Driving the dangerous Old Zigzag Road in Quezon
Philippines, asia
N/A
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Craving a wild ride between Northern Quezon and the southern Philippines? Buckle up (literally!) for the Atimonan Old Zigzag Road, also known as "Bitukan Manok" (Chicken Intestine) by locals, a name that hints at its twisty, turny nature. Some also call it EME.
Built back in '69 during the Marcos era, this road carves its way through Quezon National Park, offering some seriously lush scenery. Picture yourself climbing, climbing, climbing, surrounded by vibrant greenery as you gain altitude. The views are killer, but don't get too distracted!
This isn't your Sunday drive kind of road. It's narrow, demanding your full attention to road signals and the occasional traffic cop. You might even need to pull over to let others pass. Rain turns the danger dial way up, making it slippery and treacherous. And if heights aren't your thing, maybe skip this one – a wrong move could send you tumbling off a cliff. Best to keep a clear head behind the wheel.
Traffic is usually light, but don't let that tempt you to speed! Slow and steady is the name of the game here, especially around those hairpin turns. Seriously, avoid this road like the plague in the rainy season. Four-wheeled vehicles only, folks – that's the rule to keep things as safe as possible.
Local legend says the road is haunted, which probably stems from its accident-prone past. If you're a confident rider, consider tackling it on two wheels for ultimate freedom to soak in the views and snap some photos. Just be extra cautious on those slick spots and make sure your tires have good grip.
If you are not up for an adventure and a bit of a thrill, there's now a New Diversion Road that's wider and less twisty, albeit about 10 minutes longer. These days, driving the Old Zigzag Road is more of a scenic detour than a necessity.
Where is it?
Driving the dangerous Old Zigzag Road in Quezon is located in Philippines (asia). Coordinates: 12.9073, 123.1330
Road Details
- Country
- Philippines
- Continent
- asia
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 12.9073, 123.1330
Related Roads in asia
extremePuling La: Driving the high-altitude desert tracks of Zanda
🇨🇳 China
Deep in western Tibet, in the Ngari Prefecture's Zanda County, lies Puling La, a mountain pass that punches through the sky at a staggering 4,954m (16,253ft). Picture this: the Himalayas crash into the trans-Himalayan ranges, creating this insane maze of eroded canyons and plateaus. It's seriously otherworldly! Getting here is a proper escape from civilization. We're talking total isolation at 31.404950, 79.304890. The landscapes are just mind-blowing, unlike anything you've ever seen. Just west of the pass, the road keeps climbing, hitting a wild 4,986m (16,358ft) before it starts to drop. Trust me, you're on your own out here. The road to the top? Forget pavement. You'll need a 4x4 beast with high clearance to even think about it. Starting from Nabu Zelagebo, it's a 18.9 km (11.74 miles) grind through dust and rocks. And hold on tight, because there are some seriously steep sections, hitting a brutal 12% gradient! This, combined with the loose ground and the altitude, will punish your vehicle's cooling system and transmission. And the air? What little there is will leave your engine gasping for power, and you feeling lightheaded. Electricity? Medical help? Running water? Nope, nada, zilch. If you break down, you're potentially days from help. The weather? Prepare for anything. Constant winds whip up dust storms that can drop visibility to almost nothing. And things can change FAST. Clear skies can turn into a blizzard in the blink of an eye, even in summer. Rain or snow can turn those already-challenging 12% grades into completely impassable obstacles. So, if you're thinking of tackling Puling La, pack double spare tires, extra fuel, and the best cold-weather gear you can find. Since you are close to the border, you'll also need special permits and an official guide. Puling La is an absolute stunner, but it's strictly for the most experienced and prepared adventurers.
moderateWhere is Jebel Hafeet Mountain Road?
🌍 Arabian Peninsula
Just outside Al Ain, UAE, near the Oman border, lies Jebel Hafeet Mountain Road, and trust me, you HAVE to experience it! This isn't just a road; it's an adventure packed into 6.6 glorious miles. Starting from the desert oasis of Al Ain, you'll be climbing to 4,000 feet on this totally paved, super smooth ribbon of tarmac. Seriously, the surface is impeccable. Think fast straights flowing seamlessly into sweeping curves, all designed for pure driving pleasure. Hold on tight, because you're in for over 60 turns! We're talking everything from tight hairpins to exhilarating sweepers, all while ascending Jebel Hafeet Mountain, the second tallest peak in the UAE. The road snakes through the rugged limestone landscape, with some sections hitting a steep 11% gradient. The views are absolutely breathtaking. Picture yourself surrounded by dramatic Arabian landscapes that look like they're straight out of a sci-fi movie. Stop at the many viewpoints along the way to soak it all in and snap some epic photos. At the summit, you'll find a hotel, a palace, and panoramic vistas that are worth the drive alone. Pro tip: time your drive for late afternoon to catch an unforgettable sunset from the top. Just a heads up, though – it can get chilly up there! Also, maybe skip it during the peak of summer when the desert heat is at its most intense. This masterpiece was carved into the desert in 1980. Get ready for one of the best drives of your life!
easyDriving the scenic yet challenging Yunnan-Tibet Highway
🇨🇳 China
Okay, picture this: You're cruising through China, smack-dab in the Hengduan Mountains, on the Yunnan-Tibet Highway. This paved ribbon of road stretches for 702 kilometers, linking Dali to Markam, where it merges with the G118. Generally, the road's in good nick, but Mother Nature likes to keep things interesting. In winter, expect heavy snow that can shut down sections around Hongla and White Horse Snow Mountains. And during the rainy season, that Zhongdian (Yunnan) to Markam (Tibet) stretch gets a little wild with mudslides and landslides. Pro-tip: Check road conditions before you set off and build some flexibility into your itinerary in case of closures. Trust me, the views are worth it, but a little planning goes a long way!
hardPhatarian Gali, a winding road only for experienced drivers
🇮🇳 India
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! Phatarian Gali in Jammu and Kashmir is calling your name. This mountain pass sits way up high at 2,575 meters (8,448 feet), and getting there is one wild ride! We're talking 122 km (75 miles) of pure driving bliss (and maybe a little bit of terror for some!). Picture this: you're winding your way from Ramban to Baddar, tackling turn after turn, with hairpin bends galore. Seriously, they just keep coming! Luckily, the road isn't crazy steep, averaging only a 4.6% gradient, so your trusty car or RV should be able to handle it. Pro tip: stick to daylight hours for this drive; night driving is not advised. And if you're not a fan of heights, maybe focus on the road ahead because the drop-offs are pretty intense. But hey, that's what makes it an adventure, right? Prepare for unbelievable views and an unforgettable experience!