San Juan (La Union)

There is not much to see and to do here for an average tourist, except surfing. The two most touristic areas are both some kilometers outside of San Juan:

• Urbiztondo There are several resorts in this area with rooms, restaurants and surf lessons. Resorts are quite pricey. Prices for surboards are usually about ₱200 per hour, surf lessons also amount to ₱200 per hour (Feb 2010). The swell is usually slightly better than in Montemar. The water can get very crowded, especially on weekends where you may count more than 70 surfers along the short beach.
• Montemar Is less developed, fewer resorts and you have all the water for yourself. Bring your own board or choose one of the resorts that rent out boards. Resorts do cost less here on average compared to Urbiztondo. Prices for boards are about ₱120 per hour. Surf lessons are not available here.

The best way to get here is by bus from Manila. Take one of the many bus lines bound to La Union. Tell the bus driver to drop you at San Juan - Sebay (Urbiztondo) or San Juan - Montemar. Both are well known stops among the bus drivers. San Juan Center has nothing to offer related to surfing.

• 🌍 San Juan Watchtower, Gaerlan Street. Open 24 hours. Free. (updated Sep 2023)

• Surf Along with Siargao, San Juan is one of the places to learn surfing in the Philippines. Experienced surfers used to Hawaiian swells will yawn but San Juan has a reliable swell that is great for beginners and intermediates. Surfing Season is from November to April with reliable waves until end of January. Later there may be week-long periods without even the most minimal swell.

• Sunset German Beach Resort (Montemar), ☏ +63 72-720-2698. Check-out: 12:00. One of the best value choices around San Juan. Rents out surfboards for ₱120/hr. And yes the hotel restaurant has German food! ₱800-2100. 
• Final Option (Montemar). Clean basic rooms and a decent restaurant if you are not in a hurry. Has German beers and European wines on offer. Rents surfboards and subcontracts lessons. 
• San Juan Surf Resort (Urbiztondo) (Urbiztondo San Juan), ☏ +63 72 7200340. Dorm beds. Surfboard hire. ₱250. 
• Sebay (Urbiztondo). 
• 🌍 Little Surfmaid Resort (Urbiztondo), #170 Urbiztondo Street & MacArthur Highway. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. 
• Circle Hostel., Urbizondo San Juan, ☏ +63 72 6073796, +63 9178326253. Hammock, fan dorm beds. ₱350/450.