Bisayang Manlalakbay | Best of Travels 2013

The year that was for Bisayang Manlalakbay around the Philippines Edition showcasing the best & unexplored spots in our country! It's the time for me to looked back the most memorable travels, events, beaches, springs, waterfalls, churches and landmarks I've visited this year.  Almost 11 new provinces & 15 re-visited provinces this year and about 472 Facebook followers, Total Pageviews of 208,670 and 44 Google Followers.   For this year when I started to enjoy traveling alone and I really enjoyed doing a do-it-yourself (DIY) trips and budget traveling. The best part of my yearender trip in Baguio City & Benguet Province is to having been able to spend time with my family which we celebrated my sister's birthday.

Here's a quick roundup on one of my best travels I've had the year 2013, I dedicate this to you guys.

How to Get to San Juan La Union - A Surfer's Paradise of Northern Luzon

Going to San Juan in La Union:

This town is the perfect spots in surfing because of the big waves and especially at the Barangay Urbiztondo area where you can find cheap accommodation and ideal for surfer. From Manila you can take a bus at Partas Transportation Company located both Pasay & Cubao which take you about 6 hours by land and they offers 24/7 operation with hourly trips to Laoag, Vigan & Abra passing through the road of Mc Arthur Highway,  La Union. The fare costs about Php 380 pesos for aircon bus. Options: Try other bus lines company over Metro Manila with different fares and discounts. From the public market of San Fernando La Union take a jeepney bound to San Juan and cost you about Php 12. 00. You can choose your budget accommodation and I prefer to try the San Juan Surf Resort which is offers great facilities and amenities. Happy Travel Everyone - Bisayang Manlalakbay around the Philippines.

San Juan: Surfing La Union 2013

Yes, La Union is the surfer's paradise, great waves and my 2nd time to do surfing without instructor. This is the famous surfing capital of the north,some resorts here are suited for budget travelers raging Php 300 to 1, 000 per night  and it is easily accessible by bus and your own car. It is no surprise that I really love on the beach and water. The ocean is healing when I'm stressed and bored or keep me grounded. Riding waves of San Juan, La Union is more challenging and I still don't know how to spot a wave but it was a good experience and fun-activity that I should paddle and after several try, I made it to stand on the board. The excitement continue after the 1 hour of surf, turf and swim. hahaha! I will definitely go back here!

Take Note: You can come here during the best season and enjoy perfect waves between July until February or a week after a strong typhoon. Surfing may seem like a nice, fun, safe sport and fulfilling activity. Looking forward to my next surfing experience next year, maybe in Bagabas in Camarines Norte, Zambales, Puraran in Catanduanes or Siargao in Surigao Del Norte! *cross fingers*

Nano Surf Board Rentals and Surf Lesson in San Juan, La Union

Where to rent a surf board and surf lesson in Barangay Urbiztondo, San Juan in La Union? 

When you arrive in San Juan, La Union which located about 15 minutes away from La Union's capital city of San Fernando would boasts a perfect spot for you both beginners and experienced surfers because I know a lot of people want to try surf & mostly they rent boards or some of the resorts offering surf lessons. If you want to try surfing in La Union, I probably recommend to you "Nano Surf Board Rentals" because of their fully trained personnel and instructor which I personally experienced during my trip there. They will charged you Php 200 pesos per person including rash guard in different colors/sizes, surf board (small & big) and a one hour surfing lesson. During my visit I can't catch up big waves & the water is calm because as per Kuya Nano (the owner) say you'll find strongest or highest waves anytime from July to December. This surf board rentals is located along the beach front of San Juan and one of the best traits of some local surfers are very friendly, accommodating and usually yell out a helpful tips for a beginner surfer. There's also mechanics and surfing technique provided by La Union Surf Club, Inc posted in different spot of the beach area. Happy Surf Everyone! Bisayang Manlalakbay around the Philippines!

My 2nd Surfing Experience in La Union

San Juan in La Union is the best paradise of surfer which is known to be the Surfing Capital of Northern Philippines, from my past experience in Baler, Aurora I always wanted to try different surf spots in the country.In Barangay Urbiztondo, San Juan La Union is one of the famous surfing area who loves riding the waves and anyone who just wants to have fun and experience extreme sports adventure. Yes, this is my 2nd times to handle strong waves and standing on my surf board. It was the first time to try on my own and there's no instructor by the way. I was a bit hesitant at first because I don't know how to swim.  The surf rental will takes about 1 hour duration including rash guard and surf board as well. The sand is gray and bottom of the sea is not filled with rocks, so it's safe to fall off the board if you're still learning. It was so cool and try more times for my next visit.

Although I did have stunning photos and standing shot, I had more happier than Baler surfing experience. The waves here are perfect for both pro-surfer and newbies. This area of the surfing island has a strip of many beach resorts to choose from. I decided to linger on for some more minutes to enjoy the cool breeze and after-sunset scenery. 

How to Get to Thunderbird Resort Poro Point in La Union

Going to Thunderbird Resort Poro Point in San Fernando City, La Union for a typical commuter:

This resort was so amazing and has a touch of Greece-Santorini inspired design which is located inside the Poro Point Freeport Zone. From Manila it takes 6-7 hours drive and around 277 kilometers north of Luzon, you can catch early trip at Partas Bus Terminal in Pasay (Tramo Street) or Quezon City (Cubao) from 10pm onwards bound to Laoag, Vigan and Abra. Fare is about Php 400 pesos per person.  Ask the driver to let you down at La Union City Hall or public plaza. From there you mat take jeepney bound to Poro Point Resort. Jeepney Terminal is located beside Bobby's Barber Shop near the public market. Fare is Php 8.00 each. Note: Hotel gate is on the left side and take a short walk going to the main hotel area. Here's the resort contact number: 632-6356699 or 9104206. Email Address: info@thunderbird-asia.com. Website: www.thunderbird-asia.com. Happy Trip Everyone - from Bisayang Manlalakbay around the Philippines.