Immuki Island Travel Guide: Hidden Paradise of the North

Meghy — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 02:31:16 +0000

La Union is not just about those big waves and party scenes. If you want to see something different on your next visit to this province, don’t forget to add Immuki Island to your list. Immuki Island is one of the newest attractions developed by the government and locals to attract more visitors. It is now dubbed as “The hidden paradise of the north” and I couldn’t agree more! It is located in the Brgy. Paraoir, Balaoan, La Union just about a 30-minute ride from San Juan, La Union.

Knowing Immuki Island

Immuki Island was once known as “Kaparingitan” to the locals. The name “Immuki” came from a sea creature that can only thrive on the “Paringit” (dead corals) called sea slugs or babao or bao which is a Pangasinense word translated in Ilocano as “Uki” or female genital. The word Immuki has been associated with the island because the shape of its main lagoon also resembles that of the female genital.

Basically, Immuki Island is a dead coral island with three main lagoons surrounded by mangroves. The main lagoon being called Immuki as explained earlier, the other two lagoons were named out of the wide imagination of the locals. The other lagoons were called “Bimmuto” (male genital) and “Immubet” (anus) because their shape resemble that of the penis and anus.

How to go to Immuki Island?

As per locals, there are Darigayos bound jeepneys that passes by Brgy. Paraoir from San Fernando and San Juan. Based on experience, we had a hard time waiting for the said jeepney during our last stay in San Juan so if you don’t have a private ride going to Immuki Island, you can go there by these options:

Ride a tricycle that will take you directly to Brgy. Paraoir where Immuki Island is located which will costs around Php 600-800 depends on how you negotiate with your driver.
Ride a Bacnotan bound jeepney and drop off at Bacnotan Public Market (fare: Php 20 from San Juan). From there, look for a tricycle that will take you to Brgy. Paraoir that should cost you Php 200 per ride (good for 4 pax).

What to expect?

Upon reaching the barangay hall of Paraoir, you have to register your visit first and pay the following fees:

Students/Senior citizens/PWD rate – Php 30
Regular rate – Php 50

*Fees may change without prior notice

Once you are done with the registration, you may now proceed to the island. You may rent a bamboo raft that will take you directly to the island for Php 250 (good for 6 pax) or you may simply walk going to the island as the water level is just below the knee. We opted to just walk so we could take photos along the way and explore more on the other sides of the island.

Upon reaching the main island, you’ll understand why it is being called a hidden paradise. You have to walk through maze of mangroves that will lead you to its stunning lagoons. You will enjoy its crystal-clear waters and every corner is definitely a picture worthy spot. During our visit, the whole island is not that crowded knowing that it was weekend, since there are 3 lagoons you can choose and will surely love.

Other things to know before going:

Visiting hours in the island is from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Camping, bringing of foods and drinks, fishing and bringing of pets is not allowed in the island
Comfort Rooms are available after the registration area
There are also foods and souvenirs for sale available after the registration area

The post Immuki Island Travel Guide: Hidden Paradise of the North appeared first on Meghy Was Here.

La Union Travel Guide: How to Go and Places to Visit

Meghy — Thu, 17 Jan 2019 05:56:46 +0000

For the past years, La Union continuously rising as one of the must-visited province of Northern Luzon. I noticed that it is becoming popular to tourists especially to the young folks due to its beach-food-party scenes. Popularly called as “Elyu”, this province is popular for their waves good for surfing and will definitely give you a weekend worth spending.

So here is travel guide you can check and be ready for that Elyu vibe!

Knowing La Union:

La Union is a province of Ilocos Region and its capital city San Fernando serves as the Regional Center of the whole region. It has Ilocos Sur on the north, Pangasinan province on its south, Benguet on the east and West Philippines Sea on the west. It is now being tagged as the “Surfing Capital of the North”. It is said that the best time to go to La Union is from November to March.

How to go to La Union?

Tourists usually have their accommodation booked at San Fernando, which is the capital city, or San Juan where beach activities can be seen. So depending on your chosen hotel, you can drop off either to San Fernando or San Juan. However, if I will be asked, I preferred to have my stay booked in San Juan since this is where cheap hostels and chic food places can be found.

Manila to San Juan, La Union

You can ride a bus from Pasay or Cubao (Partas, Viron, Dominion) bound to San Juan, La Union. Fare may ranges from Php 500 to Php 650 depending on the bus type (deluxe, regular aircon bus etc.) that you will be taking and travel time may take 5-7 hours. Just ask the driver to just drop you off in San Juan Beach.

*Partas bus fare from Cubao to San Juan, La Union costs us Php 648 (As of November 2023)

Manila to San Fernando, La Union

Ride a bus from Pasay or Cubao (Partas, Viron, Dominion) bound to San Fernando, La Union. Fare my ranges from Php 500 to Php 650 depending on the bus (deluxe, regular aircon bus etc.) that you will be taking and travel time may take 5-7 hours. Once arrived in San Fernando, ride a jeepney or tricycle bound to San Juan and travel time may take another 20 minutes.

Bus Terminals and Contact Details:

Partas

Cubao, Bus Terminal
816 Aurora Boulevard, Cubao, Quezon City, Philippines
Telephone Number:
+63 (2) 7278278

Pasay City, Bus Terminal
Aurora Boulevard (Tramo) Corner Edang St. San Roque,
Pasay City, Philippines
Telephone Number:
+63 (2) 8528194

Viron

Cubao, Bus Terminal
Quezon City, Philippines
Telephone Number:
+63 2 7410405

Dominion

Cubao, Bus Terminal Telephone Number:
(02) 727 2350

Places to visit in La Union:

Urbiztondo beach

La Union is famous for surfing and this is where the entire surfing thing happens. Surfing lesson will cost you P600 per hour (instructor fee + board rental).

Pebble Beach

La Union is well known as well for its pebble beaches. We ride a Luna bound jeepney and the driver dropped as on the Pebble Beach near Balay na Bato and it was crazy! I never thought how beautiful a real Pebble Beach could be. It looks like infinite numbers of smooth pebbles that varies in sizes and colors flocks the area. However, what bothered me is that there are many workers on the beach doing pebble picking for a living. It became a source of income on its townspeople but I would not be surprised if one day, the pebble beach will not be as amazing as it is today.

Kamay na Bato (Stone-hand gallery)

It is an art gallery highlighting different kinds of handcrafted stone arts by Mr. Kim.

Namacpacan Church

It is located in Luna town proper and declared as National Cultural Treasure.

Ma-Cho Temple

It is Taoist temple located in San Fernando dedicated to the sea goddess, Mazu.

Immuki Island

One of the newest attractions of the province of La Union tagged as the “Hidden Paradise of the North”. It is an island with crystal clear water lagoons surrounded by mangroves located in the town of Balaoan.

Other Tourist Spots To Visit:

Tangadan Falls (San Gabriel, La Union)
Grape Farm (Bauang, La Union)
Luna Watch Tower (Luna, La Union)

Where To Eat In La Union:

Onlypans Taqueria

Kabsat La Union

Tagpuan

Flotsam Jetsam

Beach Bum Food Park

Halo-Halo de Iloko

Dal-luyon Cafe

The post La Union Travel Guide: How to Go and Places to Visit appeared first on Meghy Was Here.

launion Archives | Meghy Was Here