Urbiztondo Beach of San Juan, La Union: Surfer's Paradise of the North

Located in the town of San Juan in La Union, Urbiztondo Beach is the closest surfing spot from Manila (6 hours). Urbiztondo Beach may not have fine grain and white sand, but what makes it special are the powerful waves ideal for surfing. It is the entry point of surfing spots in the Ilocos region and  surfers, most especially beginners loves this area which is  known for its peeling waves and short rides. 

Learning to surf here is very inexpensive compared to other surf spots around the world. The town’s surfers have organized themselves into a club, and they give lessons to everyone who are interested to learn surfing. 

How To Get There: 

1. From Manila, ride a bus bound for San Fernando, La Union.

2. Once in San Fernando, you can ride a jeep/bus bound for San Juan (Bacnotan, San Juan, Candon), tell the driver to drop you off in Urbiztondo Beach.

Ma Cho Temple in La Union

I visited San Fernando, La Union and was fascinated by this wonderful Chinese  architecture known as "Ma Cho Temple", which is actually the biggest Taoist temple outside China. The wordings are not mine, taken from the historal artifact of the temple.

Nestled atop a hill overlooking the beautiful San Fernando bay of the town of San Fernando, La Union, the MA-CHO Temple was constructed in honor of Ma-cho hailed from the scenic island of Moichow, province of Fukien in Southeastern China. In the Philippines among christians Ma-Cho is known as the virgin of Caysasay. The image of the Virgin of Caysasay first appeared in Taal, Batangas in 1603.

It was constructed on September 11, 1975 through the initiative of then Tourism Minister Jose D. Aspiras and cooperation of the Chinese community, this majestic Taoist Temple is located on a hill 70 feet above sea level at Barangay II, San Fernando City, facing the China Sea. Here, people form all walks of life come and pray for change of luck from Ma Cho, a Chinese deity, whose eight inch wooden image surprisingly has a counterpart in the Roman Catholic faith known as the “Virgin of Caysasay” who is enshrined at the Basilica of Saint Martin in Taal, Batangas.

According to Chinese history, Ma Cho was born in 960 AD during the sung Dynasty. According to legend, she did not cry at all during her first month of infancy, thus, she was first named “Mo”, meaning keeping silent. Intelligent, gifted with a photographic memory and blessed with healing powers, she became a monk at the age of 10. Growing up in the fishing village of Meizhou in the province of Fu Jian, she actively participated in rescue operations for fishermen during typhoons. It is also believed that she can accurately predict the weather in upcoming days in the sea, earning for herself the titles “Dragon Girl”, “Goddess of the Sea” and “Queen of Heaven”. Dying at the young age of 27, it is believed by Chinese sailors and fishermen that her spirit, dressed in red, continues to save the lives of those who are in distress in the high seas.

Devotees offer incense, food and money at the shrine. Every other week, a “Buyong” session is held where temple elders read or interpret Ma Cho’s message to the faithful. 

How To Get There:
1. Once in San Fernando, La Union ask the locals for the direction of Ma Cho Temple.

Tondaligan Blue Beach

Tondaligan Blue Beach is one of the most accessible beach in Pangasinan and is located in Dagupan City - also known as the the Bangus (Milkfish) Capital of the Philippines. It may not have a white sand like that of Tondol Beach in Anda, but it's close proximity from the city proper plus the fine grey sands and pristine clear waters makes it one of the most popular beach in the said province.

Tondaligan Beach is cradled by the 72-hectares Tondaligan People’s Park, the local government has tried to restore the beach to it's former glory. It is a common picnic area for local tourists: tables and cottages for rent are available, however the cottages are not for overnight stay,  there are a also a number of simple kiosks selling cold drinks and grilled foods.

How to Get There:

1. Ride a bus bound to Dagupan.

2. From Dagupan, ride a jeep bound for Bonuan/Tondaligan.

Umbrella Rocks of Agno

The town of Agno is located on the Western portion of Pangasinan, which is characterized by rolling terrains and ricefields on the way to the town proper. It is the home of Sabangan Beach, it may not have white sand, yet it offers a different attraction popularly known as the Umbrella Rocks. These massive rocks has a diverse marine eco-system showcasing beautiful corals, different sea creatures and is surrounded by crystal clear water facing the West Philippine Sea. Even with the recent aftermath of typhoon "Lando" one could still see the picturesque view of the place.

The dazzling beauty of umbrella rocks is a work of the natural elements through a number of geological periods, some experts says that the rocks are actually corals and were formed by the incessant lapping of tidal waves against the shore through the centuries.

Aside from the famous Umbrella Rocks, Sabangan beach also has an old lighthouse wherein you can see the panoramic view of the beach. It will take less than hundred steps to the old light house.

How To Get There:

1.) Ride a bus bound to Alaminos City (Pangasinan)

2.) Once in Alaminos you can then ride a Jeep bound for Agno.

3.) Another option is to ride a bus bound for Agno (only Dagupan Bus) has direct trip to Agno and only 4 trips daily.

Tondol White Beach

Located on the island of Anda in the North Western tip of Pangasinan. Tondol White Beach is the most beautiful beach in the said province, it lies in the stretch of Lingayen gulf on the northern part of the Hundred Islands. Also known as the "Little Boracay of the North", it offers a fine grain of white sand, clear and unspoiled waters that offers a paradise like setting. Even with the recent aftermath of typhoon "Lando", it only proves that Tondol Beach is one of the must visit places in Pangasinan.

A nearby island can also be found along Tondol beach,  "Tanduyong Island" which is almost a kilometer away and can be reached by a boat. It takes a minimum of 10 passengers for the boat trip to the island (100 pesos per person). It's just unfortunate that when I visited the place I was the only one around and I could not afford to pay 10 shares. Some locals said it can also be reached by foot when the tide is low, and in my opinion it is the closest thing to Boracay.

How To Get There:
1. Ride a bus bound to Alaminos City in Pangasinan.
2. Once you are in Alaminos, ride a jeep or mini bus bound to Anda.
3. You can then ride a Trike bound for Tondol Beach.

Makiling Botanic Garden

Makiling Botanical Garden is a part of the protected forest area in the College of Forestry, UPLB which is approximately 480ft above sea level.. It was established in 1965 as a support facility for those studying forestry and plant sciences. 

The Makiling Botanic Garden occupies an area of 300 hectares of forest land divided into three sections: the Arboretum, Nursery and Recreational areas. The forest reserve is consist of about 1060 different species of flowering plants and ferns that can be seen inside the protected area. A creek flows through the entire garden, and creates a  cascade of waterfalls, and natural swimming pools. The trek inside the Eco Trail is consisted of almost 1.8 km to circumnavigate the whole trail via a cemented pavement. There used to be a wildlife and Aviary section but it was moved to DENR  Main Office last 2009.

How to Get There:

1.) Take a bus bound to Sta. Cruz, Laguna (DLTB), their terminal is in LRT Buendia.

2.) Tell the conductor to drop you off in College.

3.) You can then ride a Jeepney bound to UPLB (Forestry)

Sampaloc Lake of San Pablo

Sampaloc Lake is one of the 7 lakes in San Pablo City and is the largest among the lakes found in the city. Nearly half of the lake's depth has a shallow depression at the lake's bottom, indicating its volcanic origin. The lake is dotted with fishpens and small cottages built on stilts.

A scenic view of the surrounding Mt.Banahaw, Mt. Atimla, Imok Hill and Mt. Mabilog can be seen from the viewing deck of the lake. A park was also erected beside the lake where anyone can rent a bike for 20pesos (50 pesos for pedicab) to tour the 3.7kms. circumference of the lake. Pedal boat are also available for rent, unfortunately only 2 are operational and you can rent it 50 per person.

Sampaloc Lake is a nice sidetrip after an ardous hike from Mt.Banahaw, Mt. Cristobal or Mt. Kalisungan.

How to Get There:

1.) Take a bus bound to Lucena (DLTB or Jac Liner), they have terminals in Cubao and LRT Buendia 

2.) Tell the conductor to drop you off in San Pablo City (since, bus were not allowed inside the city you will be drop off at Mahalarlika hiway in San Pablo, you can either ride a trike or take a San Pablo bound jeepneys.

3.) Sampaloc Lake is located beside San Pablo City Hall.

Historic Lingayen Beach

Lingayen Beach (Gulf) played a crucial part in Philippines history. Situated on the northwest coast of Luzon, it suffered two invasions during World War II: the first, in 1941, was by the Japanese; the second, three years later, by the returning American forces. Lingayen Gulf was taken over by the American troops on the 9th of January 1945. This beach was occupied by the Allied forces of US and Filipino soldiers and has become one of the supply depot during the Pacific War.

Lingayen Beach boasts not of white sand or colorful seashells but rather fine grey sand, the shore is a long stretch of more than 2 kilometers  where anyone can relax and enjoy under the sun.

Vintage war memorabilia used during World War 2 are also on display on the Veteran's Memorial Park located beside the Lingayen beach which includes: tank, war plane and an anti air craft gun.

How to Get There:

1.) Take a bus bound to Alaminos/Bolinao (FiveStar), they have terminals in Cubao and Pasay.

2.) Tell the conductor to drop you off in Lingayen Capitol.

Revisiting the Past through the National Museum

The Philippines which is composed of more than 7,100 islands has a rich and colorful history which reminds every Filipino of the countries' glorious past. Consisting of more than a hundred local dialects and tribes, each geographical ethnicity has their own stories to tell. 

The first known civilization predates back before the Spanish era, ancient civilizations have already existed long before the Spanish colonization begun.

Located in Manila right beside the Luneta Park, the National Musuem is dedicated in educating every Filipino about the countries' rich history which spun more than a millennium. The museum  facade has a strong influenced of American architecture which are housed in two separate buildings: one for the artifacts and the other one for the paintings.

Some of the notable artifacts that can be found are the Spanish Jars, Old Canon (Lantakay), Native Weavings of Ifugao, Bangsamoro artficats (swords, ornaments etc.) and many more. The world famous "Spolarium" by Juan Luna is also on display together with the works of other world renowned painters and artist which includes Fernando Amorsolo, Noel Pascual and Damian Domindo to name a few.

The entrance is free every Sunday so the Pinoy Solo Traveler took the opportunity to visit the place.

How to Get There:

1.) From LRT Buendia ride a jeepney bound to Quiapo (w/ Luneta) on the signboard

2.) Tell the driver to drop you off in in Luneta, you can then just walk towards the National Musuem for 5mins.