Today has been declared a National Holiday in the Philippines to celebrate Eid al-Fitr together with our Muslim friends who comprise 6% of the total population of the Philippines [1]. With this, it's another long weekend! I love long weekends; it means more time for me to write and plan ahead the rest of the content I've been dying to share here in Hive. More long weekends pleeeasseee! 馃ぃ
Just as today or tomorrow in some parts of the world, is the last day of Ramadan, this will also be sadly the last write-up about my North Luzon exploration.
Recap
Before we seal the deal in this #Project81PH series, let's do a short recap first.
We started this backpacking in Ilocos Norte. In Paoay, we experienced the ride of a lifetime when we tried the 4x4 truck ride in Paoay's Sanddunes. We laughed to our hearts' content during our beach time in Pagudpud. A quick day-tour in Vigan gave us a glimpse of the City's rich and preserved culture and tradition.
We also hitchhiked to reach Sagada. One of the craziest things I did so far! Right after Sagada, we traveled to Batad where we witnessed the breathtaking view of Batad Rice Terraces. And just recently, we had a virtual tour of Baguio before heading to our last destination for this 11-day backpacking with my workmates.
Now that's what I call backpacking! Jampacked with adventure, surprises, and a whole lot of arguments over little problems we encountered along the way. But nonetheless, we managed to stay alive, healthy, and happy until the very end.
Boracay of the North
Right after exploring Burnham Park and food-tripping for the last time in Baguio City, we rode a bus that took us directly to La Union after roughly 2.5 hrs. It was early evening when we arrived there and we were left with nothing else to do but walk around La Union at night and see for ourselves what we heard prior to our visit "That it's like Boracay at night".
We stayed in The Circle a famous chain of hostels located in Urbiztondo, San Juan, La Union. San Juan is where most of the hustle and bustle takes place. We can confirm that it's indeed like staying in Boracay. In fact, this part of La Union is any foodie's haven for the numerous restaurant and food stalls that offer mouth-watering food to all kinds of tourists.
Going back to our hostel, The Circle, we chose it because it's the cheapest we could find in La Union. It also boasts of its artsy environment, friendly staff, and the homey vibe nomads and travelers alike look for. But for us, the selling point was the affordable prices at less than $10 a night. It has branches in La Union, Baler, and Zambales. But don't expect anything fancy; The Circle is a simple and safe place to stay, no more no less.
We checked out a few food stalls and ended up eating in Food Hub 218. There were plenty of restaurants to choose from but since we were nearing the end of the trip, our pocket money was dwindling and we couldn't afford to spend more. We stick to basic silog dinner that night.
Is it your first time riding a motorcycle?
The following morning, we got up early to visit our sole destination of the day. I'm pretty sure we had a long list of must-visit destinations but our energies couldn't keep up with the demands. We were sticking to the basics the entire time we were in La Union. 馃槀
Then, we rode a jeepney that took us to the jump-off point to Tangadan Falls in San Gabriel, La Union. From the jump-off point, we rode a motorcycle that took us to the waterfall. Before the ride, the driver asked us "Is this your first time riding a motorcycle?" It was a clear warning of the danger ahead but Grace and I took it lightly saying we grew up riding motorcycles back in Cebu.
Minutes later, our souls left our bodies as we experienced a death-defying ride. Although the road to Tangadan Falls was already paved, it was too steep; the driver even gave us an instruction to keep closer to him all the time. We obeyed and prayed we got the best driver in town.
Below you are seeing photos of Tangadan Falls; we survived the ride and got to enjoy Tangadan Falls.
From the parking area of the motorcycles, we had to descend the steep mountain for about 10-15 minutes and this view welcomed us. It was summer and as expected Tangadan Falls grabbed the attention of both local and foreign tourists.
To go closer to the waterfall, there was a raft you could rent. I still don't know how to swim at this point so I had to skip the rafting! 馃ズ
Sunset at its finest
Right after chasing Tangadan Falls, we went back to San Juan and took a quick nap in our hostel as it was still too hot to explore Urbiztondo Beach. At around 5 PM, we went out again and walked towards the beach. The Circle Hostel is not near the beach; it's about 5 minute walk to go there.
The west side of La Union is facing the South China Sea that's why you can expect big waves here all throughout the year. This is the go-to spot of surfers in Luzon aside from the one in Gubat, Sorsogon.
Here are more photos I took that afternoon of strolling along the Urbiztondo Beach.
We ended up at the secluded part of the beach where fewer surfers and fewer tourists flock. We watched the sun entirely go down here. It was the slowest day we had since we started our backpacking.
More photos of the beach at sundown.
Some of my favorite shots:
Surfing
The following day and our last day of backpacking, we went to the beach again. This time to try surfing. Grace wasn't in the mood for any other activity so I did it alone while she was watching over our stuff and taking photos of me.
This was the surf lesson rate before which includes an hour of surf board rental, a crash course in basic surfing, and a guide who'll ensure you stay alive the entire time. The rates across the Philippines' surfing spots are the same. Below was the standard rate but now, surf lessons is already at Php 500 ($9).
Look at those waves! If there's an activity in La Union that you shouldn't miss that's definitely surfing.
I surfing lesson wasn't so memorable for two reasons (1) I was worried of Grace or rather her mood and (2) I wasn't able to have a good and long ride. I think this was my 2nd time surfing; maybe I just being too harsh expecting a lot from my younger self.
In the afternoon, headed south to Clark International Airport to catch our flight back to Cebu. It has been life-changing backpacking and every time I think about it, it feels like it happened just yesterday!
That's it guys! I'm done taking you to the every great destination in Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte, Benguet, Ifugao, Mountain Province, and La Union! My sincerest appreciation for joining me until the end. I'll see you in my next #project81PH series. 鈽猴笍
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