Island Hopping the Philippines

This tour is 13 days long, with 10 riding days.

You'll ride a total of 562 km in 10 cycling days and across three islands. The route is designed to experience a wide variety of the Philippines’ terrain and scenery, including rural areas, forests, highlands, and coasts. All of the riding takes place on paved roads. Most days involve climbing though the downhills are equally as prominent - some are truly exciting as we come down from mountains to the coast. Your guide’s expert knowledge of the area and terrain means that you always know what is coming up in terms of distance and difficulty. This makes a tremendous difference, as does the constant supply of water and refreshments along the way. This tour is fully supported with a vehicle following us at all times. In Bohol and Siquijor, you'll use quintessential Filipino jeepneys; converted jeeps with benches in the back. These are open-air with no AC. In Cebu, you'll use a Commuter Van with AC.

The riding is complemented with visits to historic sites such as impressive Spanish-colonial churches and areas of natural beauty, such as the Chocolate Hills or the interior highlands Siquijor. In the afternoons, there is usually plenty of time for R&R in the well-appointed tour hotels and resorts, most having pools. You'll have one rest day on the coast near Anda and at various other points in the tour there are opportunities for optional activities such as snorkelling.

Suitability: This tour offers a mix of challenging and leisurely riding. Climbing can be expected on most days, with both gradual and steep ascents throughout the tour. Downhills and flat sections provide a nice balance and are just as prominent. Having a basic level of physical fitness, being comfortable on a mountain bike, and possessing good handling skills will allow you to enjoy this tour more. The main challenge of the tour is keeping up stamina over back-to-back riding days and cycling in the tropical heat. The pace is leisurely and with plenty of refreshment stops so riders with less experience are more than welcome to join. A support vehicle is available at all times to provide refuge for weary riders. Almost all of the riding takes place on paved roads, so this tour is not suitable for any riders seeking off-road experiences.

Biking Conditions: You'll cycle almost entirely on paved roads. Most are in very good condition, though the occasional broken or cratered road does present itself - nothing that the mountain bikes can’t handle! There are no designated bike paths in the Philippines and the width of shoulders vary. So, be prepared to share the road with other vehicles, such as jeepneys, motorized rickshaws, cars and the occasional bus. While near towns or popular attractions, some busier traffic should be expected, for the majority of the tour there is very light traffic and we have chosen routes based on the most scenic and quiet roads available. Rainfall is not uncommon in the Philippines at any time of year. You'll generally ride rain or shine, but based on the guide’s discretion or your level of comfort, modifications to the planned route can be made. It’s all part of the adventure!

You are not required to pay a surcharge for travelling alone. The tour operator will arrange for you to share accommodation with another traveller of the same gender. If you cannot be matched, they will provide a single room at no extra charge. If you prefer not to share, a single supplement is payable to guarantee your own room.

The weather in the Philippines is generally characterized by a tropical climate with high temperatures and high humidity throughout the year. Average temperatures range from approximately 25 to 32 degrees Celsius (77 to 89.6 degrees Fahrenheit). The country experiences a distinct wet season from June to November, with the southwest monsoon bringing heavy rainfall. The dry season, from December to May, is marked by warmer temperatures and lower humidity. Typhoons, or tropical cyclones, are common during the wet season, particularly between July and October. Weather patterns are often unpredictable, so rain can also fall during the dry season and extended days of sunny weather can occur during the rainy season! Usually, rainfall happens in quick bursts rather than extended downpours. As a general rule, you'll ride rain or shine.

Meals are included as per the itinerary where B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner.

Breakfasts will be served at the hotels which either offer a buffet or a-la-carte. Usually, there are options for Western or Filipino breakfast. Fruit is always available. Coffee is included but please note that it is often instant coffee, and fresh coffee may incur an additional charge. On day 11, as you have a pre-dawn start to board the first of two boats that day, you'll have breakfast at a restaurant in Dumaguete before continuing to Cebu. Lunches will be had at local restaurants along the cycling route. Meals will be mostly shared-style Filipino fare consisting of rice, stir-fries, veggies, soups, adobos, curries, noodle dishes, and any regional specialties. On Day 5, a free day, you can have lunch at the hotel or outside. On day 6 you'll have a picnic-style lunch near a reservoir, with meals taken with you from the hotel. Dinners will be had mostly at the hotels, alternating between shared-style Filipino food and giving you a chance to choose yourselves from the menu. Where good options are available, you may have dinner at a local restaurant instead of the hotel. Filipino food tends to be meat-heavy (especially pork) but there are plenty of options for vegetarians/vegans as well. Being a nation of islands, seafood also features prominently. Most dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for - please let us know at the time of booking.

Drink
Keeping you completely hydrated is a job we take very seriously. Water, local fruit, snacks and soft drinks are included in the tour price while riding. Soft drinks and other beverages during meals are not included. Beer and other alcohol is freely available everywhere, but is NOT included in the price.

Yes, if you're hiring a bike from the operator, a complimentary helmet is provided, although you are welcome to bring your own if you wish.