Located at the borders of Tiaong and San Pablo Quezon, is a glimpse of the old country life in the Philippines. An alluring sight of history and a fulfilling walk across this multi-hectare land will let you appreciate not only the beauty of the Philippine landscape, but it’s wide array of cultures and traditions as well.
Wonder how it started? Or how they even thought of turning a vast property to this historically intriguing destination? That I leave to you guys and read on at their official site here. And before you lose interest in introductions, let’s dive in and rediscover a popular historical tour at Vila Escudero.
HOW TO GET THERE
Public Transport
1. From Metro Manila, take buses bound for Lucena City, Quezon. (JAC Liner at Buendia terminal – approx 2.5hrs at 200php ea)
2. Just tell the driver to drop you to the entrance of Vila Escudero, from there take a tricycle ride to Vila Escudero’s Reception. (20php ea)
Private Vehicle
1. Take South Luzon Expressway and exit at Calamba (50A). When reaching a fork at the Santo Tomas junction, turn left.
2. Continue along the way until you pass San Pablo. Upon reaching Quezon arch, a few meters pass, and turn left immediately will be the entrance to Vila Escudero. You won’t get lost from here.
3. And just for good measure, find it here.
WHERE TO STAY
Well, most of the time tourists just do a day tour of the Vila. But if you are interested in staying the night or two – rates are available on there site here as well.
THE TOUR
It’s probably best to walk around the area and stop/limit riding on carabaos (They carry like 12 people in a wagon) to explore the property. Enjoy historical tours and breath the country air as you wander in its lands. The good thing about historical tours is that we learn to appreciate again and get back to the basics. It’s not about choosing leaders anymore, it starts with each one of us. 🙂
Buffet Lunch at the waterfalls
Just like it says, all you can eat Filipino style lunch! Not just beside, but at the waterfalls (technically a dam) as well! And for those who aren’t used to eat in “Kamayan” style, then you better start learning since they don’t use spoon and forks in here.
Well, it’s good to start the day with a full tummy right?
And spend some time showering as well.
Rafting
And to lose all those fats from eating, try out bamboo rafting on Lake Labasin! It’s a 30ft Lake so please do not remove your life vests.
Enjoy paddling around Lake Labasin on a crazy bamboo raft experience.
And yeah, you could probably take some time wondering where to go…
Cultural Show
And to relax those tiring arms from rafting, watch the spectacular historical shows – which includes native dances, songs, and playing of musical instruments. A variety of memorable and beautiful performances indeed!
This is their open theater – show starts at 2pm gentlemen!
And we’re live!
Historical Museum
One of the great museums I’ve been to thus far! Too bad photography is not allowed (or should I say it’s good photography is not allowed because of the sensitivity of these works to radiation). The thing that catches me the most are actually the preserved bones and skulls of gigantic creatures from the earlier times you won’t even imagine existed in the Philippines. From giant carabao (water buffalo) skulls (up to their humongous horns), to arm length butterflies! It also includes a wide collection of armaments from the Japanese and Spanish times – not to mention several hand held weapons during an era where guns were still rare.
What seems to be a beautiful church outside is actually a historical museum!
No pictures allowed inside!
More…
It’s no fun if you know it all right? So I leave the rest to you guys and start walking! Have fun sweating! (Unless of course you ride electric shuttles or carabaos)
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