A hidden paradise. That is how locals see the rural town of San Narciso in Quezon Province. Around 6-7 hours of bus ride from Manila, the unspoiled natural beauty of the town is a haven for those seeking solitude, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
San Narciso is a first class municipality with a population of 45, 386 people (2010). With an area of about 263 km2, the town is subdivided into 24 barangays. Because of the town’s distance from the bigger cities, there aren’t too many tourists, usually. I personally chose to stay in San Narciso for a week during my visit to the Philippines a few months ago. I did stay in Manila for 3 days to take the IELTS, but the highlight of my vacation was in the countryside, particularly the awesome escapade to the Bagong Tuklas cave resort.
Well, the town is not only all about beaches, water bodies, rocky sea coasts.. It also boasts vast coconut (and other crops like rice, bananas, corn, yam) plantations!
These “balinghoy” will soon be pounded along with milk and butter, to make my favorite snack — the “niyupak”!
I so love the countryside! Business was booming for my aunt and uncle who hosted me. One of their businesses, of course, has something to do with copra (coconut), charcoal and nuts.
I am quite impressed by the town proper. It became modernized, yet, the products being sold in the kiosks remain fresh, natural and organic.
St. Joseph the Worker is the patron saint of the town. I’m quite curious why St. Joseph and not St. Narcissus. 😛
One week was not really enough to fully experience life in the province of Quezon. Lucky for me, I spent my first 5 years there, but in a more rural town called Guinayangan. It’s strange, but my childhood there is one of the best memories of my life so far.
The photos basically sum up my trip to the countryside. I can (still) smell the earth, the fresh coco juice, the sea, the entire place just by staring at them. 😉 Looking forward to visiting sunny Philippines again in the near future! Mabuhay!
Missing our province in Matalom, Leyte. Your place looks like my father’s hometown, very simple but love it so much.
I did not know that Quezon city got so many awesome places, they even have seaside. Need to explore more.
San Narciso looks like a not to miss gem! It’s simply beautiful – and yes, I am congratulate you on the photos you took! I’d love to be there right now!
Do you think this is a touristy place? Or should this be a place where locals will like it? Why I ask is because of the language barrier most little towns have when tourist go over!
Thanks for the info of this place. I’ll really love to discover more hidden goodies of the town. 🙂 Keep shinning as summer comes to brighten your soul!!
There must be so many hidden gems like this in the world. I love visiting such places – less crowded and calm
There must be so many hidden gems like this in the world. I love to go to such places…they are less crowded too.
Don’t you just love finding those hidden gems. I love going to places that not much people tend to go to. If I’m ever here I would love to visit as well.
When I was based in Manila, the province of Quezon was one of our go-to places during Holy Weeks. One time, we also stayed in a coastal area, I forgot which part of Quezon it was, but it was really serene, being away from the city and all. 🙂 -Claire
Looks like a nice place to go to just to relax and explore. In visayan language , we call it “balanghoy” or “binggala” to some.
I had a client before that made coconut oil out of copra. San Narciso, Quezon would be a nice place to visit because of its natural scenery.
It must have been an amazing week for you! I would have honestly stayed longer, just imagine how serene and relaxing it is there! Also, away from all the technology and the noise from the city.
I would really like to go to Manila, and will keep this pearl of beauty in mind. thank you for sharing!
I’d say it looks like a regular seaside town in our province of Zambales, or actually anywhere in the Philippines. Which is to say, most Filipino towns are charming and inviting.
Thanks, Fred! Couldn’t agree more. The whole country is a paradise. If only we could make use of that fact to better the the economic and political situation in the country..