Biyaheng La Union

My travel adventures in La Union last January 28-29, 2017. This was my first travel this year (2017). Before, from Metro Manila, it will take you five to six (5-6) hours going to the province of La Union. With the new Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX), travel time was cut to four (4) hours or less.

The new Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX).

Along the way, we visited some churches like Basilica Minore of Our Lady Charity in Agoo, and Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Bauang. The Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Charity in Agoo is very well known for its Mexican-Baroque architectural design.

The front facade of Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Charity in Agoo, La Union.

The altar of Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Charity.

On the other hand, Sts. Peter and Paul Parish is one of the oldest church in the country. It was founded in 1580 by the Augustinian, Missionaries.

The front facade of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Bauang, La Union.

The altar of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish.

La Union's Municipality of Bauang, is fast becoming the "Fruit Basket of the North". The town is well know for its "Grape Picking Farms". A lot of the tourists are more interested in picking the grapes from their vines than just buying from the displayed baskets along the road. Grape picking season is from April thru May. The price of the grapes (this time) is Php 250.00/kilo. You can also buy there own guapple and grapes wines. (try it, its a must!)

Grape picking at Gapuz Grape Farm.

From the town of Bauang, it took us 45 minutes to an hour (1) going to San Fernando City, the Capital of La Union. If you want to stay in the city, you can check the hotels depending on your budget.

One well know hotel-casino in the city is the Thunderbird Resorts and Casino. It is located at Poro Point Freeport Zone of the city. It is a Mediterranean inspired destination that can give you a taste of Santorini life.

Thunderbird Resorts and Casino with Mediterranean inspired style.

Thunderbird Resorts and Casino swimming pool facing the sea.

If you opted not to stay in the city, you may stay in the nearby town of San Juan. Municipailty of San Juan, La Union is named as the "Surfing Capital of the North" due to its big and sparking waves, resort's availability, and welcoming locals. Urbiztondo Beach in particular, is a haven on earth for all surfers. This is good for surfing beginners and pros as well. The best time for surfers to enjoy surfing is from the month of October thru April. There are stall around the beach where you can rent surfing board and have surfing lesson. There are also a wide range of hotel from the most expensive down to budget friendly ones.

Byaheros surfing at Ubiztondo Beach, San Juan, La Union.

Sunset watching is a thing that you should experience here. In terms of food, there are a lot of cafe and restaurant to choose from and serves delicious food like Sea Nymph Surf Cafe, Mad Monkeys, etc.

Me watching the sunset at Urbiztond Beach, San Juan, La Union.

On our second day, we went to the nearby town of San Gabriel, Pangasinan where the majestic Tangadan Falls is located. If you stayed on San Juan, there are tour organizers (mostly tricycle drivers) and some hotels near Mad Monkeys that offers a ride going to San Gabriel. From San Juan, It will took us 30-40 minutes going to San Gabriel town proper. For tour guide, we got one in front of the Municipal Hall or in the jump off point. All are required to have a tour guide for Php. 500.00. You need to register first at the police station beside the Municipal Hall before going to the jump off. Also, we have to ride habal-habal going to the jump off point. You can also negotiate with the driver or let your tour guide look for the habal-habal.

There are two (2) jump off points in Tangadan Falls. First, is the old trail which requires you to river trek for about an hour. Second is good for those who have cars because this requires only 20 minute hike down to the falls from the jump off point. For the travelers with cars, there are parking spaces near the jump off point. Just a reminder for the drivers, be extra careful as the road is very steep. There are stores near the falls where you can buy foods and rent life jackets for Php 50.00.

Tangadan Falls at San Gabriel, La Union.

The falls is situated in the middle of the mountains of San Gabriel. There are two (2) basins where you can swim. The first one is the main basin directly below the water falls. Be extra careful in swimming because the rocks are slippery. The second is above the main basin where you can do cliff diving. (Cliff diving in the main falls is now prohibited.) Falls is open from 6 AM - 6 PM only. 

Me at Tangadan Falls, San Gabriel, La Union.

There are comfort rooms near the falls. You can take bath and change clothes. Other option, you can try taking a bath in the houses of some locals near the jump off point. Just ask your tour guide for this.

After Tangadan Falls adventure, we went back to the city and visited the Ma-Cho Taoist Temple. It took us an hour and a half ride. This is the first Taoist temple in the country. This is a temple for the Chinese-sea-goddess Mazu. The temple was built in 1975.

Facade of Ma-Cho Taoist Temple, San Fernando City, La Union.

Near the temple is the the Filipino - Chinese Friendship Pagoda a.k.a Pagoda Hill. It commemorates the bonds of friendship and deep, long history between the Filipino and Chinese people. From the temple, it took us 20 minutes going to Pagoda Hill. It is situated near the provincial capitol of La Union. If you're bringing a car, you can park it in the parking spaces of the capitol and just walk for three (3) minutes going to the Pagoda Hill. From the hill, you can view the whole San Fernando City and the sea side.

Filipino - Chinese Friendship Pagoda a.k.a Pagoda Hill.

Now it's your turn to personally discover the wonders of La Union. "It's really more fun in the Philippines."

 

Should you have other questions, feel free to contact me and let's talk. Thank you.