Skip the crowd. Skip San Juan. Don’t get me wrong. I love La Union’s (and Northern Philippines’) surfing capital but it can become frustrating and unenjoyable at times when there’s too much a crowd to deal with when all you want is to relax and chill especially during the weekend.

So yes, this post is a suggested itinerary when you find yourself wanting to experience a different kind of Elyu (La Union) hence the term “sabsabali” which is an Ilocano word that literally means “different”. I came up with this idea after reading posts, and hearing friends rant about how they aren’t able to enjoy their LU trip because almost everywhere they go during their “weekend trip”, San Juan was loaded with people from sites to foodhubs.

As I have previously mentioned in my other La Union blogs, there is surely more to Elyu than San Juan. So what should one do the next time they travel to La Union?

Go surfing and sunset chasing in Bacnotan instead of San Juan.

La Union has a more quiet and more relaxing surfspot that one can go to when the beach and surf scene in San Juan becomes more busy and crowded. Govto San Juan’s neighboring coastal town, Bacnotan which is just around 15 minutes away from Urbiztondo. Vibe and ambiance here is like the old surftown San Juan, you’ll surely love it. Plus the sunset here is as mesmerizing as that of San Juan.

Go swimming in the tidal pools of Immuki, Balaoan.

Immuki’s main attraction drawers are the emerald/ turquoise crystal clear, saline water enclosed in tidal pools much like that of Magpupungko in Siargao. These natural pools are enclosed by some rocks of varying sizes and a few vegetation. It was a delight to see, and the people swimming here seem to be having a great time.

Go camping at the agoho tree -dotted Agoo Eco-Park.

The “Agoo Eco-Park” is a part of the Agoo- Damortis Protected Landscape and Seascape. The park boasts off a beautiful ground dotted with agoho trees. If you’re up for a camping, just put up a tent or just bring out a picnic mat and you are ready to have a great time just staring at the trees and the nearby stream. Also, the park is beside the beach so that’s a plus!

Other than the popular Tangadan Falls in San Gabriel, go trek your way to see Kapandagan Falls in Bagulin, and enjoy a cooling swim or dip.

This 5-tier waterfall in the town of Bagulin, is a kept secret from among La Union locals. Only a few have reached this spot as it is not very well known. But what most people do not know is that one can actually access it via Tangadan in San Gabriel. Just ask the guides there and they’ll gladly bring you to this road less traveled.

Go on an easy-peasy sunrise hike to Bantay Kalbo or Camp Kwarog in Rosario and then a sunset climb to Mount Kabugbugan in Bauang.

Rosario, the 1st town of La Union in the south is often neglected and it is just seen as a stop-over whenever going to Baguio or Ilocandia. But what most passers-by do not know about this quaint town is that it tucks some really interesting places to “hike-and-bike” like Bantay Kalbo, Camp Kwarog and Cadumanian Point.

Mount Kabugbugan, on the other habd, is a lovely find in Bauang, a town known for grape-picking. The peak of Mount Kabugbugan (aka Mount Puraw) offers a 360 degree view — from neighboring mountains to seascapes of the province.

So the next time you are in La Union, don’t forget to go the extra mile or follow that unbeaten path. Take it easy.