Atimonan – Pagbilao, Quezon

Quezon Zigzag Road

The Wild Ride Through Bitukang Manok

PUBLISHED November 5, 2024

PHOTOS | WORDS BY MARIANO SAYNO

The Quezon Zigzag Road, or Bitukang Manok, is a thrilling and scenic mountain route connecting Atimonan to Pagbilao in Quezon Province. Known for its sharp curves and steep ascents, the road offers a challenging drive through the lush Quezon Protected Landscape, one of the last remaining lowland rainforests in Luzon. Along the way, visitors can explore natural wonders like Mount Pinagbanderahan, a historic viewpoint offering panoramic views, and the secluded Bantakay Falls, a multi-tiered waterfall perfect for a refreshing dip. Despite its twists and turns, the road remains a popular destination for adventurers and nature lovers alike.

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.

There’s a road in Quezon Province that’ll make you grip your steering wheel a little tighter—and maybe hold your breath on the turns. Locally known as Bitukang Manok for its winding, intestine-like curves, the Quezon Zigzag Road is both a marvel and a test of nerves. Snaking through the lush Quezon Protected Landscape, this mountain road connects Atimonan to Pagbilao, offering drivers a mix of adrenaline and stunning views.

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.

Built to Cut Through Mountains

The Quezon Zigzag Road was built in 1969 during the Marcos administration, designed to link Quezon Province with the Bicol Region. Faced with the rugged Sierra Madre range, engineers carved a road right through it. The result? A sharp, winding route with tight curves and steep ascents—earning it a reputation as one of the most challenging drives in Southern Luzon.

Inside a Living Rainforest

This isn’t just any mountain road. It cuts through the heart of the Quezon Protected Landscape, a nearly thousand-hectare rainforest rich in biodiversity. Once known as the Quezon National Forest Park, it was declared a protected area as early as 1934. Today, it remains one of the last strongholds of lowland rainforest in Luzon, sheltering rare species of flora and fauna under its thick canopy.

Driving Bitukang Manok

You don’t just “drive” the Old Zigzag Road in Atimonan, Quezon—you take on the challenge. With its tight curves, blind turns, and steep descents, this road demands your focus and rewards it with an unmatched sense of excitement. Every twist feels like part of a larger story, and each stretch brings a new burst of adrenaline. It’s not just about getting from point A to B—it’s about embracing the ride, staying sharp, and enjoying the kind of thrill that makes you want to do it all over again.

Mount Pinagbanderahan Viewpoint

Tucked within the Quezon Protected Landscape is Mount Pinagbanderahan, a hilltop site that blends nature with local history. Its name literally means “where the flag was raised,” recalling an episode during the Spanish era when revolutionaries planted their banner at its peak. Today, it’s a short but rewarding hike for visitors, offering panoramic views of Lamon Bay, the Alabat Islands, and on clear days, the far edges of the Bicol Peninsula. At the summit, a stone marker and open-air viewpoint provide a space for reflection and rest.

Scenic Stops and Natural Wonders Near the Zigzag

After navigating the exhilarating twists and turns between Atimonan and Pagbilao, Quezon, there’s more to discover beyond the road itself. Just a short detour away lies the Pinagbanderahan Caves, part of the Quezon Protected Landscape. These limestone caves hold historical significance and are surrounded by thick forest and rugged terrain, offering a cool mix of natural beauty and a light sense of adventure. Perfect for a quick hike or a photo break, especially for those curious about both nature and local history.

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.

And right at the summit area of the zigzag road—within Atimonan’s side of the mountain—you’ll find a rest stop complex that’s become a favorite among travelers. It’s more than just a place to stretch your legs. There’s a man-made lagoon, a peaceful grotto, a vibrant plant nursery and garden, and rows of souvenir shops where you can pick up local goodies. Need help or travel info? There’s even a tourist assistance center on-site. Plus, with restaurants offering homecooked meals and several photo-op spots overlooking the forest canopy, it’s the kind of stop that makes the journey feel just as rewarding as the destination.

Tourist Spot for Thrill Seekers

Here’s the thing—what makes Bitukang Manok intense for drivers is exactly what makes it a magnet for adventurers. Motorcyclists, bikers, and road trip junkies regularly make the journey for the curves, the mountain air, and the unbeatable views. Plus, with natural attractions like Mount Pinagbanderahan and Bantakay Falls nearby, it’s more than just a drive—it’s an experience.

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ABOVE: The road to Pagbilao, Quezon is perfect for road trip lovers, offering a mix of natural beauty, local culture, and the adrenaline-filled thrill of winding paths.

Safety Improvements Underway

Efforts have been made to make the road safer. Ongoing infrastructure upgrades have included widening sections, installing road markers, and placing traffic personnel along the trickier curves. Still, the road remains unpredictable, especially during heavy rain or fog. It’s best tackled in daylight, with a steady pace and cautious approach.

Why It Still Matters

Bitukang Manok isn’t just a stretch of pavement—it’s a lifeline between towns, a vital corridor for commerce, and a scenic gateway for tourism. But it’s also symbolic. It shows what happens when human grit meets natural terrain—sometimes clashing, sometimes harmonizing. And for all its danger and drama, it offers moments of real connection: with the land, with the history, and with the thrill of being truly present on the road.

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EXPLORE MORE about

Quezon

Built to Cut Through Mountains

Inside a Living Rainforest

Driving Bitukang Manok

Mount Pinagbanderahan Viewpoint

Scenic Stops and Natural Wonders Near the Zigzag

Tourist Spot for Thrill Seekers

Safety Improvements Underway

Why It Still Matters

LOCATIONS PROVINCES

ARCHITECTURE HERITAGE

CHURCHES FAITH

NATURAL & MAN-MADE ATTRACTIONS

FESTIVALS & EVENTS

LOCATIONS
PROVINCES

ARCHITECTURE
HERITAGE

CHURCHES
FAITH

NATURAL & MAN-MADE
ATTRACTIONS

FESTIVALS &
EVENTS