Mt. Pinagbanderahan | Quezon National Forest Park

  Date : September 5, 2015 | Author : Jeric Par Esplana | Travel Blog

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Entry Point

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: Ride a bus (Jac Liner) bound for Lucena Grand Terminal (in front of Jam Liner in GMA Kamuning), fare is Php 218.00 with a travel time of 4-5 hours depending on delays. Drop off at Lucena Terminal then ride another 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.

Zigzag Road

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.

Registration Area

This is the registration area 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.

Jump Off Area

This 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. 

Stairway to Mountain

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.

Almost near to the Peak

If you reached this 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.

Where the flag was hoisted

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".

Scenic View from top

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.

Travel | JePar

Full story here : Bantakay Falls & Salvatierra Beach Resort
--Reminder--

As a Travel Blogger, I am sharing all my experiences, guides and the expenses in every trip I have been so that you can also experience this trip to specific place with your friends or family. Be responsible enough by: following the rules and regulations of the place, learn to protect and maintain its genuine beauty, be nice and respectful to local people, observe cleanliness, leave no trace

--Itinerary--

0345 -   Meet Up (GMA, Kamias)
0400 -  ETD Manila via Public Vehicle

0900 -  ETA Lucena Grand Terminal

1000 -   ETA Zigzag (Atimonan)

1015 -    ETA Quezon National Park

1030 -   Early Lunch

1100 -   Rest

1200 -   Start Trek

1300 -   Summit 

1400 -   Descend via Same Route

1500 -   ETA Jump-off Area

1515 -    ETA Zigzag (Atimonan)

1615 -    ETA Lucena Grand Terminal

2015 -   ETA Manila 

--Budget--

Note: Rates are subject to change without prior notice

VEHICLE	FROM	TO	FARE	TIMEFRAME
Bus	Novaliches	Cubao (Jac Liner)	Php 26.00	30 min
Bus	Jac Liner	Lucena Grand T.	Php 218.00	4-5 hours
Bus	Lucena Grand T.	Atimonan Zigzag	Php 35.00	1 hour
Tricycle	Atimonan Zigzag	Quezon Nat’l Park	Php 250.00/5pax	15 min

  

Tour Guide	Php 300.00
ESTIMATED EXPENSES (group of 5)	Php 600.00/head