Since it is only around 4 hours drive away from Cavite, Quezon has become our getaway of choice for the weekend. We were on the road as early as 5AM and reached our first stop in Lucban by 10AM (including a breakfast stop over in Los Baños, Laguna).
Where to Go
A trip to Quezon is not complete without paying a visit to Kamay ni Hesus in Lucban. It is a pilgrimage site where you can attend a healing mass and walk more than 300 steps up the hill where you can reach the Risen Christ statue. You can also buy religious keepsakes here. Admission is free.
Where to Stay
Across Kamay ni Hesus is Batis Aramin Resort and Hotel. If you are looking for a resort with swimming pools, well appointed rooms and relaxing views, then this is for you. They have villas, family rooms and hotel-like rooms perfect for barkada get-aways. We stayed at their Marikit rooms; each with 2 queen size beds, ensuite bathroom with hot/cold shower, aircon, coffee/tea making facility, complete with toiletries. There’s also a spacious balcony leading to the swimming pool.
Located at the foot of Mt. Banahaw, expect great views and an abundance of greens since the resort is surrounded by trees. Enjoy cold spring water in the swimming pool, perfect for beating the summer heat! If you are into thrill, they also have facilities for ziplining, wall climbing and rappelling.
You can also bring as much food as you like and use their grill free of charge. If you are not into cooking, they have a restaurant where you can order mostly Filipino food. We brought food for grilling and also tried some food from the resto. Their lomi, sinigang, and hardinera (Lucban dish like an embotido) were all gooood! 😋 Breakfast was also included which was served at one of their pavillions. Lucban longganisa, fried rice, eggs, bread and spread, watermelon to fuel the day. 👍
Rates go from P3000 and up, depending on the room type. Check their website / FB page for updated rates and reservation.
Where to eat
For affordable lunch, go to Mustiola’s at the town proper. Named as the best carinderia in town, you can enjoy lutong ulam starting at P45 per order. They also have cook-to-order dishes like lechon manok, pancit and more.
For nature themed dining, try Kamayan sa Palaisdaan in Tayabas. A 15-minute drive from Batis Aramin will take you to this floating restaurant which serves tasty Filipino food; great for sharing. I recommend their pork sisig, ginataang tilapia and steamed talong. 😋 Budget is around P300 per person.
For pasalubong, stop by Eker and Ely’s near Lucban Church. They have different choices of packed goods that you can take home with you. They also sell Lucban longganisa by the dozen. These are garlicky and slightly sour pork sausages which originated from this town.
Me and my friends definitely had a great time during our visit, especially at the resort and with the food! 😂 Quezon is one of the nearby towns that is worth the visit this summer. They also celebrate the Pahiyas Festival every May.
