Atimonan, Quezon | Into the Overlooked Gems of Quezon National Forest Park

December 22, 2022December 22, 2022 Rex Lim Lim

Reading Time: 6 minutes

Atimonan is a quaint town in Quezon province that is blessed with both natural and historical riches. It is definitely one of the stops any traveler should not miss on their way down south.

Come and join us in this adventure to the natural attractions of Atimonan, Quezon!

–

Table of Contents

Mt. Pinagbanderahan (366+)

Mt. Pinagbanderahan is a very easy hike inside the Quezon Protected Landscape in Brgy. Ilaya, Atimonan, Quezon. This peak which is located at the southern end of the Sierra Madre Range is also called Mt. Mirador.

Moreover, it is believed to be the place where the American and Japanese flags were hoisted as part of their respective conquests and exploits in the province. Subsequently, the Philippine flag finally reclaimed its rightful place in 1946 after the war.

Starting at Atimonan Zigzag Park, the trail is cemented all the way going to the summit. In addition, handrails and stairs are carefully installed along the way as you breeze past century-old trees inside its tropical rainforest.

Nearing the summit, narrow stairways which look like you are discovering parts of an ancient temple structure are flanked in the background with towering limestone karsts.

After 45 minutes, we arrived at the summit of Mt. Pinagbanderahan! Picturesque sweeping views of the nearby towns of Quezon and the island of Marinduque welcomed us.

Wearing the all-new Merrell Nova 2 Trail Runners.

Bantakay Falls

Just a few kilometers from Quezon Protected Landscape is Brgy. Sta. Catalina where Bantakay Falls is located. As of 2022, from the jump-off point, it will now only take you around 5-10 minutes to reach the waterfall.

As the sound of gushing water was heard, we hurriedly went from one sharp rock to another only to be welcomed by numerous small cascades.

Going up the cascades was a bit tricky and we had to hang on to vines while treading on slippery rocks. Finally, there it was, the mesmerizing Bantakay Falls, which looks even bigger in person than what I initially saw in photos.

See you out there! Wearing the Next Trail Checkered Dri-Fit Longsleeves (Blue)

The main falls are said to be around 80 feet high from the upper catch basin. Definitely a welcome respite after a chill hike in Mt. Pinagbanderahan.

Bitukang Manok

A stretchy twist of an old highway will welcome you if you opted to take the scenic road going to Bicol Region. Bitukang Manok as locals like to call it was named as such because of the hairpin curves that are similar to the structure of chicken intestines.

Traveling here is an adventure in itself, as the name itself implies, Bitukang Manok is one of the most dangerous road sections in the country. Finished in 1969, the zigzag road is a well-known path inside the Quezon National Park.

Albeit being a tourist attraction in itself, many spooky stories shroud the Bitukang Manok in Atimonan as accidents really did happen here in the past. Locals believe that the road is haunted especially at night, many paranormal activities were reported here – from hitchhiking white ladies, strange magnetic portions, and sightings of elementals.

One must exercise caution and be extra wary when approaching the turns, especially during the rainy season. Consequently, make sure that your vehicle is in tip-top shape.

Merrell Nova 2

Trail or light hiking shoes, the Merrell Nova 2 is indeed on the fence of both. As part of Merrell’s “Getaway to Adventure” campaign, I tested it the second time around at Mt. Pinagbanderahan in Atimonan, Quezon.

The first time I used this is at the Spartan 10K Trail in Vermosa, Cavite. The ten-kilometer trail was definitely covered in ankle-deep mud but the traction and grip in slippery terrains are reliable and provided comfort and support in dodgy sections, thanks to its Vibram sole.

In fast hiking, it performed well and went head-on until we reached the summit. The Merrell Nova 2 is a light versatile shoe with a very classic but proven design that can be used in either fast hiking or trail running.

How to Get There

From Manila, take any Lucena, Quezon bound buses. Upon arrival, transfer to jeeps or buses bound for Atimonan town proper or Gumaca.
Alight at the Zigzag Road junction in Brgy. Malinao then hire a tricycle from there going to Bitukang Manok, Zigzag Park or Bantakay Falls.