There are just some trips that don’t need a packed itinerary or a long bucket list. Sometimes, all you really need is a change of scenery, good food, and great company. That was exactly why my friends and I decided to spend 3 days and 2 nights in La Union.
It was our very first time visiting the surfing capital of Northern Luzon. To be honest, we didn’t know what to expect. We weren’t planning to surf or squeeze in every tourist attraction. Our only goal was simple—to slow down, escape from work for a few days, and enjoy a relaxing vacation together. If you’re planning your own trip, here’s everything you need to know based on our experience.
How to Get to La Union from Manila
The easiest and most convenient way to travel from Manila to La Union is by bus. Although you can simply go to the Partas Bus Terminal and buy a ticket, you’ll most likely be a chance passenger. During weekends and holidays, buses can easily become fully booked, so there’s no guarantee you’ll get a seat right away.
To avoid the hassle, we booked our tickets online through Klook, which made everything much easier. We chose the 9:00 AM trip from Manila. Here’s the link
| Book via Klook 👉🏻 Manila – La Union Bus Transfer |
A few reminders if you book online:
- Print your Klook voucher before your trip.
- Present it at the Partas ticketing booth to exchange it for your actual bus ticket.
- They will also assign your bus number.
Since we arrived early, we still had plenty of time before boarding. Luckily, there’s a Jollibee right beside the terminal, so we grabbed breakfast first while waiting. At exactly 9:00 AM, our bus departed from Manila. The ride was surprisingly comfortable. The seats were spacious enough for sleeping, the air-conditioning was cold, and the bus made one stop along the way for restroom breaks and snacks. I honestly slept almost the entire trip.
Around 2:00 PM, we finally arrived at La Union’s famous 7-Eleven in San Juan, which serves as a common drop-off point for tourists.
Where We Stayed in La Union
As soon as we got off the bus, we rode a tricycle to Villa Nickolai, our accommodation for the next two nights. The ride only took around 8 minutes. Tricycle Fare: ₱150 total (₱50 each)
We booked our stay through Agoda 👉🏻 Suite in Villa Nikholai
Unlike many tourists, we intentionally didn’t book a beachfront resort. Instead, we wanted somewhere quieter and less crowded—a place where we could genuinely relax after exploring. Villa Nickolai turned out to be exactly what we were looking for.
Although it isn’t located directly by the beach, it has a peaceful atmosphere and a beautiful swimming pool, which quickly became one of our favorite places to unwind every evening.
Sometimes, after a long day of exploring, all we wanted was to swim, talk about our day, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. For us, choosing a quieter accommodation was definitely worth it.
Day 1 – Slow Afternoons, Good Food & Beach Vibes
After checking in, we finally had time to breathe. We unpacked our things, rested for about an hour, changed into more comfortable clothes, and headed out to find our first meal in La Union. By then, it was already late afternoon, so lunch had basically become an early dinner.
Lunch at Silong
Our first stop was Silong, a cozy local restaurant known for serving comforting Filipino dishes.
We ordered:
- Silong Sisig – ₱120
- Kare-Kareng Bagnet – ₱170
- Chicken Steak – ₱120
One thing we really appreciated was the complimentary hot soup served with every meal. It may seem like a small thing, but after a long bus ride, a warm bowl of soup was incredibly comforting. The food was flavorful, affordable, and satisfying—definitely a great first meal in La Union.
Sunset by the Beach
After lunch, we crossed the street and stopped by the nearby 7-Eleven to buy chips, drinks, and other snacks before heading to the beach. Instead of rushing from one attraction to another, we simply found a comfortable spot by the shore. And honestly…
That became one of my favorite moments of the trip. We stayed there until around 6:30 PM, listening to the waves, watching surfers catch the last few waves of the day, talking about random things, and enjoying the sea breeze.
Sometimes, the best travel memories aren’t made by checking places off an itinerary. Sometimes they’re made by doing absolutely nothing. Watching the sun slowly disappear beyond the horizon while feeling the cool ocean breeze was enough to remind us why we came here in the first place—to slow down.
Evening Swim at Villa Nickolai
As the sky turned dark, we headed back to Villa Nickolai. Instead of calling it a night immediately, we changed into our swimsuits and spent the rest of the evening swimming in the pool until around 10:00 PM.
It was peaceful.
No loud music.
No crowded resort.
Just the three of us laughing, sharing stories, and enjoying the cool night air.
Before going to sleep, we contacted the tricycle driver who had brought us earlier. He offered a private land tour around La Union covering six tourist destinations for ₱1,500 total, which worked out to only ₱500 per person.
We gladly booked him for the next morning. With everything planned for Day 2, we finally called it a night, excited to explore more of La Union the following day.
Day 2 – Exploring La Union’s Hidden Gems
After a relaxing first day by the beach, we were excited to explore more of La Union. We purposely didn’t wake up too early because we wanted this vacation to feel slow and unhurried. No alarms, no rushing from one attraction to another—just enjoying every moment. Our land tour was scheduled at 10:00 AM, so we spent the morning lounging by the pool and taking our time getting ready.
Right on schedule, our tricycle driver arrived. Aside from driving us around, he also shared interesting stories about the places we visited, making the experience feel more personal. We paid ₱1,500 for the entire tour, which was a great deal considering there were three of us.
Man-Made Forest
Our first stop was the Man-Made Forest in Balaoan, La Union.
Stretching along the national highway, this scenic road is lined with towering mahogany trees that create a beautiful green tunnel. As sunlight filters through the leaves, the road becomes shaded and peaceful, making it a favorite stop for both tourists and photographers.
The moment we arrived, I couldn’t help but think of the famous Bilar Man-Made Forest in Bohol. It had the same magical feeling—rows of tall trees standing on both sides of the road, creating a cool and refreshing atmosphere. It wasn’t a huge tourist attraction, but it was definitely a fun stop and a great place to stretch our legs before continuing the tour.
Baluarte Watch Tower
Our next destination was the Baluarte Watch Tower in Luna.
Built more than 400 years ago during the Spanish colonial period, this brick watchtower once served as an important defense structure protecting the coastal communities from invading pirates, particularly Japanese, Chinese, and Moro raiders. During World War II, it was also used as a communication and observation post because of its strategic location overlooking the sea.
Standing in front of the tower made me appreciate how much history this place has witnessed over the centuries. The tower itself isn’t very large, but it’s impressive to think that it has survived for hundreds of years despite countless storms and changing times. We spent some time taking photos before heading to our next stop.
Bahay na Bato
If I had to choose my favorite stop during our land tour, Bahay na Bato would definitely be one of them.
Originally built as a private rest house, Bahay na Bato became famous because of its unique construction using stones and pebbles collected from the beaches of Luna. Today, it has transformed into a beautiful tourist attraction featuring gardens, art installations, museums, and countless Instagram-worthy photo spots. We ended up spending almost an hour here because every corner looked beautiful.
There were colorful gardens, giant sculptures, charming pathways, and artistic displays that made the entire place feel like an open-air museum. One of my favorite parts was simply walking around without any particular destination. Every few steps, we’d discover another picturesque corner that deserved a photo.
Whether you’re into photography or simply appreciate unique architecture, this place is definitely worth visiting.
Pebble Beach
Just beside Bahay na Bato is Pebble Beach.
Unlike the beaches we’re used to in the Philippines with soft white or golden sand, this shoreline is completely covered with smooth gray pebbles shaped by years of waves crashing against them. It was actually my first time seeing a pebble beach in person.
Swimming isn’t allowed because of the strong currents and rocky shoreline, but walking along the coast was already an experience in itself. The sound of the waves hitting the pebbles was surprisingly calming. Instead of soft sand beneath our feet, we could hear the gentle clicking sound of thousands of smooth stones moving with every wave. It was such a unique experience and another reminder that not every beautiful beach needs powdery white sand.
Shrine of Our Lady of Namacpacan
Our next stop was the Shrine of Our Lady of Namacpacan, also known as St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish Church.
Built in 1690, it is one of the oldest churches in Northern Luzon and is home to the miraculous image of Apo Baket, lovingly regarded as the Patroness of Ilocano Travelers. Many devotees visit this church every year to pray for safe journeys and offer thanksgiving.
Although we didn’t have the chance to go inside because we were already getting hungry, simply seeing the church from the outside was enough to appreciate its beautiful Baroque-inspired architecture. If you’re planning your own itinerary, I highly recommend setting aside a few minutes to explore the interior and offer a short prayer.
Changing Our Plans
Originally, Immuki Island was included in our itinerary. However, by this time, our stomachs were already protesting. Instead of forcing ourselves to complete every destination, we decided to skip it and asked our driver to bring us straight to Curo for a very late lunch.
Lunch at Curo
The restaurant has a modern industrial aesthetic with concrete walls, wooden furniture, and huge windows that make the space bright and welcoming. Even before the food arrived, we were already taking pictures because every corner looked so beautiful.
And then the food came.
Since we were extremely hungry, we probably ordered enough food for five people.
Our table was completely filled.
We ordered:
- 3 Mango Nata Fruit Shakes – ₱180 each
- Curo-quettes – ₱340
- Roast Chicken – ₱480
- Roast Pork – ₱680
- Beef Short Plate – ₱680
- Chicken Marinara Pasta – ₱440
Every single dish was delicious.
The meats were tender, the pasta was flavorful, and everything tasted freshly prepared. By the end of the meal, we were unbelievably full…
…yet somehow, we still managed to finish everything.
No leftovers.
If I ever return to La Union, Curo will definitely be one of my first stops.
Coco Mama
After returning to our hotel, we took an afternoon nap before heading out again around 5:00 PM. Our first stop was Coco Mama. If you’re familiar with Coco Mama in Boracay, you’ll be happy to know that La Union also has a branch serving their famous coconut-based desserts.
We ordered:
- Ube Mama – ₱390
- Mango Mama – ₱320
To me, it tasted like a refreshing version of ginataang bilo-bilo, topped with creamy ube ice cream and generous coconut shavings. It was rich, creamy, and not overly sweet. The Mango Mama, on the other hand, reminded me of mango sticky rice, but with ice cream instead of coconut milk. Both desserts were perfect after spending the afternoon under the sun.
Flotsam & Jetsam
Since Flotsam & Jetsam was only a short walk from Coco Mama, we decided to head there next. This is probably one of the most famous hangout spots in La Union, especially among surfers, backpackers, and young travelers. The place has a fun, laid-back vibe with bean bags, string lights, live music, and beachfront seating that becomes even livelier at night.
We arrived around 7:00 PM.
The staff told us that the real party usually starts around 10:00 PM, so we were still a little early.
Instead of waiting, we simply enjoyed dinner.
We ordered:
- Three Cheese Dynamite – ₱430
- Tandoori Chicken Skewers – ₱420
- Margherita Pizza – ₱450
- 3 Cokes – ₱80 each
The food was good, the atmosphere was relaxing, and it was nice to experience one of La Union’s most iconic spots. By the time we finished eating, however, we could already feel how tired we were from the day’s activities. As tempting as it was to stay for the nightlife, our bodies were asking for rest. So instead of partying until midnight, we chose something that suited us better.
We went back to Villa Nickolai and enjoyed one last late-night swim under the stars. Honestly, I wouldn’t have changed a thing. Sometimes, the best nights are the quiet ones—just floating in the pool, laughing with friends, and ending the day with grateful hearts.
Day 3 – A Peaceful Morning Before Heading Home
Our last day in La Union started much earlier than the previous days. At around 6:00 AM, we walked to San Juan Beach to catch the peaceful morning atmosphere before the crowds arrived. The beach looked completely different compared to the afternoon.
Instead of surfers and beachgoers filling the shoreline, there were only a handful of people taking morning walks, jogging, or quietly watching the waves. The cool morning breeze, the sound of the ocean, and the golden sunlight slowly lighting up the sky created such a calming atmosphere. We simply walked barefoot along the shore, letting the waves wash over our feet while talking about our favorite moments from the trip.
Breakfast at Clean Beach
After our morning walk, we headed to Clean Beach, a beachfront café and restaurant known for its healthy meals, specialty coffee, and relaxing ocean views. Honestly, what made breakfast here special wasn’t just the food.
It was the view. We chose a table overlooking the beach, where we could continue listening to the waves while enjoying our meal. It was one of those breakfasts where nobody felt the need to rush.
We ordered:
- Kaya Toast – ₱220
- Fish-Sea-Log – ₱300
- 2 Chick-Sea-Log – ₱300 each
- Potato Fries – ₱200
- 2 Iced Café Lattes – ₱180 each
- House Blend Iced Tea – ₱130
Everything was delicious, but more than that, the peaceful ambiance made the experience even better.
If you’re looking for a place to enjoy breakfast before starting your day in La Union, I highly recommend Clean Beach. There’s just something about sipping a cup of coffee while looking out at the ocean that makes you want to stay a little longer.
One Last Swim
After breakfast, we returned to Villa Nickolai for one last swim before checking out. Since our accommodation wasn’t beachfront, we made the most of its beautiful pool. Looking back, choosing Villa Nickolai was one of the best decisions we made.
While many travelers prefer staying in the middle of the busy surfing district, we loved coming home to a quieter place where we could truly relax after a long day. It gave us the best of both worlds—we could easily visit the beach and popular restaurants, then return somewhere peaceful to recharge.
Soon enough, it was time to pack our bags and check out.
As always, the last day of every trip feels bittersweet.
It feels like you just arrived, yet somehow it’s already time to leave.
How to Go Back to Manila from La Union
Going back to Manila turned out to be the most challenging part of our trip. We initially planned to take a Partas Bus back to Manila. However, when we arrived at the terminal, we found out that all trips were already fully booked.
The staff told us we could wait as chance passengers, but there was no guarantee we’d get seats or what time the next available bus would arrive. Since I needed to be back in Manila before 9:00 PM for work, waiting wasn’t really an option. Thankfully, someone approached us and offered seats in a shared van going directly to Manila. The fare was ₱900 per person. Although it was more expensive than the bus, we decided to take it because it saved us time and guaranteed we’d get home that evening.
Travel Tip
If you’re planning to visit La Union during weekends or holidays, I highly recommend booking your round-trip bus tickets in advance. Don’t wait until your departure day like we did. It will save you from unnecessary stress and help you stick to your travel schedule.
| Book via Klook 👉🏻 Manila – La Union Bus Transfer |
Our La Union Budget Breakdown
Here’s how much we spent during our 3 Days and 2 Nights DIY Trip.
| Expense | Cost per Person |
|---|---|
| Accommodation (Villa Nickolai) | ₱3,067 |
| Bus (Manila to La Union) | ₱780 |
| Tricycles | ₱300 |
| Silong Lunch | ₱120 |
| Beach Snacks | ₱200 |
| Dried Squid | ₱50 |
| Fish Balls | ₱40 |
| Grocery | ₱400 |
| Land Tour | ₱500 |
| Lunch at Curo | ₱1,200 |
| Coco Mama | ₱200 |
| Dinner at Flotsam & Jetsam | ₱500 |
| Shared Van to Manila | ₱900 |
| Total | ₱8,307 per person |
Can You Spend Less?
Absolutely!
Our trip wasn’t exactly a budget trip because we intentionally chose comfort and treated ourselves to good food.
Here are a few ways you can lower your expenses:
- Book a more affordable accommodation. There are plenty of hostels, guesthouses, and budget inns in La Union that cost significantly less than what we paid.
- Choose budget-friendly restaurants. While places like Curo and Flotsam & Jetsam are worth trying, there are also many local eateries serving delicious meals for under ₱200.
- Reserve round-trip bus tickets early. This helps you avoid paying more for alternative transportation, like we did with the shared van.
- Travel in a bigger group. Splitting accommodation and transportation costs with more friends can make the trip much cheaper.
- Limit café hopping. La Union is famous for its cafés, but visiting too many can quickly increase your expenses.
With careful planning, it’s definitely possible to enjoy a 3-day, 2-night La Union trip for around ₱5,500–₱7,000 per person, depending on your accommodation, food choices, and transportation.
Is La Union Worth Visiting?
Definitely—yes.
Before this trip, I thought La Union was simply a destination for surfers. But after spending three days here, I realized there’s so much more to experience.
It’s a place where history meets the sea, where you can spend your mornings walking along peaceful beaches, your afternoons exploring historical landmarks, and your evenings enjoying great food with friends.
And for a first visit to La Union, I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better experience.
3 Days and 2 Nights La Union Itinerary Summary
| Day & Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | |
| 9:00 AM | Depart from Partas Bus Terminal, Manila |
| 2:00 PM | Arrive at San Juan, La Union (7-Eleven Drop-off Point) |
| 2:15 PM | Tricycle to Villa Nickolai |
| 2:30 PM | Check in and rest |
| 4:00 PM | Late lunch at Silong |
| 5:00 PM | Buy snacks and drinks at 7-Eleven |
| 5:15 PM – 6:30 PM | Relax and watch the sunset at San Juan Beach |
| 7:00 PM | Return to Villa Nickolai |
| 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM | Evening swim at the pool |
| 10:00 PM | Book land tour with tricycle driver and rest |
| Day 2 | |
| Morning | Enjoy a slow morning and swim at the pool |
| 10:00 AM | Start La Union Land Tour |
| 10:30 AM | Man-Made Forest |
| 11:15 AM | Baluarte Watch Tower |
| 11:45 AM | Bahay na Bato |
| 12:45 PM | Pebble Beach |
| 1:15 PM | Shrine of Our Lady of Namacpacan |
| 2:00 PM | Lunch at Curo |
| 3:30 PM | Return to Villa Nickolai and rest |
| 5:00 PM | Dessert at Coco Mama |
| 6:30 PM | Walk to Flotsam & Jetsam |
| 7:00 PM | Dinner at Flotsam & Jetsam |
| 8:30 PM | Return to hotel |
| 9:00 PM | Night swimming and relax |
| Day 3 | |
| 6:00 AM | Morning walk along San Juan Beach |
| 7:00 AM | Breakfast at Clean Beach |
| 8:30 AM | Return to Villa Nickolai |
| 9:00 AM | Enjoy the pool |
| 11:00 AM | Check out |
| 11:15 AM | Tricycle to Partas Terminal |
| Afternoon | Attempt to book bus back to Manila |
| Afternoon | Ride a shared van back to Manila |
| Evening | Arrive in Manila |
Places Visited
- Villa Nickolai
- Silong
- San Juan Beach
- Man-Made Forest
- Baluarte Watch Tower
- Bahay na Bato
- Pebble Beach
- Shrine of Our Lady of Namacpacan
- Curo
- Coco Mama
- Flotsam & Jetsam
- Clean Beach
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a destination that’s close to Manila yet offers beautiful beaches, delicious food, rich history, and a laid-back atmosphere, La Union is definitely worth adding to your travel list. Our 3 days and 2 nights felt just right for a quick escape from the city, but somehow, when it was time to leave, it still didn’t feel like enough.
Maybe that’s the charm of La Union—it has a way of making you want to come back.
Until next time, La Union! 🌊☀️
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