A Traveler's Notes of La Union

La Union is not very popular as a tourist destination except if you are a surfer. On my three days in La Union I was able to visit some of its best places. It may not be as grandeur or breathtaking like other tourist destinations but I believe these places are worth visiting.

the beach at Thunderbird Poro POint

The most expensive and popular place to visit in La Union is Thunderbird Poro Point Resort. Almost all locals recommends this resort. I was able to have an overnight stay in the place because of their rainy day promo. 

Experience a Santorini like atmosphere and let the place bring your imagination to Greece. Since the place is pricey expect few guests which makes the place more relaxing. 

The resort has a swimming pool, restaurants and cafe, golf course, casino and water activities. They also offer short courses on surfing. You may check my posts A Vacation at Thunderbird Poro Point and Gastronomy at Thunderbird Poro Point

The swimming pool at Thunderbird Poro Point

After experiencing Greece, have a feel of China by visiting Ma-Cho Temple. It's a Taoist temple located in San Fernando, La Union along the National Highway.

The Pagoda

The temple gives a panoramic view of San Fernando City and the San Fernando Bay.

The temple has carved deities, golden emblem of dragons and towering tiers. It also has the Liang Thing Pagoda, a bamboo garden, bell tower and drum tower. The interior of the temple has ancient Chinese decorations.

The Chinese 18 saints are found outside facing the temple patio. 

The temple is open to public and you just have to give donations. Visitors can even offer incense and prayers.

I've written more facts about the Ma-Cho temple on my post The Temple in La Union.

Another place to visit especially for Catholics is the large Jesus Christ image which can also be found in San Fernando City. The statue known as Christ the Redeemer just like the one found in Brazil.

Christ the Redeemer is located in Reservoir Hill. It's a bit difficult to reach the place because tricycle most likely cannot take the uphill climb. Most locals climb the hill during Lenten season after they have visited the church.

The statue stands at 25 feet at the top of Reservoir Hill. It is a gift of former Mayor Jane Ortega to her husband Congressman Victor Ortega.

The place also gives a panoramic view of the City of San Fernando. It also has a view of the mountains and the sea. I just hope that they have a regular maintenance of the place because its very obvious that it is slowly being neglected. The rills are rusty and the lights are already damaged. Even the small statues of the three saints are no longer in good condition.

Since La Union is located near the sea, the province have lots of watchtowers however these towers are no longer used. 

The watchtowers in La Union were built by Spaniards some 400 years ago. It is used as to survey the seas and look for any pirates that may attack the province. Most of the watchtowers are made of adobe and corals which are held strongly together by lime and egg whites.

A famous watchtower in La Union is the Baluarte Watchtower. The Baluarte stands at the Pebble Beach which is found in the town of Luna. The tower is a massive structure on the bay of La Union however now it is in complete disarray. The watchtower is vertically cut into two. Trash can be found everywhere in the watchtower.  The watchtower even needs a support to prevent it from totally collapsing. The locals may not see the beauty and grandeur of the watchtower.

There are many locals whose houses are built just near the watchtower. There are even chickens running on the around the watchtower. Most of the locals are of course fishermen because they are just living near the sea. They also sell glass bottles with colorful pebbles that are found on the shores.

More information on the Baluarte Watchtower can be read on my post The Watchtower of La Union.