DestinationsPhilippines
Tour MeetsCebu City
Fly in toMactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB)
Group Size2-12 ridersWe ride a total of 762 km over 9 cycling days and across four islands in the Central Visayas Region of the Philippines. These are Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor and Negros. We designed the route to experience a wide variety of the Philippines’ terrain and scenery, including rural areas, jungles, highlands, and coasts. Almost all of our rides are point-to-point, except for days 4, 7 and 10 when we have short vehicle transfers to avoid busy traffic coming in and out of cities. We also have boat journeys between 1-2 hours before our rides on days 2, 5, 7, and 11. These are a tour highlight in their own right, affording delightful sea views as well as a glimpse into the hustle and bustle of inter-island mobility in the Philippines. Our route leads us to iconic landmarks of the Visayas region, such as the Chocolate hills, as well as coral stone churches and white sand beaches, for an enriching experience on and off the bikes.
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, Siquijor and Negros we use quintessential Filipino jeepneys; converted jeeps with benches in the back. These are open-air with no AC. In Cebu we use a Commuter Van with AC.
Suitability: This tour is ideal for experienced road cyclists comfortable with long, back-to-back riding days. Along the coasts the terrain is mostly flat and gently undulating, while further inland the elevation rises, so riders should be capable of tackling continuous ascents with low to mid-range gradients. Downhills are just as prominent – good handling skills are an asset to enjoy them at their fullest. We have one full rest day in Siquijor on day 6 and there are some shorter rides sprinkled throughout, ensuring there is still plenty of time to enjoy the Philippines' beautiful beaches. The main challenge of the tour is keeping up stamina and cycling in the tropical heat. Less experienced riders are welcome but should prepare themselves for the longer distances and hillier days. The support vehicle is always nearby to offer refuge to any weary cyclists.
Biking Conditions: We cycle entirely on paved roads. Surfaces are either concrete or asphalt, ranging from very smooth to mildly bumpy. The occasional section of cratered or broken road does present itself and, in case of road works, short patches of gravel may be encountered. There are no designated bike paths in the Philippines and the width of shoulders varies. So, be prepared to share the road with other vehicles, such as jeepneys, motorized rickshaws, cars, and the occasional bus or truck. 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. The coastal roads can get windy which, at different times, works in and against our favor depending on the direction we are cycling in! Rainfall is not uncommon in the Philippines at any time of year. We 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!
Hotels: In areas with a well developed tourism infrastructure such as Cebu, Anda and Siquijor, we stay in deluxe, character-rich hotels at the 4 star level. You can expect elevated comfort, professional staff, swimming pools, bars, and breakfast spreads worth waking up early for. Hotels in local areas, while still more than adequate for hard-working cyclists, tend to be simpler with fewer amenities and facilities as well as a more relaxed service pace. Some older properties may show signs of wear & tear. Many of the hotels on this tour are directly on or nearby a beach, which is always a highlight! For larger groups, we may need to use more than one accommodation and, in case of limited availability, switch to an alternative property from the one listed in the itinerary.
SpiceRoads jerseyWater bottleSupport vehicleGuide(s)Meals (as indicated)Airport pick upAirport drop offAccommodationSnacks and drinksEntrance feesFerry/boat fares
International flightsDomestic flightsVisa feesAlcoholTipsBecause some people can't imagine going on a trip without their beloved bicycle, we do not provide them as part of this tour. However, you can hire bikes locally for the price listed in the tour pricing section. We provide high-quality SUNPEED or similar road bikes. If you bring your bike, please ensure it is a road bike in good mechanical order.
Basic spares and tools are carried by the guide and on the support vehicle, though we cannot guarantee having spares for every conceivable problem. Carrying a basic tool kit, a spare tube and a pump while riding is recommended.
Wearing a helmet is required on all our biking adventures and is non negotiable. If you do not wear a helmet you will not be allowed to cycle. Your tour leader is trained in first aid and emergency rescue, but to a large degree you must be responsible for your own safety while riding. It is therefore compulsory that you take out travel insurance that will cover you for a mountain biking tour.
You will be led by a local English-speaking guide and if the group is 9 people or more we will add another guide to the tour. All our guides are well informed in the history, culture and religions of the area where you are biking and are skilled at passing that knowledge on to you. Your guide is also medically trained and an experienced cyclist, able to handle most minor repairs en route.
We recommend that you visit a travel medical doctor and ask about the following vaccinations: typhoid, polio, tetanus and hepatitis A. A certificate for Yellow Fever is required when arriving from an infected area within six days. See here for more information.
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, we 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 often instant coffee, and fresh coffee may incur additional charge. Lunches will be had mostly 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. In more remote areas we may have a picnic style, packed lunches. 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, we 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 now at the time of booking.
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.
SpiceRoads does not require you to pay a surcharge for travelling alone. We will arrange for you to share accommodation with another traveller of the same gender and if we can not match you up we 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 cost of the single supplement is listed above.
Throughout the tour you will have options for additional activities which you can purchase on the spot, such as ziplining on Day 3 and snorkeling on Day 12. Having cash for beverages with meals and purchase of any local trinkets is also recommended. Laundry service is available at some hotels and can be paid for on the spot - we suggest doing laundry on days where we spend more than 1 night at a hotel (i.e. in Anda and Siquijor). It is customary to tip guides and drivers at the end of the tour and small tips for hotel staff (e.g. luggage porters, housekeeping) are widely appreciated.
The currency used in the Philippines is the Philippine Peso (PHP). It is advisable to carry pesos for any daily expenses like drinks, souvenirs and additional activities. Don't expect credit/debit cards to be accepted in most places other than any major hotels or retail outlets in the cities. ATMs are widely available in urban areas and more scarcely in he countryside and you will be able to withdraw money along the way if needed. We suggest you exchange money upon arrival at the airport or at a bank in Ayala Shopping Center across the street from our tour hotel in Cebu. Should you require more along the way, you can withdraw from ATMs as needed.
If this is the tour for you here's what you need to do to confirm your place:
Just complete our online booking form or send your booking details offline (email or post), and we will confirm your participation. No deposit is needed to confirm your place on a SpiceRoads tour.
You are advised to read our Booking Conditions in full before you make your payment and should you require further clarifications of any of the conditions below, please email us or call our office.
There is a minimum number of participants (usually 2) required to enable the trip to go ahead. Once the minimum number is reached, the trip status will change from 'Available' to 'Guaranteed to Depart'. Once a trip is guaranteed to depart you are free to book your flights and make other travel arrangements. If the trip status is ‘Limited’ will mean we have only a small number of spaces available for booking. If you are unsure about the trip status, please email us or call our office.
From the tour page, click the 'Book Now' link. All departures for this tour will appear, just select the date you'd like to travel. For the next steps, you'll need to know the names of the people travelling. If you wish you can also provide extra details such as passport numbers, height (for bike hire), or you can add that later by logging into Manage My Trip (we'll set up an account for you automatically if you don't already have one). Our system will contact you from time to time to fill in the missing information, as it will be required before departure. However, if the trip that you are booking offers a child discount, you will have to fill out the date of birth of each rider (so we can calculate the appropriate discount).
If you are having any problems please send us an email, or give us a call (+66 026 3295) and one of our travel specialists will assist you with your booking.
Just call us or send an email indicating which trip you want to join and we will happily send you a list of questions and process your booking for you.
We do not require a deposit or full payment to book a place for you on a tour.
The balance of the tour’s cost (final invoice) will need to be paid 60 days before the departure date with fees for any bicycle rental(s), single supplement(s) and extra hotel nights.
In the case where a booking is made when there are less than 60 days until the tour departure date, the tour’s cost should be paid in full within 72 hours of receiving an invoice from SpiceRoads. Payment can be made by credit card using our online payment gateway or by bank transfer. When making payment online you will need to confirm that you have read these booking conditions during the "checkout" process, which equates to agreeing to the terms of services and stipulations as indicated in this document.
In all cases, tour fees need to be paid “in full” before participation in a tour. No person(s) will be allowed to join a tour without fully settling their invoice and receiving a confirmation number from SpiceRoads.
The exception can be made for last-minute miscellaneous fees that can be paid locally (visas, additional local hotel bookings, etc.) can be settled on the day of arrival.
If the tour is cancelled or postponed by SpiceRoads because we didn't make the trip numbers and the tour can’t run, we will make a full cash refund (by bank transfer or on your credit card).
If the tour is cancelled for any other reason, including due to Covid related travel restrictions, we will give you a full credit (with no deductions for admin or any other small-print item) to use on any SpiceRoads tour with no time limit. (Exceptions being flights, special permits and other non-refundable items and these will be advised when booking the trip).
Before paying for your tour, you can cancel your booking with no charge and up until 40 days before departure, you can change your booking to another travel date or move your booking onto another SpiceRoads tour with no charges.
If you need to cancel after you have made full payment, please see our cancellation policy.
DestinationsPhilippinesTour MeetsCebu CityFly in toMactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB)Group Size2-12 riders
SpiceRoads jerseyWater bottleSupport vehicleGuide(s)Meals (as indicated)Airport pick upAirport drop offAccommodationSnacks and drinksEntrance feesFerry/boat faresInternational flightsDomestic flightsVisa feesAlcoholTips
We ride a total of 762 km over 9 cycling days and across four islands in the Central Visayas Region of the Philippines. These are Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor and Negros. We designed the route to experience a wide variety of the Philippines’ terrain and scenery, including rural areas, jungles, highlands, and coasts. Almost all of our rides are point-to-point, except for days 4, 7 and 10 when we have short vehicle transfers to avoid busy traffic coming in and out of cities. We also have boat journeys between 1-2 hours before our rides on days 2, 5, 7, and 11. These are a tour highlight in their own right, affording delightful sea views as well as a glimpse into the hustle and bustle of inter-island mobility in the Philippines. Our route leads us to iconic landmarks of the Visayas region, such as the Chocolate hills, as well as coral stone churches and white sand beaches, for an enriching experience on and off the bikes.
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, Siquijor and Negros we use quintessential Filipino jeepneys; converted jeeps with benches in the back. These are open-air with no AC. In Cebu we use a Commuter Van with AC.
Suitability: This tour is ideal for experienced road cyclists comfortable with long, back-to-back riding days. Along the coasts the terrain is mostly flat and gently undulating, while further inland the elevation rises, so riders should be capable of tackling continuous ascents with low to mid-range gradients. Downhills are just as prominent – good handling skills are an asset to enjoy them at their fullest. We have one full rest day in Siquijor on day 6 and there are some shorter rides sprinkled throughout, ensuring there is still plenty of time to enjoy the Philippines' beautiful beaches. The main challenge of the tour is keeping up stamina and cycling in the tropical heat. Less experienced riders are welcome but should prepare themselves for the longer distances and hillier days. The support vehicle is always nearby to offer refuge to any weary cyclists.
Biking Conditions: We cycle entirely on paved roads. Surfaces are either concrete or asphalt, ranging from very smooth to mildly bumpy. The occasional section of cratered or broken road does present itself and, in case of road works, short patches of gravel may be encountered. There are no designated bike paths in the Philippines and the width of shoulders varies. So, be prepared to share the road with other vehicles, such as jeepneys, motorized rickshaws, cars, and the occasional bus or truck. 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. The coastal roads can get windy which, at different times, works in and against our favor depending on the direction we are cycling in! Rainfall is not uncommon in the Philippines at any time of year. We 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!
Hotels: In areas with a well developed tourism infrastructure such as Cebu, Anda and Siquijor, we stay in deluxe, character-rich hotels at the 4 star level. You can expect elevated comfort, professional staff, swimming pools, bars, and breakfast spreads worth waking up early for. Hotels in local areas, while still more than adequate for hard-working cyclists, tend to be simpler with fewer amenities and facilities as well as a more relaxed service pace. Some older properties may show signs of wear & tear. Many of the hotels on this tour are directly on or nearby a beach, which is always a highlight! For larger groups, we may need to use more than one accommodation and, in case of limited availability, switch to an alternative property from the one listed in the itinerary.
Welcome to Cebu, the “Queen City of the South”! We will pick you up from Mactan International Airport and transfer you to our tour hotel in the city. In the evening we convene for a trip meeting and welcome dinner. If you arrive early, make sure to do some exploring! Cebu is where the Spanish first made landfall in the 16th century, an encounter memorialized in Catholic churches and a fort still standing in the city today. Cebu is the main hub of the Visayas region - a coastal metropolis filled with sprawling neighborhoods, bustling markets, and some great local food!
Quest Hotel
DinnerIn the early morning, we 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, we arrive at Getafe pier on the northeastern part of the island. Rolling our bikes off the ferry, we saddle-up and begin our adventure. Today’s route takes us along the coastal plains of northern Bohol, planting our wheels on the so-called “Bohol Island Circumferential Road”, a boring sounding name for what is a road biker's dream of a flat stretch of asphalt! We warm-up our legs on a long but predominantly flat ride through an agrarian landscape of rice paddies, coconut palms, patches of banana and mango trees, roadside markets, and churches. Our ride ends on the far eastern shore of Anda where we spend the night at a cozy boutique resort perched on a rocky headland overlooking the vast Pacific Ocean.
Blue Star Dive ResortBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 99km
+399m
-371mWith our legs still fresh, today we tackle the tour’s toughest stage! The first 30 km trace an undulating, coast-hugging road with frequent glimpses of scenic bays. And then it’s time to climb, tackling an 18 km ascent 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. Once at the top (790 m ASL) we know what comes next: a long descent down the other side of the highlands, whisking past villages and treated to sweeping vistas of mist-clad mountains surrounding rice terraces. Back at lower ground, we then have 15 km on flat roads flanked by picturesque farmlands on either side, leading to 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! We stop here for lunch before the final 30 km to the Loboc River, part of the way cruising downhill through a dense mahogany forest. We spend the night at a lovely riverside hotel.
Loboc River ResortBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 115km+1347m-1372mAfter an action-packed start to the tour, today we dial it back a little and enjoy a short but sweet coastal ride. Starting from Loboc, we ride back towards the ocean and head west, passing by fishing villages and coastal towns. After 15 km we reach Baclayon, home to one of the oldest coral stone Catholic churches in the Philippines with a weathered yet delicately preserved facade and interior. We’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. We stop for a break at Alona Beach, well known for its white sands and lively atmosphere, and complete our ride at the Hinagdanan Cave, an underground chamber with a crystal-clear pool illuminated by natural light. From here it is only another 10 km distance to the bustling city of Tagbilaran, though we’ll jump in the jeepney to avoid riding through the very busy traffic. We spend the night at a resort with seaviews by the port.
Bohol Tropics ResortBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 52km+311m-305mIt’s time to switch islands for the second time! This morning we ride our bikes a quick 500 m from the hotel to the nearby pier. We board a boat bound for Siquijor and simply relax for two hours as we glide across the water surrounded by islands, big and small, jutting out of the Bohol Sea. Once we disembark at Siquijor’s pier, we saddle-up and begin our ride around the island. The first 30 km take us from bay to bay accompanied by frequent ocean views and passing by roadside stalls where local fisherfolk proudly display their catches of the day. After a stop in Lazi, the Philippines' oldest coral stone Catholic Convent, we transition to Siquijor’s lush interior mountains. A 6 km / 4% climb brings us to the legendary "Enchanted Balete Tree" – a 400-year-old fig tree with sprawling roots harboring a natural pool used as a fish spa. From here, the climbing continues over jungle-clad hills to an elevation of nearly 400 m, before a splendid downhill brings us back to sea level, concluding our ride at our elegant beachfront resort. We are based here for two nights.
Coco Grove Beach ResortBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 66km+908m-897mToday is a free day in Siquijor. If you can be tempted out of the beach resort, you will discover an island of natural beauty and mysticism, characterized by palm-tree fringed beaches, green jungle, 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! Lunch and dinner are on your own today, giving you the choice of eating at the hotel or venturing out.
Coco Grove Beach ResortBreakfastWe’ve got a 5:00 AM start to reach Siquijor pier in time to catch the first ferry bound for neighboring Negros island. After reaching the lively port city of Dumaguete, we’ll have breakfast and shuttle north to Bais City to begin our first ride on the third island of the tour! We’re off to a spirited start as we tackle a 13 km / 3-4% climb over the coastal mountains. As we ascend, stunning views over North Bais Bay greet us on the first few curves, before rugged mountains begin to dominate our field of vision. The subsequent descent brings us into the heart of Negros where the plains are covered in expansive sugarcane plantations, with a sea of densely packed emerald green stalks swaying in the breeze. Sugarcane is so abundant here that Negros is known as the “Sugar bowl of the Philippines”! Cutting through these fields is a smooth road on flat terrain, enabling a fast-paced ride as we head towards Kabankalan, a small city inland from the Panay Gulf.
Zaycoland ResortBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 80km+809m-809mDeparting Kabankalan, we quickly find ourselves surrounded by sugarcane plantations and rice paddies until, after around 20 km, we’re once again on the coast. We are now facing the Sulu Sea, which lies in the southwestern part of the Philippines, and for the rest of today’s ride follow the coastal road south. We observe a panorama of tropical scenery unfolding around us, from coconut groves, farmlands, and busy villages to estuaries, mangrove forests, and untamed jungle. While the route is predominantly flat, there are a handful of short but spicy climbs as the road curves around scenic headlands or spirals over low-rising hills. Around the 80 km mark, we reach the city of Sipalay, a historic mining town that has transformed into one of the region's most celebrated beach and dive tourism destinations. The final stretch takes us through Sipalay’s lush hinterland to reach today’s final destination: a peaceful beachfront where we can relax with lovely views of the Philippines’ iconic bangka boats sitting in the bay.
Artistic Beach Resort Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 88km+563m-549mToday we start from one laid-back beach and end at another along the western Negros coastline! We begin by backtracking around 6 km to Sipalay City and head for the hills, tackling a 4 km / 5 % climb that is sure to give our legs a good warm-up. The subsequent winding descent brings us back onto the plains, where rice fields are framed by jungle-clad mountains in the background. The highlight of the day comes at around 50 km where the road presses right up against the coastline to reveal beautiful, unobstructed views of the azure Sulu Sea. A final 15 km along the coconut palm-studded Negros South Road brings us to the municipality of Basay where we saddle-off at a cosy beach resort. If skies are clear, the sunsets here are dreamy!
Funtasea Beach ResortBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 66km+504m-515mIt’s our last day along the western Negros coast. Departing from Basay, we head south, crossing several rivers spilling into the Sulu Sea after a long journey from the mountains. As we push forth on the undulating road, we maintain a steady pace while enjoying the now familiar scenery of rice paddies, coconut groves, rocky headlands and maritime communities. At around 81 km we arrive at Tambobo Bay, a natural harbor used for anchoring sailboats and yachts. We’ll stop here to admire the views and continue for 10 km before calling it a day. Approaching the city of Dumaguete, traffic picks up significantly, so we opt for the support vehicle for a hassle-free one-hour transfer to our hotel in the centre of town. Having just come from the quiet backwaters of the island, the youthful buzz of Dumaguete — one of the Philippines’ most highly regarded university towns — may be a bit of a shock to the system. One which we fully embrace, of course.
Coco Grande HotelBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 91km+504m-514mThis morning we catch the final ferry of our tour, heading one hour across the Tanon Strait to Cebu's southern tip. Upon reaching the port in southern Cebu, we hop on our bikes and start riding north along the coast for 70 km. We cycle from one rugged headland to the next, repeating a pattern of up-down-straight as we relish coastal Cebu at its finest, passing through fishing villages and historic towns pressed against the backdrop of a strikingly blue ocean. We then head inland and conquer our last set of climbs, cycling up the Cebu Central Cordillera, the island’s rocky spine. The views over the rolling hills of the farm-covered highlands are stunning, and we end the bike tour with a downhill blitz to the east coast. Here we load the bikes and jump into our support van to transfer 2-3 hours (depending on traffic) to Cebu City. After checking into the hotel and freshening up we reconvene for a farewell dinner in the evening
Marco Polo Plaza CebuBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 105km+1226m-1220mTime to say goodbye to the Philippines, extend your stay in Cebu, or travel to your next destination. There are plenty more islands to explore! If you have a flight out today, we’ll bring you to the airport.
BreakfastDisclaimer: The adventure cycling tours we operate often go beyond the beaten track, and the countries where we ride are not always predictable. Due to these reasons, it is occasionally necessary to reroute or update itineraries. Our guarantee is that we will not change a trip unless for safety or to improve it. Our listed hotels are always accurate at the time of writing, but should we have to change any hotel, it will always be for a similar or better one.
Because some people can't imagine going on a trip without their beloved bicycle, we do not provide them as part of this tour. However, you can hire bikes locally for the price listed in the tour pricing section. We provide high-quality SUNPEED or similar road bikes. If you bring your bike, please ensure it is a road bike in good mechanical order.
Basic spares and tools are carried by the guide and on the support vehicle, though we cannot guarantee having spares for every conceivable problem. Carrying a basic tool kit, a spare tube and a pump while riding is recommended.
Wearing a helmet is required on all our biking adventures and is non negotiable. If you do not wear a helmet you will not be allowed to cycle. Your tour leader is trained in first aid and emergency rescue, but to a large degree you must be responsible for your own safety while riding. It is therefore compulsory that you take out travel insurance that will cover you for a mountain biking tour.
You will be led by a local English-speaking guide and if the group is 9 people or more we will add another guide to the tour. All our guides are well informed in the history, culture and religions of the area where you are biking and are skilled at passing that knowledge on to you. Your guide is also medically trained and an experienced cyclist, able to handle most minor repairs en route.
We recommend that you visit a travel medical doctor and ask about the following vaccinations: typhoid, polio, tetanus and hepatitis A. A certificate for Yellow Fever is required when arriving from an infected area within six days. See here for more information.
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, we 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 often instant coffee, and fresh coffee may incur additional charge. Lunches will be had mostly 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. In more remote areas we may have a picnic style, packed lunches. 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, we 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 now at the time of booking.
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.
SpiceRoads does not require you to pay a surcharge for travelling alone. We will arrange for you to share accommodation with another traveller of the same gender and if we can not match you up we 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 cost of the single supplement is listed above.
Throughout the tour you will have options for additional activities which you can purchase on the spot, such as ziplining on Day 3 and snorkeling on Day 12. Having cash for beverages with meals and purchase of any local trinkets is also recommended. Laundry service is available at some hotels and can be paid for on the spot - we suggest doing laundry on days where we spend more than 1 night at a hotel (i.e. in Anda and Siquijor). It is customary to tip guides and drivers at the end of the tour and small tips for hotel staff (e.g. luggage porters, housekeeping) are widely appreciated.
The currency used in the Philippines is the Philippine Peso (PHP). It is advisable to carry pesos for any daily expenses like drinks, souvenirs and additional activities. Don't expect credit/debit cards to be accepted in most places other than any major hotels or retail outlets in the cities. ATMs are widely available in urban areas and more scarcely in he countryside and you will be able to withdraw money along the way if needed. We suggest you exchange money upon arrival at the airport or at a bank in Ayala Shopping Center across the street from our tour hotel in Cebu. Should you require more along the way, you can withdraw from ATMs as needed.
If this is the tour for you here's what you need to do to confirm your place:
Just complete our online booking form or send your booking details offline (email or post), and we will confirm your participation. No deposit is needed to confirm your place on a SpiceRoads tour.
You are advised to read our Booking Conditions in full before you make your payment and should you require further clarifications of any of the conditions below, please email us or call our office.
There is a minimum number of participants (usually 2) required to enable the trip to go ahead. Once the minimum number is reached, the trip status will change from 'Available' to 'Guaranteed to Depart'. Once a trip is guaranteed to depart you are free to book your flights and make other travel arrangements. If the trip status is ‘Limited’ will mean we have only a small number of spaces available for booking. If you are unsure about the trip status, please email us or call our office.
From the tour page, click the 'Book Now' link. All departures for this tour will appear, just select the date you'd like to travel. For the next steps, you'll need to know the names of the people travelling. If you wish you can also provide extra details such as passport numbers, height (for bike hire), or you can add that later by logging into Manage My Trip (we'll set up an account for you automatically if you don't already have one). Our system will contact you from time to time to fill in the missing information, as it will be required before departure. However, if the trip that you are booking offers a child discount, you will have to fill out the date of birth of each rider (so we can calculate the appropriate discount).
If you are having any problems please send us an email, or give us a call (+66 026 3295) and one of our travel specialists will assist you with your booking.
Just call us or send an email indicating which trip you want to join and we will happily send you a list of questions and process your booking for you.
We do not require a deposit or full payment to book a place for you on a tour.
The balance of the tour’s cost (final invoice) will need to be paid 60 days before the departure date with fees for any bicycle rental(s), single supplement(s) and extra hotel nights.
In the case where a booking is made when there are less than 60 days until the tour departure date, the tour’s cost should be paid in full within 72 hours of receiving an invoice from SpiceRoads. Payment can be made by credit card using our online payment gateway or by bank transfer. When making payment online you will need to confirm that you have read these booking conditions during the "checkout" process, which equates to agreeing to the terms of services and stipulations as indicated in this document.
In all cases, tour fees need to be paid “in full” before participation in a tour. No person(s) will be allowed to join a tour without fully settling their invoice and receiving a confirmation number from SpiceRoads.
The exception can be made for last-minute miscellaneous fees that can be paid locally (visas, additional local hotel bookings, etc.) can be settled on the day of arrival.
If the tour is cancelled or postponed by SpiceRoads because we didn't make the trip numbers and the tour can’t run, we will make a full cash refund (by bank transfer or on your credit card).
If the tour is cancelled for any other reason, including due to Covid related travel restrictions, we will give you a full credit (with no deductions for admin or any other small-print item) to use on any SpiceRoads tour with no time limit. (Exceptions being flights, special permits and other non-refundable items and these will be advised when booking the trip).
Before paying for your tour, you can cancel your booking with no charge and up until 40 days before departure, you can change your booking to another travel date or move your booking onto another SpiceRoads tour with no charges.
If you need to cancel after you have made full payment, please see our cancellation policy.
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