Villa Escudero Plantation: Day Trips and Tours from Manila

Villa Escudero encapsulates many layers of Filipino culture. The coconut plantation and resort, just 2 hours outside of Manila, shows the beautiful blend of traditions that represent the Philippines. The mix of traditional Filipino culture with Spanish colonial come together in one vibrant, verdant locale.

Started in the 1800s as a sugarcane plantation by the Escudero family, the grounds have evolved into a combination of coconut farm and tourist destination. The family constructed an elaborate hacienda on the 800 hectare spread. Where they once lived and worked, you can now immerse yourself in Filipino culture on a Villa Escudero day trip from Manila.

Here's all you need to know about Villa Escudero, one of the most exciting day trips from Manila.

How to get to Villa Escudero from Manila?

The Villa Escudero Plantation is located about 95 kilometers south of Manila in the province of Laguna, just 10 kilometers south of San Pablo.

From Manila to Villa Escudero by car

You can reach Villa Escudero from Manila in around 2 hours. Be warned that traffic may double your travel time at certain points in the day, and there are several toll booths along the route.

Enter the Metro Manila Skyway in Makati from the Luzon Expressway. Continue on the Skyway and S Luzon Expressway/R-3 to the Pan-Philippine Highway/AH26. Exit at Santo Tomas after about 53 kilometers. Continue on the Pan-Philippine Highway/AH26 for about 37 kilometers until you reach Villa Escudero in Tiaong.

Guided tour to Villa Escudero from Manila

Driving in a foreign country can be an exciting challenge. However, the stress of making your own way to Villa Escudero may undo all the good of a relaxing day at the resort. Let a seasoned professional make the drive for you, either on a group tour or a private excursion. Arrive feeling calm and ready to explore all that the plantation has to offer.

With round-trip transportation, buffet lunch and a wealth of fun activities – from carabao and bamboo raft tours, to museum visits and dance performances – a Villa Escudero day trip immerses you in Filipino culture in a verdant setting.

How much does the entrance ticket to Villa Escudero Plantation cost?

A day pass for the Villa Escudero Plantations and Resort costs PHP 1,800 per person (US$32) on Mondays through Sundays. On special holidays, tickets are PHP 2,100 per person (US$37).

What is the typical itinerary?

Start out early from Manila, either with a pickup from your lodging or at a centrally-located meeting point. Depending on your tour, you may depart any time between 6 AM and 9 AM. Settle in for a picturesque 2-hour drive once you’re out of the Manila metro area.

Most day trip packages allow you to discover Villa Escudero’s points of interest on your own. Stay entertained with the two museums, a carabao cart ride, bamboo rafting or relaxing by the pools and the Philippine Experience Show on weekends. Spend between 4 and 6 hours exploring the resort before the return drive.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Villa Escudero?

Guided tours to Villa Escudero from Manila

Join a group of like-minded travelers for a day trip to Villa Escudero. With round-trip transportation, entry tickets to the villa and access to all amenities, group guided tours are an economical way to visit this locale without the hassle of figuring out your own transportation. Small-group tours limited to 15 people are available as well.

Private tour to Villa Escudero from Manila

Sit back in an air-conditioned vehicle just for you and yours as you motor toward Villa Escudero for a day of relaxation and fun. There’s no need to share space with strangers or spend time waiting for people who are not in your group. Private tours allow greater flexibility in planning your itinerary and schedule, making for a more intimate and personal experience.

How much does a day trip to Villa Escudero from Manila cost?

A typical day tour to Villa Escudero cost US$60 to US$80 per person, depending on the size of your group. Small-group tours cost around US$150 per adult and US$115 for children.

For a private Villa Escudero day trip, the prices start at around US$200 per traveler, depending on the number of pople in your party.

All tours typically include round-trip transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, as well as a welcome drink and buffet lunch. You’ll also have use of the resort’s pools, a shaded cart ride, performances and access to the two museums. Small group and private tours also include pickup and drop-off at your Manila accommodations.

What will you see and do?

Museums

Don Placido Escudero and his family were avid collectors of historical artifacts, ranging from religious icons to the suits of the country’s past presidents. Over nearly a century and a half, the Escuderos amassed a collection of antiquities among the largest in the Philippines. The villa’s two museums truly have something for every interest.

Traditional performances

The sounds of instruments accompanied by vocals will greet you at many points during your visit to the villa. Hear bittersweet folk songs plucked on a guitar during your carabao ride. Take in the harmonies of a choir playing all shapes of stringed instruments during your lunch.

Plan your visit for a weekend day for a chance to see the Philippine Experience Show, a performance featuring ornate costumes, acoustic music and dance. Watch as singers, dancers and instrumentalists tell the story of their culture through song.

Labasin Lake, Dam and Falls

In order to power a coconut processing factory early in the 20th century, the Escudero family dammed the river running through their property to create a hydropower plant. The resulting lake and spillway waterfalls over the dam are some of the villa’s most popular attractions.

Give paddling a bamboo raft or casting a fishing line a try in Labasin Lake. Watch the waters pour over the waterfall during your lunch, and rest your back in the cascade for a free massage. Sit by the two spring-fed swimming pools for views of the peaceful water and the surrounding tropical forest.

Carabao cart ride

The carabao water buffalo is the Philippines’ national animal. These sturdy creatures are harnessed to shaded carts that give visitors comfortable tours of the grounds. The carts are painted with folk motifs, are hung with palm canopies and feature a live singer-guitarist.

What are the opening times?

Villa Escudero is open from 8 AM to 5 PM on Mondays through Sundays.

Is it wheelchair friendly?

While the villa itself is wheelchair accessible, most Villa Escudero day trips are not wheelchair friendly. There are, however, some private tours that can accommodate wheelchair users with specially adapted vehicles.

When is the best time to visit Villa Escudero?

The best time to visit Villa Escudero is during the dry season, from November to May, ensuring a comfortable exploration of its outdoor attractions. This period avoids the monsoon rains and potential typhoons of June to October. Visits during weekdays or off-peak months, like February and March, are generally less crowded and more relaxed.

Travel tips

• Book your Villa Escudero tour in advance, especially during peak seasons or holidays, to secure your spot and avoid any inconveniences.
• Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a water bottle. While there are amenities at Villa Escudero, it's always good to be prepared.
• Opt for light, breathable clothing and comfortable walking shoes, especially if you plan to explore the grounds extensively.
• Villa Escudero is a plantation and a nature reserve. Make sure you dispose of trash properly and respect the surroundings.