Quitinday Hills And Nature Park: The Beauty Of An Average Life

Sometimes, the most beautiful things are the ones you nearly overlook. Standing at the top of Quitinday Hills and Nature Park, I felt like a foolish hopeless romantic, chasing my dream girl. 

Throughout the day, I waited for the clouds to disappear, hoping Mayon Volcano would finally reveal itself in all her glory. 

But in my relentless pursuit of that perfect shot and moment, I almost missed what was quietly waiting around me. 

It wasn’t the iconic, postcard-worthy view I had imagined.

But guess what?

It was something even better. 

It was something that wouldn’t go viral on Instagram but would leave an imprint on my soul.

Quitinday Hills reminded me of something I had forgotten in my quest to become a better version of myself.

What did the hills teach me on this adventure? 

And was the entire trip, with all its detours and effort, worth it?

My Quitinday Hills And Nature Park experience 

When I planned our trip to Albay, I just had one mission in mind: to see the iconic Mayon Volcano.

That was it.

I even said we’d go straight to the airport and end our Albay day tour once Mayon Volcano showed up.

Everything, besides Mayon Volcano, would be just a bonus on this trip.

But things didn’t work as I’d planned.

Throughout the day, we kept chasing Mount Mayon, hoping it would finally show up.

Unfortunately, our pursuit remained fruitless.

But we had one more chance to see it in its full glory: Quitinday Hills.

As our guide has said, Quitinday Hills and Nature Park is one of the best places to see the perfect cone-shaped Mayon Volcano.

The journey to Quitinday Hills

I wasn’t raised a quitter.

Even though the odds were against me, I wasn’t giving up the fight.

Yes, I may be relatively young and have multiple opportunities to see Mount Mayon again.

So, if you can do something now, don’t waste time, and do it.

But the future is full of uncertainties.

Because the reality is, sometimes “later” becomes “never”.

As I’ve said before, if you don’t drink the coffee now, it will turn stone-cold later.

And perhaps, this is my one and only shot at seeing this icon without the clouds. 

From Cagsawa Ruins, we traveled to Sumlang Lake, hoping to finally see the volcano.

Along the way, we caught glimpses of Mount Mayon’s full beauty.

It wasn’t perfect, but Magayon was slowly showcasing her picture-perfect shape.

We couldn’t wait to arrive at Sumlang Lake and see the volcano.

Soon, we arrived at Sumlang Lake and were blown away by its charm.

While it was a little touristy, the lake was a thing of beauty.

We took a breather there and just admired the sights.

And we kept waiting until I realized we might miss a couple of attractions if we waited for the volcano to show up.

So, I asked our guide if there was a spot where we’d see the volcano on our way to the next stop.

And he said Quitinday Hills and Nature Park would be our best shot.

Without wasting any moment, we hopped on the tricycle, and traveled from Sumlang Lake to Quitinday Hills in Camalig, Albay.

Exploring Quitinday Hills and Nature Park

The drive from Sumlang Lake to Quitinday Hills and Nature Park was long and steep.

With dark skies and chilly temperatures, we almost fell asleep on our journey.

Our guide said it would take about 30 minutes to reach the park from the lake.

But it seemed the trip took about an hour.

When I checked the time, I found out we didn’t have enough time to explore Quitinday Hills and Nature Park.

If we spent over an hour hiking the park, we might miss our flight back home.

And that’s why I was forced to do something I didn’t want to do: rush the experience.

After quick refreshments at the canteen, we began our hike to the top of Quitinday Hills and Nature Park.

We followed the paved, concrete pathway to the top without making any stops.

Of course, we were huffing and puffing on our way to the top.

But with time not on our side, we couldn’t afford to pause and take a break on this hike.

Heck, even a short rest could affect our flight later that day.

We should have traveled from Cagsawa Ruins to Quitinday Hills

Surprisingly, though, it didn’t seem a problem.

Although I’m no longer the strong hiker that I once was, I have a whole bag of tricks and techniques in hiking.

Moments later, we arrived at a flat area with some stunning views of the hills.

We noticed two view decks and vantage points on this part of Quitinday Hills and Nature Park.

I picked the first or left one, thinking it was the best vantage point.

Like trail runners, we sprinted our way to the top of the view deck and were mesmerized by the view.

I’ll be honest.

The views weren’t exactly jaw-dropping, mind-blowing, otherworldly, or out-of-this-world beautiful.

It looked a bit like my favorite mountain in Cebu, Casino Peak.

Quitinday Hills and Nature Park isn’t as stunning as Mount Pulag or Mount Apo.

Somehow, it had this unique charm and magic that I couldn’t explain at that time.

What was it?

I checked the other overlook and realized it was a better vantage point to see Mayon Volcano.

Once again, we rushed and ran like gazelles to reach the second overlook.

My niece, along the way, said she wasn’t going because she was exhausted with this speedy hike.

Then, we arrived at the overlook and got a look at Mayon Volcano. 

Unfortunately, the volcano was covered in clouds and the skies were slowly turning darker.

This was our last chance to see a Philippine icon.

And this might be the only trip to Albay in my lifetime.

You see.

Anything can happen tomorrow. 

The future is a lot like the clouds shrouding Mayon the whole day.

It’s unpredictable, ever-shifting, and beyond our control. 

You chase it, you plan for it and you even imagine what it could look like. 

But the future moves at its own pace and rhythm. 

And as I stared at the volcano covered in a thick white blanket, I realized that the real tragedy isn’t in the things you miss. 

It’s in the moments you fail to enjoy because you’re too busy waiting for perfection.

And I missed so many wonderful sights and attractions that day just because I waited for the picture-perfect view of Mayon Volcano.

As soon as that thought crossed my mind, I just said f*ck it and let’s enjoy the moment.

While admiring the scenery and Chocolate Hills-like charm, the winds whispered a quiet truth: not everything needs to be monumental to be meaningful. 

Sometimes, the most profound experiences are those simple and we didn’t plan.

Enjoying the simple beauty of the hills

I have seen several Quitinday Hills and Nature Park photos before.

But it really feels different when you are there in person.

The thing is, there’s more to these hills than its scenic beauty.

The hills and fresh mountain breeze were melting all my stress and worries away.

And maybe that’s the real magic of Quitinday Hills and Nature Park.

The park wasn’t as iconic and stunning as Mount Mayon, but it gave me the feeling of being untangled from the chaos of modern life. 

Standing there, I wasn’t just admiring the hills.

I was breathing in a sense of peace I hadn’t realized I desperately needed. 

The earthy scent and the gentle breeze were nature’s way of reminding me to pause, exhale, and just be.

And it was like a wise philosopher reminding me of lessons I haven’t practiced.

Quitinday Hills and Nature Park reminded me of one of the most important lessons in Stoicism: focus on things you can control.

The clouds hiding Mayon? 

I couldn’t change that. 

The sudden downpours and cloudy sky? 

Absolutely out of my hands. 

But what I could control was my perspective and response to these unexpected events.

And I should have slowed down a bit on this hike in Quitinday Hills and Nature Park.

I shouldn’t have pressured myself to see the iconic volcano that day.

I know I said life is fleeting, and we’re not certain what will happen tomorrow.

But everything happens for a reason.

I should have trusted the Universe, and his grand, elaborate plans.

The Universe always finds a way to humble you and remind you of lessons you have forgotten.

And no one warned me that the Universe keeps quiet reminders, tallying everything we overlook.

On our way back

Even though our hike was short, Quitinday Hills and Nature Park was filled with beautiful memories and lessons. 

As we made our way back, I couldn’t believe how a simple and ordinary-looking hilly area could do wonders for your soul.

Then, it hit me.

Suddenly, the words “simple and ordinary” painted many different images of my life in the past few years.

The truth is, Quitinday Hills and Nature Park was a reflection of how I try to live my life.

Like my life, it’s simple, unpretentious, and often overshadowed by iconic attractions in Albay, including Mayon Volcano and Cagsawa Ruins.

But most people don’t know there’s beauty to being ordinary, average, and simple.

And I, personally, can attest to that.

Despite having this travel blog, my life has always been average and simple.

Ever since high school, I have never felt like I’m the most remarkable, successful, and talented person in any room.

And you know what?

I feel so happy and at peace with this idea.

I can always find happiness in small wins. 

Plus, I can easily enjoy ordinary daily moments, like the fresh mountain air, and the sun rising from the eastern horizon.

And the best part is, having a simple and average life means you have freedom.

I mean.

You are free from the pressure to be remarkable and extraordinary.

And you are free from the pressure to prove something.

Today, the world glorifies people who are extreme and out of the ordinary.

The world gives recognition to these people for their unique feats, personalities, and characteristics. 

I don’t want to be one of them.

Don’t get me wrong. It doesn’t mean I want to be completely invisible.

But being average means I can live life without recognition, and do leisure activities and artistic hobbies without pressure.

In recent years, people have been asking me when I’m going to shift to Vlogging or doing videos. 

They always say I would get more attention and followers if I focus on videos instead.

My answer?

Never!

I travel and blog not because I want recognition for my work.

I travel and blog simply because I love doing these things, and they satisfy my soul.

And being “average” and an out-fashioned blogger has helped me become a better writer.

That’s because I don’t feel the pressure to please brands and target audiences.

I can cuss, and even write some weird stuff and themes as I please.

The flight back home

We didn’t see Mount Mayon that day. 

At first, you might think it was a loss or a forgettable experience.

But I would disagree.

Every trip, whether it’s a success or a disaster, will teach me something new.

And this time, it has reminded me to be simple and average.

Furthermore, it has reminded me to trust the Universe.

After all, the Universe has a grand plan, and this trip might be a twist or a chapter of a novel he’s crafting.

While boarding the plane, I suddenly remembered that this flight was free because of a canceled flight in Bacolod.

As you can see, he does work in mysterious ways. 

Perhaps, this failed attempt to see a volcano might lead to another adventure.

As the plane took off, I smiled. 

I didn’t see Mount Mayon, but I found something better: the beauty of letting go and enjoying what’s right in front of me.

How much is the Quitinday Green Hills entrance fee?

The entrance fee to Quitinday Hills is 70 PHP for adults, 40 PHP for kids 8 to 12 years old, and 60 PHP for senior citizens.

How to go to Quitinday Hills?

The best way to get to Quitinday Hills and Nature Park is to take a tricycle Albay tour. It’s convenient, affordable, and includes stops at multiple Albay attractions. If you prefer to take this route, I recommend reaching out to Sir Alvin. You may contact him at 09171104386 or via this Facebook profile.