(April 13 – 20, 2026) San Fernando, La Union is quite a long name for a city, but the “La Union” part helps distinguish it from another city named San Fernando. After being isolated at sea for two weeks, I absolutely loved the vibrant energy of the fresh market and the local restaurants.
This city seems to be the largest in the northern region of the island, and it is bustling with people. My favorite way to get around was by tricycle taxi, the main form of public transportation here. They are everywhere and very affordable. Because they are open-air, you get to enjoy a nice breeze—even if it is mixed with a bit of exhaust fumes!
At first, I was a little worried about our size, as we definitely weigh more than the average Filipino. I wondered if the tricycle could handle our combined weight. However, I quickly learned that it’s no issue at all; three of us could squeeze into the sidecar, and a fourth person could hop on the back behind the motorcycle driver. In fact, the drivers prefer more passengers because it means they make more money.
Compared to Guam, prices in the Philippines are incredibly cheap. We ate at a different restaurant every day, which was much more appealing than cooking onboard a hot boat. Pork seems to be incredibly popular here, and I often found myself ordering the slow-roasted pork belly with rice.
We also noticed that the local trimaran-style boats have engines without mufflers. They are incredibly loud, leaving us wondering how the boat captains can stand listening to that deafening roar all day long.
I had planned to visit nearby Baguio City, a popular tourist destination for locals, but I started feeling under the weather and decided not to push myself. Ultimately, we left San Fernando, La Union with unforgettable memories of the fresh market and our tricycle adventures.
