Tucked within the lush coconut plantations of San Pablo, Laguna and Tiaong, Quezon lies a one-of-a-kind destination: Villa Escudero Plantations and Resort, home to the Waterfalls Restaurant — a truly unique Filipino dining experience where guests enjoy a traditional buffet literally at the foot of a cascading waterfall. Here, nature and culture meet in an unforgettable setting that feels like a step into a tropical fairy tale.
Tucked within the lush coconut plantations of San Pablo, Laguna and Tiaong, Quezon lies a one-of-a-kind destination: Villa Escudero Plantations and Resort, home to the Waterfalls Restaurant — a truly unique Filipino dining experience where guests enjoy a traditional buffet literally at the foot of a cascading waterfall. Here, nature and culture meet in an unforgettable setting that feels like a step into a tropical fairy tale.
The restaurant’s defining feature is its location at the base of the Labasin Waterfalls, a man-made spillway from the Labasin Dam, which creates a gentle yet mesmerizing cascade of water that flows beneath the diners’ feet. Eating barefoot with cool spring water rushing around your ankles while you feast on native Filipino cuisine makes this attraction not just a place to visit — but a sensory experience.
Legends and History
Villa Escudero began as a self-contained coconut plantation established in the early 1900s by Don Placido Escudero and his wife Doña Claudia Marasigan. In the 1980s, their descendants opened the estate to the public, transforming it into a heritage and eco-cultural resort. The Waterfalls Restaurant, built at the foot of the spillway, quickly became its most iconic attraction.
Though not ancient, the place exudes a timeless charm, steeped in Filipino traditions and the Escudero family’s legacy of hospitality and cultural preservation.
Features and Highlights
- Al fresco bamboo dining tables placed in a shallow stream at the base of Labasin Falls
- Kamayan-style buffet offering dishes like adobo, grilled tilapia, kare-kare, banana cue, and fresh fruits
- Daily cultural performances featuring traditional dances such as tinikling and singkil
- Private museum housed in a replica Spanish-era church with religious and historical artifacts
- Transportation to the waterfall via colorful carabao-drawn carts
Visitor Experience
Expect a fully immersive and joyful experience. The waterfalls keep you cool as you dine, and the relaxed barefoot ambiance allows guests to connect more deeply with nature. Visitors often describe the moment as serene, playful, and even spiritual — a rare chance to literally "go with the flow" while enjoying a delicious meal.
It’s also a place of celebration: families, couples, and groups come to make memories here, especially during holidays and special events.
Location and Accessibility
Coordinates: 13.994054° N, 121.345017° E
Address: Villa Escudero Plantations & Resort, Km 91, Tiaong, Quezon, Philippines
Getting there: From Manila, the resort is about 2 to 3 hours by private car or van via South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), exiting at San Pablo or Lucena. Alternatively, take a bus bound for Lucena from Cubao or Buendia terminals. Get off at Villa Escudero’s entrance. Tricycles or shuttle service are available at the gate.
Best Time to Visit
The resort is open year-round, but the dry season (November to May) is the best time to visit to avoid heavy rains, which can affect waterfall conditions. Weekdays are ideal if you want to avoid crowds.
Practical Information
- Operating hours: Usually 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Day tour rate: Around ₱1,450 to ₱1,600 per person (includes lunch, museum, cultural show, and cart ride)
- Overnight accommodations available in native-style cottages
- Facilities: changing rooms, restrooms, gift shop, swimming pools
Visitor Tips
- Bring slippers or sandals with good grip — the rocks can be slippery
- Wear light, quick-dry clothes — you’ll be wading in water
- Arrive early to secure the best spots near the waterfall
- Don’t forget your camera — the setting is highly photogenic
- Check availability in advance if visiting during peak seasons or holidays
Villa Escudero’s Waterfalls Restaurant isn’t just about food — it’s about immersion. Where else can you feel cool mountain spring water flowing around your feet while you savor Filipino cuisine and take in the sights and sounds of a tropical cascade? This is one Philippine experience you won’t soon forget.
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