Quezon Province
Pristine Beaches, Colorful Festivals & Island Adventures in Southern Luzon
Quezon Province, located in Southern Luzon's Calabarzon region, is a hidden gem offering pristine beaches, vibrant cultural festivals, and diverse natural attractions. From the world-famous Pahiyas Festival in Lucban to the remote beauty of Jomalig Island, Quezon provides authentic Philippine experiences away from mass tourism. The province features over 1,000 kilometers of coastline with white sand beaches, surf breaks, diving sites, and island-hopping destinations that rival more famous locations.
Top Attractions in Quezon
From colorful festivals to pristine islands, Quezon offers diverse experiences
Pahiyas Festival (Lucban)
Every May 15, the town of Lucban transforms into a kaleidoscope of colors during the Pahiyas Festival. Houses are decorated with kiping (colorful rice wafers), fresh produce, and handicrafts to give thanks for the harvest. This is one of the Philippines' most photographed and vibrant festivals.
Festival Highlights:
- • Kiping decorations on every house facade
- • Fresh fruits, vegetables, and handicrafts displays
- • Traditional longganisa (sausage) food stalls
- • Street parades and cultural performances
- • Photography opportunities at every corner
Jomalig Island
Often called "Quezon's best-kept secret," Jomalig Island features powdery white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and almost no crowds. The remote island requires a 2-3 hour boat ride from Real or Infanta, making it perfect for travelers seeking pristine, off-the-beaten-path beaches.
Island Highlights:
- • 7km stretch of white sand beach
- • Minimal tourist infrastructure (rustic experience)
- • Excellent snorkeling with vibrant marine life
- • Friendly local community
- • Perfect for digital detox (limited signal)
Villa Escudero Plantations & Resort
This working coconut plantation turned cultural resort offers a unique Philippine experience: dining at the waterfall restaurant with your feet in running water. The resort showcases Filipino heritage through its museum, traditional performances, and carabao cart rides through coconut groves.
Experiences:
- • Waterfall restaurant (kamayan buffet)
- • Carabao cart ride through plantation
- • Cultural museum with Philippine artifacts
- • Traditional bamboo raft rides
- • Live cultural performances
Beaches & Surfing Spots
Quezon's extensive coastline offers diverse beach experiences, from surfing beaches in Calauag to diving sites in Padre Burgos, and pristine white sand beaches in Pagbilao and Gumaca.
Top Beach Destinations:
- • Pansol Beach (Calauag): Surfing, less crowded than La Union
- • Padre Burgos: Diving and underwater cave systems
- • Borawan Beach (Pagbilao): Boracay + Palawan = Borawan
- • Dampalitan Beach (Pagbilao): Island camping and snorkeling
- • Cagbalete Island (Mauban): Sandbar and sandbars at low tide
Nature & Adventure
Rainforests, waterfalls, and mountain trails
Quezon National Park
Protected rainforest covering 983 hectares with hiking trails, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. Popular for birdwatching and nature photography.
Kilabayo Falls (Agdangan)
Multi-tiered waterfall with natural pools for swimming. Scenic 20-minute hike through forest. Less crowded alternative to more famous waterfalls.
Mount Banahaw
Sacred mountain and pilgrimage site. Currently closed for environmental rehabilitation, but foothills offer spiritual sites and waterfalls.
Sample Itineraries
3-Day Weekend Escape
Day 1: Cultural Immersion
Morning: Travel from Manila to Lucban (4 hours). Lunch at Buddy's Restaurant for pancit habhab. Afternoon: Visit Kamay ni Hesus shrine and healing church. Evening: Check into Villa Escudero, dinner at waterfall restaurant.
Day 2: Beach & Island Hopping
Morning: Drive to Pagbilao (1.5 hours). Island hopping to Borawan Beach and Dampalitan Island. Snorkeling and beach time. Evening: Return to mainland, dinner at local seafood restaurant.
Day 3: Nature & Departure
Morning: Quezon National Park for easy trail hike and birdwatching. Lunch: Local cuisine in Tayabas. Afternoon: Return to Manila with stops at pasalubong shops for delicacies.
5-Day Beach Hopper
Days 1-2: Jomalig Island
Travel to Real/Infanta, boat to Jomalig. Two days of pristine beaches, snorkeling, and digital detox. Basic accommodations with local families.
Day 3: Cagbalete Island
Travel to Mauban, boat to Cagbalete. Explore the famous sandbar (best at low tide). Beach camping or resort stay.
Days 4-5: Padre Burgos Diving
Two days of diving at Padre Burgos dive sites. Explore underwater caves and vibrant coral reefs. Wreck diving for advanced divers.
Must-Try Quezon Delicacies
Pancit Habhab
Lucban's famous noodle dish served on banana leaves and eaten without utensils. The name comes from "habhab" (to eat with mouth close to plate). Available throughout Lucban, especially at Buddy's Restaurant.
Lucban Longganisa
Garlicky native sausage with a distinctive tangy flavor. Made with local vinegar and spices. Perfect breakfast pairing with garlic rice and eggs. Buy fresh or vacuum-packed as pasalubong.
Hardinera
Quezon's version of meatloaf made with ground pork, carrots, bell peppers, raisins, and hard-boiled eggs. Steamed and sliced. A festive dish often served during special occasions.
Kiping
Colorful rice wafers made from rice paste, traditionally used as Pahiyas Festival decorations. After the festival, kiping can be fried and eaten as crispy snacks.
Uraro Cookies
Delicate arrowroot cookies that melt in your mouth. Made from arrowroot flour grown in Quezon/Laguna. Popular pasalubong item available in decorative tins.
Lambanog
Coconut wine/vodka distilled from coconut sap. Strong alcohol (80-90 proof). Available in various flavored versions. A traditional drink that packs a punch.
Planning Your Visit
When to Visit
December to May (dry season, calm seas, best beach weather)
May 15 in Lucban (book accommodations 2-3 months ahead)
November to February (northeast monsoon brings waves to Pansol)
June to November (rainy season, typhoons, rough seas affect island trips)
Getting There & Around
JAM Liner, Lucena Lines from Cubao/PITX. To Lucena (3-4 hrs), Lucban (4 hrs), Infanta (5 hrs)
Via SLEX-Calamba-Lucena route. Well-maintained highway (3-5 hours)
Jeepneys, tricycles in towns. Habal-habal for remote beaches. Van rentals recommended for groups
Boats from Real/Infanta (Jomalig), Mauban (Cagbalete), Padre Burgos (dive sites)
Budget Estimates
Basic lodging ₱500-800, local eateries ₱400-600, public transport ₱300-500, basic activities ₱300-600
Comfortable resort ₱1,500-2,500, restaurants ₱800-1,200, private transport ₱800-1,200, tours ₱900-1,600
High-end resort ₱3,500+, fine dining ₱1,500+, private boat/van ₱1,500+, premium experiences ₱1,500+
Essential Tips
- • Bring enough cash - ATMs limited in remote areas
- • Book Pahiyas Festival accommodations months in advance
- • Check weather before island trips (monsoons affect boats)
- • Respect sacred sites around Mt. Banahaw
- • Try pancit habhab at the source in Lucban
- • Bring reef-safe sunscreen for marine activities
- • Pack light for island camping on Jomalig/Cagbalete
- • Coordinate with boat operators in advance for islands
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Quezon Province safe for tourists?
Yes, Quezon Province is generally safe for tourists. Major tourist areas like Lucban, Pagbilao, and coastal towns are well-traveled. Exercise normal precautions: keep valuables secure, use registered transport, and follow local advice about weather conditions for boat trips. Remote islands have limited signal but friendly local communities.
Can I visit Pahiyas Festival on a day trip from Manila?
While possible, it's not recommended. The 4-hour drive each way plus festival time makes for a very long day (12+ hours). The festival is best experienced with an overnight stay in Lucban, Lucena, or nearby Villa Escudero. This allows you to see the decorations early morning when lighting is best, and avoid rush hour traffic back to Manila.
How do I get to Jomalig Island?
From Manila: Bus to Real or Infanta (5-6 hours). From the port, take a boat to Jomalig Island (2-3 hours, weather dependent). Boats don't run daily - coordinate with local boat operators in advance (contact through your accommodation). Best visited December-May when seas are calmer. Bring all supplies as the island has minimal shops.
What's the difference between Quezon and Quezon City?
These are completely different places. Quezon Province is a large province in Southern Luzon (Calabarzon region) known for beaches and Pahiyas Festival. Quezon City is part of Metro Manila, the capital region, named after the same president (Manuel L. Quezon). They are 100+ kilometers apart.
Is Quezon good for diving?
Yes, especially Padre Burgos which offers excellent diving. Sites include underwater caves, coral gardens, and occasional pelagic sightings. The diving is less famous than Anilao or Puerto Galera, meaning fewer crowds. Best diving: December-May. Several dive shops offer courses and guided dives. Good for intermediate to advanced divers due to some cave systems.
Where can I buy Quezon pasalubong?
Best pasalubong: Lucban longganisa (sausage), uraro cookies, broas (ladyfinger biscuits), peanut butter, and lambanog (coconut wine). Buy in Lucban town proper at Buddy's Restaurant area, or at pasalubong centers along the highway in Tayabas and Lucena. Pahiyas Festival time offers special kiping (rice wafers) that can be fried as snacks.
Explore Nearby Destinations
Combine your Quezon trip with these neighboring destinations
Laguna Province
Hot springs, Pagsanjan Falls, and heritage towns. 1-2 hours from Quezon's northern border.
Batangas
Anilao diving, Taal Volcano, and beach resorts. Gateway to Verde Island Passage.
Bicol Region
Mayon Volcano, whale sharks in Donsol, and spicy cuisine. Continue south from Quezon.
Ready to Discover Quezon?
From colorful festivals to pristine islands, Quezon Province offers authentic Philippine experiences