Villa Escudero is a vibrant cultural and eco-tourism destination located in the heart of Quezon province, tastefully combining Filipino heritage, nature, and adventure into a single memorable experience.
Originally founded as a sugarcane farm and later transformed into a coconut plantation in the 1880s, Villa Escudero has evolved into a distinctive cultural sanctuary that features two outstanding museums showcasing the country’s vibrant cultural legacy, thanks to the Escudero family’s passion for preserving Filipino heritage.
In addition, guests can avail of complimentary family-friendly amenities that include a buffet lunch by the waterfalls, access to outdoor recreational facilities, carabao cart rides and a jeepney shuttle service within the complex, along with a cultural show by the lake.
Formally called Villa Escudero Plantations and Resort, it has emerged as one of the most remarkable destinations in Quezon province, providing insight into its rich history, delectable cuisine, vibrant traditions, and stunning natural beauty.
Please note that the following narratives represent a combination of two separate occasions we spent at Villa Escudero. I chose to just merge both experiences into a single post, focusing on the key highlights from each visit to avoid redundancy.
While online platforms like Klook, Viator and others provide guided day tours to the venue, some of these include transportation to and from a point of origin, typically within Metro Manila, which results in a higher price. If you consider this option to be more convenient, you can book your tour via the online platforms mentioned below. Just be sure to verify what is included in the package.
If you have your own vehicle, I highly recommend booking directly using the venue’s contact numbers.
This can lead to significant savings, particularly when traveling with seniors and children, as they qualify for discounted rates that aren’t offered on the online platforms. But keep in mind that you will still need to cover fuel costs and toll fees on your own.
Day Tour Rates are lowest on weekdays (Mondays to Thursdays) and higher on weekends and on holidays. The premises are open from 8:00am to 5:00pm and the package includes welcome drinks, visits to the two museums, carabao cart rides, lunch at the waterfalls, use of the adult and kids swimming pools and bamboo rafts, and a cultural show.
On the two occasions we went to Villa Escudero, we made our reservations by calling them directly. They will usually ask for details, via SMS or Viber, where you can specify your desired date of visit, the number of adults, any seniors, and any children attending.
A partial downpayment, usually half of the total amount due, is required to secure your booking, which can be paid via GCash or online bank transfer. After which, you will receive a confirmation acknowledging receipt of payment. The remaining balance is due upon arrival at the venue.
On both occassions, we booked on a Monday, not just because of the lower price, but mainly to avoid crowds.