For cyclists, Cebu and its surrounds offer varied and beautiful terrain. Think remote, white sandy beaches; dark stretches of jungle teaming with wildlife; verdant rice terraces; and fascinating village communities. What’s more, the weather is ideal, with thousands of hours of sunshine warming up the Philippines every year.
There are plenty of cycling tour itineraries to choose from. These vary from single day rides to multi-day journeys, allowing cyclists to decide on a trip according to their interests, skills and experience. If you have a couple of weeks to spare and a strong sense of adventure, the following 14-day journey will keep you busy.
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Where to stay
Before leaving home, make sure that you find some Cebu accommodation to stay in. Given that the city is increasingly popular with tourists, it can become hectic at times, especially during the high season. What’s more, you might want to consider splashing out on a five-star hotel. You can get some incredibly luxurious rooms for cheaper rates than you’re probably accustomed to paying at home. What’s more, after 14 days’ cycling, there’s every chance you’ll be ready for some serious relaxation and tranquillity.
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A brief introduction
This tour will carry you across three major islands – not only Cebu, but Bohol and Leyte, too – as well as several smaller ones. They are part of the Visaya archipelago that comprises Central Philippines. Highlights include Bohol’s renowned Chocolate Hills, up-close and personal encounters with the world’s smallest primate, deep-sea diving (for those so inclined), unspoiled white sandy beaches and jungle adventures.
If you’re wondering how you’re going to get from island to island travel, there’s a few options available for cyclists. For the most authentic experience, go for outrigger canoe. That’s how the locals do it, after all.
Bohol
Bohol is famous for two main reasons: its Chocolate Hills and its tarsiers. The latter are the world’s teeniest, tiniest, cutest ever primates. They can be kind of shy, but if you hang around long enough, you should get the chance to meet. There’s also an abundance of jungle scapes, perfectly cultivate rice paddies and the beautiful Alona Beach – known for its shimmering white sand, pristine water and excellent deep-sea diving opportunities.
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Biliran
The further you travel, the more you’ll find yourself off the beaten track. On Biliran Island, you can swim under waterfalls and relax in hot springs, while on the smaller island of Camiguin, there are eight volcanoes. In fact, for this very reason, Camiguin is often called the ‘Island of Fire’.
Leyte
After the wild adventure of Biliran and Camiguin, you’ll get to enjoy the smooth riding of the bigger island of Leyte. As far as area goes, it’s one of the largest in the Visayas. For touring cyclists, it’s pretty much paradise – the roads are smooth and sealed, yet free of traffic, so you can cruise to your heart’s delight without having to worry about dodging cars, trucks and buses.
Cebu
Your trip will end with yet another contrast – the buzzing urban atmosphere of Cebu. As the second largest metropolis in the Philippines, it offers a cosmopolitan scene, with loads of restaurants, local markets overflowing with unusual objects and a bustling nightlife.
