Last november 17, 2018 we did a short hike at Mt. Pinagbanderahan Atimonan, quezon with my friends. Mt. Pinagbanderahan is relatively more accessible, and since it is just a short hike, I recommend it to all of you to visit it. The trail to Pinagbanderahan is actually very easy. The trail is well-established and wide, in many parts even with cement steps; and it only becomes a bit steep in the final — and even then, there are metal handrails, steps, or ropes, which make the trek a really convenient and easy experience. It takes around an hour to reach the summit. It took us 2 hours to reach the top of mt pinagbanderahan, we have a loit of rest time thats why it took us 4 and half hours. It was worth it even though it was very tiring. Pinagbanderahan was more beautiful than I expected; it was truly a nice trek!

Bantakay Cave is located in Atimonan, Quezon.About a kilometer away from the Bantakay Falls is the cave where beautifully-shaped stalactites and stalagmites can be found. Palanyag Cave is located in Barangay Sapaan, Atimonan, Quezon.It is a favorite place to explore for nature lovers. Cueva Santa is located at Brgy. Malinao Ilaya, Atimonan, Quezon.A cave located at the heart of Quezon National Forest Park, on the way to Pinagbanderahan Shrine.

-Carlos Yuval Jimenez

The people of Atimonan have taken good care of their mountains and passing through all that greenery was a great delight. The land around the zigzag road is a protected landscape which means nobody can pick even a blade of grass and bring it home with them. Along this road you will find the Atimonan Zigzag Park. In front of that is the Quezon Herbal Pavilion. The trip was well worth it. The Quezon Herbal team  greeted us warmly and getting together with other herbal enthusiasts is always a good

A very nice nature trip still within day hike range from Manila is the Quezon National Forest Park in Atimonan, Quezon. This park which is nestled in the famed Sierra Madre Mountain Range, accessible by a scenic zigzag road that cuts through the forests. Built during the American period, the Forest Park is one of the oldest protected areas in the Philippines. The wonders of the Quezon National Forest Park, however, do not end in Pinagbanderahan. There are more, and in the itinerary below, the Bantakay Falls and Caves located in Brgy. Sta. Catalina is also covered. The falls is the most majestic in the at least five waterfalls found in the Natural Park, measuring up to 80 ft. Together with Pinagbanderahan, it forms the nucleus of a relaxing overnight camping trip. -Camille Cuasay

 

You can get a guide at the tourist registration area. We recommend getting one since the route can get tricky. The trail is majorly downhill. You’re going to pass by streams, hence the hike can get really muddy when it rains. When you reach Niyugan campsite, you are near. If you’re planning to stay the night, set up camp first before heading up to the waterfalls. The source of the stream near the campsite actually comes from the falls. The hike to the falls from the campsite is mostly uphill. Good thing there are no tough assaults. The beauty about visiting Bantakay Falls is the hike itself is very scenic already. You can swim at the natural pool at the falls’ base. Water is very clear, clean and blue. You can also swim to the base, climb the rocks and enjoy the natural shower.

         -Chryss Joy Ballatan.

Thanks for joining me!

Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton