Skip to main content

La Union Tourist Spots with Funny Names: Immuki, Bimmuto, Immubet

There's a place in Balaoan La Union where tourists flock to glide through winding lagoons and go to Immuki Island. This is not just another picturesque destination in La Union; it carries a name and lore that piques curiosity and invites a deeper exploration of its unique charm.



Funny Island and Lagoon Names and Their Evolution

The origin of its name is very cool. The name "Immuki" originates from the Ilocano word "uki," which refers to the female genitalia. This association comes from the island's main lagoon, which, to many, resembles this part of the anatomy. The shape of this lagoon has been the subject of fascination and amusement, earning the island its distinctive name.

Immuki literally means "it assumed the shape of a vagina."

The playful and imaginative minds of the island’s admirers didn't stop with the main lagoon. Over time, and through generations of word-of-mouth storytelling, the other lagoons on the island also received names inspired by human anatomy:

Bimmuto: This lagoon is named after the male genitalia, adding to the island's cheeky nomenclature. The word "bimmuto" literally means "became the shape of a penis" or "protruded like a penis."

Immubet: This lagoon, shaped like the cheeks of the human anus, completes the trio of uniquely named lagoons. It literally means "assumed the shape of the buttocks"

The Island’s Allure

While the names may initially draw giggles and raise eyebrows, they contribute to the island’s charm and the allure of its natural formations. Visitors are not just drawn by the whimsical names but by the stunning scenery and the serene ambiance of Immuki Island.

A Visit to Remember

When visiting Immuki Island, you’ll find:

Crystal Clear Waters: Perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and exploring the vibrant marine life.

Scenic Views: The lagoons offer breathtaking views and a sense of tranquility.

A Unique Story: The history and the playful naming conventions of the lagoons add an element of intrigue and fun to your visit.

Immuki Island, with its playful and provocative names, offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural quirkiness. It shows how human imagination and natural formations can come together to create a destination that is as thought-provoking as it is beautiful. So, whether you’re drawn by the names or the scenery, Immuki Island promises an unforgettable experience.

How to Get There 

Tourist trap San Juan, a.k.a. Surf Town, will have tricycles lined up to bring you to Immuki and charging you 500 pesos her head. That's highway robbery, but some tourists don't mind paying for such a highlight of their trip.

Is there a cheaper way? Yes.


If coming from San Juan, ride a north-bound jeep or bus going to Bacnotan or Balaoan. Stop at the Jollibee (Bacnotan, there is only one) or at the pink Roman Catholic church by the highway (Balaoan). From there, take a tricycle (around 100-200 in fare, not the thousands that San Juan tricycle drivers ask) or ask around if there is a jeep going to immuki island.  

Another cheaper way to get there is to take a jeepney from the Tanqui Terminal in the San Fernando town proper bound for Balaoan, Luna, or Bacnotan. The same as the previous for Balaoan and Bacnotan. For the Luna way, disembark at the Antonio Luna statue and find a tricycle. Again, the fare shouldn't be in the thousands.  



Labels:

Popular posts from this blog

Best Practices for Library Collaborations and Partnerships with Other Organizations

  Library collaborations and partnerships can work if we consider several factors, many of which have a lot to do with the cultural and economic climate of the region where your library is located.  Similar Perspectives  Unless all organizations in the collaboration agree that “a community can help raise a child reader,” the entire project will be in jeopardy.  We should never forget that there are people that do not believe libraries are still relevant, and if the organization the library is partnering with secretly or outrightly believe so, then the project is doomed from the start.   Examples of Library Collaborations  Some partnership projects your library can join are the following:   a book drive for disaster areas  workshops for slow readers (children/adults)  a recurring storybook reading session  Challenges of Library Collaborations One can dream that all library partnerships will be smooth-sailing, but experi...
Read more

Current Projects: Training Library Staff and Supporting Makerspace Activities

  My current projects in the library have changed. As I am now a restaurateur and can only actively participate in library projects every now and then, I still find time and ways to contribute by doing the following. Supporting Library Makerspace Activities Libraries are evolving to meet the changing needs of their communities. Old libraries with dusty books are now being used for more activities.  Fortunately, the community is now learning that libraries can be much more than places to read quietly, Training Non-librarian Staff I am working to mentor and support non-librarian staff in a special library setting. The special library in question is a quaint, small one in La Union, Philippines. I charge a minimal fee for my services, because it is still my time I am dispensing (time I could use to make money selling food in my restaurant). But I still consider these current projects my outreach, Why I do this: by recognizing the valuable contributions that staff from diverse back...
Read more

Freelancing is the Dream that Can Bring Financial Freedom

What is freelancing? It is a service-oriented business that involves you, the entrepreneur, and a client who needs help with a project. Before starting on this new world of self-employment, some factors that have to be considered include the following:  your marketable skills,  how much time you can devote to a project, and  how much to charge for your service. Is freelancing lucrative?  What is the point of going into it, and possibly giving up an office job, if it doesn't pay well? Right? Right.
Read more