I had a recent attacked of my “Wanderlust” disease. It brought me to La Union this time. I was solo again with no preparations at all. Like my Boracay trip last year, I went there with no advance booking of my hotel. Just a few research on how to get there.
Saturday morning right after my shift with my new backpack. I went to Cubao and I was lucky enough to catch the 9AM trip to Laoag. (I was lost looking for Partas bus station but I considered it as part of my adventure.) It is in Aurora Blvd going to Sta Mesa Area.
I got off at the San Juan municipal hall at around 3PM. I started asking around for The Circle Hostel. (Tip: when you ask for a place make sure you ask at least 2 or 3 persons to make sure. Don’t ask a driver to bring you to that place without securing the fare. They overcharge!)
I rode a jeepney going back to Urbiztondo where the hostel is located. I checked in at around 3:30PM. I ask Ate Maribel, the caretaker, if they offer surfing lessons as I was planning to surf that day. Kuya Larry the instructor said that it would be best if I just rest for the day and wait for tomorrow as the waves in San Juan are way too big for beginners. I walked around the shoreline and watch the surfers enjoy the big waves.
I learned that there is a spot which gives you the view of the China Sea. I went to Forest Lake en Ceilo, a memorial park, where you can witness the majestic view of sunset.
The following day, Kuya Larry organized a surfing lesson with 11 other newbies and brought us all to Bacnotan, a haven for most newbies in surfing. This is another town next to San Juan. According to Kuya Larry, they always bring their students here when San Juan waves are not ideal for beginners.
So I had my surfing lesson and had my first ride. It felt so great! Something you wouldn’t forget in your entire life. The moment your surfboard glided the waves while you are on top of it, feels like you made a Guinness book of world record for yourself.
Mostly of the people who surf here are beginners. And lucky me, I get to meet a famous blogger. Bogart the Explorer.
I was stoked with surfing and enchanted by the place!
I also met some med students from UERM. (Why am I always linked with med students? Hahaha… Hi ex!)
I also met the Pollack siblings(Tim & Lisa) from America and Remy from Canada.
Departure: Partas Bus Terminal, Cubao 9AM
Arrival: San Juan, La Union 3PM
Expenses: base on One-way fare*
*Bus fare – Php 449
Hostel Accommodation: Php 400(for bunk bed) per night / Php 350 (for hammock) per night.
Food: Eateries are all over the place. The price per meal is very affordable.
Surfboard rent.: Php 700 (whole day) or Php 200 (per hour)
Instructor fee: Php 200 per hour(minimum of 2 hours)
Do you have any questions or comments regarding this article? Feel free to get in touch with me by leaving a comment here or you may send me an email at victoriousjay1@gmail.com. I’m also on Twitter. Please follow me @gladJAYtor. Enjoy your trip and keep safe!
The Traveling GladJAYtor 