Things To Do
in Unisan
Unisan is a quiet coastal municipality in Quezon Province along Tayabas Bay, offering a laid-back rural atmosphere with a strong fishing community and agricultural surroundings. The town sits within easy reach of larger hubs like Lucena and Tayabas, making it a peaceful stopover or base for exploring southern Quezon. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood, scenic sunsets, and authentic provincial life away from crowded city centers.
Use Unisan as a gateway to nearby beaches, mangrove trails, and cultural encounters with friendly locals.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Unisan and check into your accommodation. Enjoy a traditional Filipino breakfast at a local eatery, sampling the flavors of the region. Spend some time getting acquainted with the serene surroundings.
Visit the quaint town center to explore local shops and interact with friendly residents. Take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, appreciating the beauty of the calm sea. Stop for a refreshing buko juice to cool off in the tropical heat.
Dine at a seaside restaurant where you can feast on fresh seafood. As the sun sets, enjoy the stunning views and the gentle sound of waves lapping against the shore. End your day with a leisurely walk along the beach, savoring the tranquil atmosphere.
Kickstart your day with a hearty breakfast before heading out for a day of adventure. Join a guided tour to explore the lush landscapes surrounding Unisan, including waterfalls and lush forests. Experience the thrill of trekking through nature while learning about the local flora and fauna.
Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by the natural beauty of the area, taking in the sounds of nature. After lunch, visit a nearby river for some swimming or relaxing time in the gentle current. Capture the stunning scenery with photos to remember this unforgettable experience.
Return to town and enjoy dinner at a restaurant offering local specialties. Engage with locals and perhaps catch a glimpse of traditional music or dances that might be taking place. Reflect on your day's adventures under a starlit sky.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| 🥗Lunch for two at mid-range restaurant | $15-25 |
| 🛏️Budget hotel room per night | $20-40 |
| 🚗Short taxi/jeepney ride | $2-7 |
| ☕Coffee or beverage at cafe | $1-3 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Peaceful coastal scenery
- Friendly locals and welcoming atmosphere
- Good base for exploring southern Quezon and nearby beaches
- Affordable prices and authentic provincial experience
- Limited nightlife and big-city amenities
- Rural transport can be slower and less frequent
- Weather can disrupt outdoor plans during the monsoon season
- "Salamat po" - Thank you (polite)
- "Magandang araw" - Good day
- "Maaari bang may tanong ako?" - Could I ask a question?
- "Saan ang banyo?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Magkano ito?" - How much is this?
- "Oo / Hindi" - Yes / No
- "Paalam" - Goodbye
- "Tulong po" - Help, please
- "Kain tayo" - Let's eat
Places to Visit in Unisan
Visit one of these nice places.
Fishing boats, early light, and fishermen preparing nets create atmospheric silhouettes.
A quiet square with a simple church facade; captures traditional Filipino town life.
Colorful stalls and working boats along the riverfront offer candid street photography opportunities.
A wooden boardwalk through mangrove trees with reflections of the bay at low tide.
Open shorelines along Tayabas Bay provide warm colors and calm water scenes.
Food in Unisan
Unisan Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A coconut milk-rich version of classic Filipino adobo using chicken or pork; commonly served with steamed rice at local eateries.
Must-Try!
Freshly grilled fish (often bangus or tilapia) marinated with salt and lime, best enjoyed with a squeeze of vinegar or calamansi.
Citrus-marinated raw fish with onions, chili, and coconut; popular as a refreshing starter at seaside stalls.
Sour shrimp soup with tamarind, vegetables, and okra; a comforting staple in coastal Quezon towns.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Morning stalls selling seafood, vegetables, local snacks, and ready-to-eat meals—great for tasting daily life.
Grab-and-go grilled fish, skewers, fried snacks, and fresh fruits along the waterfront.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Use 'po' and 'opo' when speaking to elders and strangers as a sign of respect.
Ask permission before taking photos of people or homes; avoid intrusive shots.
Dress modestly when visiting churches; remove hats and show respect during services.
Keep voices calm; avoid displays of anger in public; observe local fiesta customs and rituals.
Safety
Tipping in Unisan
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; leave a small amount (5–10%) at restaurants if service is good or if a service charge is not included.
Cash is widely accepted, with PHP coins and notes common. Credit/debit cards are increasingly accepted in larger establishments; digital wallets like GCash and PayMaya are popular in towns and markets.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
March–May bring hot, humid days with abundant sunshine; ideal for beach visits, boat trips, and outdoor photography, but stay hydrated and wear sun protection.
June–October brings frequent showers and the possibility of typhoons; plan for indoor activities on wet days and carry rain gear; some coastal paths may be slippery.
November–February offers milder temperatures and clearer skies; great for hiking and exploring outdoors, with occasional cool mornings.
Unisan at Night
Hiking in Unisan
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A challenging day hike through forested slopes; permits and local guides recommended; best in the dry season.
Gentler trekking routes with scenic views of Tayabas Bay and surrounding farmlands.
Airports
How to reach Unisan by plane.
Main international airport serving Manila; approximately a several-hour drive to Unisan depending on traffic and route.
Regional option in the Bicol region; may be used for connecting travel to southern Quezon via land transport.
Alternative international gateway in Pampanga; transfer to Quezon will require multiple hours by land transport.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly Roman Catholic with strong family-centered culture; locals are typically welcoming to visitors.
Many residents engage in fishing or agriculture, contributing to a tight-knit, community-focused town life.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The Philippines’ most popular sport; local barangays often host informal games and community leagues.
Coastal communities practice traditional and sport fishing along Tayabas Bay.
Swimming and casual water sports when conditions allow.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Unisan.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
In Unisan, vegetarian options are available in many eateries as side dishes and vegetable staples; ask for vegetable dishes with rice, or seafood-free versions of adobo or sinigang; be prepared for fish oil or shrimp base in some sauces; communicate clearly and ask for no fish sauce or meat when possible.