San Juan La Union - Surfing Capital of the North
La Union or fondly known as “LU” or “eLyU” has been one of the famous getaways for locals and foreigner if they want to catch some waves.
One of its usual spot is situated in Urbiztondo Beach in San Juan.
Surfing here is year round but its peak season is usually in the month of July to October and November to March. Experienced or not this is a water sports anyone can try.
HOW TO GET THERE
Coming from Manila, there are several bus terminals to choose from like Viron, Dominion, Fariñas and Partas. I would recommend you take the Partas bus as it has the most trips in a day (Partas Bus Terminal, 816 Aurora Boulevard Cubao, Quezon City). Travel period could take up to 5 to 7 hours and would cost around Php 446 (9 usd). Best time to take the trip would be around 11PM to 2AM to avoid traffic. The trips are usually Abra and Laoag so don’t forget to tell your driver to drop you at Urbiztondo or Sebay Beach Resorts.
Going back to Manila, you can wait for buses along the highway going back to manila or you can ride a tricycle or jeepney going to San Fernando Terminal to get a scheduled trip.
Viron Transportation Co., Inc.
1209 Dapitan cor Blumentritt Streets, Sampaloc, Manila
Contact Nos.: 02-741-6588 / 02-731-8620 / 02-726-7409
Dominion Bus Lines
EDSA corner New York St., Quezon City
Contact Nos.: 02-741-4146 / 02-731-4180
Partas Transportation Company Incorporated
816 Aurora Boulevard, Cubao, Quezon City
Contact Nos.: 02-727-8278 / 02-724-9820 / 02-410-1307
Fariñas Transit
Laon-laan corner M. dela Fuente Street, Sampaloc, Manila
Contact Nos.: 02-723-8580 loc. 103-105
WHERE TO STAY
There are several options you can check on booking sites like Traveloka, booking.com, Agoda, Trivago, AirBnb, Hostelworld and the like. Some of the famous options depending on you preference of chill and good vibes would be Floatsam Jetsam Hostel, Little Surfmaid Resort, San Juan Surf Resort, FatWaves, Sebay Surf Central, Costa Villa Beach Resort, The Circle Hostel, Vessel Hostel, Kahuna Beach Resort , Camp Avenue, Urbiz Garden Bed and Breakfast, Vessel Hostel and many more.
Since our preference during our stay would be a home away from home, we came across a not so crowded spot in eLyU – “San Juan Surfers Avenue”. A one-minute walk away from the beach with a nature ambiance. They have friendly and accommodating stuff and common kitchen if you wish to bring and cook your own food.
Rates:
Dorm Type Rooms with AC: Php 700 (10 usd) per night for 1 pax
Ifugao Rooms, Fan Room: Php 1,000 (20 usd) per night for 1 to 2 pax,
Family Huts, Fan Room: Php 3,000 (60 usd) per night for 4 to 5 pax
Casitas with AC: Php 4,000 (80 usd) per night for 4 pax
Villa with AC: Php 6,000 (120 usd) per night for 6 pax
Contact Details: Ms. Rose – +63 910 783 4350
“Villa”
“Family Hut”
“ifugao room”
“Room in Casitas”
“Room in Family Hut”
“Kitchen”
SURFING
For first time surfer, surfing with instructor is a must. You will go through the basic orientation before going to the water up to the actual “ride-on-the-wave”. Of course for us starters a lot of falling while trying to stand in the board. The trill and the waves were so exciting the that we can’t hide our amazement everything we can balance in the board.
For surf board rentals and lesson, you can always approach anyone from your hotel or any booth along the beach.
Surfing in eLyU would cost you:
Board Rent per Hour – Php 200 (4 usd)
Board Rent + Instructor – Php 400 (8 usd)
Half day Rent Board Only – Php 500 (10 usd)
Whole day rent Board only – Php 800 (16 usd)
