Do you see pictures and reels of people eating next to a waterfalls while waddling in ankle deep (sometimes knee deep) water?
That place my friend is located inside the Villa Escudero Plantations and Resort. We have been here twice already once last November 2023 and another one pretty recently with my Balikbayan relatives.
Although a day tour would cover most of the activities at the resort, an overnight is highly recommended for a laid back and more-relaxed experience.
Sharing here tips and proposed itinerary for guests who intend to stay at least a night.
LOCATION
Villa Escudero is located about 2-3 hours from Manila (depending on the traffic). Leave at 830am if you intend to reach the resort before 11am in time for lunch at the famous "Labasin Waterfalls Restaurant".
Day tourer may plan to come early for a short trip to the Villa Escudero Museum before heading to the falls for lunch.
I pre-book directly through the Villa Escudero Wed Page. It is fast and easy. They are also quick to reply if you have any questions about the resort.
COST
As of this writing a Day Tour costs ~ P1,800/pax (P2,100/pax during special holidays). Included in the rate is the museum tour, carabao cart ride, use of bamboo raft, culture show and lunch by the falls.
Meanwhile, overnight stay is full-board and include dinner and breakfast (both in Filipino buffet style). Cost varies depending on room accommodation + P3,000 per additional guest.
WHAT TO WEAR
Weather in the Philippines is hot and humid, so wear and bring light clothes only. Bring sun protection such as shades, a cap or hat (brimmed hats would be nice for picture taking) and sunscreen (especially if you are going swimming).
If your first activity is lunch by the falls, then you will certainly get wet. Consider arriving in shorts or your swimming attire (if you plan to get really wet). Wear rubber slippers or beach sandals (beach shoes would work too, but I figured it would be such a drag to dry).
ENTERING THE RESORT
- Entrance to Villa Escudero is a bit unassuming. From the Maharlika Highway you would be entering a kilometer long dirt road, before reaching the villa's guarded gates. You will then be directed to a nearby parking lot by the resort's reception area.
Check-in is not until 1:00pm, so we left our luggage in the car.
- We registered at the reception, and we were given our meal and carabao ride stubs.
- If you are staying overnight, you will also be given a room slip (to be surrendered at the Cottage Reception Area) for a later check-in.
Be careful NOT to lose the stubs. The resort staff are very keen on collecting them before meals.
- Now off to lunch ~ You have two (2) options in going to the Labasin Waterfalls, you can take the carabao ride or the electric carts. We obviously took the carabao cart ride. My Balikbayans were charmed as they were serenaded on the way to the falls.
LUNCH AT LABASIN WATERFALLS
Get a table nearest to the falls if possible.
Ask help from the waiters who are all so eager to assist guests. Our waiter ("Jojo"), helped in securing a lovely spot for us right next to the waterfalls and buffet table. He also offered to take pictures of our group and imposed on getting 2nd rounds for us, so that we don't need to fall in line again.
Food is pretty basic but is worth the experience. Buko is with additional cost, priced at P50. I tried the mango shake in our last visit, but I didn't like it much.
After lunch, we roamed a bit and headed to the souvenir shop to kill time.
While there, try their homemade ice cream.
CULTURAL SHOW
The cultural show venue, the "Coconut Pavillion" located at the back of the souvenir shop. The show starts at 2pm and is about 1 hour 30 minutes long.
Come early to get good front seats. It could get pretty crowded especially during weekends and holidays.
This is the perfect time to order coffee and turon.
My husband and I were ready to see the show we saw during our last visit. We were, however, pleasantly surprised that they put on a different set. We have seen some of the performances before, but we were not bored at all.
For those who have seen the "Sabong" performance, would easily recognize the star of the show: "Si Puti". The boys would obviously not pass the chance to get a photo with the show's main star.
After the show we made our way back to the parking area to pick up our luggage.
Remember to hail the electric carts (as the carabao carts are not allowed to leave the main resort).
Don't worry the driver will be helping you carry your bags. At the Cottage Receecion
THE ROOMS
We've stayed at Villa Escudero twice.
On our first stay, we booked a "Longhouse Unit (Non-aircon)".
The room is spacious and can easily fit 6-8 pax. There is a bed at the ground floor and futon mattresses on the loft. There is also an outdoor seating area overlooking the garden and the nearby pool. Though not airconditioned, the rooms are well ventilated. Hot and cold shower is also available. The basics are well covered, but I am not sure if there is Wi-Fi (or maybe there is, but we were just not aware of).
If you plan to go on night swimming, the long house units are the closest to the pool.
Our only concern staying at the long house is the lack of privacy. As these are basically row type accommodations, separated by a wall ~ you can almost hear other guests' conversation next door.
On our 2nd stay, we booked the Executive Riverside Unit (Aircon).
As we were traveling with Balikbayan guests, we got 2 Executive Riverside rooms. The rooms were adjoined by an outdoor patio overlooking the river. The rooms are spic and span. The bed here I think are more comfortable than the ones in the Longhouse. The room comes with complimentary fruits and Wi-Fi. The selling point of the Riverside Unit though is the view.
The executive riverside units were more private, which is perfect for couples.
The only downside is that after dusk bugs could be a bit annoying outside at the patio. But all is forgiven the next day when I woke up to birds' chirps and twitters.
BAMBOO RAFTING
Bamboo rafting is free and perfect to burn off some calories before dinner.
DINNER & BREAKFAST
Have you noticed that all we've done so far is eat and munch? Meals here are like full blown Fiestas. Every meal is like eating as if there is no tomorrow...
If you ever plan on coming and visiting Villa Escudero, be sure you are not dieting. I must have gained a pound or so overnight.
Both meals are served at the "Coconut Pavillion".
We were serenaded before being personally invited for dinner. It was a very nice touch indeed.
- Dinner is well thought off, and 100x better than the lunch at Labasin Waterfalls.
Make sure to leave space for their "buko pie". It is far the best buko pie I have had in my life (and I it is not an exaggeration). And have your fill of their delicious buko pie as they don't offer this during breakfast.
- Breakfast was equally filing.
LEAVING THE RESORT
After a hearty breakfast, we took an electric cart to the museum and took photos of the beautiful greenery to last us until our next visit.
Planning a trip to Villa Escudero ~ check out their webpage for more information: Villa Escudero Plantations and Resort.
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