La Union has a secret
hideaway where city dwellers could enjoy the pristine waters and smooth sand of
a small, quiet, laid-back town of San Juan, particularly in Barangay Urbiztondo. And while surfing is the main attraction of the place,
nothing is best shared with the sound of the crashing waves than a plateful of
Filipino treats of the various resorts on the beach front. Relaxation is the
keyword at San Juan, known for its wide open beaches and calm waters. Visitors revel
in the laid-back ambience, whether soaking up the sun or dining on fresh,
succulent seafood while enjoying romantic sunsets over the South China Sea.
San Juan is bounded on
the north by the municipality of Bacnotan, on the east by the municipalities of
San Gabriel and Bagulin. On the south it is bounded by the City of San Fernando
and on the west by the South China Sea. San Juan is about 8 kilometers north of
San Fernando City, the regional center and capital of La Union.
San Juan is considered
to be the Surfing Capital of Northern Philippines, and is known for its
consistent intermediate quality surf and two surfing seasons from July to
October and November to March. It’s only a few hours away from Manila, and so
is the closest surf spot from the capital. San Juan has dozens of surfing areas
waiting to be explored.
For starters, try Barangay Urbiztondo. This is the entry
point to the surf spots of the Ilocos region. Beginners love this area
known for its peeling waves and short rides. Soft and shallow sea bed and
strong waves – these are what make Urbiztondo
Beach a good place for first-time surfers to learn and newbies to practice.
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| San Juan beach front |
For
beginners, the sight of the waves can be intimidating but learning how to surf
is an exhilarating experience you mustn’t miss out on. Before you go out to the
water, the instructor will brief you about the parts of the surfboard and how
you must align your body on the board. Surfing has 4 P’s – Posture, Position,
Paddle and Pop-Up – and the most challenging part would be getting up on the
board without using your knee to prop yourself up. Don’t worry if it’s your first
time! Beginners’ lessons cost P400 per session, inclusive of instructor fees
and board rental. If you’re feeling confident, you can also skip the lessons
and rent the board for P200.
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| The cool emerald water approaching the beach is very shallow, paved with smooth sand |
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| San Juan surfer instructors |
There are plenty of
accommodations you can choose from, and many of them are beachfront. All the
resorts are right on the beach and within walking distance of each other.
Entering
the destination resort was not that impressive, but the resort certainly has
verve and it may not be entirely in keeping with San Juan’s laid-back surfer
vibe. The rooms are stylish and comfy, and the infinity pool is great place to
sip cocktails.
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A laid-back atmosphere
and a sense of local identity these are what draws urban dwellers to the quiet
town of San Juan.
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Kahuna
Hotel, Cafe and Restaurant is situated in the heart of the most privileged
surf destination in the Philippines, San Juan. Kahuna is a boutique resort and
spa with Balinese-inspired cottages that peer out directly into the beach. The
calming sounds of rolling waves, beautiful sunset and great ambience are
available for the guest to bask in.
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| Enjoy the gorgeous views of South China Sea and beyond from the pool |
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| When you get tired of the beach, take a dip in the pool instead |
The resort has charming 31 rooms, bar, restaurant and pool face an ocean cove and sandy
beach. The architecture resembles a fusion of Filipino and Balinese-style beach
houses with white stucoo walls and native grass roofing, old world charm, with
the latest hi-tech features.
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| Standard Garden Room |
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| Big Kahuna Restaurant and Bar |
In
every room there is a free-wifi connection, flat screen TV with cable, DVD
Player, Air Conditioning,
Garden sitting area, Balinese style bathrooms with hot and cold shower, Bath
Guest Amenities, Complete Mini-bar setup, and Safety Deposit Box.
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| At the end of the day, rest your head on the comfortable bed in your room |
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| If you prefer on the beach front, you can choose to stay in one of the Rest Houses |
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| Standard Garden Room Porch |
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| Function Room |
The amenities
and facilities of the resort are daily housekeeping, laundry & dry cleaning,
Spa Luana, The Big Kahuna Restaurant and Bar, Kahuna Cafe (serving gourmet hot
and cold coffees), 24-hour Security, infinity swimming pools, function room for
seminars and concierge services and many local activities, Stoked Surf Shop and surf lessons.
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| Lobby of the resort |
The rooms
and the rates are Rest House (6
persons) P26,325 (Weekdays) P28,957 (Weekends/Holidays), Pool View Suite (4 persons), P9,360 (Weekdays) P10,296 (Weekends), Deluxe Pool View Room (2 persons) P7,020 (Weekdays) P7,932 (Weekends), and Standard Garden Room (2 persons) P5,265 (Weekdays) P5,949 (Weekends). Extra Person
Charge is P1,463 (Weekdays) and P1,609 (Weekends/Holidays).
Website: www.kahunaresort.com
GOING THERE:
By private vehicle: It will take around five to six-hour
drive from Manila to San Juan, La Union. You may take the North Luzon
Expressway (NLEX), through Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), and finally Tarlac-Pangasinan-La
Union Expressway (TPLEX) going to Urdaneta, Pangasinan to lessen the travel
time. After you exit TPLEX, just follow the national hi-way (Mac Arthur Hi-way)
until you reach the province of La Union. Work your way towards the province’s
capital San Fernando City, passing through the towns of Agoo, Aringay, Caba and
Bauang. From the city is another 30-minute drive to the boundary of San Juan.
Still along the national hi-way, you will see plenty of signage directing you
to the surfing area.
By public transport: Just ride a bus in Cubao (Partas
Bus) going to Ilocos Sur or Norte (Vigan and Laoag) and ask the bus steward to
drop you off at Brgy. Urbiztondo, San Juan.
