Quitinday Hills

The Quitinday Hills rise from Albay's farmland as a group of small, almost perfectly conical mounds covered in grass - the same karst-and-erosion story that produced Bohol's Chocolate Hills, on a much smaller scale and greener for most of the year. A short walk of fifteen to twenty minutes climbs the tallest of them, and from the top the whole cluster spreads below with Mayon standing behind on clear days, which is the picture everyone comes for. Underneath, the Quitinday underground river and cave system runs through the limestone: guided trips wade and swim a passage with formations and cold water, and equipment and lamps are arranged locally. The site is community-managed, low-key and far quieter than Albay's headline attractions, and it pairs naturally with Hoyop-hoyopan Cave and Sumlang Lake on the same Camalig circuit.

What you actually see

• The cone hills - green mounds in a tight cluster.
• The Mayon backdrop - the volcano behind on clear days.
• The underground river - the guided cave passage below.
• The farm valley - Albay's fields all around.

When to go

November to May for firm trails and clearer skies; the hills are greenest just after the rains. Mornings for the Mayon view.

Honest expectations

The climb is short but steep and slippery in wet grass. The cave trip involves wading and swimming - not for the claustrophobic, and guides are required. Facilities are minimal.

Nearby

Hoyop-hoyopan Cave, Sumlang Lake and the Cagsawa ruins are all within half an hour.