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
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