Philippines : What else to see Elyu?

If you probably know where to find the coolest and sexiest boys and girls in Luzon, I am sure that you are a suki of  Urbiztondo beaches, the place where local surfers and newbies are stoked with the playful waves of La Union sea. As the Surfing Capital of Northern Luzon, Elyu ( cool shortcut name for La Union ) is one of the busiest beaches during hype time for surfing. Well, going there during the lame season might not be a good idea, but I see it as an opportunity to explore what else we might love to this simple and hippie town.

So, what else can you find and do in Elyu if you ain't gonna use your surfboards? 

Just a little outside Urbiztondo, you can go and relax at Thunderbird Secret Paradise beach. It is absolutely free of entrance and only a few tourists know this place ( it is called secret paradise, right?)

You got a calm sea and a rural cliff for your hugot moments

Go at the main road and look for Ma-Cho Temple. An uphill walk to this temple where lots of statues are lined up in their garden, you can have an overlooking view of Elyu. Not so much to see but you can appreciate the landscape and the big statue of a Deity at the top of the temple. 

Some Kung Fu Panda Temple Walk

Grapes picking at Gapuz Grapes Farm. Yeah, we got a local grapes farm here in the Philippines! You can enter the farm at Php 50 per head but if you are going to do the grape picking, the entrance is free. Get your tummy ready for you can eat the grapes as much as you like while enjoying the vineyard.

Get some serious exercise and hike for 1.5 hours to see the gorgeous Tangadan Falls. Though if you plan to go here, please restrain yourselves from vandalizing the stones along the way. It is so sad to see some of the stones were vandalized and many nippa huts and garbage are congesting the place. Please let us be more concern with mother nature!

A secret spot where you can jump.for free.at your own risk.

Eat at the Tagpuan sa San Juan. A pares street style restaurant who encourages its customers to order their coffee or lugaw and donate it to less fortunate children. They have a monthly schedule for their feeding program, so let's meet at the tagpuan.

At Php80, you can help feed some souls at Tagpuan.

Try the Yoga Class and  Horchata drink at El Union Coffee. You can't miss this small cafe! Downstairs is the coffee shop where I've tasted the best Horchata or rice milk drink. Their dirty horchata is a must try! If you want some relaxing time, enroll at their yoga classes held on the second floor. Walk-ins are welcome.

Horchata ( Rice Milk , Almond Essence, Cinnamon, Vanilla )

After swimming drink at El Union Coffee, ohaa, I'm a bit tired haha

Chill and meet fellow travelers at Flotsam and Jetsam Hostel. This cozy place is often the tambayan  and they are open until 11:30 PM. You will love the lazy ambiance and drinks.

Meeting strangers can be fun!

Simply watch the beautiful sunset at the beach.

Elyu in the morning.

Let's just say La Union got its popularity from being a surfing capital, but hey, there are a lot of other fun things to experience here! This town is one of my top places to visit again, surfing season or not. 

What else Elyu? Umm, you have a lot!

//somewhereira.