internet is generally reliable in La Union so using your data plan isn’t a bad option if you really need to use that as a last resort.

Accommodations usually provide free wifi, it’s a matter of checking beforehand how good the wifi is before getting there. Like Funky Quarters which is a hotel that caters to nomads with their functional space where you can work and reliable wifi.

La Union has a couple coworking spaces that you can try but they are mainly in the San Juan area, like Beach Hub La Union which has a beach view from their working space.

 

Where to stay?

If you stay in La Union just for a night or two:

Stay close to San Fernando if it is your first visit to the area as it is the capital of this province. Here you find many sightseeing and dining spots that are budget friendly and accommodating to anyone of every age group.

For a short stay of a day or two in La Union, there are several charming accommodations that cater to different preferences and budgets. The Little Surfmaid Resort offers cozy beachfront cottages and rooms with picturesque views of the ocean, perfect for travelers seeking a relaxing seaside retreat. Alternatively, Flotsam & Jetsam Artist Beach Hostel provides a vibrant and laid-back atmosphere, with colorful murals, hammocks, and communal spaces ideal for socializing and meeting fellow travelers. For those looking for a more upscale experience, Kahuna Beach Resort and Spa offers luxurious rooms and villas, along with amenities such as a swimming pool, spa, and beachfront dining options. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or a bit of both, La Union has a variety of accommodations to make your short stay memorable.

Stay for a week or longer:

I recommend you to stay around San Juan if you plan on staying longer, this vibrant area is budget friendly, offering great accommodations and a good price. There are plenty of food places to explore as well as activities to try in the area. Not to mention nightlife that lies within San Juan, with all the bars and nightclubs to try.

Bauang is the more peaceful alternative, bustling with cultural landmarks away from crowds and the best place to try local cuisine. Not forgetting the fine sand beaches of course.

If a good area for the family to stay is what you’re looking for, I recommend staying around Agoo between their welcoming community and variety of family-friendly attractions, it is the best area to stay.

For budget-conscious travelers planning to stay in La Union, for a week or longer, several affordable accommodations offer comfortable options like Circle Hostel La Union.  Circle Hostel in San Juan provides colorful and eco-friendly accommodations, including hammocks, bunk beds, and private rooms. Embrace the hostel’s community-driven ethos, join art workshops, and make new friends from around the world.

Alternatively, we highly consider Baybayin Hub La Union as your accommodation for a week or longer stay in this coastal paradise. Nestled in the heart of San Juan, Baybayin Hub offers budget-friendly dormitory-style rooms and private accommodations with modern amenities. Embrace the vibrant community atmosphere, join creative workshops, and unwind in the cozy common areas after a day of exploring the nearby beaches and surf spots. With its central location and affordable rates, Baybayin Hub is the perfect base for an extended stay in La Union.

 

What to do?

Stay in town:

One of the main things that La Union is known for is its surfing spots along their beautiful beaches. San Juan is filled with surfing spots where you can rent out and learn how to in their surfing schools.

San Fernando has a must-go-to Night Market where you have a vast amount of foods to choose from. They are famous for their budget friendly choices of not just foods, but also accessories, clothes, toys and so on; you might even find your souvenirs here – located near San Fernando City Plaza.

If you like temples, there is a beautiful 7-story Taoist temple by the sea. Ma-Cho Temple honers Mazu, a Chinese sea-goddess and is known to protect her believers.

Bahay na Bato is an open art gallery made entirely out of stones and pebbles from the beach alongside it. For an admission fee of 20-50 Pesos, you can enter the house and discover several wood and stone sculptures made by Bong Kim – a Korean Artist. The Admission fee includes the access to view the Kamay na Bato Gallery that is also within the premises.

If new experiences are what you’re after, why not try making your very own pottery at Red Clay Pagdamilian. Here they will teach you how to mold the clay into your very own dishware and they will process through the final steps before you can take them back as perfect souvenirs.

By Bus:

Baguio City*: A 2-3 hrs drive up from La Union you can explore Baguio city and visit spots like the famous Igrot Stone Kingdom and take pictures at Mirador Hill and Eco Park making you feel like you’re in another country.

Pangasinan: If you want to go island hopping, why not take a 3.5-5.5 hr drive to Alaminos where you can rent a boat and visit islands like Pilgrim Islands where you can hike up and take pictures with the amazing view below and the giant Jesus statue. Make sure to try snorkeling and helmet diving while you’re there which I highly recommend

 

Where to eat?

Of course, that highly depends on where you stay.

San Juan and San Fernando are the main areas so I will focus on these two areas.

Malls are the best places to go if you want to stick to the safe side and eat somewhere you are familiar with. There are a few malls to try in La Union but the other food choices are independent shops scattered around.

If you don’t know what to eat but don’t want to settle for a known franchise, take a peak at Beach Bum Food park along Urbiztondo Highway. It’s a little area filled with local food stalls of different variations at affordable prices.

A similar location is The Food Project which acts like a mini food court of independent eateries under on roof. The area has a good ambiance and

provides a wide range of meals to choose from; varying from a filling burger to juicy steaks, or something local like crunchy spring rolls.

For vegans / vegetarian diets:

If you’re looking for something healthy, Seabuds is where you should go. They offer a variety of colourful smoothie bowls and sandwiches all with a gorgeous view of the sea. If you want something heavier, they have a handful of rice options with plant-based sides.

If that didn’t fill you up, how about trying Buhay Gulay where you can find all your typical Filipino dishes like adobo and sisig…but meat free. For an affordable price, you can try all kinds of local foods but made more accessible to your dietary requirements.

Like a local:

Natalna Grille is a local restaurant by the sea that serves a wide variety of Filipino and seafood dishes that you get to enjoy in the homely environment. Their price range is in the low-medium range making it budget friendly; don’t forget to try their kilawin – which La Union is known for.

For a date / with a view:

If a restaurant with a view is what you’re looking for, Gefseis Greek Grill is where you should go. Enjoy Greek-Mediterranean food with a view of the ocean making you feel like you’re on the set of Mama Mia. Painted like the famous Blue roofed-white wall greek homes, the restaurant is a cozy, open space establishment making you really feel like you’re being welcomed into a Greek home for delicious food.

How to get to La Union from: MANILA!

  1. Bus: The most common way to get to La Union from Manila is by bus. Several bus companies operate routes between Manila and La Union, with terminals located in various parts of Manila. The most popular bus terminals for this route are located in Cubao and Pasay. Look for buses bound for cities like San Fernando, La Union, Bauang, or Laoag, as they often pass through La Union. Travel time by bus typically ranges from 4 to 7 hours, depending on traffic and the specific destination in La Union.

  2. Private Vehicle: If you prefer driving, you can rent a car or use your own vehicle to travel from Manila to La Union. Take the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and continue on the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) until you reach the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX). Follow the signs for La Union once you’re on TPLEX. The journey by car usually takes around 4 to 6 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

  3. Flights: While there are no direct flights from Manila to La Union, you can fly to nearby airports such as San Fernando Airport in La Union or Laoag International Airport in Ilocos Norte. From there, you can take land transportation to reach your final destination in La Union. However, this option may involve multiple transfers and may not be the most convenient or cost-effective.

 

How to get to La Union from: CLARK!

  1. Bus: From Clark International Airport or Clark Freeport Zone, you can take a bus to La Union. You’ll need to first travel to a bus terminal in Angeles City or nearby towns. At the bus terminal, look for buses bound for San Fernando, La Union. Victory Liner and Partas are two popular bus companies that operate routes to La Union. The journey typically takes around 4 to 5 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

  2. Private Transfer: Another option is to arrange for a private transfer or hire a taxi from Clark to La Union. This option offers more flexibility and convenience, especially if you’re traveling with a group or carrying a lot of luggage. You can book a private car or van through various transportation companies or online platforms.

  3. Rental Car: If you prefer to drive yourself, you can rent a car at Clark International Airport and drive to La Union. The journey takes approximately 4 to 5 hours, depending on traffic and the route you take. Make sure to familiarize yourself with local traffic rules and regulations, and consider the option of renting a GPS device to navigate the roads more easily.

  4. Flight: While there are no direct flights from Clark to La Union, you can fly from Clark International Airport to San Fernando Airport in La Union via connecting flights. However, this option may involve multiple layovers and may not be the most convenient or time-efficient way to travel.

 

How to get to La Union from: CEBU!

  1. Flight and Land via Clark: Start by booking a flight from Mactan-Cebu International Airport to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila. Several airlines operate daily flights between Cebu and Manila, offering a variety of options to suit your schedule. You will then need to transfer from the international terminal to the domestic terminal. You can either take a taxi or use the airport shuttle service to reach the domestic terminal. From the domestic terminal in Manila, book a flight to San Fernando Airport (SFE) in La Union. There are limited flights to La Union, and you may need to check for availability and schedules in advance. Alternatively, you can fly to Clark International Airport (CRK) in Pampanga, which is relatively close to La Union, and then take land transportation to your final destination. Upon arrival at San Fernando Airport, you can take a taxi or rent a car to reach your accommodation or desired destination in La Union. Make sure to negotiate the fare with the driver before starting your journey, and have the address of your destination handy.

  2. Flight and Land: Alternatively, You can take a flight from Cebu  Airport to NAIA. From there you can take a taxi to the nearest Bus station that travels to La Union – Partas is one of them. The travel duration from Manila to La Union is roughly 6 hrs so make sure you’ve packed food and snacks for your journey.

 

How to get to La Union from: DAVAO!

  1. Flight: The most common way to travel long distances in the Philippines is by air. Start by booking a flight from Francisco Bangoy International Airport in Davao to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila. Multiple airlines operate daily flights between these two airports. Choose a flight that fits your schedule and budget. Once you arrive at NAIA in Manila, you’ll need to transfer from the international terminal to the domestic terminal. You can use airport shuttles, taxis, or ride-sharing services to make this transfer. The domestic terminal is where you’ll catch your flight to La Union. From the domestic terminal in Manila, book a flight to San Fernando Airport in La Union. Alternatively, you can fly to Clark International Airport (CRK) in Pampanga, which is closer to La Union, and then take a land transfer to your final destination. There are limited flights to San Fernando, so it’s advisable to book your tickets in advance. Upon landing at San Fernando Airport, you’ll need to take land transportation to your accommodation or desired destination in La Union. You can hire a taxi or use ride-sharing services available at the airport. Make sure to confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey.

  2. Flight and Land: Alternatively, You can take a flight from Davao Airport to NAIA. From there you can take a taxi to the nearest Bus station that travels to La Union – Partas is one of them. The travel duration from Manila to La Union is roughly 6 hrs so make sure you’ve packed food and snacks for your journey.
  3. Land and Sea: Another option is to travel by land and sea from Davao to La Union. You can take a bus or drive to Manila, then catch a bus or van from Manila to La Union. Additionally, there are ferry services available from Batangas or Manila to the northern provinces of Luzon, but this option may take longer and involve multiple transfers.

 

Once you arrive:

  1. Hotel Transfers: Many hotels and resorts in La Union offer airport or bus terminal transfers as part of their services. If you have arranged for a transfer beforehand, look for a representative holding a sign with your name in the arrival area. They will assist you with your luggage and transport you directly to your accommodation.

  2. Tricycle or Motorcycle Taxi: Tricycles and motorcycle taxis are common modes of transportation in La Union, especially for short distances within towns. You can easily find them waiting outside the airport or bus terminal. Negotiate the fare with the driver before boarding, and provide them with the address or name of your accommodation.

  3. Public Transportation: If you prefer using public transportation, you can take a jeepney, bus, or van to your destination. These vehicles operate on fixed routes and can be found at designated terminals or stops near the airport or bus terminal. Ask locals or transportation staff for assistance in finding the right vehicle and route to your accommodation.

  4. Renting a Car or Motorbike: For travelers who prefer the flexibility of having their own vehicle, renting a car or motorbike is an option. Several rental companies have counters at the airport or in major towns, allowing you to easily arrange for a rental vehicle upon arrival. Make sure to have a valid driver’s license and familiarize yourself with local traffic rules before driving in La Union.