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Island Hopping the Philippines
Duration
13 days
Site savings
$108
From
$3,487 USD
With so many islands to choose from, how does one even begin to decide on the ideal cycling route in the Philippines? This 13-day adventure set in the central island group of Visayas is the answer. You'll traverse four islands, riding on paved roads through countryside, jungles, and highlands, as well as skirting picturesque coastlines overlooking the Pacific. The cycling experience is enriched by plenty of stops at cultural sites, natural wonders, palm-fringed beaches and nights spent at lovely accommodation.
- CategorySolo
- TypeFully Guided
- Duration13 days
- Culture LevelAdventurous
- Skill Level3 - Intermediate
- Activity Level3 - Active
- Elevation3 - Intermediate
- TerrainCoastal
- Distance300.7 miles
- Avg. Daily Distance33.6 miles
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Quick Stats
- Duration13 days
- Main DestinationPhilippines
- Distance300.7 miles
- Avg. Daily Distance33.6 miles
- Elevation3 - Intermediate
- TerrainCoastal
Route Map (click to view larger image)
Itinerary Details
- Day 1Meet in Cebu
- Day 2Cebu - Tagbilaran - Loboc
In the early morning, you'll head to the pier to catch a ferry bound for Bohol Island. Watch as Cebu's cityscape fades into the endless blue expanse of the ocean. After a two-hour voyage, you'll arrive in the city of Tagbilaran where you'll meet the trusty support vehicle, a quintessential Filipino 'jeepney,' and transfer a short distance for lunch and bike fitting. Then, it's time to hit the road!
Today's ride covers a gentle 30 km, giving you your first taste of the charming Visayas countryside. After 12 km you'll stop for a break at a Tarsier Sanctuary. Tarsiers, the world’s smallest primates, are native to Bohol and with the help of a local guide, you’ll venture into the forest for a chance to encounter these adorable, tiny, nocturnal creatures taking their daytime siestas. While sightings are highly likely, bear in mind that these are wild animals so guarantees can’t be made. You'll then continue cycling through rural Bohol, tackling some hills before concluding with a fabulous, winding downhill to the picturesque Loboc River. At the lovely riverside resort, you can go kayaking, enjoy a massage, or simply chill by the pool! Additional activities are at your own expense.
- 18.6 miles
- -147.6 ft
971.1 ft
1,118.8 ft - Loboc River Resort
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 3Loboc - Chocolate Hills
Today’s ride takes you deep into Bohol’s interior. Doing so will require a fair bit of gradual climbing but the scenery along the way makes it well worth the effort. After 5 km, you'll swing by a viewpoint overlooking a gorge of the Loboc River enveloped in a thick jungle canopy. For those keen, you can glide above the gorge by zip line or cable car (at your own expense).
Back on the bikes, you can then gradually rise to the top of the Carmen Plateau, along the way passing through a rustic rural landscape of rice paddies, coconut groves, and fruit orchards. After around 40 km you'll reach the world-famous Chocolate Hills, an enchanting landscape blanketed by 1,200 symmetrical brown-earth hued mounds. Local legend has it that the hills were formed by quarreling giants hurling boulders at each other. There’s also a geological explanation, but that’s a little more technical! You'll ascend by car to one of the hills' peaks, where lunch and panoramic views await and spend the night at a quaint guesthouse near the town of Carmen.
- 32.9 miles
- 794 ft
2,129.3 ft
1,335.3 ft - Villa del Carmen
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 4Carmen - Sierra Bullones - Anda
Today presents a rewarding challenge as you traverse the Sierra Bullones highlands en route to the coastal haven of Anda. You'll begin with a leisurely 15 km on flat roads flanked by picturesque farmlands on either side. With your legs warmed up you’ll be ready to tackle a 17 km uphill into the rolling hills of Sierra Bullones. The landscape unfolds in a tapestry of lush jungle and emerald rice terraces, showcasing rural Philippines at its finest.
Accompanied by scenes of wallowing buffaloes and farmers tending to their fields you'll press forth to the summit at 790 m ASL. Once at the top, you'll know what comes next: a 20 km descent down the order side of the highlands, whisking past villages and treated to sweeping vistas of mist-clad mountains surrounding rice terraces. Arriving in Jagna, you'll refuel with lunch and continue your journey for another 30 km to Anda, tracing an undulating, coast-hugging route that offers frequent glimpses of scenic bays. The ride ends at a cosy boutique resort perched on a rocky headland overlooking the vast Pacific Ocean.
- 51.6 miles
- -751.3 ft
3,441.6 ft
4,192.9 ft - Blue Star Dive & Resort
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 5Anda Rest Day
- Day 6Anda - Dimiao
Today you'll get back on the bikes to discover more of Bohol off-the-beaten path. You'll begin with a short 6 km transfer in the jeepney and then begin cycling, enjoying scenes of the ebb and flow of daily life in Visayas. There are a few climbs to tackle but nothing too arduous and after 40 km you'll break for a picnic lunch on the shores of the Malinao Reservoir, a large, scenic lake with a peaceful ambience.
You'll cycle a few more kilometers and then jump in the jeepney for a 30-minute fast-track service to Bilar! Here you'll embark on your afternoon ride, following a mix of paved and broken roads meandering through the countryside with some fun, snaking downhills leading to the coast. You’ll break up the ride with a visit to a gorgeous little waterfall nestled in the jungle. Its pool of crystal clear water will surely be tempting for a refreshing dip before completing the final 5 km to reach accommodations on the rocky shores of Dimiao.
- 38.5 miles
- -413.4 ft
2,070.2 ft
2,483.6 ft - Kayla'a Beach Resort
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 7Dimiao - Panglao - Tagbilaran
Get ready for a great day of coastal riding. Starting from Dimiao, you'll head west passing by countless fishing villages and coastal towns. After 30 km you'll reach Baclayon, home to one of the oldest coral stone Catholic churches in the Philippines. The church’s weathered yet delicately curated facade and interior provide a tangible connection to the country’s Spanish colonial past and enduring Christian faith. You’ll spend some time exploring these hallowed grounds and then continue riding for 5 km to a bridge connecting the mainland to the offshore island of Panglao.
The rest of today’s route circumnavigates nearly the entire island, featuring rolling terrain of rural, residential, and semi-urban areas. At the 50 km mark, you'll stop for a delicious lunch with views over the Bohol Sea and then carry on to Alona Beach, well known for its white sands and lively atmosphere. The ride ends at the Hinagdanan Cave, an underground chamber adorned with delicate stalactites and stalagmites, and a crystal-clear pool illuminated by natural light. Here you'll jump into the jeepney and transfer 30 minutes to the bustling city of Tagbilaran which is where you’ll catch a boat to the next island the following morning!
- 47.2 miles
- 16.4 ft
1,246.7 ft
1,230.3 ft - Bohol Tropics Resort
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 8Tagbilaran - Siquijor
It’s time to switch islands for the second time! This morning you'll ride the bikes a quick 500m from the hotel to the nearby pier. You'll board a boat bound for Siquijor and simply relax for two hours as you glide across the water surrounded by islands, big and small, jutting out of the Bohol Sea. Once you disembark at Siquijor’s pier, you’ll be met by the support jeepney and transfer to a hilltop restaurant to enjoy lunch complemented with gorgeous views. Siquijor is an island of natural beauty and mysticism, characterized by palm-tree-fringed beaches and shores, jungle-clad hills, and a cultural heritage steeped in esoteric knowledge connected to the bounty of the land. To some, Siquijor also has a reputation for sorcery and dark magic, though, in our experience, it is hard to get that impression from the welcoming locals and inviting beach resorts!
After an introduction to the island from the hilltop vantage point, you'll enjoy a refreshing descent to the coast and then cycle an easy and mostly flat 25 km to the elegant beachfront resort. You’ll be based here for three nights.
- 16.8 miles
- -436.4 ft
502 ft
938.3 ft - Coco Grove Beach Resort
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 9Siquijor Coastal Loop
Embark on an exhilarating island adventure today as you navigate the well-paved, 86 km coastal road of Siquijor. Along the way, you'll encounter a dynamic mix of uphills, downhills, and flat stretches, guiding you from bay to bay and circling the entire island. Your first stop, after a mostly ascending 10 km ride, is the legendary "Enchanted Balete Tree" – a 400-year-old ancient fig tree. Its sprawling roots create a natural pool of pristine water, inhabited by small fish offering a unique, natural spa experience for your feet! You'll then continue to Lazi, home to the Philippines' oldest coral stone Catholic Convent, boasting well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture and interiors.
After exploring this historical site, you'll continue onwards to Salagdoong Beach, where you can pause to admire the turquoise waters and, those who dare, can jump right in from a rocky outcrop. Following a replenishing local lunch, you'll complete the loop back to the resort, accompanied by frequent ocean views and passing by roadside stalls where local fisherfolk proudly display their catches of the day.
- 53.4 miles
2,700.1 ft
2,700.1 ft- Coco Grove Beach Resort
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 10Siquijor Highlands
Today you'll turn your attention to Siquijor’s lush interior highlands. You'll begin by transferring 45 minutes by jeepney to get you to the top of Mount Bandilaan National Park, and avoid an otherwise grueling uphill by bike! Here you'll relish in panoramic views over the far-stretching rainforest canopy and then saddle up to treat yourself to a spectacular 10 km descent down the National Park’s southern slopes. You'll hit the brakes at Cambugahay Waterfalls, where the multi-tiered cascade and calm pools may tempt you for a quick dip before continuing onwards to have lunch at a local eatery.
After lunch, you can opt to cycle back to the resort by riding a roughly 20 km section of the previous day’s route in reverse or you can hop in the jeepney and head back to the resort early to relax by the beach. Today is designed to be flexible. You may even be able to arrange a session with a traditional healer, a truly insightful cultural experience offering a window into Siquijor’s mysterious and esoteric side. However, this can only be confirmed on an ad-hoc basis depending on the healer's availability.
- 19.3 miles
- -1,879.9 ft
938.3 ft
2,818.2 ft - Coco Grove Beach Resort
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 11Siquijor - Dumaguete - Moalboal
Today, even before you start cycling you’ll be on three islands and two boats! You’ve got a 5:00 AM start to reach Siquijor pier in time to catch the first ferry bound for neighbouring Negros Island. After reaching the lively port city of Dumaguete, you’ll have breakfast and shuttle across town to catch your next ferry, heading across the Tanon Strait to Cebu's southern tip. Both boat rides this morning take about an hour each and afford delightful sea views as well as a glimpse into the hustle and bustle of inter-island mobility in the Philippines.
Upon reaching the port in southern Cebu, you'll hop on the bikes and start riding north along the coast for 70 km. You'll cycle from one rugged headland to the next, repeating a pattern of up-down-straight until reaching the seaside town of Moalboal! This is coastal Cebu at its finest, passing through fishing villages and historic towns pressed against the backdrop of a stunningly blue ocean.
- 43.5 miles
- 6.6 ft
1,519 ft
1,512.5 ft - Secret Paradise Moalboal
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 12Moalboal - Cebu
Early this morning, you'll have the opportunity to witness a remarkable underwater spectacle: the “Moalboal Sardine Run”. Head to the nearby beach, rent some snorkels (at your own expense), and wade out into the ocean where you can swim above the mesmerising sight of massive schools of sardines moving together in synchronized patterns. Other marine creatures, including turtles, that inhabit the coast and coral reefs can be seen as well. This is an optional but highly recommended experience before beginning cycling.
Your last ride is a memorable one as you'll traverse Cebu Island from west to east. Some challenging climbs await as you cycle up the Cebu Central Cordillera, the island’s rocky spine. The views over the rolling hills of the farm-covered highlands are stunning, and you'll end the bike tour with a downhill blitz to the east coast. Here you'll load the bikes and jump into the support van to transfer 2-3 hours (depending on traffic) to Cebu City. You’ll break up the ride with lunch and, after arriving in the city and checking into the hotel, reconvene for a farewell dinner in the evening.
- 27.3 miles
- 16.4 ft
2,486.9 ft
2,470.5 ft - Marco Polo Plaza Cebu
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 13Cebu Departure