Atimonan – Pagbilao, Quezon

Quezon Zigzag Road

Adventure Through Bitukang Manok’s Winding Paths

PUBLISHED November 5, 2011

PHOTOS | WORDS BY MARIANO SAYNO

Quezon Zigzag Road — locally called Bitukang Manok — is more than a highway; it’s an adventure carved into the Sierra Madre mountains of Quezon Province. Stretching between Atimonan and Pagbilao, this serpentine road offers travelers a mix of engineering ingenuity, natural beauty, and thrilling driving experiences. Threading through dense rainforest and protected landscapes, it provides not only breathtaking vistas but also a window into the province’s rich geography and local culture.

Explore the Philippines through my lens as we venture into Quezon Zigzag Road with Point of View (POV) photography. Using a body cam, I’ll guide you on an interactive tour, revealing the behind-the-scenes of capturing the shots shared here. Let’s dive into this visual journey together and uncover the wonders through my lens!

Let’s explore the PHILIPPINES through my lens as we journey on a photo slideshow to Quezon Zigzag Road. Join me in this visual adventure and discover the wonders captured through my lens! Check out the shared slideshow here.

A Road Born from Necessity and Ingenuity

Quezon Zigzag Road, or Bitukang Manok, was constructed in 1969 during President Ferdinand Marcos’ administration. Engineers faced the challenge of traversing the rugged slopes of the Sierra Madre mountains to link the southern towns of Quezon to the broader Bicol Region. The road’s tight switchbacks and steep gradients — reminiscent of a chicken’s intestines, hence the local nickname — were a solution to ascending and descending the mountainous terrain without extensive tunneling or earthworks. Over five decades later, it remains a remarkable example of engineering adapting to geography.

Check out the video for more highlights. See what I’ve captured through my lens with Point of View (POV) photography. Using a body cam, I’ll take you on an interactive tour, showing you behind-the-scenes moments of capturing the shots shared here.

Check out the video below for additional features. Explore what I’ve captured through my lens in this cinematic slideshow.

ABOVE: Built in 1969 during the Marcos administration to connect Quezon Province with the Bicol Region, the Quezon Zigzag Road cuts through the rugged Sierra Madre range, offering a challenging drive with sharp, winding curves and steep ascents, earning its reputation as one of the most difficult routes in Southern Luzon.

A Journey Through Quezon’s Forest Heart

The road threads through the Quezon National Forest, a protected reserve established in 1934. Travelers are enveloped in lowland rainforest with tall trees, dense undergrowth, and the sounds of wildlife unique to the Sierra Madre foothills. Morning mist, sunlight filtering through canopy gaps, and seasonal waterfalls transform the road into a living tableau of nature, offering moments for photography, quiet reflection, and connection with the environment. The forest is alive with birds, monkeys, and other creatures, making the drive an immersive experience beyond mere transportation.

ABOVE: This mountain road winds through the Quezon Protected Landscape, a nearly thousand-hectare rainforest rich in biodiversity, once known as the Quezon National Forest Park and declared a protected area in 1934, now one of Luzon’s last remaining strongholds of lowland rainforest, home to rare species sheltered beneath its dense canopy.

Thrills, Challenges, and Scenic Rewards

Driving the Zigzag Road is as much a test of skill as it is a journey through beauty. Tight hairpin bends and sudden elevation changes demand careful navigation. Local flagmen assist at tricky spots, ensuring safety for motorcyclists, cars, and buses. Adventure-seeking travelers favor this route for its dynamic experience, while safety advisories remind everyone to respect speed limits and watch for wet season hazards. Each turn rewards with panoramic glimpses of valleys, the distant Bicol horizon, and the winding path that continues to fascinate both locals and tourists.

ABOVE: Sunlight shines through the clouds, casting tree silhouettes in Pagbilao, Quezon, offering a calming and relaxing experience for those wanting to enjoy provincial life.

Natural and Cultural Pit Stops

The road also serves as a gateway to nearby attractions. Mount Pinagbanderahan, known as “where the flag was raised,” provides a short hike with sweeping views of Lamon Bay and surrounding islands. Nearby Pinagbanderahan Caves offer spelunking opportunities amidst limestone formations. Scattered rest stops along the route allow travelers to stretch, enjoy local snacks, and capture photographs of the ever-changing scenery. These stops emphasize how the road connects not only destinations but also experiences and communities along its path.