Family Road Trip to Naga City

For over six years of visiting the Bicol region, I always sleep during the 10-12 hour long drive. But this time, I tried to stay awake but to no avail, I still slept. But I know the towns we were passing along our journey to Bicolandia. 

We left Santa Rita at around 6pm of September 20 and reached Naga City at around 6am. This 12 hour journey comes with stop over to pee and eat our packed dinner.

from google map

From Manila, we took South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and exited at Sto. Tomas, Batangas via Star Tollway.

We passed by the following towns:

• Sto. Tomas, Batangas
• Alaminos, Laguna
• San Pablo, Laguna

We took the diversion road to bypass the town proper of Tiaong, Quezon

Then the towns of:

• Candelaria, Quezon
• Sariaya, Quezon 
•  Lucena, Quezon 
•  Pagbilao, Quezon

Upon reaching the town of Atimonan, we took the famous Bitukang Manok or the Old Zigzag Road. This is also known as Quezon National Forest Park. You have to be an experienced driver if you plan to take this road especially at night time. These roads are known for its deep steep ravines. But there are volunteers traffic aides to assist the motorist and it’s up to you to give coins to show your appreciation. If you don’t want to take the Bitukang Manok, follow the buses and big trucks as they will pass the New Zigzag Road.

Then the towns of: 

• Plaridel, Quezon
• Gumaca, Quezon
• Calauag, Quezon
• Sta. Elena, Camarines Norte

Upon reaching Sta. Elena in Camarines Norte, we took the Rolando R. Andaya Hiway or the Quirino Hiway to reach Camarines Sur. This road shortened our travel by 1-2 hours as we bypass the towns in Camarines Norte.

Then the towns of:

• Tagkawayan, Quezon
• Del Gallego, Camarines Sur
• Ragay, Camarines Sur
• Lupi, Camarines Sur
• Sipocot, Camarines Sur
• Libmanan, Camarines Sur
• Pamplona, Camarines Sur
• San Fernando, Camarines Sur
• Milaor, Camarines Sur

At last, Welcome to Naga City!

Posted in: Camarines Sur, Family Road Trip to Naga City, Region 5, travel