Surf's Up: La Union Day Trip

Think that La Union is too far away from Metro Manila? Think again. With the near completion of the TPLEX (Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway), this surfer's haven is now just a mere 4-hour drive from Manila! Having said that, it is now possible to have a day trip in San Juan, La Union without being too stressed or exhausted. Don't think it's possible? Read on below to know more!

Kahuna Beach Resort and Spa swimming pool

How do I get there?

A. By car/private vehicle:

Route/estimated travel time (with minimal to no traffic, and a speed of 80-100mph): NLEX (1hr) -> SCTEX (30min) -> TPLEX (40min) (exit on Urdaneta) -> turn right at MacArthur Highway (pass by the following: Binalonan, Pozorrubio, Sison, and Rosario) -> turn right at Pangasinan-La Union Road (pass by Santo Tomas, Agoo, Aringay, Caba, Bauang, San Fernando, and finally, San Juan) (1.5-2hrs)

Total travel time: more or less 4 hours

We drove a Hyundai car and it took us ~20L of gasoline to reach our destination (one way). During that time, the full tank was worth 960 pesos, which we divided by 5, so basically, it only took us around 300 pesos per person for the gas contribution (round trip).

B. By commuting
Bus/Van

Fare is around 400 pesos (one way)
Travel time: ~5-6 hours

Partas Transport (Cubao) - Manila to Laoag (ask to be dropped off in front of the resorts)
Autobus Transport Systems Inc. (Dimasalang)
Farinas Transit Company (Laong-Laan cor. M. Dela Fuente)
Genesis Bus Lines (Avenida)

Alternate route: board a bus bound for San Fernando, La Union and then ride a jeep to San Juan (they are just adjacent towns)

You can also board buses bound for Vigan and just be dropped off along MacArthur Highway (where the beach resorts are).

What do I do there?

Surf's up!

Number one in the list is SURFING. Next would be Food tripping. And then of course, there's relaxing by or swimming in the beach. Here's what we did during our San Juan day trip:

Kahuna Beach Resort and Spa dining area overlooking La Union beach

Time of arrival at Kahuna Beach Resort and Spa: 10 am. We could have arrived earlier, but our driver wasn't able to wake up to her set alarm, so we were only able to enter NLEX by 6 am.

We talked to the guards and told them that we're just there for a day trip. One of the guards then escorted us to the beachfront where the surf schools are located (they were only nipa huts with surf boards). We negotiated with the owner of one surf school (that which is exactly in front of Kahuna Beach Resort) to have an hour's worth of surf lessons for only 350 pesos inclusive of the following:

- rental of surfing board
- one-on-one lesson with a trainer
- borrowing of rash guard (optional)

We then headed to Surf Shack to have our lunch because there were practically no swells at noon time, so it would be pointless to try to learn to surf.

Surf Shack Lunch

We spent about an hour and a half for lunch, and then headed to El Union Cafe in Flotsam and Jetsam Hostel. You could walk from Surf Shack to Flotsam, but it was a very hot day then, so we rode a jeepney and got dropped off in front of Flotsam. There, we ordered some sweets and had coffee while enjoying the afternoon lounging on bean bags assembled on their grounds. Flotsam is an artist hostel and has sights very good for your IG account, while El Union is known for their yummy and affordable smores.

El Union at Flotsam and Jetsam Hostel

We spent another hour and a half there, and then rode a jeepney again to go back to Kahuna by 2 pm. We changed into our surf clothes using their bathroom and then learned to ride them waves from 2:30 pm to 4 pm. It was off season during our visit, so we practically have the beach all to ourselves, which was pretty nice so that there aren't a lot of people surfing alongside you.

Flotsam and Jetsam Hostel

After around 4 frustrating tries, I was able to stand and balance myself while riding a swell! It felt so amazing! And then after several practice trials, it feels like it is only natural to ride a wave.

Riding that swell

By 4 pm, we then took some shots with out trainers and then hit the shower of Kahuna for free. We changed inside their bathroom and then headed to Halo-Halo de Iloko in San Fernando to have our dinner.

Trainee + Surf board and Trainer

We left the restaurant at around 6:40 pm, and then we arrived in Manila by 11:30 pm. We had 2 stopovers along the way, and it also rained and had some traffic in NLEX so it added up to our travel time.

Halo-Halo de Iloko

Costs:
Toll: 1,075/5 = 215
Gas: 1,925/5 = 385
McDo Breakfast: 59
Surf Shack Lunch: 955/5 = 191
Jeepney fare (2x): 16
Surf School: 350
El Union Cafe: 250/5 = 50
Halo-Halo de Iloko dinner: 1135/5 = 227

Total: 1,493 pesos

For a budget of only 1,500, we were able to surf, go on a food trip, and relax by the beach. I think it's a good enough deal for me, don't you think?