The best cycling routes in the Philippines

The Philippines offers a vast network of touring cycling routes, with over 1,500 routes recorded on komoot. These routes cater to various skill levels, from easy rides to challenging mountain passes.

The best time for touring cycling in the Philippines is generally during the dry season, which typically runs from November to May. This period offers more stable weather conditions, making it ideal for exploring the diverse landscapes without the heavy rains of the monsoon season.

Yes, the Philippines has numerous routes suitable for beginners. Over 580 routes are rated as easy on komoot. While specific beginner routes aren't detailed here, coastal areas like those in Bohol or Siargao Island often provide flatter, more relaxed rides. For a moderate option, consider the Hinulugang Taktak – Hinulugang Taktak Falls loop from Santolan-Annapolis, which offers a mix of urban and natural environments.

For experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, the Philippines offers routes with significant elevation gains and varied terrain. The Cordillera Mountain Range in Luzon, with routes around Banaue and Baguio, provides demanding climbs and dramatic mountain views. Volcanic landscapes like Mount Pinatubo also offer challenging rides through unique lahar and sandy terrains. On komoot, there are nearly 400 routes rated as difficult, such as the Entrance to Puting Bato Route – Sea of Clouds View, Bosoboso loop from Ortigas, which features substantial climbs over 104 km.

Absolutely! Many touring cycling routes in the Philippines pass by stunning natural attractions. For instance, the Hinulugang Taktak – Hinulugang Taktak Falls loop from Santolan-Annapolis includes a visit to Hinulugang Taktak Falls. Other notable waterfalls in the country include Kawasan Falls and Cambugahay Falls, which can be incorporated into longer touring plans. The Chocolate Hills in Bohol also offer a unique geological formation to explore.

Yes, many touring cycling routes in the Philippines are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Sea of Clouds View, Bosoboso – Entrance to Puting Bato Route loop from GMA Kamuning and the Cycles & Brew Café – CDC Parade Grounds loop from Lourdes Northwest. The Marinduque Loop also offers a 120km island ride with scenic coastal roads and quiet provincial highways.

The touring cycling routes in the Philippines are highly regarded by the komoot community, holding an impressive average rating of 4.6 stars from over 1,900 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse terrain, from coastal roads to challenging mountain passes, and the breathtaking scenery that makes each ride a unique adventure.

The Philippines offers excellent touring cycling opportunities across its islands. Luzon, particularly the Cordillera Mountain Range (Banaue, Baguio) and Rizal Province (Marilaque Highway), is known for challenging mountain routes. Visayas, with islands like Cebu (Cebu Transcentral Highway) and Bohol (Chocolate Hills, Loboc River), provides a mix of coastal and rolling hill rides. Palawan and Siargao also offer beautiful coastal and island-hopping experiences.

The Philippines, being part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, offers dramatic volcanic landscapes for cycling. Mount Pinatubo in Zambales provides a challenging ride through a desert-like landscape of lahar, while the areas surrounding Mayon Volcano in Albay are popular for adventure seekers, offering rides up to a six-kilometer stretch of lava debris with 360-degree views.

Yes, many routes in the Philippines offer a glimpse into local life and cultural heritage. In Bohol, for example, you can explore routes around heritage churches and rural communities, or ride along the Loboc River through lush greenery and local villages. The ancient rice terraces of Banaue in the Cordillera Mountain Range also provide a stunning cultural backdrop for cycling.

For those looking for longer distances, the Philippines has routes that can extend over 100 kilometers. The Entrance to Puting Bato Route – Sea of Clouds View, Bosoboso loop from Ortigas is a challenging 104.6 km trail. The Marinduque Loop is another notable long-distance option, offering a 120km island ride.