Quitinday Hills and Nature Park | Legazpi

Quitinday Green Hills, officially known as Quitinday Hills and Nature Park, is a geological formation in Camalig, Albay. The area features a series of conical, verdant mounds often compared to Bohol’s Chocolate Hills, offering a 360-degree panoramic view of the province and Mayon Volcano.

Visual Characteristics

The landscape consists of dozens of pointed, grass-covered limestone hills spread across 400 hectares. Unlike the Chocolate Hills, which turn brown in the dry season, these hills remain predominantly green. The peaks are connected by narrow, rolling ridges and well-defined trekking paths.

Location & Access Logistics

The park is located in Barangay Quitinday, Camalig, Albay.

Access: Approximately 20 kilometers west of Legazpi City.

Transport: Reachable via a 45-minute drive from Legazpi. Visitors typically take a jeepney to Camalig town center and then hire a tricycle for the rougher inland road to the park entrance.

Operating Hours: Open daily from 06:00 to 18:00.

Fees: An entrance fee (approximately PHP 20–50) is required for maintenance and conservation.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Geologically, the hills are limestone formations shaped by millions of years of erosion and tectonic activity. They are part of the broader karst landscape of Albay. The park was developed to promote eco-tourism and provide an alternative viewing point for Mayon Volcano while preserving the local biodiversity of the rolling grassland ecosystem.

Key Highlights & Activities

Trekking: A relatively easy 10-to-15-minute hike from the base leads to the primary viewing deck atop one of the highest hills.

Mayon Observation: Offers an unobstructed view of Mayon’s southwestern slope, providing a different perspective than the iconic Cagsawa or Daraga views.

Photography: The rolling "peaks and valleys" effect of the hills makes it a popular spot for landscape photography.

Nature Walks: The trails between hills allow for exploration of the local flora.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Facilities: The summit features bamboo-and-thatch viewing decks and benches. The base has a small registration office and basic restrooms.

Connectivity: Mobile signal is intermittent at the base but often stable on the hill summits.

Accessibility: While the hike is short, the path includes steep sections and uneven natural steps that may be difficult during wet weather.

Best Time to Visit

The early morning (06:00–08:00) is ideal for cooler temperatures and the best chance to see Mayon before clouds gather. The dry season (March to May) ensures the trails are safe and dry.

Facts & Legends

A unique feature of Quitinday is that it provides a "side profile" view of Mayon Volcano, where the terrain appears more rugged compared to its perfect cone silhouette seen from the east. It is frequently used by locals as a training ground for trail running and light mountain trekking.

Nearby Landmarks

Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave – 8.0km Northeast

Sumlang Lake – 10.0km Northeast

Camalig Church (St. John the Baptist) – 12.0km Northeast

Quituinan Hills – 9.0km North