Quezon Protected Landscape

Quezon Protected Landscape is a 938-hectare protected area straddling Pagbilao, Padre Burgos and Atimonan in Quezon Province, along the Maharlika Highway through the southern Sierra Madre. Originally established as Quezon National Park in 1934 and reclassified as a protected landscape in 2003, it preserves lowland evergreen forest, karst and watershed. It is notable for the historic Old Zigzag Road, scenic viewpoints over Lamon Bay and Atimonan, and accessible forest trails near Lucena City.

Visitors can expect a forested mountain pass crossed by the Maharlika Highway and the historic Old Zigzag Road (Bitukang Manok). The landscape is dense lowland evergreen forest with karst features, viewpoints and roadside view decks overlooking Lamon Bay, Atimonan and Pagbilao. Areas to explore include short forest trails, picnic grounds, the Bantakay Falls area, and the Zigzag View Deck. The environment is humid and forested with opportunities for sightseeing, photography and nature walks along paved and unpaved paths.

Originally established as Quezon National Park on August 2, 1934 through Act No. 3915 and Proclamation No. 740 by Governor-General Frank Murphy, upon the initiative associated with President Manuel L. Quezon. It was later reclassified as Quezon Protected Landscape on June 2, 2003 under Proclamation No. 394 to align with the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act, preserving its watershed and forest while allowing sustainable management.

Named after former Philippine President Manuel L. Quezon, the landscape is a well-known landmark in Quezon Province and a symbol of the province's natural heritage. The Old Zigzag Road is a historic engineering feature and a popular cultural viewpoint for travelers between Lucena and the Bicol region.