BOB AGUSTIN

SAN JUAN, LA UNION

It’s been awhile since the last time I posted a new blogpost here on my blog. I was too busy. I have no time for blogging. But now I'm back! Well, anyways, How's your weekend? Here's a new post for you all. Have a great day!

San Juan is a small town in La Union province. It’s considered the surfing capital of Luzon because of its consistent and favorable surfing conditions. It boasts two surfing seasons – the South Swell from July till October and the North Swell from November till March. La Union is one of the most accessible surfing spot, just 5-7 hours bus ride from Manila. Aside from surfing, there are also must visit resort and restaurants that have late-night activities and waterfalls that are worth seeing.

 

LEARN HOW TO SURF

This is the number one reason why people go to San Juan, to go surfing. If you already know how to surf, then you can bring your own board or rent one from one of the many rental places along Urbiztondo Beach. It costs PHP 200 per hour to rent a surfboard. If you’re a beginner and want to take lessons, then it’ll cost you PHP 400 per hour (surfboard rental included). When I did it, that one hour gave me about 7-8 attempts to stand up and ride a wave. I think most people can do it.

BEST TIME TO GO SURFING IN SAN JUAN

As described, there are two surfing seasons in San Juan – the South Swell from July till October and the North Swell from November till March. Both periods are considered the best time for surfing, though the North Swell is preferred by many because there’s less rain.

JUL-OCT: The South Swell is caused by the southwest monsoon, known locally as habagat. It produces ideal waves though this is the height of rainy season. This is a good time to go if you don’t mind surfing in bad weather. NOV-MAR: The North Swell is caused by northeast trade winds known locally as amihan. This is the best time to go surfing in San Juan because the waves are ideal and there’s less chance of rain.

NOV-MAR: The North Swell is caused by northeast trade winds known locally as amihan. This is the best time to go surfing in San Juan because the waves are ideal and there’s less chance of rain. The North and South Swell seasons may produce the best waves but if you’re a beginner, then I don’t think it really matters when you go. We went in June, which is outside of peak surfing seasons, and the waves were big enough. If it’s your first time surfing, then you can go pretty much any time of the year.

WHERE TO STAY IN SAN JUAN

Barkadahan Resto Bar and Inn is one of the best places to stay in San Juan

San Juan isn’t that big so there aren’t as many resorts here (yet) compared to more established destinations. But thanks to AirBnB, you’ll have homestay options to choose from on top of the hotels and resorts.

Barkadahan Restobar & Inn

There are several options for bus terminals you can choose from. You can call them before your trip to confirm their schedules

Manila to La Union Bus Terminal

Partas Transportation – Cubao
816 Aurora Boulevard, Cubao, Quezon City
Contact No.: (02) 410 1307

Partas Transportation – Pasay
Tramo corner Edang St., San Roque, Pasay City
Contact No.: (02) 8528194

Partas Transportation – Sampaloc
1716 Vicente Cruz corner Laon Laan Sts., Sampaloc, Manila
Contact No.: (02) 743-3242

Dominion Bus Lines
EDSA corner New York St., Quezon City
Contact No.: (02) 727 2350

Viron Transportation Co., Inc.
1209 Dapitan corner Blumentritt Streets, Sampaloc, Manila
Contact No.: (02) 741 0405

Bus Fare: 400 to 460PHP
Travel Time: 5 to 7 hours
Best time to leave Manila: 12 am