Discover La Union: Surfing, Nature and Culture

Surfing in Urbiztondo

Urbiztondo in San Juan is considered the surfing hub of the northern Philippines. The water is considered suitable for beginners and intermediate surfers. Popular activities in Urbiztondo include surfing, swimming, sunbathing, visiting bars and dining. When choosing a hotel for your trip, it can help to first decide what you want to focus on: should surfing shape your stay, or are you especially interested in nature and culture?

Coastal Landscape and Nature

The Agoo-Damortis Protected Landscape and Seascape was established in 2000 to protect 10,648.94 hectares of coastal area (26,314.1 acres). It includes mangrove swamps, seagrass beds and stretches of fine black-sand beaches. The protected area thus brings together different elements of the coastal landscape.

Immuki Island is a lagoon resembling a natural swimming pool, suitable for swimming, diving and picnicking. The La Union Botanical Garden is home to plants from tropical regions around the world, many of which are native to the Philippines.

Agoo Eco-Fun World offers boat trips on Lake Sta. Rita, as well as cycling trails and bicycle rentals. Water-based activities and cycling therefore offer different ways to spend time in Agoo.

Culture and History

The Ma-Cho Temple is a one-hectare Taoist temple dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu. Popular activities include Chinese cultural presentations. If you would like to attend a presentation, check the schedule in advance.

The Museo de Iloko is one of the surviving structures from the province’s American colonial period. It is known for its collection of artifacts and other items of cultural significance to the Ilocanos. Religious tradition and cultural heritage thus offer different areas of interest to explore.

The Poro Point Lighthouse has served as a navigational aid since 1885. Pennsylvania Avenue is the access road to the Poro Point Lighthouse. Another historical trail leads to Bauang: wine production in the Philippines began there in 1972, with Lomboy Farm as a pioneering vineyard.

Waterfalls and Cycling Trails

Visiting Tangadan Falls requires a 30- to 60-minute hike. Visitors can also cliff-jump at the falls. The stated hiking time can help you factor this visit into your schedule.

One cycling tourism route in La Union runs along the San Juan By-Pass Road to the ELYUnity Mountain Bike Trails in Barangay Baraoas, San Fernando City. Check the current trail conditions locally. The first phase of the introduction of cycling and nature trail tourism also featured a cycling trail at the Eco Park in Agoo, which was then suitable for beginners.

La Union in Regional Context

La Union is part of the Ilocos Region, which brings together history, nature and the sea. For a look beyond the province, other places in Ilocos offer their own cultural highlights: Vigan is the best-preserved example in Asia of a planned Spanish colonial town. In Santa Maria, the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción is part of the Baroque Churches of the Philippines World Heritage property.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Caba, Pangasinán, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur.

Return to the regional travel overview: Ilocos.