Featured Image from Municipality of San Juan, La Union
La Union may be known for its surf spots, but you can spice up your getaway with these exciting activities to make the most of your trip.
Well known for its surf spots and laid-back beach scene, there’s more to La Union beyond the waves. From chasing waterfalls and trekking the lush greenery of mountains to enjoying the nightlife, La Union has plenty of activities for every kind of traveler. Whether you’re planning a weekend trip with friends or looking for something different, here are six activities to add to your La Union getaway.
Photo from Tangadan Falls San Gabriel La Union -tour
1. Cliff Jumping at Tangadan Falls
Located in Barangay Amontoc, San Gabriel, Tangadan Falls is a popular destination featuring a 40-foot drop that flows into a cool mountain basin. Getting there requires a 15-to-20 minute hike through forest trails and rocky paths, so wear footwear with a good grip.
Once you arrive, visitors can take their pick between a refreshing dip in the cool mountain waters or a more thrilling experience with cliff jumping from designated spots, provided conditions are safe and local guides give the go-ahead.
Visitors must register and pay an environmental fee of around ₱30 per person. Hiring a local guide is also preferred, with fees depending on the group size and current rates.
Photo from Immuki Island (@TouristspotlaUnion)
2. Snorkeling at Immuki Island
Take your usual beach day a step further by exploring the natural lagoons and tidal pools of Immuki Island in Balaoan. Despite its name, this destination isn’t an actual island but a series of saltwater pools formed between coral rock formations and mangroves. Its name, “Immuki,” comes from a local term associated with a sea creature, inspired by the shape of one of its lagoons.
The pools also vary in depth, and the water is clear enough to spot small fish swimming beneath the surface. For a closer look, visitors can even snorkel to dive in its deep, cool waters to observe the underwater scenery and coral formations.
Before heading there, visitors are required to register at the Paraoir Barangay Hall. The entrance and environmental fee is around ₱50 per person, with additional charges depending on the activities and amenities available.
Photo from Jonathan Bactad
3. Trek at Mount Puraw
If you’re looking for some time off the beach, a mountain adventure at Mount Puraw, also known as Mt. Kabugbugan, in Bauang offers a beginner-friendly hike. Standing at 251 meters above sea level, it is the highest peak in the municipality and features panoramic views of rolling hills, neighboring mountain ranges in Benguet, and the blue waters of the Lingayen Gulf.
An early morning trek may even offer hikers a chance to catch a sea of clouds blanketing the landscape, making it a charming spot to watch the sunrise.
Start your trek early to enjoy cooler temperatures, and check trail conditions and local hiking requirements beforehand to make the most of this outdoor adventure.
Photo from Gapuz Grapes Farm
4. Fruit Picking & Wine Tasting
Get a taste of La Union’s countryside by visiting the grape farms of Bauang, famously known as the Grapes Capital of the Philippines and dubbed the Fruit Basket of the North. With farms such as Lomboy Farms and Gapuz Grape Farm, visitors can enjoy a unique farm tour experience about local grape cultivation, with grape picking usually available during the harvest season from March to May.
Some farms also offer locally made grape wines and other fruit-based beverages, making a visit to Bauang’s vineyards a good addition to your La Union itinerary.
Photo from DominiqueFlores0514 (Wikimedia Commons)
5. Visit Cultural & Heritage Sites
Perched on the hillside of San Fernando, Ma-Cho Temple showcases ornate Taoist architecture, intricate carvings, and colorful details. Dedicated to Ma-Cho, the Chinese sea goddess Mazu, the temple reflects the local Chinese-Filipino community’s faith and heritage.
Don’t forget to head towards the Baluarte Watchtower in Luna. It’s a weathered stone structure that once served as a coastal lookout against seaborne threats. If timed perfectly, you can even enjoy the sunset as the golden hues cast over the coast.
Photo sourced from The Pinoy Traveler
6. La Union Nightlife
As the sun sets, a different kind of energy takes over La Union’s beach towns. San Juan, particularly the Urbiztondo area, is known for its lively nightlife, with beachside bars, laid-back hangouts, acoustic performances, and DJ sets that keep the night going.
Relish the night and keep the good vibes going as you spend the night listening to live performances by the beach, partying with friends over drinks, or hitting the dance floor.