If you go a little farther from Manila, passing by Laguna, Batangas, or Rizal, you will reach the more bucolic Quezon Province. It encompasses many beautiful natural attractions including quaint islands and beaches, which are highly sought-after by city dwellers looking for a quick getaway. However, as of this writing, many of the beaches like Jomalig still have restricted access (i.e., open to local residents only). So for this guide, we will focus on more inland attractions that will make you appreciate the province beyond its beaches.
These are the best places to go and things to do in Quezon Province in the new normal!
Villa Escudero Plantations and Resort in Tiaong
As mentioned, Quezon Province is a haven of natural beauty; but it’s also teeming with history. You can experience both in the renowned Villa Escudero, the perfect first stop to your Quezon road trip. There are many things to do in this vast estate. For history and culture enthusiasts, there’s a museum harboring one of the largest collections of antiques, and a weekend Philippine Cultural Show. For nature lovers, just soak in the atmosphere through bamboo rafting on Lake Labasin or riding a carabao cart around the resort.
Or—you can dedicate a day for all of those and more by booking a Villa Escudero Plantations and Resort Day Tour, which also includes a kamayan-style buffet meal at Labasin Waterfalls.
Location: Villa Escudero, Km 91, Tiaong, Quezon (2 hours from Manila)
Sunshine Farm in Tiaong
If you’re on the hunt for Insta-worthy places, it’s also worth stopping by Sunshine Farm, which is just 5–10 minutes from Villa Escudero. What makes this farm special is not just the happiness-inducing sunflowers but the heartwarming fact that it’s run by PWD employees. For an admission fee of PHP100, you can take as many photos as you want around the farm. While sunflowers are the main attraction, there are also other flowers that add color to the place. Plantitos and plantitas can take home potted flowers. Be sure to also check out Tita Sunshine Flower Shop for personal care products made with sunflower oil.
Location: Maharlika Highway, Tiaong, Quezon
Contact: 0917-680-0214
Ancestral Houses in Sariaya
If you’re into historic architecture that transports you back in time, just trace the National Highway from Tiaong until you spot the centuries-old St. Francis of Assisi Church in Sariaya. It’s just one of the many you can find in town. Take a stroll from the church and find quaint heritage mansions, which are older than World War II, along Rizal Street.
Location: Maharlika Highway / Rizal St., Sariaya, Quezon
Historic Bridges in Tayabas
It’s very common to go on heritage tours of old churches and ancestral houses in the Philippines, but where else can you see historic bridges? In Tayabas, the Spanish colonial bridges are its crowning glory, a link to the town’s roots. There are 11 of them listed as National Cultural Treasures, the most famous of which is Malagonlong Bridge. The stone arch bridge cuts through the Dumacaa River in Barangay Matuena.
Food Trip in Lucban
Save some space in your tummy for Lucban! It offers a gastronomic adventure that’s just as fun and colorful as the famous Pahiyas Festival. For one, it is home to Lucban longganisa, which you can get from well-known sellers like Eker & Ely’s and Abcede’s. And in case you didn’t know, pancit habhab (stir-fried noodles in banana leaf) also originated in Lucban! Other local delicacies you shouldn’t miss are hardinera (Lucban’s own take on embutido) and kiping (colorful rice wafers).
Kamay ni Hesus in Lucban
Wind down before heading back to Manila in Kamay ni Hesus Shrine. It is known for the 50-foot statue of Ascending Christ, which you can get close to by climbing the 310 steps uphill. The shrine is surrounded by greenery, so you can barely notice any exhaustion. After that, you can further explore facilities like Noah’s Ark (retreat house and souvenir shop) and a recreational area with life-size statues of animals, a pond, and a playground.
Still got time for a road trip? Check out the best experiences you can get in Antipolo!
Go to KKday for more getaway or staycation ideas.
*Featured image via Villa Escudero and Sariaya Quezon (Visit Sariaya)
