La Union: Immuki Island

Immuki Island is made up of a series of small lagoons with water pools connected by corals. It includes three crystal clear pools where you may cool off on a hot summer day. It is the type of spot for people looking for a tranquil, natural atmosphere away from the normal mass of boisterous tourists. It is located in Barangay Paraoir in Balaoan, La Union.

Getting there is an experience in and of itself: from San Juan, La Union, take the McArthur Highway to Bacnotan town, then turn right onto the Bacnotan-Luna-Balaoan Road to Balaoan town. To get to Barangay Paraoir, take the coastal route toward Luna.

Before entering Immuki Island, you must first register at the barangay hall near Paraoir National Highschool, then go along a paved route to a beach. To get to one of the lagoons on Immuki Island, you'll have to wade around 250 meters from the beach. At low tide, you can walk past the shallow water; otherwise, a raft can be hired nearby.

Bring aqua slippers to protect your feet from the sharp corals, and relax in the blue pools where the water is so clear that you won't need a snorkeling mask to observe the reef fish. This hidden paradise will not remain hidden for long, since it has already attracted a large number of local tourists.