Quezon Adventure: Atimonan

Our next adventure takes us 173 kilometers southeast of Kilometer 0 in Manila, Atimonan is a beautiful first-class coastal municipality in the province of Quezon -my mom's hometown.

Atimonan History

The municipality of Atimonan was founded on February 4, 1608. However, there are several conflicting stories on how Atimonan got its name. Some believe that the name Atimonan came from a tree known as Atimon. These trees are now extinct and that made the claim hard to prove.

Simeona Mangaba's statue found in Zigzag Park.

The famous siko, located on the Zigzag Road

Others believe that the name came from the phrase Atin Muna which probably is a policy or motto that bolsters the spirit of unity among the residents of the town.

Simeona Mangaba's statue can also be seen in front of the new municipal hall.

The most popular version (and probably the locally accepted one) is the story of Simeona Mangaba. Fondly called Ate Monang by her town mates, Simeona Mangaba founded the town on February 4, 1608, when she along with several families settled along the banks of the Maling River, now called Atimonan River. The story goes that a company of Spanish Colonial soldiers passed by the area and asked a young boy about the name of the town. The child, probably scared of the new faces, ran while shouting "Ate Monang!" repeatedly. Because of that incident, the town was called Atimonan.

They need to put a little more art to that Welcome Arch of Atimonan.

Nuestra Senora De Los Angeles watching over the municipality of Atimonan.

Sadly, history wasn't that kind to the town of Atimonan. It didn't escape the horrors of the time when the Dutch raided and burnt the town. Not only that, but the Moro pirates also added a share of pain and suffering to the townsfolks by continually harassing and raiding the town. Finally, the town silently witnessed the bloody occupation of the Japanese and the more bloody liberation of the town by the Filipino guerrillas and the American forces. 

FYI one of the first Japanese landings in World War 2 were on the shores of Atimonan, Quezon


These events, no matter how terrible they were, just made the townsfolks of Atimonan or the Atimonanin stronger and more unified. Today, Atimonan is a very lively, clean, and beautiful place. The town is known for its gray sand beaches, friendly people, and lush green forests.

A common sight on the road around Atimonan. Guess what he's doing!

Atimonan! Atin Muna

To date, Atimonan is my most visited municipality in the Southern part of Luzon. It's simply because it's my mom's hometown. Hence, it would forever be close to my heart.

Check out the places to visit in Atimonan

Places I've visited in Atimonan:

Quezon National Forest Park

Atimonan Zigzag Park

Atimonan Church -Atimonan Church Part 2

Iskong Bantay Watchtower

Port of Atimonan

The new Atimonan Municipal Hall

Atimonan Artificial Reef in Lamon Bay

De Gracia Beach Resort

Floating cottages in Lamon Bay

Scenic farms of Barangay Sapaan

Sirena ng Atimonan

Cueva Santa

Blood Red Trees of Pinaglabanan

Mt. Mirador/ Pinagbanderahan

Buenavista Spot (Zigzag Road)

Quezon Herbal Pavilion

Catholic Cemetery of Atimonan

Atimonan Public Market

Atimonan Aglipayan Church

Maling River / Atimonan River

Atimonan Baypark

Places for foodies:

Dennis and Volet Carinderia

Glory's Refreshments (Sells the best halo-halo in town)

Other Places you might want to visit:

1. Leon Guinto Boulevard
2. Magsaysay Waterfalls
3. Bantakay Falls
4. Malusak Cave
5. Palanyag Caves
6. Kilait Lubi Falls
7. Pangaw
8. Lumiliay River Waterfalls

Avoid: 

1. Overspending by listing down your expenses.
2. Accidents by observing traffic and establishment rules. (Don't forget to be very vigilant.)

Atimonan Itinerary:

Day 1

5:30AM Departure from Manila
9:00AM Arrival at Grand Terminal Lucena City
9:20AM Departure from Lucena City
11:00AM Atimonan proper
11:15AM Visit Atimonan Church
11:30AM Visit Iskong Bantay Watch Tower
11:50AM Visit the new Municipal Hall
12:00NN Lunch at any local carenderia (food is great)
1:00PM Ride a tricycle and ask the driver to make a stop near the famous Sirena statue
1:15PM Head to De Gracia Resort*
*you could have your lunch in the floating cottages owned by the resort
1:30PM onwards: 
Option 1: Swim at Lamon Bay
Option 2: Snorkle or dive at Atimonan Artificial Reef
Option 3: Go whale-shark watching (depending on the season)
4:00PM: Go back to town and check out the other food stalls 
6:00PM Walk around town; Visit Leon Guinto Boulevard
7:00PM Munch on some street food. Check the nightlife in the town
8:00PM Head back to De Gracia Resort. You could go night swimming if you want or sing some songs in the videoke.

Day 2

6:00AM Breakfast at De Gracia Resort
7:00AM Prepare for check out/ buy souvenirs.
8:00AM Check out head back to town proper.
Option 1: Head to Brgy Sapaan and go on a nature walk or look for caves
Ride a jeepney heading to Brgy Sapaan. Tell the driver to drop you at the drop off point for the trek to Palanyag Cave. 
Option 2: Head to Atimonan Zigzag Park
Ride a jeepney heading to the park or rent a tricycle to bring you to the park. From there you could take a picture of the park, visit the ruins of the old resort, then trek going to Pinagbanderahan. You could also contact the Atimonan Rock Climbing group and try out your skill in this extreme adventure.
12:00NN Departure to Manila


Other itineraries/tour packages courtesy of Atimonan.gov.ph*

PACKAGE 1

DAY 1:

0500 -Take SM-Lucena bound bus from Manila (JAC Liner/Buendia Taft)
0900 - At SM-Lucena take Atimonan-bound van
1000 - ETA Quezon National Forest Park Picnic Area –Jump- Off Pinangbanderahan
1030 - Cueva Santa Explore
1100 - Resume Trek
1120 - ETA Pinagbanderahan Summit
1150 - ETD Pinagbanderahan Summit
1230 - Back at QNFP Picnic Area/Lunch
1330 - Jump-Off to a resort
1400 - ETA Resort Check-inSnorkeling/Diving/Fish Feeding/Boating
1730 - Side Trip to Poblacion Public Market/Church Plaza/Walk at Atimonan Port
1900 - Dinner/Socials

DAY 2:

0500 - Wake-up call
0530 - Breakfast-Jump-off to Brgy. Sta. Catalina-Take busbound to Lucena or Manila
0630 - ETA Brgy. Sta. Catalina/Start Trek
0830 - ETA Bantakay Falls - Site Exploration/Heavy Snacks
1000 - ETD Bantakay Falls - Resume Trek
1100 - ETA Bantakay Cave - Cave Exploration
1200 - ETD Bantakay Cave
1300 - Back at Bantakay Falls/Lunch
1330 - Start Descent
1530 - Back at Sta. Catalina/Clean-up 
1600 - ETD for Manila by bus


 PACKAGE 2

 Quezon National Forest Park-Pinagbanderahan
0600 - Take SM-Lucena bound bus from Manila (JAC Liner/Buendia Taft)
1000 - At SM-Lucena take Atimonan-bound van
1100 - ETA Quezon National Forest Park Picnic Area Site Exploration/Lunch
1230 - ETD -Pinagbanderahan
1300 - Cueva Santa Exploration
1400 - Resume Trek
1430 - ETA Pinagbanderahan Summit
1530 - ETD Pinagbanderahan Summit
1630 - Back at QNFP Picnic Area/Clean-up/Snacks
1700 - ETD to Manila by bus

 PACKAGE 3 

 Bantakay Falls/Cave
0500 - Take Gumaca/Calauag-bound bus from Manila (Buendia, Cubao)or take Lucena-bound bus from Manila and transfer to Gumaca/Calauag/Guinyangan-bound bus at Lucena Grand Terminal
0930 - ETA Brgy, Sta. Catalina - between KM 157-158/Take-off Bantakay Falls
1130 - ETA Bantakay Falls - Site Exploration/Lunch
1230 - Resume Trip to Bantakay Cave
1330 - ETA Bantakay Cave-Cave Exploration
1500 - Start Descent
1730 - Back to Sta. Catalina/Clean up
1800 - ETD to Manila by bus

 *Contact the local government to avail of the tour package

 Contact Details:
Atimonan official website: http://www.atimonan.gov.ph
Email Address: lgu_Atimonan@yahoo.com
Telefax No: +6342 3166905

 Ms. Cecilia T. De Torres
Tourism Officer
0918-8887132

 Estimated Budget: P2500- 3000
Bus from Manila -Lucena City: P250-300
Bus from Lucena to Atimonan: P150-200
Tricycle budget for 2 days: P300
Food budget day 1: P500*
Food budget day 2: P500*
Bus from Atimonan to Manila: P450-500
*optional (budget can be lower or higher depending on your needs)

This blog entry is dedicated to Mrs. Dulce Villamena Esguerra (my beloved Lola) 1934 -2013

Ratings:

Crowd
Cleanliness
Overall ratings

Location: Atimonan, Philippines

Comments

  1. UnknownJune 30, 2016 at 12:50 AM

    This made me cry! Nice blog pinsan...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioJuly 2, 2016 at 4:16 PM

      It's really great to read a comment from you pinsan. We miss you here. =*)

      Delete
  2. riverjoelMarch 16, 2017 at 3:26 PM

    Hi, ask ko lang kung may matutulugan ba dyan sa Atimonan na medyo swak sa backpacker or solo motorider. PLanning to visit the place this coming holy week :) TIA

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioMarch 21, 2017 at 7:52 AM

      Hi po! marami pong resorts sa beach area ng Atimonan. Maisusuggest ko po ung De Gracia pero marami pa pong iba na maaaring mas mura.

      Delete
  3. AnonymousMay 23, 2023 at 1:55 PM

    Diyan kami tumira noong 1970s kasi nagtrabaho ang tatay ko sa bayan na iyan. Di ko makakalimutan ang simbahan ng Atimonan. Salamat sa pagpost nito.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Princess Of ReyMay 25, 2023 at 11:39 PM

    Gusto ko pumunta sa dyan! One day makakarating din ako sa Atimonan :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioMay 26, 2023 at 7:44 AM

      Masarap magroadtrip sa Atimonan. The best din ang pagkain.

      Delete
  5. AnonymousJune 8, 2023 at 3:23 AM

    Atimonan just stays in my heart. I reached this lovely town in 1986. The relatives of my fathers wife lived there and in near by Tabugon.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioJune 8, 2023 at 6:20 AM

      I hope you still visit Atimonan once in a while. =)

      Delete

Post a Comment

Book your hotel thru KLOOK

Klook.com
Subscribe and get updated with the latest travel articles of The Backpack Adventures

Popular posts from this blog

Imus City Plaza - Cavite

Image
Located in the center of the Poblacion or town proper of Imus City in the province of Cavite, Imus City Plaza is one of the city's scenic and historical attractions. Imus City Plaza Imus City Plaza Details This plaza is located in front of the equally historical Imus Cathedral and Imus City Hall . Imus City Plaza is also the first place to greet you if you're heading to the cathedral via Sapinoso Street.  Imus City Plaza - Imus City, Cavite General Licerio Topacio The general guarding the flag Checking out each angle of the monument Imus City Plaza History Imus City Plaza is probably easily remembered because of the monument with two vintage artillery flanking it. The monument stands as an honor to the children of Imus who joined the fight for the independence of the country against Spain. As for the man standing on top of the monument, he is General Licerio Topacio . He is one of the most notable sons of Imus. He is famously known for honorably declining
Keep reading

Casa Hacienda de Tejeros - Cavite

Image
Located in Rosario in the province of Cavite, Casa Hacienda de Tejeros is famously known as the location of the historic Tejeros Convention of 1897. Casa Hacienda de Tejeros Casa Hacienda de Tejeros history Casa Hacienda de Tejeros was originally built in the 17th century. The hacienda and its surrounding lands were formerly owned by the Augustinian Recollects. The estate was once the largest and grandest estate in the country. It once covered as much as 1,125 hectares with the casa occupying 4 hectares of it. Casa Hacienda de Tejeros - Rosario, Cavite The NHI Marker of the Casa Hacienda de Tejeros The name tejeros came from the Spanish name tejer , which means "to weave". It's due to the fact that the weaving industry is one of the major industries of the municipality of Rosario. Going back to its historical importance, Casa Hacienda de Tejeros played an important role in 1897 when it hosted the assembly that the new leaders of the revolution were elected.
Keep reading

Bonifacio Shrine in Indang - Cavite

Image
Located in Barangay Limbon, Indang in the province of Cavite, the Bonifacio Shrine of Indang is one of the historical landmarks dedicated to the Father of the Philippine Revolution -Andres Bonifacio.  Bonifacio Shrine of Indang Bonifacio Shrine in Indang History Bonifacio Shrine in Indang marks the location of the nipa hut where Andres Bonifacio was seized and captured by the soldiers of his political rival and fellow revolutionary Emilio Aguinaldo in 1897. It was also here that Bonifacio was gravely injured after he was shot by an arresting soldier when he was being dragged to Indang town proper to be imprisoned. Bonifacio Shrine in Indang , Cavite This is how I look like pre-sneeze. The arrest of Bonifacio Philippine Historical Commission marker Presently, the historical nipa hut did not win against the tests of time. A small public park was constructed where the nipa hut was said to have once stood. The park features a statue of a seemingly very surprised Andres
Keep reading

Fukagawa Roadside Station – Hokkaido

Image
Fukagawa Roadside Station  ( 道の駅 ライスランドふかがわ ) is one of the 128 roadside stations spread across Hokkaido. It is located at 59-7 Hirosato, Otoecho in Fukagawa City, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Fukagawa Roadside Station Fukagawa Roadside Station details Fukagawa Roadside Station is officially called Roadside Station Riceland Fukagawa . It follows the theme “Fukagawa, the city of rice”. It is a place where visitors can buy high-quality Fukagawa rice and also a place where visitors can learn about rice and agriculture. Fukagawa Roadside Station - Fukagawa City, Hokkaido Prefecture Fukagawa Roadside Station was registered last August 13, 2002, and was given registration number 17.  Photos outside Fukagawa Roadside Station At present the roadside station has the following amenities: General Information It is located right after you enter the front entrance of the roadside station. Motorists can get information about tourist spots, restaurants, public facilities, and even road info and we
Keep reading

Jose Rizal Shrine in Calamba - Laguna

Image
Located at Francisco Mercado Street corner Jose P. Rizal Street, Barangay 5 Poblacion, Calamba City in the province of Laguna, Jose Rizal Shrine  ( Dambana ni Rizal ) is the birthplace of Dr. Jose P. Rizal -the National Hero of the Philippines. Jose Rizal Shrine (Calamba) Jose Rizal Shrine History Jose Rizal Shrine is probably well known as the ancestral house of Rizal's family. The house serves as a museum that contains furniture and items that belong to the Rizal family. Jose Rizal Shrine - Calamba City, Laguna Young Jose Rizal with his dog I wonder what Young Rizal had in mind Rizal Shrine NHI Marker For those who don't know, the house that stood in the lot is actually only a replica of the old ancestral house which was destroyed during the Second World War. The replica was constructed right after the war. The construction was supervised by the late National Artist Juan Nakpil. It was inaugurated in 1950. The entrance to Jose Rizal Shrine
Keep reading

A Guide to Collecting Eki Stamps

Image
Japan is undeniably a collector's paradise. As a matter of fact, there are a plethora of different things to collect here that are catered to every collector's unique taste and preference.  Anime fans have their usual toys, mangas, and memorabilia. Pokemon fans have numerous Pokemon Centers that sell an assortment of Pokemon merchandise. Kitkat collectors have more than 300 flavors of Kitkat to try out. Pilgrims have the temple stamps called goshuin which I wrote about last time. These are but some of the numerous possible things to collect in Japan . A Guide to Collecting Eki Stamps However, since I'm promoting budget travel, my article today talks about something that you can collect for FREE . Yup, you read that right. All you need to have is a clean notebook or tickler and an ever-watchful eye. A Guide to Collecting Eki Stamps Eki stamps , also called train station stamps, are rubber ink stamps that are typically found in most train stations in Japan. These stamps f
Keep reading

Jigokudani - Hokkaido

Image
Jigokudani ( 登別地獄谷 ) or Hell Valley in English is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Noboribetsu City. It is located at Noboribetsuonsencho/Noboribetsu Onsen Town in Noboribetsu City in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Jigokudani Jigokudani details Nestled at the western foot of the active volcano "Katataraku" lies Jigokudani , a geothermal wonderland that forms a part of the "Noboribetsu Volcano" along with Oyunuma and Hiyoriyama . With a diameter of approximately 450 meters and covering an area of around 11 hectares, Jigokudani serves as the source of Noboribetsu Onsen , a renowned hot spring town where high-temperature fumaroles and hydrothermal activity continue to mesmerize visitors. In recognition of its unique ecological importance, Jigokudani has been designated as a "Special Protection Area" within the Shikotsu-Toya National Park . Jigokudani - Noboribetsu City, Hokkaido Prefecture The formation of Jigokudani can be traced back to vo
Keep reading

Agusan Del Sur: Bunawan Ecopark and Wildlife Reservation Center

Image
Found in Barangay Consuelo, Bunawan in the province of Agusan Del Sur, Bunawan Ecopark and Wildlife Reservation Center became famous for its world known centerpiece exhibit. Bunawan arc That exhibit is named Lolong , the world's longest salt water crocodile ever caught. Lolong was captured in Bunawan Creek, a part of the vast Agusan Marsh on September 3, 2011. Lolong In November of the same year, an Australian crocodile expert from the National geographic measured Lolong and confirmed that the crocodile was indeed the longest ever caught. the enormous Lolong measured 20 feet and 24 inches from snout to tail beating the Australian croc named Cassius which formerly holds the said title. A young kid views the croc 5 times his size Six months later, Lolong was officially certified by the Guinness Book of World records as the " World's Biggest Crocodile in Captivity ". Bunawan Mayor Elorde with some foreign guests Bunawan Mayor Cox Elorde t
Keep reading

Kamay ni Hesus Shrine - Quezon

Image
Kamay ni Hesus Shrine,  or simply Kamay ni Hesus   is a famous religious shrine and grotto. It is l ocated in Barangay Tinamnan, Lucban in the province of Quezon. Kamay ni Hesus Shrine Kamay ni Hesus Shrine History Also known as  Via Dolorosa Grotto , Kamay ni Hesus Shrine was built under the initiative of Fr. Joseph "Joey" Faller in 2003. He is known as a gifted healing priest. Due to Fr. Faller's healing masses, Kamay ni Hesus Shrine became one of the country's most visited healing centers. Kamay ni Hesus Shrine - Lucban, Quezon Statues of saints can be seen in different areas of Kamay ni Hesus Shrine A replica of Pieta by Michelangelo Pilgrims look like ants from a distance. Kamay ni Hesus Healing Church Inside the Kamay ni Hesus Healing Church One of the highlights of Kamay ni Hesus Shrine is the 50-foot statue of Christ with his arm wide open found on the top of a hill. This statue is often referred to as the Risen Christ or Ascending
Keep reading

Daisetsuzan National Park - Hokkaido

Image
Daisetsuzan National Park ( 大雪山国立公園 ) spans 2,267 square kilometers and encompasses 16 peaks, offering diverse trails, abundant wildlife, and alpine flora. This is the largest national park in Hokkaido, Japan . This vast park covers parts of Kitami City, Asahikawa City, Furano City, and the towns of Higashikawa, Kamifurano, Minamifurano, and Kamishihoro. However, a large part of the park is inside the town of Kamikawa but for this article, I will write about my experience in the Higashikawa part of the Daisetsuzan National Park . Daisetsuzan National Park  Daisetsuzan National Park details Nestled in the heart of Hokkaido, Japan 's northernmost prefecture, lies the breathtaking Daisetsuzan National Park . Known affectionately as the "roof of Hokkaido," this expansive park is a haven for nature lovers, adventurers, and seekers of tranquility. Daisetsuzan National Park - Hokkaido Spanning an impressive 2,267 square kilometers, Daisetsuzan National Park is home to the awe
Keep reading