TravelPhilippines: Destination: La Union

La Union is located in the southwestern part of Luzon It is bounded on the north by Ilocos Sur, on the south by Pangasinan, on the east by Benguet, and on the west by the China Sea. the town was been famous by the apparition of virgin mary back in the 90's people from all over the Philippines including my family went to La Union to witness the Dancing Sun and The Crying Virgin Mary which later on declare hoax by the catholic church. well i wasn't sure about whats happening back then as i was only 9 or 10 years old all i know is that the world is gonna end anytime soon and makes me soooo scared of La Union. fast forward 10 more years and I'm so eager to comeback to La Union not for the miracle anymore but for its tourism attraction. La Union is fast becoming a favorite among local and foreign tourist especially for surfing enthusiast it is dub as the "Surfing Capital of the North" as well as " The Pilgrimage Capital of the North". The stretch of white and gray sand beaches along the towns of La Union is the main attraction to tourists. beaches to check out are Buang Beach,San Juan Beach, Agoo -Damortis National Seashore Park,Agoo,Caba and White Sand. while in La union you can also enjoy its historic landmarks, cultural and man made attraction.

Getting There:

Five hours from Manila by bus, you can take a Philippine Rabbit, Times Transit or Farinas Trans bus going north to San Fernando,La Union,When you get on the bus, tell the conductor you want to go to La Union.

What To Do:

Historical

Bacsil Ridge
Located 9 kilometers northeast of San Fernando town proper through the San Fernando-Bagulin Road, Bacsil Ridge was the last bastion of the retreating Japanese Imperial Army in the province.

Wallace Air Station
These 101 hectares of base land located at the end of Poro Point in San Fernando were acquired in 1903 for the United States Cavalry. It was the home of the 848th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron which provided logistics and administrative support to other radar detachments under its chain of command. Formally turned-over by the United States to the Republic of the Philippines on September 16, 1991,

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Built as a tribute to the heroism of the soldiers who fought during the last World War, the marker stands at the junction leading to the Poro Point.

Battle of San Fernando Marker
Situated at the northwestern portion of the Town Plaza, inscribed as an account of how the Battle was started and won, enabling the establishment of the United States Army Base at Poro Point, which was eventually used as a build up area for the projected invasion of Japan. San Fernando is 264 kilometers north of Manila.

Luna Watchtower
This rotund structure built along the shore in Luna during the pre-Spanish time was used as lookout point for impending attacks by pirates.

Cultural

Museo de La Union
Located at the Provincial Capitol ground in San Fernando, the Museum showcases archaeological finds in La Union during the pre-Spanish period. The Museum is open on Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday visit is by arrangement.

Pottery-making
Clay products are on display and produced in Taboc, San Juan utilizing the same age-old procedure in pottery-making. Taboc is about 9 kilometers away from San Fernando City.

Museo de Iloko
The old “presidencia” of Agoo houses artifacts and other pieces of cultural importance to the Ilocanos. The Museum is open from Monday to Friday at 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday visit is by arrangement.

Natural

Bauang Beach
Lined along the fine grayish sand of Bauang Beach from Baccuit to Pagdalagan are establishments providing accommodation and other amenities. The beach is 6 kilometers south of San Fernando.

San Francisco-Canaoay-Pagudpud Beach
Tourism-related establishments dot the beach area in San Fernando

San Juan Beach
Approximately 8 kilometers north of San Fernando, the beach stretching from Urbiztondo to Ili Norte is dotted with tourism-related establishments. The surf in the area is ideal for amateur surfing during the months of November to February.

Agoo-Damortis National Seashore Park
Declared as a National Park, the beach stretching from Sta. Rita, Agoo up to Damortis, Rosario is proposed for development as a tourist destination in La Union.

Religious:

Shrine of Our Lady of Namacpacan
The century-old church of St. Catherine in Luna, formerly called Namacpacan, houses the miraculous image of Our Lady of Namacpacan, patroness of Ilocano travellers. The shrine is located at the town proper of Luna, approximately 40 kilometers northwest of San Fernando.

Agoo Apparition Site
The much publicized divine visitations of the Virgin Mary in San Antonio have established Agoo as a destination of Marian devotees.

Macho Temple
This Chinese temple believed to be the only one built with five gates sits on a promontory north of the town proper of San Fernando and overlooks the San Fernando Bay. The temple enshrines the image of the Virgin of Caysasay, the patroness of the Filipino-Chinese residents.

ManMade

La Union Botanical and Zoological Garden
Located in Sitio Japan, Cadaclan, San Fernando, La Union. Showcased are the following: Shade Garden, Sunken Garden, Medicinal Garden, Chinese Garden, Japanese Garden, Evergreen Garden, Arid Paradise, Fragrance Garden, Fernery and Palmery.

You Can Also Go Surfing,Trekking,and Scuba Diving.

Where To Stay:

Sea and Sky Hotel/Restaurant
Pagdaraoan,San Fernando City
Tel Nos: (6372)2425579 • (6372)2425581

Mikka Hotel
Quezon Ave,Sn Fernando City
Tel Nos: (6372)7005737

Villa Estrella Resort Hotel
Buang,La Union
Tel Nos: (6372)2425643

Southern Palms Beach Resort
Buang,La Union

Bali Hai Beach Resort
Buang,La Union

Oasis Country Resort
San Fernando City

Koala Lodge
Buang,La Union

Coconut Groove Beach Resort
Buang,La Union
www.coco.com.ph

Photo Galerry of La Union

Macho Temple