Smart Backpacker: Tiaong

In my eight years of travel around the Philippines, I have seen some of the best and biggest rivers in the Philippines. I have seen the the Rio De Grande Cagayan (top view) while I was on board a plane en route to Tuguegarao and the Rio De Grande of Mindanao while passing in Cotabato City.

But these rivers are not tourist spots. Here are the top rivers for tourists in the Philippines!

My Top Ten Rivers in the Philippines for Tourists

1. Enchanted River, Hinatuan, Agusan Del Sur (The only crystal-blue water river in the Philippines. The majestic sight is really jaw-dropping!)

Related link - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/12/enchanted-river.html

2. Pagsanjan River, Laguna (known for its majestic falls and its rapids, you will love the adventure going to the falls!)

Related link - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-thrill-of-rapids-in-pagsanjan-and.html

3. Davao River (The best river in the Philippines for white river rafting. The long, numerous, winding and perilous rapids will surely give you the adrenalin boost that you long for!)

Related link - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/white-river-rafting-in-davao.html

4. Cagayan De Oro River (The second best river for white river rafting)

Related link - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/12-of-my-best-adventures-in-philippines.html

5. Chico River, Kalinga-Apayao (Third best river for white river rafting)

from Chico River Quest, Inc

Related link - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2013/03/passing-in-kalinga.htm

6. Loboc River, Bohol (known for its buffet river cruise)

Related link - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/experience-bohol.html

7. Villa Escudero River, Tiaong, Quezon (known for its buffet lunch at the falls, bamboo raft cruise and fishing)

8.Governor's Rapids, Quirino (known for its river rafting using a canoe)

Related link - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2013/03/amazing-quirino.html

9. Panguil River Eco-Park, Pangil, Laguna (known for its trekking, tubing, and Ambon-Ambon Falls)

Related link - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2014/02/ambon-ambon-falls-natividad-pangil.html

10. Puerto Princesa Underground River, Palawan (Originally, it was not part of the list since I categorize it more as a cave. PPUR is known for its rock formations inside the cave. But since it is one of Asia's longest underground river, then PPUR should be included)

There are two things I love about Quezon Province, the Pahiyas Festival and Villa Escudero Plantations and Resort.

Villa Escudero is located 10 kilometers south of the city of San Pablo, Laguna on the border with Quezon province in the Philippines. It is a resort offering village tours, museum tour, buffet food in the waterfalls, and cozy accommodations.

It has developed a worldwide reputation as a focal point to experience Philippine culture, arts and history in a beautiful rural setting.

Last March 2012, I was given the chance of exploring and enjoying what the resort has to offer to local and foreign tourists. And indeed, it is one of my best experiences in travel.

From Manila, one has to ride a bus going to Lucena City.

The bus ride is approximately 2 hours.

When you reach San Pablo City, the travel time to the entrance of the resort is just 10-15 minute ride from the arch of San Pablo City.

Reaching the border of Laguna and Quezon, you have to take a tricycle ride to the resort and the ride is just 5-8 minutes.

Then, you will alight at the entrance of the resort and register and pay the necessary fees.

Monday to Thursday
Adults P1,250
Half rate P625.00 (children below 4 feet)

Fridays to Sundays and Holidays
Adults P1,400
Half rate P700 (children below 4 feet)

The fees include the welcome drink, museum tour , carabao cart ride, use of the outdoor recreational facilities and lunch at the waterfalls.

The carabao cart ride will take you around the resort.

And during the carabao cart tour, one will be serenaded with Filipino native and folk songs.

You will feel the culture and the warmth of Filipino hospitality.

My first stop that day was to go to the museum.

From the registration area, the distance to the museum is just a 5-minute walk.

I went inside the museum and saw a variety of collection from coins, jewelry, pottery, costumes and even icons of saints.

After the museum tour, I strolled around the museum and enjoyed the scenery.

The resort also has a collection of vintage cannons and airplanes used during World War II.

Afterwards, I boarded the carabao cart tour and proceeded to the swimming area.

Additionally, the resort offers cultural show at 2:00 - 3:15 pm on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and selected Holidays.

After 10 minutes, we arrived at the swimming area.

I had no pans of swimming that day. It was a just a one-day tour. I've always wanted to see this place.

There are several pools available for tourists inside the resort.

But the swimming pools are not the best part of the resort.

It has something unique to offer.

It has a river tour similar to the one offered in Loboc River in Bohol and in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato.

The river is simply fascinating and majestic!

I boarded their bamboo raft and cruised along the river. While cruising, I tried to catch a fish. Unfortunately, they were very elusive that day and I ended up holding an empty bag.

But I still enjoyed the cruise along the river!!! =)

I paddled myself along the river banks.

After two hours, I boarded anew the carabao cart ride and proceeded to falls where I took my buffet lunch.

After ten minutes, I arrived at the falls and marveled at the sight of the man-made falls (it is actually a dam).

There were a handful of tourists that day.

During weekends, the resort is loaded with tourists.

And enjoyed my sumptuous meal that day!

After my lunch, I went around the resort.

And my last stop that day was the church inside the resort.

A lot of personalities had wed in this church.

Going back to the registration area, I decided to walk.

You can see a lot of things inside the resort.

There were birds flying everywhere. You can enjoy a simple bird watching experience.

This is Villa Escudero!

Room rates vary per person (inclusive of meals)
Long House
River Unit
Executive Suites
Gumamela suites
Katakataka

Contact Nos.

(032)-521-0830 / 523-2944 / 523-0392
(6349)-573-6739
Fax No. - (632)-521-8698

Website - www.villaescudero.com