12 Things To Do in La Union for 2 Days and 1 Night



One of the things that was holding me back when I decided to move to Metro Manila in 2015 was the countless majestic beaches and islands that surround the long and narrow island of Cebu. I lived in Cebu City for six years, an emerging economic powerhouse and not referred to as the Queen City of the South for nothing.  It's a bustling city, a by product of a good marriage of both the old and the new, that's very close to great vacation spots whether for short or long holidays, north or south. You just have to decide where, when, and who to travel with. Going solo is also an option. 

When I finally moved to Manila, this is a luxury I could not easily enjoy anymore. I would say Luzon offers a variety of options, but I thought its beach destinations are nothing compared to the ones in Visayas and Mindanao. But that did not stop me from exploring new destinations. In my search for the next one, I came across Zambales and La Union. I have gone to Zambales twice, which I blogged about twice as well. My first in La Union was quick and not many activities were accomplished so putting it here did not happen. 

A few days away from my last day of work in my previous company, a friend of mine invited me for a quick trip to La Union. I hesitated at first having been disappointed of the beach during my first visit. I considered giving it another try though, not really for the place itself, but to spend time with my friend before I get busy with my new work, which would have started by the time the trip happened. 


GROUP TOUR

Without anything planned out, I tried to search online for affordable deals. I knew fortune was smiling at me when I saw a post on my Facebook feed about a group tour to La Union. It was going to be my first so there weren't many expectations. I just wanted to have fun with friends. Thankfully though, everyone liked the deal and was open to traveling with "outsiders."

I usually have two goals in mind when I travel: 1.) get to know the place and its people and 2.) meet new people whether local or foreign. This time, it was all about spending time with my friend (our group) and making new friends would probably just be a bonus. 

Group tour, but going solo. 

THE PACKAGE

Tour Package Fee: Php 1,899.00 per person
Downpayment: Php 700.00 per person
Inclusions:

  • 12 Travel Destinations
  • Round Trip Van Transfer
  • 2 Days, 1 Night
  • 1 Night Standard Air-conditioned Room
  • Permits, Environmental and Entrance Fees
  • 2 Travel Coordinators/ Organizers
  • Toll, Parking Fees, Gas, Driver's Meal and Accommodation
12 THINGS TO DO (In Non-chronological order):
  1. Flotsam & Jetsam
  2. Ma Cho Temple
  3. Poro Point Lighthouse
  4. Thurderbird Resort (Php 200.00 entrance fee per person) consumable at the cafe
  5. Halo Halo de Iloko (Restaurant)
  6. Grape Farm (Optional)
  7. Baluarte Watch Tower
  8. Bahay na Bato
  9. Namacpacan Church
  10. San Juan Beach (Surfing and Swimming)
  11. Tangadan Falls (Trekking and Swimming)
  12. Mad Monkeys (Restaurant)
Credits to Carlo for introducing me to this group tour. 

Our accommodation in Go Inn. There were two rooms rented and this one was where we stayed. 

12 destinations or activities may seem a lot for two days and one night, but we made it happen. At least, for the rest of the group. I was still at work when they left Friday evening en route to San Fernando, La Union. So what happened really was, I just caught up with them the day after, thus I was only able to do 6 out of the 12 activities. My favorites are Ma Cho Temple, Poro Point Lighthouse, Thunderbird Resort, and eating in Halo Halo de Iloko. Their longganisa was good, but not as decadent as the ones in Cebu. 

Flotsam & Jetsam was in a complete chaos when we arrived. People crowded the entryway. Arguments burst between the "pa-woke" kids of Manila, in other words, brats, and the guards. And being the alky that I was, I initiated the brandy drinking session of our group while waiting for our turn to enter. We patiently waited and got in, at last. The party was crazy. Drunken kids spotted in every corner. I must be so old that it felt so awkward being one with them so I perched myself on an elevated platform, giving me a scenic view of the spectacle that went on 'til the wee hours of the morning. 


MA-CHO TEMPLE







I was pretty surprised to realize there is a Taoist temple in La Union. When I learned it was part of the tour, I had mixed feelings. I know it's a place for worship more than anything, but having been to quite a number of temples already, my standard for temple designs has evolved. This one is, indeed, a revelation. The gardens with its sculptures are great conversation pieces while its facade and pagoda that overlook the sea can be perfect spots for either photo session or meditation. You choose! 









PORO POINT LIGHTHOUSE

This concrete tower is a replacement to the original Spanish lighthouse that was erected during the 1500s. It was named after Barangay Poro and is also called San Fernando Point. I was clueless of its history so I just spent time taking photos. Thank goodness it was windy during our visit so the heat of the sun was bearable. 





THUNDERBIRD RESORT---A LITTLE BIT OF GREECE IN THE PHILIPPINES

Sources say that this is the only five-star hotel-resort in Northern Luzon, but it actually did not feel like it. There were many tourists and when you say five-star, I expect exclusivity and top of the line amenities. I get to experience it someway, somehow and that's a good thing. The resort offers sweeping views of the West Philippine Sea, something I really love about it. Also, this Mediterranean-inspired development is surrounded by Thunderbird Residences, the residential arm of the property. It also has a golf and beach club as well as a casino. Sooner or later, a Php 200,000,000.00 condotel will rise in the area.








HALO HALO DE ILOKO

Photo not mine. Grabbed this from Google. 

Though the experience was not as colorful as how the place looks, the food was something to look back on especially the longganisa I had. The place must be so famous already that people had to line up at reception including ourselves to be able to dine. Reservations are not accepted. Too bad, right? However, we still managed to eat here, in two separate tables, far from each other. Not really a concern, just pointing it out LOL! What's worth remembering about the place besides its radiant exterior is the rustic and eclectic interior design. I wish I could show you, but again, not many photos! For curiosity's sake, the place is worth a shot.


THE VINEYARD

This one is optional. If Baguio has strawberry-picking, La Union has grape-picking. But since it was not harvest season yet, all we could do was take photos and buy the products displayed at the farm. I did not do much, in fact, the photo below was just grabbed from my friend's phone. All I was thinking this time was go home, date my date, and have a good time. Yes, I was still freshly dating my boyfriend now when this trip happened. 



At this point, I can say I have enough of La Union already. However, if my friends would want to go for a weekend holiday, I might still go. If there's something I have not had enough of yet, somewhere I want to keep coming back to (besides El Nido), it's Cebu. It will always be home for me; the city, the province, its people. I mean pristine beaches and breathtaking small islands e.g. Bantayan, Malapascua, Camotes, Sumilon, Moalboal, etc. 

To friends, to families, the location does not really matter all the time. It's about spending time together, making wonderful memories, and having some fun. La Union can be a gracious host to all of that. It means The Union in English for a reason. It's a place close to the metro where people come together; truly a delineation of the place's historic past where a number of towns from different cardinal directions became one. The tourism here now is growing. It's becoming commercial. It's morphing into something you might not want it to become. Make memories and savor it now!

For affordable group trips, visit Traventure by Gem for deals. 


XoXo,


Red Eye :-)




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