VILLA ESCUDERO PLANTATIONS & RESORT: An Unforgettable Experience of Philippine Culture, Nature, and Culinary Delights

Right at the boundaries of San Pablo City of Laguna, Dolores, and Tiaong of Quezon Province, Villa Escudero Plantation Resorts beckons travelers with its unique blend of cultural immersion, natural beauty, and culinary excellence. This idyllic destination offers an unforgettable experience that showcases the best of Filipino heritage. Here, we delve into the remarkable attractions and activities that make Villa Escudero a must-visit destination.

Lunch Buffet at Manmade Waterfalls: Nature’s Dining Room

One of the standout experiences at Villa Escudero is the opportunity to have a meal like no other. Guests can savor a sumptuous lunch buffet right at the foot of the majestic Manamde Waterfalls. Picture yourself dining in the midst of clear, flowing waters as you feast on a delectable spread of Filipino cuisine. The rush of the waterfall provides a soothing backdrop, creating a serene and unforgettable dining experience.

The traditional Filipino Buffet Spread boasts a delightful array of traditional dishes, including deconstructed Tagalog Salad (with individually plated bagoong, sliced onions, boiled eggplant slices, steamed okra, sliced fresh tomatoes, radish sticks, and yellow mango), pancit bihon, lechon manok, guinataang kalabasa at sitaw, beef caldereta, inihaw na tilapia, fruit basket in season, banana cue and a cup of rice individually wrapped and steamed with banana leaves. We have also the option to purchase separate fresh coconut juice served from the husk.

Special for this event, Villa Escudero has partitioned a section of the river dining area and elegantly placed details for the VIP guests. Fresh flowers are part of the table centerpiece along with a modern plating setup fitting for a classic hotel feel.

These authentic flavors provide a true taste of the Philippines, making the waterfall buffet a culinary highlight of any visit to Villa Escudero. More than the Villa Escudero experience, I am even more exhilarated to have met again the Dolores Quezon stakeholders in the persons of Ms Jennie of Dolores Tourism Office, Ms. Mich of Viajes de Los Dolores Travel & Tours and Sir Raj of Ritwal Wellness Camp.

Carabao Ride Experience: A Taste of Rural Life

To truly appreciate the rural charm of the Philippines, guests can partake in a quintessential Filipino experience: a carabao ride. Carabaos, water buffaloes, have been integral to Philippine agriculture for centuries. At Villa Escudero, you can take a leisurely ride through the lush coconut plantation, gaining insight into the agrarian way of life that has sustained rural communities for generations. While you enjoy the traditional ride, a songstress and guitarist serenades you with Tagalog folk music which is truly dear to locals’ ears.

During the Philippine Experience Program – CALABARZON leg, all of the Diplomatic Corps and Top Department of Tourism officials who participated experienced this slow way of travel – a slow yet authentic traditional Filipino mode of transportation prior to the Industrial Revolution era that brought motorized transport. We had a Chinese Envoy with us and suddenly, the musical couple with us sang a Chinese Love Song – which the envoy sang along with, while the rest clapped their hands to the beat. This is a nice gesture to provide foreign nationals a taste of their homeland. It is a testament that we Filipinos embrace diversity and offer more than what is expected – the Legendary Filipino Hospitality.

As you meander through the picturesque and verdant scenery, you will feel a connection to the countryside and the traditions that are an essential part of the Filipino identity.

A Glimpse into the Past

The cultural show at Villa Escudero is a vibrant celebration of the Philippines’ diverse cultural tapestry. It certainly offered visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the country’s history, traditions, and artistry which is actually the goal of the Philippine Experience Program.

The heart of the show is the series of traditional dances that showcase the Philippines’ diverse regional cultures. From the graceful Tinikling dance, where performers gracefully step between bamboo poles, the colorful Panika headdresses representing the tribes from Maguindanao performing a dance ritual, to the exuberant Singkil, with dancers donned in colorful and glittery traditional Mindanaoan attire strutting their fans, the Cordilleran Courtship dance performed however in a faster beat, and live Rondalla Orchestra playing Filipino Novelty music that naturally commands every Filipino guest to sing along that makes each and every performance is a visual and auditory treat. After every performance, long applauses from the crowd are an automatic response. If you have not traveled that extensively, you can experience and understand the different cultures of the Philippines through these dance performances.

A Wide Spectrum Immersion in Filipino Culture

Villa Escudero Plantation and Resorts offers visitors a multi-faceted experience that celebrates the rich culture, natural beauty, and culinary delights of the Philippines. Whether you’re dining at the Labasin Waterfalls, exploring the museum’s treasures, or taking a carabao ride through the plantation, every moment at Villa Escudero is an opportunity to immerse yourself in Filipino heritage.

Day Tour Package Rates

The daily rate per pax is Php1,800 and Php2,100 for Holiday rates which is Inclusive of activities:

Museum Tour
Carabao Cart Ride
Lunch at the Waterfalls
Cultural Show
Use of Outdoor Recreational Activities

Travel Guide to Villa Escudero Plantations and Resort

1. Choose Your Mode of Transportation:

Private Car: Renting a car or driving your own vehicle is the most convenient way to reach Villa Escudero. It gives you flexibility and allows you to explore the area at your own pace.
Public Transportation: If you prefer not to drive, you can use a combination of buses and tricycles to reach Villa Escudero. Here’s how:

2. By Public Transportation:

From Manila to Lucena City:
- Take a bus from one of the major bus terminals in Manila (e.g., Jam Liner, Jac Liner, JAC Liner) bound for Lucena City. Lucena City is the capital of Quezon Province and the nearest major city to Villa Escudero.
- The journey takes approximately 3 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
From Lucena City to Villa Escudero:
- Once you arrive in Lucena City, head to the Lucena Grand Central Terminal.
- From there, you can take a bus bound for Tiaong or Dolores. These buses will pass by Villa Escudero.
- Inform the conductor or driver that you want to get off at Villa Escudero. The resort is well-known, so they should be familiar with the stop.
- After getting off the bus, you can take a tricycle or a short walk to the entrance of Villa Escudero.