la-union
San Juan, La Union â "Elyu" to pretty much everyone â is the Surfing Capital of the Northern Philippines and arguably the modern-day buzzing hub of Philippine surfing. Easy access from Manila, a vibrant food scene, and consistent waves have made it explode in popularity, and for good reason.
The crown jewel is Monalisa Point, a right-hand point break that breaks slower than your average reef, giving you time to think, make turns, and build style. Monalisa works for everyone from longboarders to shortboarders and handles a solid range of swell sizes â from waist-high peelers perfect for progression up to overhead-plus bombs when a strong NE swell rolls in.
Like Baler, Elyu truly fires during Northswell season (October to March), when northeast swells line up perfectly for the classic La Union setup.
Fair warning though: San Juan gets crowded. Really crowded, especially on weekends and holidays. This isn't just in the surf â the famous food scene and party atmosphere pull a massive non-surfing crowd too. Come prepared to share the lineup.
That said, there's room for everyone. The beach break near the main road is where surf schools operate â gentle waves ideal for learning. Monalisa handles the more experienced crew. On bigger days, the current at the Point can get seriously strong, feeling like paddling on a treadmill. When that happens, or when Monalisa is just too packed, experienced surfers head north to Car-rille, which handles bigger waves with a different dynamic and usually less current.
Don't overlook the rest of the coast either â Bacnotan further north and other spots along the way offer different waves and a quieter vibe if you're willing to explore.
Getting to San Juan from Manila is one of the easier surf trips in the country â a few good options depending on how much gear you're carrying and how much you want to drive.
Drive
If you love a road trip, getting to Elyu is smooth sailing these days. The key is the TPLEX (Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway) â exit at Rosario, La Union and you're just a short drive through a few towns straight to the surf spots in San Juan.
The route isn't bursting with jaw-dropping scenery the whole way, but it's fast and low-stress. Follow the main road north toward San Fernando then San Juan â Waze handles it cleanly.
| | Cost (approx. May 2025) | |---|---| | Toll fees (NLEX + SCTEX + TPLEX, Class 1 vehicle) | â±800 â â±900 | | Gas | Varies |
Having your own ride gives you the flexibility to beach hop and explore the coast at your own pace.
Bus
Sitting back on a bus is a solid, popular, and budget-friendly alternative. Key operators running Manila â La Union routes include Partas, Viron Transit, and Genesis Transport, departing from Cubao, Pasay, or PITX (Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange).
| | Cost (approx. May 2025) | |---|---| | Estimated travel time | 6 â 7 hours (varies with traffic) | | Bus fare | â±600 â â±1,200 |
Bus tips: - Buses typically head toward San Fernando, La Union â some Partas services stop closer to San Juan itself. Confirm when you book - Fares vary by company and bus type (regular aircon vs. deluxe) - Book in advance for weekends and holidays â check availability here
Rideshare
Looking to split costs and maybe meet some fellow surfers? Rideshare is a great option â friendly on the budget and the environment. Check Facebook groups and local surf community boards for people heading up on the same weekend.
Monalisa
Dining guide for la-union is coming soon.
Know a great spot to eat? Let us know.