Tangadan Falls and Day Trips in La Union

Part of the La Union travel guide — see every topic in All La Union Guides.

When the sea is flat or you want a break from the beach, La Union has easy nature day trips. The best known is Tangadan Falls, a waterfall with a deep green pool in the hills of San Gabriel. You can also pick grapes at small farms in Bauang, or drive north to the pebble beach at Luna. All of these can fit into a half day or a day from San Juan.

Tangadan Falls

Tangadan Falls is in the village of Amontoc in San Gabriel, a town in the hills about 16 kilometres east of San Fernando. The water drops about 15 metres into a wide, deep pool surrounded by rock and forest. The walk from the road takes roughly 30 minutes to one hour, along a dirt path and across shallow parts of the river. It can be muddy and slippery. Local guides usually wait near the start, and you may be asked to register and pay a small fee. Life jackets are often available for rent. Swimming is popular, and some guides offer bamboo raft rides to the base of the falls.

Safety at the falls

The pool is deep, so wear a life jacket if you are not a strong swimmer. Some visitors jump from the rocks, but this is risky, and you should only follow local guides and the rules on the day. Wear sandals or water shoes with good grip, because the river rocks are slippery. After heavy rain, the river can rise fast and the water turns brown. During the rainy season, from about June to October, the trail may close. Go in the dry months for clearer water and a safer walk. Start early to avoid crowds and the midday heat.

Grape farms in Bauang

Bauang, just south of San Fernando, is known for its grape farms and its beaches. A few small family farms let visitors walk under the vines, take photos and pick or buy grapes. The farms are simple and the visit is short, so it fits well on the way to or from the bus. You can also buy grape and guapple juice, jam and other snacks to take home. Harvest times change by farm and weather, so grapes are not always ready. Ask your hostel or a tricycle driver which farm is open before you go.

Luna and the pebble beach

Luna is a quiet coastal town north of San Juan. Its beach is covered with smooth, round stones instead of sand. Waves move the stones and make a soft rolling sound. Here you find Bahay na Bato, a seaside garden and house decorated with stones, rocks and stone art. It is a calm place for a slow walk and photos by the sea. Take only photos, as visitors are asked not to take stones home. Luna is about 30 to 45 minutes by car or tricycle from San Juan. Opening hours can change, so check locally.

Getting around

The easiest way to do day trips is to hire a tricycle or a van with a driver for a few hours. Hostels and surf schools can help you arrange one and agree on a price before you start. Jeepneys run along the main coast road and are very cheap, but they do not go to the start of the Tangadan trail. Some people rent a scooter, but only do this if you have experience and a valid licence, as traffic on the national road is fast. You can join a group tour if you prefer a fixed plan.

Tangadan Falls and Day Trips at a glance

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