Immuki Island (Balaoan, La Union): Ultimate Travel Guide

Ever been to La Union? You’ve probably never heard of Immuki Island. And that’s fine because now you have a reason to go back to La Union! *wink

If you’re looking for a new place to visit in La Union, Immuki island should be on your list! Here’s what to expect.

Immuki Island: What To Expect

Immuki Island is your next go-to destination if you’re not into surfing. This small island is located in Brgy. Paraoir, Balaoan, La Union just 30 minutes away from San Juan.

Locals visit the island mainly for its three big lagoons that are perfect for swimming and cliff jumping. The first lagoon is 9 to 10 feet deep while the second one is 8 ft deep. Lastly, the third lagoon is 12 feet deep. Experience natural swimming pools at its best.

Surrounded by mangrove trees and filled with bantigue plants, Immuki island is a treat for nature lovers.

During low tide, you can easily walk from the shore to Immuki island. And on high tides, it’s only around 5 feet deep so it’s possible to swim across. Don’t worry, the island is only a few meters away from the main shore.

Be sure to use aqua shoes for your trip as there are several dead corals around the island which can hurt a lot if you stepped on them. The island also mainly consists of rocks with sharp edges so don’t even think of walking barefoot.

Rates

Entrance Fee: 10 pesos each
Tour Guide: 150 pesos
Rafts/Balsa: There are also rafts you can rent for 250 pesos per 1.5 hours (good for up to 6 persons) if you want to take in the sights around the island before stepping on the island. (optional)
Life Vests: 20 pesos each (optional)
Cottages: Donation only type of payment
Goggles: 20 pesos each (optional)

Fun Things To Do

Swim and Cliff Jump

Duh.

What else is there to do in the lagoons than to swim and cliff jump?

Jumping into a pool of turquoise water goodness shimmering with the sunlight is sure to give you pure bliss!

Don’t forget to snap a photo of you floating on the lagoon to remember Immuki island by!

Snorkeling

When the waves are calmer, rent a raft and ask your guide to bring you to the best snorkeling spots. Don’t forget to bring your snorkeling gears.

Grill and Picnic

What’s a trip without food? If you’re traveling in a group, settle in one of the cottages and bring out all the food you brought for a buffet lunch. There are grills you can borrow so feel free to bring meat!

Important Things To Know

There are showers near the island so don’t forget to bring a towel, soap, shampoo and dry clothes.
Smoking and drinking are prohibited. Only smoke in designated areas.
Bring enough cash. There are no ATMs nearby.
You can rent umbrellas and slippers here.
There are no nearby restaurants or establishments so bring food.

How To Get There

Via Commute

Buses don’t pass by Brgy. Paraoir so you’ll have to ride a jeep after the bus.

From Manila, ride a bus heading to Vigan or Laoag and tell the bus conductor you’re going to Brgy Paraoir, Balaoanan, La Union so they can drop you off the nearest place where you can ride a jeepney going to Luna. You can also ask to be dropped off at Bacnotan public market where you can ride a jeep or charter a tricycle to Brgy. Paraoir.

Travel Tip: Check schedules and availability of buses, ferries, taxis or flights to book online with 12Go Asia.

By Private Car

If you’re planning on driving all the way to Immuki, here’s a map to help you. There’s a car park in the area around the Barangay Hall. As for the fee, they don’t collect an exact amount – only donations. So the payment amount is up to you.

What I’d suggest, though, is to include Immuki Island as a day trip in your La Union itinerary. You can book a room at San Fernando or San Juan. Then, schedule your trip to Immuki Island. A half day trip would be enough. You can visit early in the morning and swim to your heart’s content then proceed to the other La Union tourist spots.

When I asked our tour guide, he recommended that the afternoon is the best time to visit Immuki Island and catch the sunset from the shores.

Anyways, from San Juan or San Fernando, La Union, simply ride a jeep heading to Luna and ask to be dropped off at Paraoir Brgy Hall.

Where to Stay in La Union

Looking for hotels, Airbnbs, or resorts in La Union? We’ve got you covered!

San Juan La Union Resorts and Hotels

The Escape San Juan

If you’re traveling in a group and looking for a place to stay the night, this hostel in San Juan offers a bar, shared lounge, garden, and free WiFi. You can even rent a bike or a car to make it easier for you to tour around La Union.

BOOK HERE FOR DISCOUNTED RATES: Booking.com | Agoda

Flotsam and Jetsam Hostel

If you want to just relax during your trip, Flotsam and Jetsam Hostel’s laid-back ambience is sure to make you want to extend your stay. Complete with colorful decors, you’ll definitely fill your phone’s storage with IG-worthy memories!

BOOK HERE FOR DISCOUNTED RATES: Agoda
You can also check HotelsCombined to compare rates

Kahuna Beach Resort and Spa

For that much-awaited luxurious getaway, you can’t go wrong with Kahuna Beach Resort and Spa. Every cent spent is worth it with the stunning infinity pool, delicious food, and lots of activities to choose from!

BOOK HERE FOR DISCOUNTED RATES: Agoda
You can also check HotelsCombined to compare rates

BOOK HERE FOR DISCOUNTED RATES

Awesome Hotel

There’s a reason why this hotel’s name is Awesome. Boasting of a beachfront location, Awesome Hotel is a luxurious resort offering a Kubo Garden where you can enjoy the best of what the sea has to offer. Don’t forget to experience the hotel’s jacuzzi, fountain and the swimming pool!

BOOK HERE FOR DISCOUNTED RATES: Booking.com | Ago d a
You can also check HotelsCombined to compare rates

San Fernando La Union Resorts and Hotels

Aureo La Union

If you want to stay in San Fernando, Aureo La Union is one of your best options! It’s a beachfront accommodation offering a bar, restaurant, and a garden. The outdoor pool is sure to give you a refreshing dip after a hot day at the beach.

BOOK HERE FOR DISCOUNTED RATES: Booking.com | Agoda
You can also check HotelsCombined to compare rates

Thunderbird Resorts – Poro Point

Well known for its Santorini-like designs, Thunderbird Resorts – Poro Point will give you the highest standards of luxury and comfort in La Union. Once you check-in, you’ll never want to check out.

BOOK HERE FOR DISCOUNTED RATES: Booking.com | Agoda
You can also check HotelsCombined to compare rates

Airbnb La Union Philippines

Aside from hotels and resorts, you can also opt to stay at an Airbnb.

Get your P2,200 ($44) Airbnb discount here!

Nearby Tourist Spots

Paraoir Man-Made Forest (3 minutes drive)
Darigayos Beach (5 minutes drive)
Bahay na Bato (11 minutes drive)
Urbiztondo Beach (30 minutes drive)

Responsible Travel Tips

When traveling to one place, make sure you practice responsible tourism. Here are some tips to do so.

1. Respect the environment

Don’t litter. Please hold onto your trash until you find a garbage can.

2. Avoid single-use plastic

Bring your eco bag and refuse single-use plastic.

3. Shop local

Keep the traditional crafts alive and support local artisans. Buy from them. And try not to haggle, P20 may seem small to you but it can mean a lot to them.

4. Always ask permission

Be sure to ask for permission first when taking photos or videos especially when it comes to children.

5. Don’t bring home sand and seashells

Take nothing but photos. Removal of seashells can harm the ecosystem and endanger creatures such as hermit crabs. You’ll often also find seashells sold as decorations, ornaments, or keychains. Please avoid supporting these and don’t buy.

What to Pack for Immuki Island

Eco-friendly Reusable Water Bottle
Aqua Shoes
Dry Bag
Universal Waterproof Phone Case
Ecobag
Umbrella
A Change of Clothes
Microfiber Towel
Travel Insurance
Slippers
Reusable Straw and Reusable Bag (no to single-use plastic!)
Snorkeling Gears
Goggles

Our Camera Gear

Mirrorless Camera: Fujifilm XT3
Lenses: Fujifilm Fujinon kit lens (18-55mm) | Fujinon 35mm f2 | Fujinon 50mm f2
Drone: DJI Mavic Pro 2
GoPro: GoPro Hero Black 7
Power Bank: Romoss Powerbank
Camera Backpack: Case Logic Camera and Laptop Backpack
Monopod: Ifootage Cobra 2 a180
Mic: Rode VideoMicro
Gimbal: Zhiyun Weebill-S

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