San Juan, La Union

Hi!

This is my first travel post and I'm choosing the place that I've been to the most recently. I do plan to blog about my past travels in time though.

Anyway, my friends and I went to La Union recently and it was such a chill and fun weekend that I have already successfully compartmentalized this trip into my "happy thoughts" category. It was my second time to go to San Juan, La Union but I fell in love with it all over again.

Waves are not that high during summer in the Philippines (March-June) so it's a good time to actually swim and maybe try out surfing. Waves are usually bigger than usual early in the morning or late in the afternoon so if you plan to surf, you got to be attentive of the time. During the 'ber months, waves are more ideal for surfing so I suggest catching some waves at that time.

Ask local surf instructors when's the best time to surf as it depends on the month. Surf lessons are P400/hr

Catch some waves 

If you're also into trekking and some adventure, do visit Tangadan Falls. From San Juan, it takes around 30 minutes one way to get to the jump-off point. We struck a deal with a tricycle driver along the main highway to take us there for P500 roundtrip. Roads are accessible to small cars but there is no parking so I suggest riding the trike. Guide fee is P100 per person. Don't forget to tip! Getting a guide is required and a must as the trails are not as well established compared to others. The trek up to the falls will take around an hour to an hour and a half depending on your pace. You will also reach an area where you can cliff dive. The place is beautiful and the water is emerald green. 

 You can go cliff diving here 

Here's my friend in mid air from her jump. You can pick which rock you can jump from depending how gutsy you are

If you do plan to go to Tangadan falls, I suggest you wear trekking sandals as ordinary slippers can get really slippery (and can leave you barefoot if your slippers are not sturdy enough)

Once you reach the falls, you can swim or even pay P20/person to ride the raft. Your guide will navigate the raft under the falls. The water is cold but trust me, it feels so good after a hot trek. Water is deep enough to not reach the ground but not deep enough for you to go cliff diving here. 

 Staying under the falls feels like getting a massage

My friends Kookie, Megan, Me, and Kay

The tricycle ride is scenic too

Food:

For food, head over to Flotsam & Jetsam for good food and a hippie vibe. You can order pizza, pasta, and even burgers at this place! There is also live music at night here for those who want to chill. El Union cafe is also known for its good coffee and an artsy vibe too.

Drinks:

Drinking at night? Most places only price their local beers at P45 so yay! Flotsam & Jetsam prices theirs at P80+ though. 

Accommodations:

For accommodations, check out Sebay Surf Central at http://sebaysurfcentral.com/ and San Juan Surf at http://www.sanjuansurfresort.ph/ for value for money accommodations. These are just by the highway and both have beachfront locations! 

How to get there:

Personal car: Drive from NLEX to SCTEX to TPLEX. Exit at Urdaneta (this is the last exit from TPLEX as of May 2015) and just go straight until you hit Rosario. Left to Rosario then just go straight until you hit San Juan. 

Commute: Ride Partas bus. You can check their schedule and even book online here http://www.phbus.com/partas-bus/ Buses usually depart late at night but if you're wary about riding late at night, take Viron. They usually depart as early as 4 am. Call them at 741 0405

San Juan has become one of my favorite places because everything and everyone is just so chill. Lemme know about your recommendations and/or experiences at San Juan!

Ishi x