Last updated: 24 April 2024

San Juan, La Union is one of the premier surfing destinations in the country. The district has waves for all levels of surfers, whether you are just learning the ropes or are honing your skills for competition. After riding the waves, you can sit back and relax on the dirty white-colored sand and watch one of the best sunsets in Luzon. The area also has a distinct vibe, with many restaurants, bars, and coffee shops.

Traveling to San Juan, La Union soon? Here are some important travel tips before you go!

WHAT'S IN THIS GUIDE?

How to Get to San Juan, La Union

Nearest Airports: Clark International Airport (Pampanga), Laoag International Airport (Ilocos Norte), and Ninoy Aquino International Airport, also known as Manila International Airport (Metro Manila)

By Land

San Juan is an easy destination to get to from Manila as there are paved roads and regular buses going to it and from it.

If your accommodation is in Urbiztondo in San Juan, board a bus bound for Laoag or Vigan (P570-700). Tell the conductor you’d alight at Urbiztondo. If you’re staying in San Fernando, the bus fare is between P550 and P630. There are regular buses departing from Sampaloc, Cubao, and Pasay.
If you start your trip in La Union from San Fernando, it’s easy to get to Urbiztondo; you can charter a tricycle to take you to your accommodation (P100/way). Alternatively, from the Partas Terminal walk to the jeeps near the market and board one going to Urbiztondo (P11-15).

You may also read our MANILA to LA UNION Bus Schedules & Operators article for more information.

Entrance Fee and Other Charges

Surfing Lesson P500/hour (including surfboard)
Surfboard Rental: P200-250/hour; P500 (half-day)
Tourist Attraction Fees: Tangadan Falls (P700 guide fee for 7 pax, P30 entrance fee, P60 life vest rental)

Don’t Miss

After riding the waves, you can head to Tangadan Falls to go cliff diving or swimming at the pool created by the waterfalls. The waterfall is in San Gabriel and is accessible via a habal-habal (motorcycle taxi) or a jeepney from the Tourist Center near the San Gabriel Municipal Hall. Some opt to take a trek for about an hour.
The sunsets in this part of La Union are also spectacular. Urbiztondo Beach is also a nice place to hang out in if you’re not surfing.

Don’t Forget

Take note of the best time to visit. San Juan is a surfing Mecca in Luzon, the perfect season to ride the waves is from October to March.
Bring your own surfboard if you don’t want to rent and don’t forget to take a rash guard with you.
Bring snacks and drinks if you plan to do day trips to the nearby waterfalls.
Bring small bills and some change for entrance fees to nearby attractions.

If You Have More Time and Budget

Aside from Tangadan Falls in San Gabriel, you can also explore the following neighboring towns: San Fernando, Balaoan, Luna, Bauang, and Agoo.
You can travel to Baguio City or further north to Ilocos.

Where to Stay in La Union

Aureo Resort La Union. Photo provided by the resort via Agoda.

San Juan and San Fernando are the usual bases for tourists traveling to La Union. To help you decide, here are the lists of recommended resorts in La Union according to online users.

Top Hotels on Agoda

AUREO RESORT LA UNION
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here!
KAHUNA BEACH RESORT AND SPA
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AWESOME HOTEL LA UNION
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here!
LITTLE SURFMAID RESORT
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here!
COSTA VILLA BEACH RESORT
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here!

Top Hotels on Booking.com

THUNDERBIRD RESORTS – PORO POINT
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here!
3BU HOSTEL LA UNION
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here!
ISLA BONITA BEACH RESORT
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here!
THE ESCAPE SAN JUAN
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here!
G HOTEL LA UNION
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here!

If you want more suggestions with more details about each hotel, you can also check our Top 10 Hotels & Resorts in La Union article.

Find more La Union Hotels!

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Watch Related Videos on YouTube

You can watch our Things to Do in La Union for Non-Surfers video below. You can also find other related videos on our YouTube channel.

Updates Log

2024.04.24 – Updated to reflect changes in fares and rates, added related articles for more details, updated Where to Stay section, and added more information

2017.08.07 – First uploaded

SAN JUAN, LA UNION: Important Travel Tips