San Juan, La Union

San Juan – A major hot spot and top pick when it comes to surfing in La Union. Though widely known for it’s alluring beaches and surf destinations, only a few know about the other half of it. We’ll be exploring the hidden gems at San Juan and prey upon a different side of the tape. A side which will feature a sweatier (lol), hotter, but similarly enjoyable and thrilling adventure at San Juan!

So for the adventure junkies, surf buddies, and beach bums alike – let’s meet and rediscover new things at San Juan!

HOW TO GET THERE

From Manila

Ride any bus going to Laoag/Vigan at Cubao station (Partas) or buses near UST Manila (Farinas)
Drop off at San Juan La Union
- For those doing the hike, take a tricycle to Tangadan Falls jump off point at barangay San Gabriel
- For those that won’t then everything is walking distance from here to surf spots and gimmick areas at Urbiztondo
- For those who also want to take side trips to grape farms – just take buses going south to the municipality of Bauang La Union. (or you could drop off here first before going to San Juan since you would probably be passing by at the grape farms).
- Other DIY sidetrips would be at San Fernando La Union (which is just a 20minute bus ride away)

From Baguio

Take buses going to La Union – preferably the ones going to Candon so you could drop off exactly at San Juan
If you took a bus up until San Fernando only, you could just take buses or jeepneys from San Fernando city straight to San Juan
Drop off at San Juan La Union
- For those doing the hike, take a tricycle to Tangadan Falls jump off point at barangay San Gabriel
- For those that won’t then everything is walking distance from here to surf spots and gimmick areas at Urbiztondo
- For those who also want to take side trips to grape farms – just take buses going south to the municipality of Bauang La Union. Just tell the driver to drop you off the grape farms.
- Other DIY sidetrips would be at San Fernando La Union (which is just a 20minute bus ride away)

IMPORTANT NOTES!

There are two jump-off points for Tangadan Falls, remind the trike driver that you are taking the longer hike trail and not the one going straight to Tangadan Falls.
Transportation going back to San Juan from the Jump Off point is pretty scarce, so it’s recommended to take your tricycle driver’s number and tell him/her to fetch you on your back trail. If not, you could walk the extra miles into the main roads 🙂

WHERE TO STAY

Well, if you’re at San Juan, it’s recommended that you stay near Urbiztondo (we stayed at Sebay Beach Resort). With that, you will have quick access to whatever you want to do; surfing, beach bumming (today this is an activity?lol), and just walking distance to cool bars and resto’s along the area.

THE BUDGET

Guide Fee: 500php per group (max of 7 pax)
Tricycle to San Gabriel Tangadan Jump-Off Point: 250php per way (max of 4 pax)
Tangadan Falls environmental fee: 30php ea
Trolley ride (optional – located at the cliff jumping area): 20php ea

THE HIKE TO TANGADAN FALLS

Well the story begins a long time ago in a hot sunny morning! lol

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The Barobo River – serving as an irrigation source for many rice fields in the region.

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A little river crossing and a great time to get soaked under this scorching heat!

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More walking….

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And what a cool chair to sit in and cross the river!

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Unlimited Cliff Jumping for the adventure junkies out there! Wohoo!

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Just a little more push!

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And finally, Tangadan Falls! Time to refresh and dive in!

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The perfect view on a perfect spot on a perfect weather! Beat the heat at Tangadan Falls!

THE POPULAR SAN JUAN SURF SPOT

After a little hike adventure at Tangadan, you may want to chill/surf and look around at the city’s metro. Not just surfing, there are also lots of hang-out places here especially at the Urbiztondo area! So after a calorie burning hike at Tangadan, I guess it’s time to make a refill and rediscover more at San Juan!

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