🇵🇭 Solo Travel in Quezon: Lucena, Lucban & Heritage Gems

Growing up in Marinduque, I always felt a special connection with Quezon Province — it’s practically a sister province, serving as the main gateway from Manila to my hometown via the port.

Back in high school, my knowledge of Quezon and Mindoro came mostly from radio broadcasts. While Manila was familiar territory to many, as a country girl, my heart was drawn to these quieter provinces. I’ve only been to Manila once as a child, so I barely remember it, which made the call of the provinces even stronger.

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My First Glimpse of Quezon

Governor's Office located just beside the Capitol

In 2002, during my college days, I finally caught my first real glimpse of Quezon Province while on the bus to Manila. The roadside stores, houses, and buildings resembled those in Marinduque, but I sensed Quezon had its own unique stories and attractions beyond the bus windows. Each trip home to Marinduque strengthened my desire to explore Quezon properly.

A Nearly Missed Opportunity

The chance came when my sister traveled to Lucena City to buy tiles for our new house. I asked my mom if I could tag along — a golden opportunity to explore Quezon at last. Unfortunately, time was short, and we only managed a quick visit to the Kamay ni Hesus Shrine in Lucban before everyone returned to their routines.

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💼The Spur-of-the-Moment Trip

Former President Manual L Quezon's Memorial Park

A long weekend arrived, and I faced a dilemma: should I head back to Marinduque or explore Quezon? The thought of waking up at 4 AM for an eight-hour trip was daunting. Then it hit me — why not spend just one night in Quezon? The port to Marinduque was less than an hour away, and this way, I could finally explore the province that had captured my imagination for years.

Without much planning, I packed my backpack and set out on my very first solo trip.

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⛪Quezon Province: History, Culture, and Mysticism

 I stayed at the budget-friendly Quezon Premier Hotel, which I was able to book on arrival during the off-season. Initially, I planned to visit the province’s historic churches, but a quick online search opened my eyes to a wealth of attractions.

Natalio Enriquez House

Quezon was formerly called Tayabas, renamed to honor Manuel L. Quezon, the country’s second president. The northern part of the province split off to become Aurora, named after his wife. Quezon Province is rich in history, from the Confradia revolt led by Apolinario dela Cruz (Hermano Pule) to its early role in the Philippine Revolution. The mystical Mount Banahaw also adds a spiritual dimension to the province’s appeal.

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👣Exploring Lucena City: The Provincial Capital

Lucena City is the bustling heart of Quezon. It’s also home to the Talao-Talao Port, the main ferry connection to Marinduque. Although I wanted to explore more, nightfall limited my activities. I ended the day with a fantastic dinner at Bubbles Crispy Pata & Restaurant, located right in front of the Capitol — their Crispy Pata was hands down the best I’ve ever tasted.

Casa de Comunidad de Tayabas

I woke early the next day and headed to Lucban, famous for its Longganisa sausage, Pahiyas Festival, and the Kamay ni Hesus Shrine. Lucban’s centuries-old church is one of the oldest in the Philippines and an architectural gem.

Next, I visited Tayabas, the “City of Festivals,” known for its heritage houses, sweet treats, and world-renowned Lambanog (local coconut liquor). Tayabas Church is unique for its key-like shape, the result of many renovations over time. Wandering the town’s streets felt like stepping into a living museum.

Tayabas Basilica (Minor Basilica of St. Micheal Archangel)

My final stop was Sariaya, a charming town famous for its pastries, especially Pinagong bread, which pairs perfectly with black coffee. Sariaya is also a heritage town filled with ancestral houses like the Natalio Enriquez House. Though I couldn’t enter this time, the town’s rich cultural vibe was unmistakable.

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🏠Heading Home, But Not Saying Goodbye

Mi Casa en Tayabas' lobby

After a full day of exploration, I caught a bus from Sariaya to the port in Dalahican, ready to continue my journey back home to Marinduque. Though I had barely scratched the surface of Quezon Province, I knew I would return — there was so much more to discover.

Having now visited Quezon three times, it feels like a second home to me. If you’re planning a visit, I highly recommend staying at Queen Margarett Hotel. My family and I stayed there twice, and I would choose it again for comfort and peace of mind.

Sariaya Church