Melo Villareal
Travel Guide: Top 13 Best Things to Do in Tayabas City
The Philippines is home to many wonderful, captivating, and breathtaking places. In fact, some of these places are just a few hours’ drive away from the Metro. One such place is Tayabas City, in the province of Quezon, just south of Manila.
Alitao Bridge
This town features cheap gastronomic fares, UNESCO-worthy churches, and heritage houses that you shouldn’t miss if you visit the city. Here are 13 activities to enjoy while in Tayabas City:
Eat Budin and Yema Cake
When visiting a new place, most travelers sample local foods, so make sure to drop by Kalye Budin to sample “Budin” or cassava cake. It’s a perfect pasalubong since it has a 2-3 day shelf life and is affordable.
Another gastronomic treat native to Tayabas is the sweet and salty yema cake, particularly Rodilla’s Yema Cake. This local brand has grown popular recently and originated from Tayabas.
Visit the Minor Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel
This is the biggest Catholic Church in the entire Quezon province. Its captivating key-shaped architecture is one of the many things that draw people to it. Built in 1585, Minor Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel became famous for having the longest aisle and centuries-old church bells.
It also boasts of a clock in the belfry, considered one of the oldest in Asia. On July 31, 2001, the Basilica was declared a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum of the Philippines.
Experience Mayohan sa Tayabas Festival
The Mayohan Festival is an annual festival commissioned by the city government each month of May. The primary purpose of this festival is to foster solidarity amongst the locals of Tayabas. The festival’s highlight is the Hagisan ng Suman to celebrate the feast of San Isidro Labrador. The festival lasts nine days and usually lasts from May 11 to 18.
Visit the Mortuario de Cementerio de los Indios
The old cemetery chapel in Tayabas, also known as Mortuario de Cementerio de Los Indios, is famous for being one of few cemetery chapels in the Philippines with two belfries.
Its Gothic architecture is one of the many things that have endured the old cemetery to locals and tourists.
Casa de Comunidad de Tayabas
Declared a National Historical Landmark in 1978, Casa Comunidad de Tayabas is actually the town’s old tribunal. It is also one of Tayabas’ most famous landmarks.
This was where Apolonio de la Cruz, better known as Hermano Pule, was sentenced to death by firing squad.
Eat at Kamayan sa Palaisdaan
This Kamayan sa Palaisdaan restaurant is a haven for seafood lovers. It’s also one of the favorite stopovers of people traveling to and from Tayabas. It comprises several nipa huts propped up on bamboo stilts in a huge pond.
Among the delicacies served in this restaurant are Inihaw na Pla-Pla, Inihaw na Hito, Grilled Squid, and Crispy Beef Tadyang.
Malagonlong Bridge
It’s a fact that there are quite several centuries-old bridges in Tayabas. However, Malagonlong Bridge stands out from the rest because of its size.
This 5-span 445-feet long bridge is the oldest in the entire Quezon province. It is also touted as the longest “Spanish” bridge in the Philippines, as it was built in 1840 during Spain’s colonial era.
Alitao Bridge
Don Diego Urbano built this bridge in 1823. The bridge traverses the Alitao River and comprises two arches made of adobe. It’s considered a historical sight in Tayabas and worthy of a visit or two.
Drink Lambanog
Your trip to Tayabas won’t be complete if you don’t drink “lambanog” (wine made from coconut that carries 80-90 proof potency variations).
Tayabas is one of the many places in Quezon where drinking lambanog is already part of their culture. This famous alcoholic drink is also produced in local coconut vodka distilleries.
Mainit Hot Spring
This natural hot spring has been converted into wading pools and is considered the only hot spring in Tayabas. It features roofed pools to relax and enjoy meaningful conversations with friends and loved ones.
Nuestra Señora de las Angustias
One of the oldest churches in Tayabas. Locally known as Ermita Church, the chapel was built in 1838. In 1887, the chapel had a small cloister, a modest presbytery, and a sacristy to the right side of the presbytery. The walls had four windows of capiz and glass. In March 1945, the chapel was destroyed due to American bombings, and only the walls remained. However, the walls served as a guide to its eventual restoration.
Santuario de las Almas
Built in 1855, the church was called “Cementerio de Los Españoles” during the Spanish period. A former cemetery and now a place for devotees of San Diego de Alcala.
Orias Ancestral House
One of the most popular “Bahay na Bato” in Tayabas is the Orias Ancestral house, located a few steps from the famous Alitao bridge.
This ancestral house was the former chapel of San Diego de Alcala during the Japanese occupation. This house was also used as a medical clinic, a Japanese settlement during the war, and an evacuation center during calamities back in the day.
These are just 12 of the awesome things and places you can do and see in Tayabas City. If you want to find out what else the historic city has to offer, make sure to include it in your bucket list of places to visit within the Philippines.
Want more updates about new attractions and tourist spots in Tayabas City? Follow #TeamOutofTown, on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Bloglovin, and Pinterest for more travel ideas.
Also read:
- A Gastronomical And Historical Journey In The Southern Tagalog Region
- Weekend Getaways: Long Weekend Holiday Destinations Near Metro Manila
- Where to Stay: List of Resorts in Tayabas City
