Established in 1872,Villa Escudero is a coconut plantation and was converted to a resort in 1981. Although dominated by coconuts in most parts of the estate,the site has some good pockets of greenery that have become the sanctuary of many forest bird species. The resort is an accessible bird watching site where one can spot a variety of grassland birds,as well as endemic kingfishers and forest birds all year round. For serious birders,it is best to visit on a weekday,as the weekend brings in many tourists to the area. Manila-based guides are provided by bird watching tour operators to Villa Escudero,although the resort staff is undergoing training.

Getting there:
From Manila,it is about 90 km or 2 hours away. If driving,take the SLEX,exit at 50 A (Lucena,Legazpi,Batangas exit),and turn left at the Sto. Tomas junction. Turn left again at the Tanauan – Sto. Tomas junction,by-pass the town of Alaminos and San Pablo City,and  you'll see the Villa Escudero entrance immediately to the left of the Quezon Province Boundary Arch.
By bus,bus liners such as Jam,JAC Liner,and Dela Rosa,traverse the same route and passengers can disembark and board directly at the entrance.