La Union, Philippines
La Union is known as one of the most sought-after vacation spots in the Philippines. La Union is a province in Region 1, the Ilocos Region. It is in Northern Luzon and its wonderful beaches are situated on the west coast. Ilocos Sur borders the north of La Union, while Panganisan borders the South. The Benguet province is to the east, while South China Sea is to the west. La Union has become the financial center fo the Ilocos Region because of the great business opportunities it offers its locals, hence has attracted a lot of outsider businessmen and investors.
Specifically, La Union is preferred by more for it its amazing beach waves. Foreigners and Filipinos from other parts of the Philippines alike often travel to these surf spots in La Union on a regular basis just to get a shot at riding the waves which are almost-always the perfect size. The surfing area in La Union is just between the south and north of the town of San Fernando. San Juan, where a beautiful beach is located, seems to be the place most visited place in the region.
Surfing Season in La Union, Philippines
The Surfing Season in La Union has two parts. From November to February, the waves are relatively consistent and much bigger than the rest of the year due to the typhoon season in the Philippines. The July to October waves, on the other hand, are not so consistent. During this time, surfers opt to go to beach in the east coast in search for better waves.
Whether for amateurs or experts, the waves at San Juan, La Union are suitable for surfing, especially within the months of November to February. The extension of the beach is very wide so there’s much space for everyone. The surfing sites in La Union are the following:
1. Darigayos. This place is said to have the most consistent break around. One can be guaranteed a right hander when all else is failing.
2. The Point. This is near the Monaliza Resort, a well-known resort which is also a well-known surfing spot in San Juan, La Union. This is actually the most recommended area.
3. Poro Point. At this site, one can see the waves breaking off the point onto the rocks. Visitors are usually unallowed to get to this point.
4. Urbiztondo Beach Break. Here the waves come from both right and left.
There are more surfing spots in Tabok, Bacnotan, Cabaroan, Bauang, and areas in the south of San Fernando, La Union.
Travel to La Union
Surfing fanatics can get to La Union either by plane or by bus. Flights to San Fernando (the capital of La Union) are available in Manila and it usually takes about 50 minutes to get there. Airconditioned buses are also available to travel from Manila to La Union. These buses are passing through a highway that’s just a few meters away from the coast line. Bauang, San Fernando, San Juan, Bacnotan and other parts of La Union are surprisingly accessible, even to first-timers. One can get just off the bus, cross the street, and walk toward the beach — just as easy as that.
The following bus lines have daily trips to La Union. Most of them are located in Cubao, Quezon City:
1. Farinas
2. Trans
3. Partas
4. Philippine Rabbit
5. Times Transit
6. Maria de Leon
After La Union, you may want to stop over in Tarlac, which is just on the way to Manila. Take some time to see the province of Tarlac. The Central Park Hotel and Microtel Inn in Tarlac are highly recommended hotels.
Just one month to go and the hot surfing season will be over. Various surfing competitions and workshops are now being held to maximize the last few weeks of the first part of the season. So what are you waiting for? Bring your friends and head to La Union this weekend! 
June 11th, 2007 at 12:43 am
could anyone help me coz i want to visit san juan La Union with some of my friends I heard there are good surfing spots there and beaches….are there cheap places there to stay to…and how much does it usually cost…im also coming form Manila how could I get there…thanks a lot
May 16th, 2008 at 6:41 am
me and my friends want to visit la union, and can anyone tell me how much will the place to stay will cost? and can i find quality bu affordable surf boards? and how much will it also cost to hire a surfing instructor for a crash course? please help
-john, manila