La Union, affectionately known as Elyu, is the surfing capital of the Philippines. A favorite summer and beach destination in the Philippines as you can get to La Union without booking a flight.
A 6-hour drive from Manila, La Union is becoming more popular with its charming restaurants, themed cafes, and interesting stores. I personally like that the restaurants/cafes are practicing CLAYGO.
So I found myself on a leisurely road trip with a fun bunch. Thank you to my friend, Rodel for driving for us!
We stayed in Sea Gypsy, here is the link to the Airbnb:
Here are some of the fun and chill things you can do in Elyu / La Union.
We have a very chill and relaxed 3 days and 2 nights itinerary.
Side trip to Ma Cho Temple
On our way to San Juan, La union, we had a quick side-trip to Ma Cho Temple. This beautiful Taoist temple pays homage to the Chinese sea goddess, Ma-Cho, known for her protection of seafarers and travelers. Entrance is FREE and it offers a very nice panoramic view.
Try the Halo Halo de Iloko
What makes Halo Halo de Iloko special is it is an ancestral house-turned-restaurant-museum. Aside from Halo-Halo, it serves different local dishes. Halo-Halo was served in a “buko”. We just had take-away, but I think it would be nice to dine in next time.
Enjoy Sunset View at Kabsat
Kabsat is a popular dining destination in La Union that serves Filipino dishes. It is best to go for an early dinner to enjoy a stunning view of the sunset. The prices is relatively reasonable. Prepare to spend around Php 300 to 500/share if you are dining as a group.
Dine in at Masa
Masa by Barefoot stands out as a beloved bakery destination in Elyu. Renowned for its artisanal breads and pastries, its recently expanded location resembles a charming old warehouse, boasting an intriguing interior design.
Enjoy after-dinner hang-out at Flotsam & Jetsam
Flotsam and Jetsam Hostel is an iconic destination in Elyu. It is a unique blend of a hostel, café, bar, and creative space, exuding a bohemian charm that is perfect for just chilling and hanging out. If you are like me who wants to be in bed by 10:00 PM (shower and skin care done), you can head to Flotsam & Jetsam after early dinner (at Kabsat), and enjoy the place before it gets crowded.
Try Surfing
La Union stands proudly as the surfing capital of the Philippines, beckoning adventurous souls to experience the thrill of riding the waves at its renowned La Union Beach. For a reasonable fee of Php 600, you gain access to a surfboard for one hour, granting you the freedom to conquer the waves at your own pace.
Hike to the Tangadan Falls
Tangadan Falls is a popular falls destination when visiting La Union.
To get to the falls, you have to ride a tricycle, do a scenic trek through lush jungle, across rivers, and over rocky terrain. It was worth all the hike and body pain.
Just enjoy the sunset
For the residents of Elyu, the sunset may seem like a normal daily occurence, but for travelers, it becomes a cherished memory.
It is nice to just sit at the shoreline and enjoy the sunset. You can also hangout at the beachfront cafes (order a drink or iced coffee), and just be in the moment.
Dropping some more links that I hope you will find helpful. Follow me @ruthilicious for more stories!
