🌴 Quezon Province DIY Travel Guide: Heritage, Food & Slow Trips

Growing up in Marinduque, I always felt a special connection with Quezon Province. It felt like a sister province—our main gateway to Manila through the ports, familiar yet unexplored.

Back in high school, my knowledge of Quezon and Mindoro came mostly from radio broadcasts. While many dreamed of Manila, as a country girl, I was drawn to quieter provinces. I had only been to Manila once as a child and barely remember it—so the provinces felt closer to my heart.

Check these related posts: 🇵🇭 Solo Travel in Quezon: Lucena, Lucban & Heritage Gems

In 2002, during my college days, I first truly saw Quezon from a bus window on the way to Manila. The roadside stores, houses, and buildings reminded me of Marinduque, yet I sensed Quezon had stories beyond what passed by the highway. Each trip home strengthened my desire to explore it properly.

That opportunity almost slipped by.

When my sister traveled to Lucena City to buy tiles for our new house, I asked to come along—finally, my chance. Time was short, and we only managed a quick visit to Kamay ni Hesus Shrine in Lucban before returning to our routines. Still, that short visit planted a seed. I knew I would return.

📍 Why Visit Quezon Province?

Quezon Province sits at the heart of Southern Luzon (CALABARZON) and is one of the largest provinces in the region. It offers a rare mix of:

• Heritage towns
• Deep-rooted faith and traditions
• Comforting provincial food
• Mountains, beaches, and islands

It’s a province best explored slowly and intentionally.

🚍 How to Get to Quezon Province

🚗 By Car (Most Flexible Option)
From Metro Manila:
• 3–4 hours via SLEX → STAR Tollway → AH26
• Best for DIY travelers planning multiple town stops

🚌 By Bus
Regular bus routes from Cubao, Buendia, and Alabang going to:
• Lucena
• Lucban
• Real
• Infanta

🕐 Travel time: approx. 4–5 hours, depending on traffic

🚢 From Marinduque
Quezon is the primary gateway via Lucena and nearby ports, making it a familiar transit point for island travelers.

🚕 How to Get Around Quezon

Getting around is straightforward and budget-friendly:

🛺 Tricycles – within towns (short distances)
🚐 Jeepneys & vans – between towns
🚗 Car rental – best for beaches, heritage loops, and waterfalls

💡 DIY tip: If visiting Lucena–Tayabas–Lucban–Sariaya, a car makes the experience smoother and more relaxed.

Read more>>

🏨 Where to Stay in Quezon (Quick Guide)

When I travel around Quezon, I almost always choose to stay in Lucena City. It’s practical, central, and familiar—especially if you’re commuting or doing a multi-town loop that includes Tayabas, Lucban, and Sariaya.

I prefer accommodations that are comfortable, clean, and accessible, rather than luxurious. After a long day of walking, commuting, and eating local food, what matters most to me is a good night’s rest and a location that makes the next day easier.

These two hotels are among the most practical and well-known options in Lucena.

🏨 Queen Margarette Hotel

(Classic, central, and commuter-friendly)

Queen Margarette Hotel is one of the most established hotels in Lucena City. It’s especially convenient if you’re traveling by bus or jeepney, as it’s close to main roads, terminals, and dining spots.

Why I recommend it:
• Central location in Lucena City
• Walking distance or short tricycle ride to restaurants and shops
• Suitable for solo travelers, families, and small groups
• Reliable choice for DIY travelers

📍 Location: Quezon Avenue, Lucena City
📞 Contact: (042) 373-9888 / (042) 373-9889
🌐 Facebook: Queen Margarette Hotel – Lucena
🕒 Check-in: Usually 2:00 PM
🕛 Check-out: Usually 12:00 NN

💡 Travel note: Ask for rooms away from the main road if you’re a light sleeper.

🏨 Quezon Premier Hotel & Convention Center

(Comfortable, modern, and ideal for groups)

Often associated with bigger events and conventions, Quezon Premier Hotel is a good option if you want more space, modern rooms, and on-site amenities—especially for group or family travel.

It’s also a popular choice for travelers attending events or those who want a quieter stay compared to hotels along the busiest roads.

Why it works well:
• Spacious rooms
• Suitable for families and group trips
• On-site dining options
• Often used for events and conferences

📍 Location: Brgy. Domoit, Lucena City
📞 Contact: (042) 373-7777
🌐 Facebook: Quezon Premier Hotel & Convention Center
🕒 Check-in: Usually 2:00 PM
🕛 Check-out: Usually 12:00 NN

💡 Travel note: Best for travelers who prefer staying in one place and doing day trips.

💡 Choose your base depending on your trip style—heritage, food, or nature.

Check these related posts: 🏨 Where to Stay in Quezon Province (2025 Guide) – Hotels, Inns & Resorts

🍽️ Where to Eat in Quezon

Eating in Quezon is never rushed. Meals here feel familiar—often generous, garlicky, and meant to be shared. I’ve learned that the best meals aren’t always in trendy cafés, but in places locals return to again and again.

These are the spots I personally recommend when doing a Lucena–Tayabas–Lucban loop—a mix of comfort food, heritage dining, and reliable local favorites.

🍴 The Original Buddy’s Restaurant

A Quezon classic and often the first stop for travelers. This is where many people try Pancit Habhab and Longganisang Lucban for the first time.

Must-try:
• Pancit Habhab
• Hardinera
• Longganisang Lucban
• Puto Seko (for pasalubong)

📍 Lucena / Lucban branches

Check these related posts:

🍖 Bubbles Crispy Pata

If you’re craving a hearty, no-frills Filipino meal, Bubbles is a local favorite. Their crispy pata is well-seasoned, crunchy on the outside, and perfect for sharing.

Why I like it:
• Generous servings
• Affordable prices
• Casual, family-friendly atmosphere

Must-try:
• Crispy Pata
• Kare-Kare
• Sisig

📍 Lucena City

🏡 Mi Casa en Tayabas

More than just a restaurant, Mi Casa en Tayabas is a heritage house turned café and dining space. It’s the kind of place you go to when you want to slow down and enjoy your meal.

Why it’s special:
• Heritage setting
• Calm, relaxed atmosphere
• Perfect stop after visiting Tayabas Basilica

Must-try:
• Filipino comfort dishes
• Coffee and desserts

📍 Tayabas City

🍜 Local Eateries in Lucban

Sometimes, the best Pancit Habhab is found in small eateries near the town center.

What to look for:
• Pancit Habhab served on banana leaves
• Longganisang Lucban with vinegar
• Simple, home-style cooking

📍 Lucban town proper

☕ Cafés & Small Eateries in Tayabas and Sariaya

These towns have quiet cafés and small restaurants where meals are unhurried and affordable—perfect for solo travelers or slow afternoons.

🍴 What to Try: Must-Eat Quezon Food

Don’t leave Quezon without trying these:

🥥 Pancit Habhab – eaten without utensils
🍖 Longganisang Lucban – garlicky and bold
🍲 Hardinera – Quezon’s version of meatloaf
🍰 Budin – cassava cake
🥮 Puto Seko – classic pasalubong

These dishes are simple, comforting, and deeply provincial.

Check these related posts: 🍽️ Top Restaurants to Try in Quezon Province – 2025 Foodie Guide

📍 Top Attractions to See in Quezon Province

These are my personal must-see stops when exploring Quezon — a mix of history, food, faith, and local life. I grouped them by town for easy DIY planning.

🏛️ Lucena City – The Capital Stop

Quezon Provincial Capitol & Perez Park
The political and administrative heart of the province. Perez Park, right beside the Capitol, is a favorite local hangout—especially in the late afternoon.
📍 Lucena City
Manuel L. Quezon Memorial Park
A peaceful park honoring the province’s namesake, President Manuel L. Quezon. A good quick stop for photos and reflection.
📍 Lucena City
The Original Buddy’s Restaurant & Puto Seko Shop
An icon in Quezon food culture. This is the place to try:
• Pancit Habhab
• Longganisang Lucban
• Hardinera
• Puto Seko for pasalubong
📍 Lucena / Lucban branches

⛪ Lucban – Faith, Food & Festivals

Saint Louis Bishop Parish Church (Lucban Church)
A grand stone church at the town center, especially lively during Pahiyas Festival.
📍 Lucban, Quezon
Kamay ni Hesus Shrine & Healing Church
One of the most visited pilgrimage sites in Southern Luzon. The giant statue of Jesus overlooking Lucban is iconic.
📍 Lucban, Quezon
Eker & Ely Longganisa and Pasalubong Shop
Where locals buy authentic Lucban longganisa and native delicacies. A must-stop for food souvenirs.
📍 Lucban, Quezon
Native Products Stores (Lucban Town Proper)
Shops selling kiping, handicrafts, woven items, and local food products—perfect for DIY pasalubong shopping.
📍 Lucban Public Market area

Related Posts:
👑 Kamay ni Hesus: Garden of Eden, Noah’s Ark & Luklukan ni Maria – A Soulful Visit to Lucban
✝️ Kamay ni Hesus Shrine & Via Dolorosa Grotto – A Sacred Climb in Lucban, Quezon

🌊 Relaxation & Nature Side Trips

Batis Aramin Resort
A family-friendly resort with spring-fed pools, picnic huts, and overnight accommodations. Ideal for cooling down after sightseeing.
📍 Lucban–Majayjay boundary area

⛪ Tayabas City – Heritage & Old-World Charm

Minor Basilica of Saint Michael the Archangel (Tayabas Basilica)
One of the largest and oldest churches in the Philippines, famous for its key-shaped layout.
📍 Tayabas City
Casa Comunidad de Tayabas
A historic Spanish-era building that once served as a tribunal and civic center. A great stop for heritage lovers.
📍 Tayabas City
Mi Casa en Tayabas
A charming heritage house turned café and cultural space—perfect for a slow lunch or coffee break.
📍 Tayabas City

🏘️ Sariaya – Art Deco & Ancestral Homes

Sariaya Ancestral Houses
Home to some of the best-preserved Art Deco and Spanish-era houses in Quezon. Walking through this area feels like stepping back in time.
📍 Sariaya, Quezon
Sariaya Town Plaza & Municipal Hall
A beautifully maintained plaza showcasing classic civic architecture. Best visited in the morning or late afternoon.
📍 Sariaya Town Center
Saint Francis of Assisi Parish Church (Sariaya Church)
An elegant church known for its ceiling murals and historic significance.
📍 Sariaya, Quezon

Check these related posts:
🏛️ Governor Natalio Enriquez Ancestral House – The Art Deco Gem of Sariaya, Quezon
🏛️ Don Catalino Rodriguez Ancestral House – Now Known as Villa Sariaya
🏛️ Gala-Rodriguez Ancestral House – WWII Survivor & Heritage Home in Sariaya

🌿 Other Noteworthy Attractions in Quezon (If You Have More Time)

Add these depending on your trip style:

Nature & Adventure
• Mt. Banahaw (viewpoints & jump-off towns)
• Alitap Falls (Real)
• Binay Falls (Infanta)
• Borawan Island (Padre Burgos)
• Real & Infanta Pacific Coast beaches

Island Escapes
• Jomalig Island – golden sand beaches
• Alabat Island – quiet island life

Cultural & Leisure
• Villa Escudero (Tiaong) – bamboo rafting + cultural show
• Sariaya Heritage Walk (guided tours available)

Check these related posts:
🌴Top Things to See & Do in Quezon Province: A 2-Day Travel Guide

🎉 Festivals to Attend in Quezon Province

Quezon’s festivals are deeply rooted in faith, agriculture, and community life. Timing your visit with one of these adds color and meaning to your trip.

📌 Pahiyas Festival (May 15 – Lucban)
The province’s most iconic festival honoring San Isidro Labrador. Homes are decorated with kiping, fruits, vegetables, and handcrafted ornaments. One of the most photographed festivals in the Philippines.

📌 Araña’t Baluarte Festival (May – Tayabas City)
A heritage festival celebrating Tayabas’ Spanish-era history, featuring arched bamboo gates (baluarte), street dancing, and cultural shows.

📌 Niyogyugan Festival (August – Province-wide)
Celebrates Quezon as the Coconut Capital of the Philippines, with exhibits, parades, and coconut-based food fairs across the province.

📌 Sariaya Agawan Festival (May – Sariaya)
A thanksgiving celebration where locals joyfully share fruits, food, and produce with visitors.

📌 Mayohan sa Tayabas (May – Tayabas City)
A colorful cultural festival showcasing traditional dances, music, and Quezon heritage.

🗓️ Simple 3D/2N DIY Itinerary (Heritage Loop)

DAY 1 – Lucena + Tayabas
• Arrival in Lucena
• Capitol & Perez Park
• Tayabas Basilica
• Casa Comunidad
• Dinner in Lucena

DAY 2 – Lucban
• Kamay ni Hesus Shrine
• Lucban Church
• Pancit Habhab lunch
• Pasalubong shopping
• Batis Aramin Resort

DAY 3 – Sariaya + Return
• Ancestral house walk
• Sariaya Church & Plaza
• Lunch stop
• Return to Manila

💸 3D/2N DIY Budget

When people ask me how much a Quezon trip costs, I always pause before answering. Not because it’s expensive—but because Quezon is the kind of place where your budget depends on how slowly you want to travel.

This 3D/2N DIY budget is based on the kind of trip I personally enjoy: no rushing, no private tours, no luxury hotels—just comfortable stays, local food, and towns close enough to explore without stress.

It’s the kind of trip you take with family or friends, where conversations happen in the bus, meals are shared, and memories are made between destinations—not just at them.

If you’re planning a simple, practical Quezon escape, this budget will give you a realistic idea of what to expect.

Read more >>

📝 Quezon Province is a treasure trove for travelers seeking history, culture, good food, and natural beauty. Whether you’re a solo adventurer like me, a history enthusiast, or simply craving a peaceful escape, Quezon has something special waiting for you.

For me, this province is a place I keep returning to — a reminder that sometimes, the best journeys happen when you take a leap of faith and explore the road less traveled.

🌿 Lakwatserang Ligaw Quote

✨ “Some places don’t need grand introductions—they feel familiar the moment you arrive.”💖

📢 Planning your own Oriental Mindoro DIY Adventure

📌 Save this guide
💬 Comment if you want a budget breakdown, Lucban-only trip, or Jomalig Island DIY guide
📢 Share this with someone who loves slow travel and heritage provinces

👍 Share on Facebook 🐦 Tweet 📌 Pin It

Lakwatserang Ligaw

Saturday, July 5, 2025