Location: Quezon Province
Top Things to do in Quezon Province
Top 10 Things to do in Quezon Province, Philippines
Quezon (Tagalog pronunciation: [ˈkɛson]) is a province of the Philippines in the Calabarzon region of Luzon island. The province was named after Manuel L. Quezon, the second President of the Philippines. Lucena is the provincial capital, seat of the provincial government and the most populous city of the province, but is governed independently as a highly urbanized city.
Restaurants in Quezon Province
1. Hand of Jesus Shrine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 107 reviews
Reviewed By CzarEmmanuel - Manila, Philippines
It was the Pahiyas Festival that brought me to the Kamay ni Hesus (Hand of Jesus) Shrine in Lucban, Quezon. It's a five-kilometer pilgrim site located in Brgy. Tinamnan built in 2002. I thought that the only thing to see there was the giant statue of Christ (reminiscent of that one in Rio de Janeiro in Brasil, although the one in Kamay ni Hesus is smaller). but when I got there I realized that the site also had a retreat house in the form of Noah's Ark, a Holy Family Park, a Via Dolorosa Grotto, a Pastoral Center, and so forth.
The place is well-taken care of ... the Gardens, the religious statues, the retreat house, etc. Mount Banahaw in the backdrop creates a very meditative ambiance, making the Kamay ni Hesus ideal for spiritual recharging. The regular daily celebration of the Holy Mass highlights the pilgrimage. To reach the place from Manila it would take you around four hours by car (traffic permitting).
I would recommend a visit to the site aside from visiting the more touristy town proper of Lucban and tasting its local delicacies (like the "pancit habhab" and "longanisa"). It's good once in a while not just to visit a place because it is a famous tourist destination or nice for picture-taking, but also because it nourishes your spirit and gives you a chance to take a pause to reflect and pray.
2. Villa Escudero
Overall Ratings
4 based on 397 reviews
This resort is actually a self-contained working coconut plantation and features a museum, bamboo rafts, a rural village tour and a restaurant underneath a waterfall.
Reviewed By Ron H - Groningen, The Netherlands
The nice thing about Villa Escudero is that it offers a bit of variety. Eating in the restaurant with your feet in the water is very nice, but the museum, pools and cultural show are all worth it as well.
We went for a day trip, which is very possible from Manila (by car), but it seems the lodging is not expensive as well, so we might try that next time.
Oddly enough the museum appears to be the least favorite elements as the place was deserted when we went there. But it does contain a very interesting collection of historic items.
The waterfall restaurant is really all about the experience of sitting with your feet in the water, but the food is actually pretty decent (buffet, no cutlery!!).
We brought swimming attire, so we also enjoyed the pools and went for a short ride on the bamboo raft.
And everything is included in the entrance fee! Very worth it.
3. Cagbalete Island
Overall Ratings
4 based on 84 reviews
Reviewed By Eubert G
It's my first time to have an island camping adventure and I have no regrets to choose Cagbalete to be our summer escapade for this year!
We traveled from Muntinlupa to Mauban to Cagbalete Island for more or less 7 hours as walk-in bakasyonistas. Since we brought so many stuffs, we decided to choose Dona Choleng Camping Resort rather than Villa Noe because they offered shuttle vehicle. After our thrilling ride at the wide ocean using a semi private boat, we took a less walk from the port to the loading area. Though we spent time looking for car parking area and choosing what type of boat we should ride at Mauban, still we thank God that we arrived safe and sound, saw the spectacular beauty of the island and its white sand in a low tide noon.
Tips:
>If you are riding in a private/small boat, better to arrive there in a high tide season at the morning I think, so that the boat can unload you near the resort area. I'm not sure for the public boat 'cause there is an official port area, but still too far from the resort. (No idea to the other resorts in the island)
>If you are afraid to ride on a small one and on strong waves, it is good for you to ride in a public boat. It is big and can accommodate 100+ passengers.
We also recommend Dona Choleng, though it is a little bit pricey compare to Villa Noe, because the beach area is not so over crowded and you can see their staffs and securities around constantly reminding and guarding us and also cleaning the camp and beach areas. By the way, there is no available rooms for us at that time, so good thing we have enough tents for all.
I think they have also a better spot and place of view for relaxation, most especially during sunrise. Amazing!
We stayed there in 3 days and 2 nights for only 1700php per person.That includes the food, transportation, environmental fee, resort's fees and island tour (snorkeling, sand bar, etc.).
We returned to Mauban riding in a public boat, for safety reasons and due to Low Pressure Area. And, we glorify God for the meaningful days spent and safe travel back home.
4. Alibijaban Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By maccenteno - Manila, Philippines
It took me a while to pronounce the name of the island. But it took me fast enough to fall in love. Alibijaban island.. I can say is still a virgin beach. I love the simplicity.. It's bareness and unspoiled beauty.
We went there via Biyahe Lokal (check their page on facebook). They have scheduled trips there once in a while. Its a long ride. Almost 8 hours to get there and another hour for the boat ride.
The beach is white. It's not that fine though like bohol or Boracay. The shore is swimmable... usually in the morning. When afternoon strikes, lowtide kicks in... deep water is like a mile away... So swim early. Sunset is really beautiful. Also the sunrise.
Theres no hotel there. We pitched our tents near the trees. Water is also scarce. So better bring a lot. Theres one bad thing about Alibijaban though, those darn sand mites. If you feel a little itch.. stay away. Look for another area to pitch a tent. Coz these pests bite really nasty and it takes weeks to heal. So watch out for them.
All in all, place is really nice. Bare, serene. quiet.
5. Kuwebang Lampas
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 61 reviews
Reviewed By Crisel E - Metro Manila, Philippines
The beach was pretty crowded. The water was quite cloudy. The cave was ok, but yeah, the water doesn't seem clean and it was sad how the cave was defaced with a lot of graffiti. Not even nice graffiti, just random names etched on the cave walls.
By the time we went there, the caves have collapsed a bit. So instead of swimming through it to get to the other side, you just step on the rocks/boulders. Water shoes required.
There are some tiny fish who will swim by though. :)
6. Basillica of St Michael the Archangel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By Porter120 - Asia
This church is in the city center. There is a big parking space. They have holy mass at least 3 times each Sunday. The place is cool and windy. There are no famous works of art in this Basilica. The only decoration you see are the paintings and sculpture of local people, which is great !
7. Quezon National Forest Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By robert_bos53 - Geneva, Switzerland
Travelling 30 minutes south from Lucena, I visited the park with a longtime friend living in the Philippines. It is a nice patch of pristine tropical rain forest, with a narrow concrete trail, and parts with concrete steps. The vegetation is overwhelming (as it should be) and nature obliged by sending some topical down pours, assuring we would not forget we were in a RAIN forest. Halfway there are some stone formations, after that there is a hill to be climbed which we did not do for lack of time. We saw no-one. Mainly, the trail is easy, but where trees have come down, some climbing or bending is required, or otherwise, hacking your way around the obstacle. All part of the adventure. No animal life except for (no-nuisance) insects, such as butterflies, and some small lizards. Highly recommended for those wanting to explore the original Philippines
8. Lucena Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By gabykouchacji - Washington DC, District of Columbia
The Saint Ferdinand Cathedral in Lucena City, Philippines is located in St. Ferdinand Parish which was founded by Friar Mariano Granja in 1881. The construction of a church started in 1882, was finished by 1884, but was destroyed by fire in 1887. Another church was rebuilt in its place beginning that same year. The Bishop of Lipa built a seminary here in 1942 which became the foundation of the Diocese of Lucena. Pope Pius XII established the Diocese formally in a Papal Bull on March 28, 1950. St. Ferdinand Cathedral has undergone considerable renovation and has maintained the beauty of its altar and additional buildings on its grounds.
9. Dampalitan Beach
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By Jzone F
The island is suitabke for all beach lovers although sometimes jelly fish swarm the shore but worry not ciz there us a portion of the shore sorrounded by net to protect swimmers for jelly fish attack
Nice tranquil place to camp overnight and also ideal fir photo ops specially on sunset and sunrise
The island is manage by caretaker with a fleet of client oriented personnel which will try their best to make your stay a pleasing one.
10. Balagbag Falls
Overall Ratings
4 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By tetsky - Pasig, Philippines
We’ve been here with family and friends last June 4, 2016. From the PARK where we stayed for the whole afternoon, we did a side trip to Brgy. Malapad as suggested by some local folks to visit Balagbag Falls if we love to experience the ice cold cascading water from the irresistible falls. We rented a tricycle for P300 pesos for 6 adult and 2 toddlers for an arrangement of dropping us to the entry point and to fetch us after 2 hours. There is a small sari-sari store at the entry point that will charge you P20 pesos per pax for an adult and P10 for kids. But since we are a big group, we only paid for adult rate and the children were free of charge. Balagbag Falls is a “NO-SWEAT” hike from the main road. There is already an established trail that will lead you to the stream of the falls for less than five minutes. There are small cottages for rent but again we were able to use it for free.
We were amazed by Balabag Falls beauty. The higher you climb, the more beautiful it is. Our group is looking for more fun and adventure and the climb that we did is worth it. The cold crystal cleared water is so refreshing and it soothed our skin. Despite the difficulty in climbing the rocky landscape that would lead you to the second level of the falls, all were fully captivated as we reached the higher part of the falls. The elderly and those who are afraid to climb a higher path decided to stay at the first level and be contented on the cold water of the shallow pool type part which is ideal for swimming. You will also witness some visitors and local folks who are enjoying a 20-foot jump, conquering their fears as they surface from the water.
Tips:
1. Wear a comfortable clothes especially slippers that you can use in climbing the 2nd level of the falls.
2. Get ready to get wet as you enjoyed the coolness of the cascading water.
3. Bring snacks, preferable bread. You will surely get hungry after enjoying the cold water but do not litter on its beautiful surroundings.
4. Be thankful for this wonderful experience.
We will surely be back on this place.
TAGS
