My husband, Bryan, is Filipino American, so I’ve been to Manila at least 4 times to visit family and attend weddings. We even got engaged in Borocay. On one of our trips, we wanted a break from the crowded malls and heavy traffic, so we decided to check out Villa Escudero.
It’s about 2.5-3 hours from Manila and feels like a completely different world. Peaceful, green, and full of unique experiences. I mean, where else can you eat lunch with your feet in a waterfall? It’s such a unique experience.
I’ve been twice now, once without kids and once with. Seeing it as a parent made me pay attention to what kids can and can’t do. Overall, I’d definitely say it’s worth the trip, especially for families.
🌴 One of My Favorite Day Trips from Manila in the Philippines
I’ve been to Villa Escudero twice — once with kids and once without — and it was amazing both times. It’s one of those unique experiences I always recommend to anyone visiting the Philippines.
If you’re staying in Manila and want a relaxing, family-friendly day trip that still feels adventurous, this is it.
➡️ Book your Villa Escudero Day Tour here – it includes roundtrip transport, buffet lunch, and all entrance fees.
✅ Free hotel pickup from Makati, BGC, Manila, Pasay, and more
✅ Great for families or couples
✅ Easy, cultural, and unforgettable
What Is Villa Escudero?
Villa Escudero is a working coconut plantation that was turned into a family-friendly resort.
It offers a mix of nature, history, Filipino culture, and yes — lunch at a waterfall.
Whether you’re traveling solo or with kids, it’s a fun and unique experience.
History of the Villa Escudero Coconut Plantation
The plantation has been around since the 1880s.
It originally focused on coconut products but opened to the public as a tourist destination in 1981.
Today, it combines rural charm with curated cultural experiences — think carabao rides and live Filipino folk music. But hey, I’m a tourist, so I’m into it!
Where Is Villa Escudero Located?
Villa Escudero Plantations and Resort
Villa Escudero, Km 91, Tiaong Quezon
Villa Escudero is in Tiaong, Quezon, about 2.5 hours south of Manila by car. It’s right on the border of Laguna and Quezon provinces, surrounded by lush coconut groves and countryside.
The lush nature makes it feel like a completely different world compared to the traffic and buzz of Metro Manila.
What to Do at Villa Escudero for Families
The Waterfall Restaurant (Labasin Falls)
Villa Escudero is most well-known for its highly instagrammable waterfall restaurant, and truthfully, I’ve experienced nothing like it.
What’s on the buffet menu?
Classic Filipino dishes were set up on banana leaves and woven baskets, drawing a line of hungry people. The food included:
- Grilled meat skewers and fish
- Kaldereta (beef stew)
- Kare-kare (peanut sauce curry)
- Pancit noodles with meat and veggies
- An assortment of fresh fruits and vegetables
We got to chow down outdoors with our barefoot toes dipped in the water, just a few feet from a gorgeous man-made waterfall. It’s an unforgettable family experience.
Visiting with Little Kids and Seniors: What to Know
I will say that as you take off your shoes to enter the waterfall restaurant, you must be very careful walking across in the open waterfall because the rocks are very slippery because of the algae that naturally grows in the water. However, the servers kindly walked and held our senior lolas (Tagalog for “grandmas”), Bryan’s mom and her friend, to the table, and instead of making them walk to the buffet and line up for their food, servers prepared a plate and brought food to the table for them instead. We were grateful for that.
Pro tip: the waterfall restaurant opens at 11am, but a worker recommended we come early. We came at 10:30am to beat the lunch rush and we got great service and a great table in view of the waterfall and near the food buffet line.
Swimming Pool and Water Park for Kids
The highlight of our visit for Serena (2.5 years old) was definitely the fantastic water playground. Think rainbow arches, sprinklers, and slides that splash right into the water — pure toddler joy!
It’s the perfect spot for little ones to cool off, play, and burn some energy.
Cultural Show at Villa Escudero
We actually missed the show (oops!) because we were too busy splashing around in the water park and grabbing smoothies. But we did see signs for it, and it looked like it would’ve been a fun experience.
The Philippine Cultural Show is held daily at 2:00 PM in a covered open-air pavilion with a stage. It’s located right next to the bar counter where we bought our smoothies—super convenient if you want to grab a drink and enjoy the performance.
They usually perform the famous Tinikling (yep, the one with the bamboo poles!), along with other traditional dances from different regions of the Philippines. It’s a fun way to expose your kids to local culture without needing to sit through anything too long or formal.
If your crew is still drying off from the water park, this is a great low-effort activity to wind down the afternoon.
Carabao Cart Ride with Live Music
We started our visit to this plantation with a carabao ride in a cart pulled by a carabao.
As a bonus, several musicians hopped in our cart and sang and harmonized Filipino songs on our ride. That was pretty magical. It felt like a super cool glimpse of Filipino heritage, yet also totally made for tourists…I’m a tourist though, so I was super into it.
Bamboo Rafting on the Lake (Adults Only)
One of Villa Escudero’s attractions is the bamboo rafting. Since Bryan and I came to the plantation with extra adults (2 grandmas), we got to request a a quick babysitting session. We stole a half hour to ourselves to paddle on the bamboo rafts, quickly running to the water, throwing on life vests, and paddling on the bamboo rafts in the water.
Kids are also not allowed on the bamboo rafts, probably because they might fall in. I wasn’t complaining though.
The sparkling water was gorgeous, as Bryan and I got a small workout in, synchronizing our “left,” “right,” “left” to optimize our rowing power, paddling forward and then backwards to change directions. I’m so glad we did this.
Heritage Museum (No Kids Allowed)
There is a museum of artifacts collected from all around the world. Bryan and I stayed with our kids and entertained them in the playground next to the museum, while grandmas went in, but I’m pretty sure they spent less than 10 minutes in there. Children are not allowed into the museum, probably to keep the silence and not break things.
Can I get a “no-kids” sign at my house?
Playgrounds and Outdoor Spaces
While we paddled in the water, both lolas (grandmas) watched and entertained the kids. There are two small playgrounds with swings, slides, and a seesaw. They’re pretty basic and small, but enough to keep Serena busy while we took a little break.
Playground locations:
- One is near the museum
- The other is across from the water park
Breastfeeding and First Aid Station
I was pleasantly surprised to see a sign for a breastfeeding station—how thoughtful! It’s actually the first aid station by the water park that doubles as a quiet spot for nursing moms.
Inside, there are two beds with curtains for privacy. And did I mention the air conditioning?! That cool, calm oasis was a lifesaver while I breastfed my baby Huntington and gave my back a much-needed break from carrying him around. Meanwhile, Bryan kept Serena entertained in the water.
Honestly, I could’ve stayed there all day. But I didn’t want to miss watching Serena play (though she probably didn’t even notice I was gone), so I left after about 20 minutes.
Planning Your Trip to Visit Villa Escudero
How to Get to Villa Escudero from Manila?
Driving time: 2–2.5 hours driving without traffic one-way from Manila to Villa Escudero. (Closer to 3-4 hours one-way if you hit rush hour.)
Pro tip: Leave Manila early in the morning to beat the traffic and arrive before the lunch crowd. The waterfall restaurant opens at 11am.
There are 3 main ways to visit Villa Escudero from Manilla:
🚘 1. Guided Tour Including Transportation (Highly Recommended)
A tour that includes hotel pickup from Manila, day tour pass into Villa Escudero, and the waterfall buffet lunch is the easiest option.
- The driver picks you up at your hotel in Manila
- Waits while you explore (about 3–4 hours)
- Then drives you back when you’re ready
Expect a total of 8–10 hours, including travel time.
👉 I recommend this Villa Escudero day tour with lunch — easy, seamless, and super convenient for families.
Honestly, it’s the most stress-free option when you’re traveling with little ones or grandparents.
🚗 2. Rent a Car
Drive yourself via SLEX to Lucena, then follow signs to Tiaong, Quezon.
- ✅ Check rental prices here: Discover Cars rental options
- Offers flexibility if your family prefers your own schedule
- Be sure you’re comfortable driving in the Philippines — signage can be spotty, and Manila traffic can be wild
- You’ll need an International Driving Permit
🚌 3. Bus + Taxi Combo
- Take a bus (departs hourly) from Manila to San Pablo City (about 2.5 hours)
- Then a 12-minute taxi to Villa Escudero
It’s the budget-friendly option, but less ideal with kids — especially if they get antsy waiting.
⚠️ You’ll need to time your return bus well, or risk waiting an extra hour for the next one.
How Much Do Villa Escudero Day Tour Tickets for Families Cost?
(Day tour passes give you access to the grounds, museum, carabao ride, lunch by the waterfall, and cultural show — but it’s not a guided tour.)
Ticket Prices:
- Adults: ₱1,800–2,100
(depends on the day and season) - Kids 0–2 years: FREE
- Kids 3–6 years: 50% OFF
- Seniors (with valid Philippine ID): around ₱1,285.71
👉 You can book through this Villa Escudero day tour if you want the stress-free option with transportation included.
Or check rates directly at Villa Escudero’s website if you’re planning to drive yourself.
What to Pack for a Day Trip to Villa Escudero with Kids?
Bring:
- Snacks + toys for the car ride (it’s about 2.5 hours each way — and bored kids = cranky kids)
- Water shoes or sandals – a must for the waterfall restaurant and splash areas, since you’ll be taking shoes on and off
- Sunblock – because sunburned toddlers are no joke
- Sun hat or hat with UV protection – especially helpful when walking around or waiting for the cultural show
- Extra clothes for the kids – they’ll definitely get wet, possibly muddy
- Towels – super helpful for drying off after all the water fun
- Cash for little extras or tips (most things take card, but pesos come in handy)
- Wear shorts – you’ll be standing in water at the waterfall restaurant, and no one wants soggy pant legs
FAQ about Visiting Villa Escudero
What’s Villa Escudero all about?
It’s famous for lunch by the waterfall — yes, you eat with your feet in the cool water! There are also fun cultural shows, a little museum, carabao (water buffalo) cart rides, and beautiful countryside to enjoy.
Where exactly is Villa Escudero?
It’s in Tiaong, Quezon Province, about 2.5 to 3 hours south of Manila by car.
When can you visit?
Day trips usually run from around 8 AM to 4 or 5 PM.
If you stay overnight, check-in is around 2 PM, and check-out is by noon the next day.
How much will it cost?
Here’s a rough idea for 2025:
- Adults: ₱1,800–2,100
(depends on the day and season) - Kids 0–2 years: FREE
- Kids 3–6 years: 50% OFF
- Seniors (with valid Philippine ID): around ₱1,285.71
Is it good for families with kids?
Definitely! Villa Escudero is great for families because it has:
- Water park for the kids to splash and play
- Carabao rides — a fun and unique experience
- Cultural shows to enjoy Filipino traditions on stage
- The famous waterfall restaurant where you eat with your feet in the water
What should I pack for a day trip to Villa Escudero with kids?
Bring:
- Snacks + toys for the car ride (it’s about 2.5 hours each way — and bored kids = cranky kids)
- Water shoes or sandals – a must for the waterfall restaurant and splash areas, since you’ll be taking shoes on and off
- Sunblock – because sunburned toddlers are no joke
- Sun hat or hat with UV protection – especially helpful when walking around or waiting for the cultural show
- Extra clothes for the kids – they’ll definitely get wet, possibly muddy
- Towels – super helpful for drying off after all the water fun
- Cash for little extras or tips (most things take card, but pesos come in handy)
- Wear shorts – you’ll be standing in water at the waterfall restaurant, and no one wants soggy pant legs
How do you get there from Manila?
It is about 2.5 hours driving time one-way from Manila to Villa Escudero. The easiest way is a guided tour with transportation. You can also drive yourself or take a bus + taxi combo — more details on all the options here.
What kind of food do they serve?
Traditional Filipino buffet fare — think grilled meats, veggies, fruits, and rice. The lunch by the waterfall is the big highlight.
Is there Wi-Fi or cell signal?
There’s Wi-Fi in some spots, but it’s a bit spotty. Honestly, it’s a great excuse to unplug and soak in the nature around you.
Final Thoughts: Visiting Villa Escudero
Why Villa Escudero Is One of My Favorite Places in the Philippines
I’ve been here twice — once without kids and once with them — and it’s always felt special. The mix of nature, culture, and that unforgettable waterfall lunch makes it stand out. It’s a peaceful break from busy city life, and honestly, the kind of place that stays with you.
Would I Recommend It to Other Parents Traveling in the Philippines?
Absolutely yes! It’s kid-friendly with plenty to keep little ones entertained and adults relaxed. Just plan ahead for the drive and bring water shoes for the kids. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, Villa Escudero offers a unique experience that’s worth the trip.
What about you?
Have you been here before? If you have, I’d love to hear about your experience in a comment below. If you haven’t but plan to go, share this blog post with your family and let me know how it goes!
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