Situated in the Southeast part of Metro Manila, Quezon is an accessible place to have a weekend getaway. But if you have more time to spare, you’ll be able to explore the province’s diverse offerings.

Here’s our recommended itinerary for a three-day trip here, which can take you from one point of Quezon to the other, and safely back home.

DAY 1

For your first day, you can enter the province from the Real-Infanta side so you can explore more of its attractions during your vacation.

You can book your accommodation in Appleton Little Paradise Resort and Restaurant just along the Real-Infanta Hi-way.

Appleton Little Paradise Resort and Restaurant
Real, Quezon

Interior of Appleton’s villa for group bookings. Photo by SinoPinas courtesy of the Department of Tourism.

If you are coming from the east of Metro Manila, you can reach Appleton by passing by the beautiful view of Marikina-Rizal-Laguna-Quezon (Marilaque) Hi-Way. This little spot offers a view of the sunset over the Real shoreline.

Aside from their villas and dorm-type rooms, they also offer must-try dishes like the shrimp buffalo, crispy seafood calamari, seafood paella, and seafood kare-kare that you can devour during your stay.

Appleton Little Paradise Resort and Restaurant is also only a few minutes away from popular destinations in Real like Balagbag Falls and Tanauan White River Rafting.

For your first adventure, you can check out the Tanauan White River Rafting, a few kilometers away from Appleton. It will just take you around five to 10 minutes by private transportation to get from Appleton to Tanauan River.

Tanauan White River Rafting
Brgy. Tanauan, Real, Quezon

Riding the waves at Tanauan White River Rafting. Photo by SinoPinas courtesy of the Department of Tourism.

Get your adrenaline fixed as you raft your way through scenic views at the Tanauan River. Aside from rafting, you can also take a quick dip or have a picnic in one of the open fields right in the middle of your boat ride.

  • Opening Hours: 5:00 am to 4:00 pm (last call for rafting)
  • Contact Number: +639633086272

After rafting, you can ride a trike or drive to Balagbag Falls for just 10 to 15 minutes to swim in the waterfalls.

Balagbag Falls
Real, Quezon

Take a refreshing dip at Balagbag Falls. Photo by SinoPinas courtesy of the Department of Tourism.

If you want to experience swimming in freshwater without the hassle of hiking or trekking for hours, Balagbag Falls is one of the most accessible spots in Real because it is just a five-minute walk from the National Road. Here, you can enjoy the cool water coming from the falls while chilling at one of their reasonably-priced cottages.

  • Opening Hours: 7:00 am to 6:00 pm
  • Contact Number: +639633086272

DAY 2

On your second day in Quezon, you can go to Real Coast & Surf to explore your luck in surfing.

Real Coast & Surf
Brgy. Malapad, Real, Quezon

Learn surfing with Real Coast & Surf’s expert instructors. Photo by SinoPinas courtesy of the Department of Tourism.

One-hour surf training with a licensed instructor is offered here. They also have cabanas and picnic tables if you want to chill by the beach with your family or friends. Waves in Real are beginner-friendly, although more challenging surfing spots can also be found.

Hungry from all the activities you did in Real? Travel for 1 hour to check out BIPCO Mangrove Eco-Park and have your lunch in the vicinity.

BIPCO Mangrove Eco-Park
Infanta, Quezon

Seafood feast at BIPCO Mangrove Eco-Park. Photo by SinoPinas courtesy of the Department of Tourism.

One of the most beautiful places to visit in Quezon, the BIPCO Mangrove Eco-Park, can cook freshly-caught seafood on site for their guests. You need to contact them ahead to have your lunch prepared beforehand, though.

As you eat, you will be able to enjoy a view of the Sierra Mountain Range and watch the bats resting at their sanctuary. There are also different species of birds and fishes that you can find in the perimeter. Aside from the animals found in the area, there are also fish ponds near the cottages.

Once done with your lunch, you can go directly to General Nakar to explore more of what the town has to offer.

Island Hopping at Tulaog Cave
General Nakar, Quezon

Discover the beautiful island of Tulaog. Photo by SinoPinas courtesy of the Department of Tourism.

One of the most sacred islands in Quezon, Tulaog Cave is accessible by a one-hour boat ride. Here, tribal rituals such as the Dumagat’s festival are regularly practiced, which can be beautiful to behold.

  • Contact Number: +639175907898

After exploring this part of Quezon, don’t forget to buy your pasalubong in Healer’s Choice, which is located right beside General Nakar’s Municipal Hall.

Healer’s Choice Inc.
General Nakar, Quezon

Healer’s Choice Calamansi-Malunggay Centinela. Photo by SinoPinas courtesy of the Department of Tourism.

When in General Nakar, don’t forget to buy some of Healer’s Choice’s famous Calamansi Juice, made locally by the women running the organization. Aside from the drink, another item that you must bring home from them is their organic, guilt-free seafood chicharon.

  • Contact Number: +639088635162

From General Nakar, you can go on a four-hour trip to Lucban and stay in its townproper.

 Patio Rizal Hotel
Lucban, Quezon

Patio Rizal Hotel’s classic facåde. Photo by SinoPinas courtesy of the Department of Tourism.

For those who are coming from the southern side of Quezon and would like to explore tourist spots like Kamay Ni Hesus, Villa Escudero, and the town of Dolores, Patio Rizal Hotel presents itself as an ideal location. Situated right in the center of Lucban, the hotel has even catered to celebrities.

Aside from the hotel’s homey vibes, they also serve sumptuous meals like the Hardinera, Pork Humba, and Leche Flan in their in-house restaurant. If you want to visit Buddy’s, the Lucban restaurant chain that has reached Metro Manila, you simply just have to cross the street.

The architecture along the street is also something to be admired as this has been preserved since the 19th century to the post war period.

This includes the heritage house of Doña Ana De La Concepcion ,which is located in Quezon Avenue. The structure has been repurposed as a branch of a popular fast food chain.

You can also drop by Kamay Ni Hesus and attend a healing mass with Fr. Joey Faller.

Visit Kamay ni Hesus Healing Church
Tayabas Rd., Lucban, Quezon

Reach the top of Kamay Ni Hesus for a rewarding experience. Photo by SinoPinas courtesy of the Department of Tourism.

This destination is always on every tourist’s list when visiting Quezon. Many visit over Holy Week, with its solemn chapels and magnificent buildings.

These structures include the Healing Church and the Garden of Eden, where you can see larger than life sculptures about the story of creation. It also has Noah’s Ark, where you can eat while in the premises.

You can double back to Buddy’s for dinner to get your authentic fix of Quezon’s must try dishes.

Buddy’s Restaurant
Lucban, Quezon

The festive restaurant of Buddy’s. Photo by SinoPinas courtesy of the Department of Tourism.

You should never leave Lucban without trying out Buddy’s and their famous Pancit Lucban. Although they have a few branches around Metro Manila and other parts of Luzon, visiting the original branch is an experience you shouldn’t miss. Also, don’t forget to try out their Lucban Longganisa and the famous Lucban Pancit Habhab.

DAY 3

For your last day in Quezon, you can take a pit stop at Air Summit Gourmet for lunch to see the unique concept of the restaurant.

Air Summit Gourmet
Tayabas, Quezon

Air Summit Gourmet’s fine dine airplane restaurant. Photo by SinoPinas courtesy of the Department of Tourism.

This restaurant is actually a repurposed plane and was meant to imitate a first-class flight dine-in experience.

But instead of limited airline food, they offer full course meals such as their Bulalo Soup served with the main dish Frito Misto with Pesto Mayo sauce, Grilled Porkchop Au Poivre, and Leche Flan for dessert.

You will be treated like you are really on a flight by staying in their waiting area before your name is called. And just like any flight, reservations need to be made before dining at this unique place.

No Quezon trip is complete without a quick trip to Villa Escudero. Whether you want to eat in their famous waterfalls buffet or stroll around the spacious compound, this destination should be part of every itinerary.

Villa Escudero Plantations & Resort
Tiaong, Quezon

One of Villa Escudero’s relaxing accommodations. Photo by SinoPinas courtesy of the Department of Tourism.

Still one of the more popular lodgings for staycation in Quezon, Villa Escudero has numerous accommodations and amenities, from their spacious adult and kiddie pool to a bamboo raft ride in their open lagoon to cultural shows in their main hall.

The Villa also still offers their famous buffet by the nearby Labasin waterfalls restaurant.

Before heading back to Metro Manila, you might want to make a quick stop at this secret garden in Tiaong.

Check out Ugu Bigyan’s Pottery Garden
Brgy. Lusacan, Tiaong, Quezon

Some of Ugu Bigyan’s pieces. Photo by SinoPinas courtesy of the Department of Tourism.

You can purchase gorgeous pottery pieces at this renowned artist’s home and bed and breakfast or take classes with the master himself. Schedule a visit through (042) 545 9144 or email them at ugubigyan@yahoo.com.

  • Opening Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
  • Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ugubigyan/

Your Quezon trip won’t be complete without pasalubongs to bring home. You can check out these two options on what you can buy back to the city:

Abcede Longganisa
Lucban, Quezon

Making the Abcede Longganisa. Photo by SinoPinas courtesy of the Department of Tourism.

You cannot go home without bringing back a dozen or two of the famous Lucban Longganisa. One of the most trusted manufacturers of this Filipino sausage is the Abcede family, supplying different restaurants in Quezon and around Metro Manila.

  • Contact Number: +639177727513

Rodilla’s Yema Cake
Tayabas, Quezon

Rodilla’s expanded three flavored Yema Cake. Photo by SinoPinas courtesy of the Department of Tourism.

One of the pioneer Yema Cake producers in the country, Rodilla’s makes their famous dessert with utmost care and detail. Aside from their popular pastry, they also offer other sweet treats such as cheesecake, brownies, macaroons, and Lengua de Gato.

  • Contact Number: +639091191381

HOW TO GET THERE:

Going to Quezon is easy and there are a lot of routes that you can try out.

Private transportation/motorcycle:

Via Antipolo – The quickest way to get here is by taking Antipolo road. Pass by Teresa until you reach the intersection to Manila East Road passing by Tanay going towards Famy – Real – Infanta Road which directly leads you to Laguna and Quezon.

Via Manila East Route – Known as the easiest route going to Real, the journey will start in Taytay passing through Angono and Binangonan, reaching Tanay that will lead you to Laguna and Quezon.

Via SLEX – Take Sto. Tomas exit towards San Pablo, Laguna. From San Pablo, ride towards Majayjay going to Lucban.

Commute:

Going to Real via commuting could take 3-4 hours, with 1 stopover.

By Bus or Van – Coming from LRT line 2 Legarda Station, walk or take a trike going to Raymond Transportation Bus Terminal. Ride the bus going to Infanta, and drop off at Poblacion 1, Real, Quezon. There is also a van terminal beside the buses going to your destination.

Going to Tayabas/Dolores/Lucban

Via Bus – From Buendia, ride a bus going to Lucena, then drop off at San Pablo 7-11. From San Pablo, walk or ride to San Pablo wet market and ride a jeepney going to Dolores Church. From Dolores, there are also other jeepneys going to Lucban.

Via Van – From Buendia, ride a bus going to Lucena-Lucban. Alight directly at Lucban Town Proper

Travel safely!

All these destinations have health and safety protocols in place to protect locals and visitors alike. Everyone is expected to comply by wearing face masks, regularly washing their hands, and practicing physical distancing.

To check out up-to-date information regarding local destinations that are open and the safety protocols and requirements needed for each location, you may visit www.philippines.travel/safetrip or download the Travel Philippines app at app.philippines.travel or the Google Playstore.

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