La Union The main La Union resort area is Bauang, which is a few kilometers before San Fernando, La Union (not Pampanga!). The resorts, dating back to the American R & R era, are of international standard, and offer varying facilities, and affordable rates. Getting there couldn’t be easier from Manila - Asian Spirit now runs 3 times a week to & from Manila Airport to San Fernando. Swagman’s Fly the Bus runs twice a week from Angeles, and air-conditioned buses from Manila via Dau (Angeles) heading north to Vigan Laoag and San Fernando are plentiful (my choices are Partas & Dominion) who will drop you on the Highway at your resort.
La Union
Divers are well catered for, and there are several interesting sites available For those that like surfing, San Juan, just north of San Fernando, offers good waves. Baguio is an interesting day trip up the Naguilian Road. Ten Pin Bowling and Golf are both available at Wallace with a new Fiesta Casino opened and is constructing a 60 room hotel, which should guarantee a continuing air service to Manila. One of the Philippines prime tourist destinations - the 100 Islands - can be easily visited by bangka. Scuba is catered for at Coconut Grove Resort, who also offer Lawn Bowling. The resort area starts about 3 kms north of Bauang town proper, where you will find –
On the land-side of the highway the VFW extend a warm welcome to all visitors to their comfortable restaurant. Open from breakfast to dinner, its a good place to catch up with the local news. Air-conditioned and inexpensive and offering an extensive menu.
Just behind the “V”, in secluded tropical gardens is Bali Hai East Resort. Mike Besanko is now working the Bali Hai magic on the former Eastside Motel. Swimming pool, cable TV, bar and restaurant, and room rates from P750 per night Now "The Home to Horseshoes" Bali Hai Beach Resort, is one of the Philippines favourite escapes, and offers excellent nightly buffets, and accommodation in a tropical garden setting-plus Bauang’s only beach side swimming pool. Their Safari Club meet every Wednesday for a foray along the beach - and as far away as Pattaya! Check out their special promotional deals. Back on the other side of the Highway, Footlights is a great place for night owls. Affordable prices, and some of the cutest looking dancers in La Union. Just along side is Bauang’s dining attraction - Finnegan’s Irish Pub - the place in La Union to dine and be seen. Good food, excellent service, and the cheesecake alone is worth the drive from Manila. Everything you would expect from a first class International Irish Pub, from Guinness up to fine wines, and a menu to match. Don’t miss their daily specials. Tramp’s Club back on the other side of the highway is a popular expat’s watering hole which features attractive dancers, the latest rock videos, and the coldest draft on the beach. Alongside is the Koala Lodge, with the lowest room rates on the beach, with air-con or fan rooms plus ref., cable TV and hot water. The final resort before the bridge (which signals the start of San Fernando proper) is the Southern Palms Beach Resort, with beach-side bar-restaurant and in-house nightclub The next beach is Canaoay. Get off the bus at Airport Road - just after the Pagdalagan Bridge - for the short trike ride to Spyder's cozy, clean, comfortable and peaceful Sunset Bay Resort located just the other side of the airstrip, and set on a clean white sand beach - it is a must to visit. The menu is good, the drinks cold and prices are very reasonable. Stop by and say G’day over a cold one. There are several “interesting” RnR bars in the area, catering mostly to the incoming shipping, a little rough sometimes, so appropriate care should be taken.
San Fernando has many interesting tourist sites, including the Ma-cho Chinese Temple, Bacsil Ridge, and the nearby Botanical Gardens, and your hosts will be glad to make arrangements for you to visit them.
San Juan, the surfer's haven is just a few kilometers north of San Fernando. A sleepy town, offering rustic terracotta pottery, and some very nice, laid back, beach resorts.
| Sunset at Sunset Bay Bauang Beach @ Bali Hai San Fernando Bay from Ma Cho Temple Canaoay Beach Road side pottery stalls, San Juan Annual Miss Chili Pepper contest at the VFW Chilli Cook-off at Bali Hai 
The Fiesta Casino on Wallace |