Quezon Province Travel Guide

Quezon Province Overview

Formerly known as the province of Tayabas, Quezon Province is the largest in the CALABARZON Region (Region 4-A), bordered by Aurora Province (North), Bulacan and Nueva Ecija (Northwest), Rizal and Laguna (West), Batangas (Southwest), Marinduque (South), Camarines Norte (East), and Camarines Sur (Southeast). The GPS coordinates of Quezon Provinces are 13.9347° N, 121.9473° E. Known as the “Land of a Thousand Colors,” Quezon has a lot to offer once you step into its borders.

Before it was named Quezon (after former President Manuel L. Quezon), the province was first known as “Kalilayan” or “Kaliraya” (in the 16th century), derived from the word “lilay” which is a type of palm (buri) which is abundant in the area. It was then changed to “Tayabas” in the 19th century until it was officially changed to presently known “Quezon Province” in 1946.

Quezon Province is known for a number of things, first of which is that it is the home of Mount Banahaw (in the City of Tayabas), it is also where the colorful Pahiyas Festival is (in Lucban). You can also find and taste Pancit Habhab (a pancit dish eaten by mouth, put on banana leaves), Lucban Longganisa, and Hardinera (meat-loaf-like dish cooked in a llanera) dishes here! This is also where the famous Lambanog (also known as “coconut vodka” or “palm brandy”) came from and is a staple in every festival or gathering in the province. The province is also home to Villa Escudero (in Tiaong) and Kamay ni Hesus Shrine (in Lucban).

The province is so huge that a week is not even enough to explore the whole province. As it consists of 39 municipalities and 2 cities, Quezon has a lot to offer its visitors.

Read also: Alibijaban Island Travel Guide 

Best time to go to Quezon Province

Quezon province generally has two seasons: the Dry Season (from November to April) and the Wet Season (from May to October). It is really good to visit the province during the dry season a.k.a. Summer season but the climate can be quite hot and humid. The annual average temperature range in the province is from 18 °C to 35 °C (65 to 95 °F).

How to get to Quezon Province

Since Quezon is a very large province, there are several ways on how you can reach this prime destination in Southern Tagalog.

By Land

There are a lot of transportation options going to Quezon Province but taking the bus and van are the fastest ways. Here are some of the schedules** of some bus companies plying to and from the different towns and cities of Quezon:

From Manila / NCR, travel time is approximately 4 to 5 hours.

JAC Liner

LRT Buendia Terminal**

To Mauban	0400 / 1100 / 1400 / 1700 H
To Dalahican Port	0800 / 0900 / 1000 / 1100 / 1200 / 1400 / 1500 / 1700 / 1800 / 1900 / 2000 / 2200 H
To Lucena Grand Terminal	0500 / 0800 / 0900 H
To Central Terminal	1000 / 1100 / 1200 / 1300 / 1400 / 1600 / 1700 / 1800 / 1900 / 2200 H

Kamias / Cubao Terminal**

To Mauban	0400 / 1130 / 1430 H
To Dalahican Port	0500 / 0700 / 0800 / 0900 / 1000 / 1100 / 1200 / 1300 / 1400 / 1500 / 1700 / 2100 / 2200 H
To Lucena Grand Terminal	0500 / 0700 / 0800 / 0900 H
To Central Terminal	1000 / 1100 / 1200 / 1300 / 1400 / 1500 / 1900 / 2000 / 2100 / 2200 H

JAM Liner

Cubao Terminal**

To Dalahican Port

First Trip: 0300 H

Last Trip: 2200 H

Interval: Every hour

LRT Buendia Terminal**

To Dalahican Port

First Trip: 0230 H

Last Trip: 2200 H

Interval: Every hour

From the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX)**

A&B Liner, Barney Auto Lines, JAM Liner, N. Dela Rosa Liner, P&O Transport service PITX to Quezon from 0500 to 2100 H daily.

Bus routes pass through Calauag, Guinayangan, Lucena, Tagkawayan, Tiaong, Candelaria, Sariaya, Pagbilao, Atimonan, Plaridel, Gumaca, and Lopez.

**Bus and van schedules change from time to time. This post is accurate as of writing and it is still best to check current schedules with the bus or van company of your choice.

By Air

There are currently no active airports in Quezon Province that are generally open to the public. But there is the E. L. Tordesillas Airport located in Balesin Island, municipality of Polillo, which caters to the guests visiting Balesin Island. 

By Water

The Dalahican Port (also known as Lucena Port) is the biggest and major waterway into the province of Quezon. It is also one of the biggest ports in Southern Tagalog. There are numerous trips to and from Dalahican Port, namely to and from Marinduque and Romblon. 

Things to know about when visiting Quezon

Land Area	8,989.39 km² (3,470.82 mi²) (slightly larger than the US State of Delaware)
Languages / Dialects spoken	Filipino, English, Bikol (in southern parts), Ilokano (in northern parts), Umiray Dumaget, Hatang Kayi, Manide (minor dialects)
Cellular Signal (Globe, Smart, Dito)	Globe (Good), Smart (Very Good), Dito (Fair)
Socket Standard, voltage (V), frequency (Hz)	Type A (2 parallel flat pins) Type C (2 round pins) 220 V 60 Hz
Modes of Payment (Cash / Online Transfer (Maya / GCash) / Wire or Bank Transfer (Debit / Credit))	Cash (mainly) / Online Transfer (popularly GCash) / Wire and Bank Transfer (accepted in some establishments)
Currency used	Philippine Peso (PH₱)

Basic Filipino Sentences / Phrases you might need to know

– Hi / Hello = Hi / Hello

– Goodbye = Paalam

– Thank you = Salamat

– You’re Welcome = Walang anuman

– Excuse Me = Pasintabi po / Makikiraan

– How Much = Magkano

– Good morning = Magandang Umaga

– Good afternoon = Magandang Hapon

– Good evening = Magandang Gabi

– How are you? = Kumusta

– Where is ___? = Saan ang ___?

– Delicious = Masarap

Famous food and delicacy in Quezon

Quezon Dishes

Lucban Longganisa

– this spice-rich dish is one of the famous longganisa variants in the Philippines, for me at least. This flavorful pork sausage, served in small, bite-size portions has a distinct herby taste.

Pancit Habhab

– I first tried Pancit Habhab during my Pahiyas Festival 2023 experience. This interesting dish does not use any utensil to eat – it is just served in a portioned banana leaf and eaten straight to your mouth!

Chami

– This rice noodle dish is also popular in Quezon province often served with a savory broth, with either pork or shrimp.

Hardinera

– This Lucban homegrown dish is popularized by the food chain Buddy’s – which also originated in Lucban. The hardinera is a meatloaf-like dish often cooked in a llanera (oval shaped tin mold) with ground meat and vegetables. It is a must-try when visiting Quezon.

Quezon Delicacies

Yema Cake

– This egg yolk dessert made into a cake has a savory and sweet taste, popular among locals and tourists.

Budin

– This is Quezon province’s version of a cassava cake.

Sinukmani

– This delicacy is made of glutinous rice topped with roasted / burnt ground coconut. This is akin to Ilocanos’ version of “biko.”

Espasol

– This soft and chewy dessert is also usually seen in Southern Tagalog. It is made of glutinous rice flour cooked in coconut milk.

Broas

– Also known as “lady fingers,” is an egg-based sponge biscuit, which melts in your mouth once eaten. It is also a popular pasalubong for visitors.

Lambanog

– Quezon province is not the same if you have not tried the famous beverage Lambanog. Originating from Southern Tagalog, the lambanog is made from fermented coconut sap and is also known as “Philippine Vodka” due to its strong, kicking taste.

Exploring in and out of Quezon Province

(As of June 2025) The main modes of transportation in Quezon province are the traditional and modern jeepneys, tricycles, vans, and buses. The minimum fares for each type if transportation are:

Traditional Jeepney	₱ 13
Modern Jeepney	₱ 15
Tricycles	₱ 20 (first 2 kilometers)
Vans	₱ 200 – 300 (depending on destination)
Buses	₱ 200 – 300 (depending on destination)

Traffic conditions throughout the day are generally smooth, with traffic congestions in town and city centers during rush hours (0700 – 0900 H and 1700 – 1900 H). The road conditions in Quezon province are generally paved, with land pavements in some rural and far-flung areas.

Other Photos from Quezon Province

     

*Note that the places, prices, and information written as of publication date and time are true and are given best during my visit. Changes may occur without prior notice. If you notice any changes to the information given above, you can e-mail me here so we can dish things up!*

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