Pinagbanderahan Travel Guide
(image from traveljeparblogspot.com)
Quezon National Forest Park was first established as a National Forest Park on October 25, 1934 because of Proclamation No. 740 covers an area of 535.08 hectares. Its total area was enlarged to 983 on August 5, 1940 with Proclamation No. 594. Despite of being reclassified as a protected landscape in 1992, it was reestablished as Quezon National Park on June 2, 2003 because of the Proclamation No. 394 and reduced its area to 938 hectares.
It is located within the boundaries of Padre Burgos, Pagbilao and Atimonan. Quezon Protected Landscape is situated in southern part of Sierra Mountain Ranges. It features different kind of nature tripping like Caving, Waterfalls, Mountain Hiking and the Virgin Forest itself with several species endemic to the Philippines .
How to get there: Drop off at Lucena Terminal then ride a bus bound for Atimonan, Quezon. Tell the driver that you’re going to Zigzag Area, fare id Php 35.00 and additional 1 hour travel time. Once you’re there, you have two (2) options : either you walk or you ride a tricycle going to jump-off area. Pay Php 250.00 per group of 5 persons if you avail a tricycle ride and expect a long ascending cemented trail if you decided to walk.
(image from traveljeparblogspot.com)
The park is famous from its ascending zigzag road. Safety driving should apply in this kind of road especially in elevated part. It’s open for public and private vehicles so you can ride a tricycle going to the registration area. You can also walk if you want but I’m telling you, it’s really far.
(image from traveljepar.blogspot.com)
This is what the registration area looks like and where you will write your name and a tour guide will be assigned. As of this day, the payment for tour guide is Php 300.00 and no registration fee. You can leave your unnecessary things in this office to lessen the weight of bag.
The arc of Atimonan is the starting point of the trail going to Mt. Mirador also known as Mt. Pinagbanderahan. The area is very well maintained and innovated. The statue of Nuestra Señora De Los Angeles is placed in the same location to welcome the tourist.
It’s one the easiest and a very friendly trail for a beginner. Since the time it was established as a National Park, most of the area was innovated including the trail. You’ll walk in a cemented and not so steep pathway. You’ll enjoy the nature ambiance throughout the trail. You can take a rest and feel the fresh air with their resting area made by the local people. What made this trip a bit challenging are the fallen trees caused by the strong typhoons. It blocked the trail and you need to either to step on it or pass through under these trees.
If you reached the part of the trail, it only means that you’re almost near to its summit. It is a two-way stair so its still convenient for those who are going to the peak and for those who will descend. This part is the most steep part of the trail but from that point, you’ll able to appreciate the beauty of Sierra Madre.
According to the history, the Philippine flag was raised on Mt. Mirador that signifies the conquer of the region. There were 3 flags of different countries was hoisted in this pole. Those were American flag, Japanese flag and in year 1946 after the country gained its independence, the Philippines was raised there again. It was the reason why the local people called it also as Mt. Pinagbanderahan that means “where the flag was hoisted”.
It’s one the nearby view from the summit. It’s definitely the vantage point for viewing Sierra Madre Mountain Range, Mt. Banahaw, Borawan beach in Pagbilao and the island provinces of Marinduque and Mindoro. The scenic view from the peak made it very satisfying for a mountain hiking. Its surreal beauty is stunning and one of a kind.
Me and my sister decided to enter the cave in the middle of the mountain. the cave is filled with bats. Be careful in trying to enter this cave because it is really slippery.
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