Sep
11
2015
Infanta is a municipality of Quezon Province. To reach this town from Metro Manila, one needs to cross the Sierra Madre mountain range either by Marcos Highway or through Manila-East Road then Sinilioan-Famy-Real-Infanta Road.
The Marikina–Infanta Highway, also known as the Marcos Highway or MARILAQUE Highway (MARILAQUE stands for Manila-Rizal-Laguna-Quezon), is a scenic mountain 110-kilometer highway that connects Metro Manila with Infanta, Quezon in the Philippines.
The Marikina-Infanta Road was built in the '70s specifically to connect Metro Manila to Infanta, Quezon where a port was being established. Since Infanta is at the side of the Pacific ocean, ships carrying goods will no longer pass through Batangas port making delivery of good to Manila more faster.
The highway starts in Marikina near Katipunan Avenue, the Loyola Heights segment of Circumferential Road 5, in Quezon City. It traverses the Marikina Valley and passes through Antipolo, where it intersects the Sumulong Highway (at Masinag). After Masinag the road starts its ascent towards the Sierra Madre passing through Tanay, Rizal, Santa Maria, Laguna, finally to Infanta, Quezon.
The Marikina-Infanta Road is now considered as one of the most beautiful highways throughout the Philippines. The construction of this road is an engineering feat as it rivals that of Baguio-Nueva Viscaya Road as per design and beauty.
Driving through the Boso Boso area in Antipolo City, the picturesque Sierra Madre looms on the horizon. As the ascent starts, the beauty of the mountains and the countryside becomes more glaring. With reflectorized warning signs at every turn or bend and metal/concrete barriers at dangerous cliffs, the traveler gets that safe feeling as he continues to marvel at the natural wonders of the mountains of Tanay.
There are many small sari-sari store along the highway from Marikina to Tanay area, while after Sampaloc, there are only few stores available
Dilapidated and abandoned houses are also seen along the highway...
...and decent houses too.
Somewhere, you will find a basketball court along the way...
...and some junks.
Highest peak is at the Summit at 2,500 feet (762 meters). The scenic views, flora and fauna and the quiet surrounding is priceless. A relaxing drive and a scenic view of the Sierra Madre was indeed a good stress reliever.
And at the end of mountain adventure... Infanta