9 days
From US $2,395
Essential Philippines Bike Tour
This is an epic journey that unfolds across some of the Philippines' most scenic islands. We ride through golden sands, lush green forests, sunny skies, cool breezes, and just soak in the relaxed holiday vibe that permeates everything and every place in the Philippines.
Each day offers a new discovery as we island-hop across some of the Philippines' most iconic destinations. Along the way, immerse yourself in the rich culture and warm hospitality of the Filipino people, savoring delicious local cuisine and forging unforgettable memories.
Cebu
Cebu
casual
easy to moderate
60km/36mi
6
Cebu (CEB)
Cebu (CEB)
Min. 2, Max. 12
Highlights
Natural Wonders That Leave You Awestruck
Traverse the scenic landscapes of Bohol, home to the iconic Chocolate Hills. Cycle through picturesque fields and lush jungle, and enjoy breathtaking views of emerald rice terraces.Itinerary
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Place | casual Inns or similar | Meals | Distance | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAY 1 | Cebu | Quest Hotel | D | ||
| DAY 2 | Loboc, Bohol | Loboc River Resort | B,L,D | 30km / 18mi | cycling |
| DAY 3 | Carmen | Villa del Carmen | B,L,D | 30km / 18mi | cycling |
| DAY 4 | Anda | Blue Star Resort | B,L,D | 80km / 50mi | cycling |
| DAY 5 | Anda | Blue Star Resort | B,L,D | ||
| DAY 6 | Dimiao | Loboc River Resort | B,L,D | 65km / 40 mi | cycling |
| DAY 7 | Tagbilaran | Bohol Tropics Resort | B,L,D | 55km / 33mi | cycling |
| DAY 8 | Cebu | Marco Polo | B,L,D | 50km / 30mi | cycling |
| DAY 9 | Cebu | B |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Cebu
Welcome to Cebu, the 'Queen City of the South'! In the evening, join us for a tour briefing and a welcoming dinner. If you arrive early, explore the city's rich history as the landing site of the Spanish in the 16th century. As the second largest city in the Philippines and the main center of the Visayas region, Cebu offers a vibrant coastal metropolis with sprawling neighbourhoods, bustling markets, and delicious local cuisine.
Day 2: Loboc, Bohol
We start the day with an early morning boat ride to the beautiful island of Bohol. After a leisurely lunch, we set out on a gentle cycling adventure. Our first stop, about 10 km in, is the Tarsier Sanctuary, where we meet the world’s smallest primates. After this unique encounter, we continue cycling through lush rice fields on our way to Loboc. Once there, we check into our resort and unwind by the serene and scenic Loboc River.
Day 3: Carmen
Today’s ride is a relaxed one, though a few climbs will keep things interesting. Along the way, we’ll pause to experience a thrilling zipline, explore a man-made forest, and visit a butterfly sanctuary. Our journey culminates at the world-famous Chocolate Hills, where we stop for lunch. Afterward, we check into our resort and unwind, taking in the stunning sunset and watching the Chocolate Hills transform with the changing colors of the evening sky.
Day 4: Anda
A full day of adventure lies ahead. We begin with an easy 15 kilometers on flat terrain before tackling a challenging 15-kilometer climb. Stunning views along the way offer the perfect excuse to pause, catch our breath, and snap some photos. After conquering the ascent, we’re rewarded with a breathtaking 22-kilometer descent, winding past terraced rice fields and quaint villages, all with panoramic views of the sea. Following a well-deserved lunch in Anda, we continue with a scenic coastal ride to our resort, where relaxation awaits.
Day 5: Anda
Today is a designated rest day, offering a variety of leisure activities. Anda is ideal for snorkeling, diving, or exploring a picturesque waterfall and rice terraces. Additionally, you can opt for a boat tour to Lamanoc Island.
Day 6: Dimiao
Today’s ride takes us inland, where we’ll cycle through picturesque rice fields and enjoy beautiful views along the way. A smooth yet steady climb leads us to a serene water reservoir, the perfect spot for our lunch break. Afterward, we load the bikes onto the van to skip a section we’ve already cycled. Twenty kilometers later, we unload and enjoy a leisurely downhill ride back to our resort. Midway, we’ll stop at a refreshing waterfall for a chance to cool off with a dip in its crisp, clear waters.
Day 7: Tagbilaran
We begin our morning ride along the scenic coast, heading towards Panglao Island. Once there, we’ll enjoy lunch at the renowned Bee Farm, known for its organic delights. Afterward, we explore a fascinating cave before making our way back to the resort in Tagbilaran for a relaxing evening.
Day 8: Cebu
We begin our journey at the outskirts of the city, pedaling through easy and scenic routes. After cycling 12 kilometers, we arrive at the Tarsier Sanctuary, home to the world's smallest primates, where we pause to marvel at these fascinating creatures.
Our ride continues through picturesque rice terraces and the tranquil countryside until we reach Loboc, a charming town nestled by the serene Loboc River. From here, we cycle along the river, with the option to stop and explore a unique hanging bridge.
Post-cycling, we take a ferry to Cebu.
Day 9: Cebu
You have the option to extend your stay in Cebu or venture to your next destination. With countless more islands waiting to be explored, the possibilities are endless!
Ready to plan your adventure? Download a print-ready detailed itinerary.
Map
Dates and Prices
Single Supplement
From US $350
E-Bike Upgrade
From US $110
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Essential Info
Inclusions
LODGING
All hotels as mentioned in the tour details or similar (subject to availability).
trip leader
Expert Trip Leader(s) who look after your every need and add meaning to your vacation.
bike
Immaculately maintained bike with helmet, suited to a terrain.
shuttle
A Van support follows the group of riders and carries all belongings.
Airport pickup and drop
Enjoy a hassle-free start and finish to your journey.
meals
Meals as per itinerary. Guests are given the opportunity to dine on their own so that they discover a location independently.
refreshments
Refreshments and mineral water while cycling.
entrance
Entrance fees to most of the monuments and temples.
Exclusions
Beverages
Beverages such as alcohol, tea, coffee, juice at a hotel or restaurant.
Gratuity
Gratuities for your guide team are not included in the trip price.
Bikes
When you have a road and the thrill of a journey ahead of you, it’s imperative to have a good bike to enjoy it. Our fleet majorly consist of the below bikes as a part of this tour. However, sometimes due to height or availability constraints, we may provide a different but similar quality bike.
Marin or similar
Included in your trip price
E-Velo or similar
Available at a surcharge
Weather
Philippines is a tropical archipelago located close to the Equator. As such, the best time to cycle Philippines is the winter months of the northern hemisphere, which are November, December, January, and February.
Maximum daytime temperatures hover around 29°C (84.2°F) with little rainfall.
April and May are hot, while in June, the monsoon sets in bringing heavy rainfall. The rainfall begins to taper as the months progress.
By October, the temperatures cool down and the rainfall reduces to make cycling pleasant again.
January
Best
February
Best
March
Good
April
Offseason
May
Offseason
June
Offseason
July
Mixed
August
Mixed
September
Mixed
October
Good
November
Best
December
Best
Best
Good
Mixed
Offseason
What to Pack
Packing smart is essential for a safe and enjoyable cycling adventure. From essential biking gear to clothing and travel necessities, this guide ensures you're prepared for any terrain or climate.
Recommended Bicycling Clothes & Gear
- Bicycling shoes or stiff-soled sneakers.
- Padded cycling shorts.
- Short-fingered cycling gloves (personal gloves are ideal).
- Brightly colored cycling jerseys or synthetic T-shirts for visibility.
- Synthetic cycling socks.
- Sunglasses with UV protection.
- Personal helmet (recommended even though provided).
- Personal saddle (optional for added comfort).
- Rain jacket or windbreaker.
- Cycling water bottle (to reduce plastic waste).
Note: Helmets, gloves, and water bottles are personal items, so bringing your own is recommended for maximum comfort and hygiene.
Clothing
- Light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.
- Full-sleeved clothing for sun protection.
- Warm layers for chilly mornings and evenings (if traveling in winter).
- Comfortable footwear for non-cycling time.
- Bring a compact rain jacket in case of sudden weather changes.
- Ethnic or modest clothing for exploring towns and temples.
Other Necessities
- Toiletries: Basic hygiene essentials, including insect/mosquito repellent and sunscreen.
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes.
- Plug socket adaptor.
- Binoculars for wildlife spotting or desert landscapes.
Pro Tips
- Pack light but plan for the varying temperatures: warm days, chilly evenings, and desert winds.
- Use brightly colored clothing for visibility on roads.
- Pack light to leave room for shopping.
Luggage
Please limit your luggage to one medium-sized suitcase and one carry-on bag. Mark your luggage with your name, address, and phone number.
Visa Information
Before venturing on your adventure, make sure you're equipped with essential travel advice, including security updates, local laws, and crucial passport and visa information. Start by visiting the official government website of your home country for accurate and reliable guidance:
- UK Residents: Stay informed by reviewing the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice.
- US Residents: Access vital travel tips and updates through the US Department of State Travel Advice.
- Australian Residents: Plan ahead with the latest updates on the Smart Traveller website.
- Canadian Residents: Find comprehensive travel and visa guidance on the Government of Canada's Travel Advice and Advisories.
- New Zealand Residents: Get practical travel advice on the New Zealand SafeTravel website
- Residents of Other Countries: Check with your government or local consulate for tailored travel advice and requirements.
Note: Passport and visa regulations can change at any time. Stay proactive by checking for the latest updates to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
The fitness level required for each trip is indicated by the "level" of the tour, which in turn is mentioned on each tour page right next to the price and the trip duration.
Easy: The terrain is mostly flat with a few gentle climbs.
Moderate: The terrain is either mostly flat or consists of rolling hills with a few challenging climbs. There could also be a few days with longer riding distances of up to 75 kms (45 miles)
Difficult: The terrain is mostly hilly with strong elevation gains and/or has long days on the bike. Such trips are recommended for intermediate to advanced cyclists.
Please note that we usually bike around 4-5 hours per day irrespective of the level of the trip.
Yes, your trip leader will carry bottled water or RO water in a camper in the support van for guests' use.
Yes, please communicate your dietary preferences to your trip leader and they'll ensure that the food you eat is spiced as per your requirements.
The road surface is mostly good. 90% of the cycling on this bike tour happens on paved roads.
We've designed this itinerary such that most of the cycling happens on quieter countryside roads far from busy traffic. The shuttle transfers on this tour have been strategically planned to bypass busy vehicular traffic.
We are not medical advisors, and as such are not qualified to dispense medical advice. However, we recommend consulting the resources below for advice on vaccines and medications:
- CDC portal for travelers from the US
- NHS' Fit For Travel portal for travelers from the UK
- Smart Traveller portal or travelers from Australia.
In addition to the above, you may also refer to the travel advice issued from time to time by your government.
While your tour price covers most common expenses, a few meals are not included in the itinerary. This allows you the opportunity to dine independently and explore the local cuisine at your own pace. Your guides will be happy to provide recommendations if desired. As a general guideline, you can budget approximately US $100–200 per person for additional expenditures over the course of the trip.
Tips are not included in your tour price.
As a general rule, you may tip US$ 15-25 per person per day.
This figure is for the entire crew including the trip leader, the driver, and other support staff.
However, you are not obligated to tip, and you can always tip less or more than the above amount depending on the level of service you received on tour.
It is usually the norm to tip the tour guide, who then distributes the amount among the entire crew. However, you can also tip each individual member of the crew if you so desire.
In case you want to tip the staff at a hotel such as porters, you may pay them US $2-3 per day.
The meeting time on Day 1 is mentioned in your travel planner shared with you. You can arrive either on the morning of Day 1 depending on the meeting time, or book a pre-tour night to arrive a day earlier.
On the final day, we arrange a group transfer to the airport. For added convenience and to account for any unforeseen delays, we highly recommend spending your last night in Negombo before departing on your international flight.
Yes, you may wear riding shorts while riding your bike. When not cycling, it would be advisable to wear comfortable full-length pants. We recommend keeping a pair of comfortable pants handy in you support van.
When visiting temples and monuments, visitors should wear full-length, loose-fitting pants. Holy places of certain religions may also require covering your head. Your guide will inform of the dress etiquette required for visiting specific religious places.
You can exchange currency at the airport itself, or at ATMs in larger cities. Most commercial establishments will accept international credit cards for payments, though its good to carry some local currency with you at all times.
For answers to broader questions, please visit our Comprehensive FAQs section.
