Journey to the Intestine of Quezon

By: Darwin Pesco

Intestine? Yes, you read it right.

But it is the road in Quezon province famous for its bizarre, zigzag feature that catches the attention of the motorists.

“Bitukang Manok” or the “Chicken’s Intestine” is a zigzag road located within the 983-hectare Quezon National Park in the territorial jurisdictions of Atimonan, Pagbilao, and Padre Burgos. It is recognized as one of the famous spots in the Southern Luzon.

Also called as Eme Road, the spot is a favorite driving trail for riders who want to have challenges while driving.

A part of the road is popular among tourists called “siko” or the elbow, because of its feature that looks like an elbow, but too dangerous for the riders.

Many motorists were of the accidents in the area, that is why some of the riders avoid the spot because of the reported accidents and the urban legends. There are also stories about the hitchhiking ghosts that will suddenly appear inside one’s car and will vanish before the road trip on Zigzag road ends.

The Old Zigzag Road in Quezon is an infamous road in the country for its steep inclination. “Bituka” is one of the main roads of the province to its near provinces and towns.

Image source: TripAdvisor

A travel blogger compared the Atimonan’s zigzag with the Sagada’s.

“We stayed at a point where I can take photos and have a good sight of the Bitukang Manok. It’s amazing to see it from the top. I got some nice photos so I’m satisfied. I was just expecting too much and I didn’t realize that it was just a short zigzag road compared to Sagada – Benguet zigzag. Anyway to wrap it all up, it was a beautiful sight and you will just appreciate it if you’re at the top. See photos below to see what I mean,” a blogger posted on a website, Insights.

Last year in January, a section of the challenging zigzag road in Pagbilao side collapsed due to heavy rains.

With a plastic whistle and piece of green cloth tied to a stick, there are volunteer flagmen who regularly conduct traffic assistance for the riders.

Also, authorities discourage trucks and buses from using the road and instead direct them to take the Maharlika Highway diversion road.

So, are you in for the intestine?