Hi I am Frances Dei, this is my third blog and I solemnly swear not to abandon it anymore. I am a newbie budget traveller, a moment collector and probably a nomad at heart.
Sometimes I just want to be with my own thoughts for a while, to look for a place where I can relax and not think of everybody else. So I packed my bags and went to Antipolo’s best kept secret: Luljetta’s Hanging Gardens and Spa.
I visited on a weekend and the place tends to get packed, but truth is I did not really feel that there were a lot of people who checked in. Luljetta’s infinity pools were built on a mountain side overlooking Makati’s skyline. The view is breathtaking and the place is so serene.
Why visit?
Although I did not get to try out their massage and body scrubs I read a lot of good reviews about it and the receptionist told me that their masseuse are all licensed and have undergone a special course about it before they are hired. Their massage and spa treatments tend to get fully booked, so you have to make a reservation beforehand. Aside for their massage, the view and the place itself is a reason enough to visit.
They have two infinity pools, one hydromassage pool, one jacuzzi, one heated pool and two Dr. fish spa which are all located individually. When in Luljetta’s you will have to climb up and down the stairs to get to a certain pool or the different lounges they have.
They have different packages available, and I availed the Hanging Gardens getaway which includes full use of all the facilities, a welcome snack (iced salabat and antipolo’s suman) and a four course wellness meal served ala carte.
I would definitely recommend paying a visit to Luljetta’s Hanging Gardens and Spa. I enjoyed may daytour there and was able to relax and be with my thoughts even for a short while.
For booking and inquiries go to bienvenidotours.com!
Flotsam and Jetsam - eighties band, Ursula’s eels, your home away from home and a hidden wonderland at San Juan, La Union
*warning: word heavy post ahead*
“Why Flotsam and Jetsam?” --- YOU right now
I think your first solo travel can make or break your “firsts” experience and will affect your future travel plans. Bad experience? You will say “never again”. Enjoyed the moment? Then you will find yourself already searching for airfare promos, long weekend schedules and other places perfect for solo travelling. And for me, where you stay has a big impact on every travel experience.
Flotsam Jetstarter
As a newbie solo traveler I was ten percent excited and ninety percent scared! A dragon was flapping its wings inside my stomach the moment I rode the bus until I arrived at Flotsam. Time check: 10:30 a.m oops! three and a half hours too early for check in time. I got a bit anxious and paranoid, a lot came popping into my head all at the same time: “where will I stay?”, “what will I do?”, “I can stay at the kubo lounge if I arrive early”, “I will look too excited”, “but you are excited!”, “oh crap”. So I took a deep breath, pushed my thoughts away and continued walking through the hostel’s entrance.
The first person who greeted me was the security guard, which I took as a good sign because I say yes to feeling safe and secure at all times, and he asked me if made a reservation and to log my name. Three steps into the entrance and the first thing that came into my mind was: “holy cow! This place really is an instagramagical wonderland” and then “ooh El Union! need.coffee.now”. Since I haven’t eaten anything within my four hour trip, I decided to get my starter fluid: which is obviously coffee and off to the reception area I went. There I met Din who was also the one who confirmed my reservation and later on became my friend!
My flotsamagical experience
The thing about flotsam is: you can be an introvert on a sea of extroverted people and not feel out of place, and be an extrovert surrounded by a select few introverts without feeling awkward. Do your thing, except smoke weeds and do drugs, no judgments. A place where you can be you, and no pressure.
Solo traveler? No problem. This may be the one, if not the best, place for you! Why? The staff will make you feel that you are inside their circle, that you too belong to the Flotsam family. From the kitchen staff up to one of the owners, Mia, they will all make you feel at home. Din, was like my ate at flotsam, she’s always asking for your plans and suggesting things you can do to maximize your stay at La Union. James, Din’s husband, was with me during my Tangadan Trek and although I really sucked at it (I blame you faulty footing and overthinking) and chickened out halfway through; I did not feel judged.(james, adi, olaf and oh crap I fogot the name na.... thank you!). And then there is Raffy, Howie and Mia who always smiles at you and asks how’s your stay so far. And of course the El Union guys and gals who does not only offer great coffee but also offers chikahan and other social stuff. Thank you for letting me join you on your film viewing.
Throughout your stay you will also be meeting other people. On my last twenty-four hour stay at La Union, I met these three sisters: Lyn, Jas and Lee(? I forgot again, sorry) from Cavite who I shared the kubo dorm with and we all had dinner at surf shack together! Earlier I met Jacq and her friend from Manila who just really wanted to escape the city and rest for a while, and Mara Lopez while filming for Flotsam the movie, what a beauty and also really really kind!
What if I’m with friends? Then you will also have the same flotsamagical experience! You and your group will also meet new friends along the way. Oh and you can also jam with them, because you can use the available musical instruments for free! I learned how to play the ukulele during my stay here.
So “why Flotsam and Jetsam?”, I say: “why NOT flotsam and jetsam?” Sa flotsam, hindi ka nila papabayaan.I may have traveled alone, but I never felt lonely!
Caught between the party atmosphere of Boracay and the serenity of Palawan, La Union is a paradise of its own.
warning: long post ahead
If you just want to instagram a fine white sand beach or some colorful coral reef, La Union may not be for you (although there are a lot of instagram worthy places here). It may not boast about that fine white sand or that diverse aquatic reef, Elyu will offer you a different kind of thrill.
If I correctly remember my history, La Union is part of the Ilocos region and its arch is located at the La-Union - Ilocos-Sur border. Their main dialect is Ilokano but most people know how to speak filipino and english, so no worries there. The west part of La Union is bordered by the West Philippine Sea and Benguet to the east.
Why visit?
Elyu for me is divided into two: its hilly terrain parts and its seascape, ergo they are not short on natural attractions. It can cater to all types of people who prefer land over the sea or vice versa. I stayed at San Juan, which is the surfing capital of the north, but other parts of La Union is easily accessible by means of riding a jeepney or a tricycle. During the weekdays you can just chill and relax, but during the weekends Dj’s and musicians usually do a gig here so get ready to eat.surf.rave.repeat!
What to do?
There are like a gazillion things that you can do here! Let me start with the things I did or the things I tried to do:
1) Gastronomical adventure - yaaas! There are a lot and I mean a LOOOT of restaurants that you can need to try out! Here are some of my top picks (and yes I have tried them all. No judgements please haha!)
El Union - for that caffeine fix. Best coffee I had so far and that coconut shakerato! Every cup of their coffee comes with quality service and good vibes. The baristas are so friendly and approachable! (hi Camille!) and Kiddo and Amy Cosio.... relationship goals! Say no to bad coffees from now on!
Poppy’s - I think they are the first non-fastfood burger in town. Whether you are a meat lover or vegan, they have the food for you! You have a choice whether to create your own burger or order their poppy’s burger and your wallet won’t cry, I promise! I have personally tried their beef and vegan burger, which are both equally delicious. Plus they serve their fries in a can, like seriously, it is sooo stylish!
Halo Halo De Iloko Balay - I’ve read so much about this restaurant, that I did not dare not try it while I am in La Union. I tried out their famous halo-halo, because I just ate lunch, man it was the bomb!
Flotsam and Jetsam - BEST.PIZZA.EVER. I don’t need to say more, okay I’ll say more.... The food and the vibe of the place, combine it together and it is like you are in wonderland!
Surf Shack - They offer nachos, fries, pastas and pizza too. Yes, I tried their pizza, bacnotan longganisa pizza to be exact, and it was good!
Tagpuan - cheap thrills at Elyu. But don’t underestimate it, their bagnet is love! There really is #loveinabowl. Nurse your hangover here because they also offer pares, goto and lugaw!
2) Trekking at San Gabriel - since La Union has a hilly terrain they also offer trekking and your reward? The sight of the beautiful hidden waterfalls. Try it and surpass me because I did not even reach our true destination which is the waterfalls, I just got as far as the cliff diving site, and I did not even know how I managed to go there. It was my first time to trek after all. Medyo bitter ako sayo Tangadan. The trek’s cost is 300 per head, Din from Flotsam arranged it for me!
3) Be a beach bum - or you know you can just sit there, watch the waves, just swim peacefully or catch on some z’s. Relax. After all this is your trip, do what you feel that you want to do.
4) Pottery - you can also try out pottery at Taboc which is a 10 minute ride from San Juan and bring home a personalized souvenir! Unfortunately when I went to Taboc, they did not have an instructor ready to assist me. (maybe it is because of the time I went there: 12pm)
5) Watersports - during my stay at La Union the water was flat until the fourth, which is my last, day. My body was so sore and my muscles aching all over because of the trek so I did not get to try out surfing, which is a real bummer btw! But I now have a reason to go back! Aside from surfing you can also try out paddle boarding especially when there is a flat spell.
6) Wake up early and catch the sunrise!
7) Wait for the golden hour and watch the sunset!
8) Go Church hopping, visit Ma-cho temple, La Union Botanical Garden and the Ruins
Where to Stay?
A place to stay is not a worry here because there are a lot of Hotels, hostels, apartments and even transient places. Here are some of the places in San Juan you can check out and maybe book/reserve a room too:
Kahuna Hotel
San Juan Resort
The little Surfmaid
Urbiz Garden
Fatwave surf resort
The Circle Hostel
Flotsam and Jetsam - I stayed here and I will be making a separate post for it because they deserve it, stay tuned so you will know why YOU should book a room here too!
Budget?
Although I stayed for four days and three nights I can make a breakdown for an overnight stay:
*although prices may change and it will depend where you will eat and book a room to stay and the activities you plan to do*
Bus fare (roundtrip from Pampanga) : 750php
(roundtrip from manila) : from the other blog posts it is around 1000- 1050php
Room (flotsam kubo dorm) : 780php (weekend rate)
Food budget : 500php (more or less, it really depends)
(breakfast is free at Flotsam)
Surf lessons (uniform rate) : 300php /hr complete with board rental
Total : 2,330php
*additional expenses*
Tangadan tour: 300php
Paddle boarding: 300php
Pottery: 350-450php
I strongly suggest that you go and visit La Union (if you haven’t yet) and visit again (if you have been there).
First /adj/ coming before all others in time, order, or importance
Firsts, it is that moment that you somehow want to relive again and again. Your firsts will always be special. It can be your first pet, your first night out, first love and yes even your first heartbreak will be somehow dear to you. Now let us put the word first beside the word solo and travel, oh what a wonderful phrase.
In this millennial time, everything is fast paced, it is a fast paced world and most of our decisions are made for convenience. In a blink of an eye, I am already a college graduate but still afraid to leave her comfort zone. So what urged me to go solo travelling? Is it a heartbreak? Well partly. But more or less it is because I want to push my boundaries, exceed my current limits and get to know myself more.
The thing about solo travelling in whatever way you look at it, unless you really isolated yourself, is that you are never really alone! Along the way you won’t just meet a part of yourself you never really knew, you get to meet: a) fellow travelers, b) locals from the place and c) the friendly and wonderful staff of the hostel (or resort or hotel or wherever you plan to stay). (This was the first thing I noticed during the first few hours of my trip)
Traveler or not, travelling alone is a common entry on most (if not everyone’s) bucket list. There is something empowering about achieving it, a little confidence booster and a sense of accomplishment. I am finally checking that off of my bucket list! Hurrah!
p.s Please read my upcoming posts about my solo trip: Realizations, some tips and the breakdown of my travel expenses (because we have to admit it, travelling can be expensive)
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