Island Hopping The Philippines

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. The route traverses four islands, riding on paved roads through countryside, jungle and highlands, as well as skirting picturesque coastlines overlooking the Pacific, enriched by stops at cultural sites, natural wonders and palm-fringed beaches.

The tour meets in bustling Cebu City and takes a boat to the neighbouring island of Bohol, spending the first three days heading into a forest to encounter the world's smallest primates (tarsiers), marvelling at the iconic Chocolate Hills, and climbing into the rice-terraced highlands of Sierra Bullones. After a rest day near the beaches of Anda, riders discover a hidden waterfall, ride along the coast with sweeping ocean views, and visit a beautifully preserved Spanish coral-stone church.

On Day 8, the tour ferries from Bohol to Siquijor, a small yet beautiful island renowned for its natural charm and mysticism, treating riders to a three-night stay at a beachfront resort while exploring the island's coasts, jungles and villages. From Siquijor, the route leapfrogs by boat across Negros to Cebu, riding along the stunning coast to Moalboal, with the chance to swim with schools of millions of sardines. A final ride climbs up and down farm-studded mountains before concluding the tour back in Cebu City.

Highlights:

• Encounter tarsiers, the world's smallest primates, in a Bohol forest sanctuary
• Marvel at the Chocolate Hills and ride the rice-terraced Sierra Bullones highlands
• Visit Baclayon Church, one of the Philippines' oldest coral-stone Catholic churches
• Circumnavigate mystical Siquijor Island on its 86km coastal road
• Explore Siquijor's interior highlands, including Mount Bandilaan and Cambugahay Waterfalls
• Swim with sardine schools at Moalboal before a final ride across Cebu's Central Cordillera

Surface and terrain:
Almost entirely paved roads, in generally good condition with occasional broken or cratered sections. Terrain is varied, with climbing expected on most days (gradual and steep), balanced by equally prominent downhills and flat coastal stretches. Average climbing is 551m/day. Not suited to riders seeking off-road experiences.

Weather:
Tropical climate, hot and humid year-round (25–32°C). Wet season June–November (heaviest rain July–October, typhoon risk), dry season December–May. Rain often falls in quick bursts rather than extended downpours; riding continues rain or shine.

Suitable for:
Rated "Active" difficulty. Suited to riders with a basic level of fitness, comfortable on a mountain bike with good handling skills; a leisurely pace with plenty of refreshment stops welcomes less experienced riders too. Group size 2–12, minimum age 18.