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Philippines Nature & Wildlife
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The Philippines is an overlooked treasure of Southeast Asia, but that's due to its remoteness, not for lack of natural gems that range from coral-fringed islands, palm lined white-sand beaches to hot springs and majestic volcanoes. Consisting of more than 7,000 islands between the Philippine Sea and the South China Sea, it would take you years to visit all that the Philippines has to offer, so our 
suggested tours focus on areas of unique interest and diversity... though there will always be scope for a second or third visit to discover more that this wonderful country has to offer.
Named after Crown Prince Philip II of Spain, the Philippines is considered Asia's largest Catholic country. But even before the Spanish arrived the Filipinos were a mixture of foreign influences and continue to be a fusion of cultures that has led to the uniqueness of the Filipino identity. The Filipinos themselves are exuberant, fun loving and easygoing people and the 
fact that most speak English makes it easy to communicate.
To avoid the jeepneys, tricycles and the pedicabs that haphazardly ply the roads of the Philippines we'll be staying off road and riding trails that are popular with locals.
Southern Luzon Ride
This adventure starts with the Santa Rosa trail that will take us to the Tagaytay Highlands. The next day we'll have a fun descent to Taal Lake and a ride around the island. Then it's off to some more technical trails around San Pablo, with the advantage of soaking in hot springs at the end of the ride. Next we head to the historical town of Lucban and for a scenic ride. In Carmines Sur we'll hit two very popular trails that will test your off road skills before heading to the trails along the base of Mt. Mayon.
A highlight of this tour will be the chance to snorkel with the whale sharks. These gentle giants are a slow-moving filter feeding shark and can grow up to 18 m long. Why they gather near the shores of Donsol is still unknown, but it is a rare opportunity to observe these huge blue- grey, silver spotted creatures up close.
We limit the packing/unpacking you need to do by staying two nights at most of our overnights, which range from an eco lodge, to a hot spring resort, to bungalows at a water park resort.
Trip Profile
Biking Difficulty: 3 out of 5
Riding Style: Off road jeep track and single track trails that require some technical experience to enjoy.
Cycling Distance: 385 kilometres
Cycling Days: 8 full, 1 half
We ride 385 km, about 90 per cent off road, in 9 cycling days. We have designed the route to give a wide variety of riding. There are some first class single track trails to gentler dirt roads. Many trails traverse the base of volcanoes and our routes will wind up and down hillsides. We guarantee you will never be bored by the riding. There are some outstanding descents and stunning views across rolling hillsides and valleys.
Although your escort vehicle is always close by, some parts of the ride are not supported due to the remoteness of the trails. 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.
Biking Conditions: Your Philippines biking experience is primarily off road on varied surfaces including forest trails, mud, volcanic sand, lava cobbles, gravel and broken tarmac roads. There are sections of single-track, some climbs are challenging and some of the off road tracks will have rocky and steep technical sections, but these are normally short and sharp and can be walked by those not confident.
Suitability: This trip is recommended for riders who enjoy and have some off-road experience, but you don’t have to be an expert to get the best out of this trip. You should be confident of your physical condition and bike handling skills. This tour is mainly on jeep trails and single track and most of the trip is off-road. The support vehicle cannot always follow but will meet the group at certain points along the trail.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Day 1 - Manila
We'll meet you at your centrally located hotel for an afternoon walking tour of the historic old quarter of Intramuros. The construction of this walled district was started by the Spanish in 1571 by Miguel Lopez de Legaspi. The fortress walls are 6 metres high and are 3 km in length. After our tour we'll have a trip meeting at dinner.
Ascott. D
Day 2 - Manila – Tagaytay
We'll have an early breakfast and leave the hotel ready to ride. After a transfer of about an hour we'll be ready to hit the Santa Rosa trail. We'll ride on single track, fire roads and have some gentle climbs in the beginning and work our way up to more challenging hills for a total ascent of 200 m. Along the way we'll see lots of farms and villages and be riding through a wide variety of fields from cabbage, 
to pineapple to sugar cane. We overnight at an eco lodge located at the top of a ridge that will give us views of the next day's ride.
Sonya's Garden. Ride 45 km. B L D
Day 3 – Tagaytay Loop
This morning starts off easy, with a downhill! We will ride down from our lofty heights to Taal Lake, on farm roads and for those who want some challenging single track we'll ride a section of a race course. After 30 km we'll come to the pier where we'll catch our boat to the active Taal Volcano that is an island in the center of the lake. We'll ride around the island and see the crater lake which is the world's largest lake on an island in a lake on an island, and it in turn contains its own small island. In the late 
afternoon we'll boat back, then transfer up to our hotel where you'll have a view of where we have ridden.
Sonya's Garden. Ride 45 km. B L D
Day 4 – Tagaytay – San Pablo
This morning we'll transfer for 2 hours to San Pablo where we'll hit the trails. Our first ride will start with a 2 km climb, and give us scenic views. Then we'll be on the Mainit Springs trail and take a break at a 
hot springs and have time for a soak. Then it's an easy end of the day on rolling terrain where we pass through farms, hills and rice fields. We overnight at the Hidden Valley Springs Resort and have time in the afternoon to take in the many pools.
Hidden Valley Springs Resort. Ride 35 km. B L D
Day 5 – Golden Triangle Trails
Today we tackle the Golden Triangle Trails at the base of Mount Banahaw and Mount San Cristobal. On single track, fire roads and farming tracks we'll have an exhilarating day of riding through small lakeside communities, see some old churches and stop at waterfalls. This will be a more technical ride, with some abrupt climbs and drops.
Hidden Valley Springs Resort. Ride 45 km. B L D
Day 6 – San Pablo - Lucban
For those who want to ride some hills, we have the option to rise early and hit the road towards Lucban. You'll pass through many historical towns on this scenic road that has only light local traffic on it. We ride the 40 km to Majayjay where we'll meet up with those who chose to have a relaxing morning at the 16th Century church. From here it's a short drive to Lucban where we'll have lunch at a local cafe. In the afternoon we'll head out for some more trail riding, again 
under the shadow of Mount Banahaw, but the other side. We'll ride to a waterfall and have time for a swim before heading back to this festive town.
Bed & Breakfast. Ride 75 km. B L D
Day 7 – Lucban - Naga
We get up very early as we have a five-hour drive to our next destination. Driving through coconut plantations we'll catch glimpses of both the 
Philippines Sea and Ragay Gulf as we drive south to Naga. We'll stop in town for breakfast and then start riding. We'll ride at the base of Mt. Isarog but the riding will be on rolling terrain. We'll pass a deer farm and waterfall. Part of this trail is also a downhill course, so expect some fun single track. In the afternoon we'll head to the Cam Sur Water Sports Complex where you'll have free time to take advantage of the swimming pool. There's also the option to make use of the wake board park and show off your flipping skills.
CWC Bungalows. Ride 25-30 km. B L D
Day 8 - Naga
Today we hit the trails in and around the Consocep mountain resort 
that consists of several natural waterfalls. We'll take a downhill single track section back to trail head. Have lunch along the way and make our way for a short boat ride to Atulayan Island to a fishing village. Have a swim and enjoy the beach. We make our way back to CWC for dinner.
CWC Bungalows. Ride 45 km. B L D
Day 9 - Cam Sur - Legazpi
Today we'll rise early for a 2 hour transfer to the start of our riding at the base of the picturesque but still active Mt. Mayon. We'll ride through coconut plantations, lava flows and dried stream beds. We'll take a break at the foot of a lava flow and have the opportunity to take a zip line back to solid ground.
Coastal View Resort. Ride 50 km. B L D
Day 10 – Donsol
For our last day together we'll take a break from riding and switch to snorkeling. We drive down to Donsol where we will board a boat to snorkel with the famous whale sharks that gather here from November to February. Though there's never a guarantee that you'll see them, we hope our spotter has sharp eyes and finds them for us. We'll return to Legazpi for our farewell dinner.
Coastal View Resort. Ride 50 km. B L D
Day 11- Legazpi - Manila
Time to say good bye to Mt. Mayon as we fly by the volcano on our flight to Manila in the morning. B
Nuts & Bolts
Bikes: Because some people can't imagine going on a trip without their own so it is essential that you beloved bicycle, we do not provide them as part of this tour. However, you are 
secure your place as early as able to hire bikes locally for the price listed on the front page of this document. The bikes are well-known makes of mountain bikes with lightweight alloy frames, 24- to 27-speed gearing, disc brakes and Shimano components and front suspension. You have the option of renting a hard tail or a full suspension bike on this tour. If you bring your own bike, please make sure it is a mountain bike with front suspension and that it is in good mechanical order.
Bike Repairs: 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.
Safety: Wearing a helmet is strongly recommended on all our biking adventures and if you choose not to wear one you will be asked to sign a liability waiver. Your guide 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.
Support: We will be supported by an air-conditioned vehicle that has been specially modified for cycle tours. The vehicles follow us the whole time, except for when we are on remote trails. It is very easy to get bikes on and off, so you can rest when you are tired and cycle whenever you feel like it.
Guides: You will be led by a local English-speaking guide and if the group is 8 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.
Other costs
Single Supplement:US$545
Bike Hire: US$180 Hardtail, US$225 Full suspension
Notes
If these dates don’t suit your travel schedule, please contact us to talk about operating a private tour or customising a tour for you or your group.Visayas Island Hopping
By island hopping in the Visayas you'll notice how different the islands of the Philippines are, despite being so close to oneanother, but one thing they do have in common are the exuberant, fun loving and easygoing Filipinos, and you'll no doubt sing a song or two with them along the way!
We meet in Cebu to take advantage of the international airport but, the next day, we are off to Bohol by boat. We ride directly from the 
dock to explore this unique island that is home to the big-eyed tarsiers, terraced ride fields and languid rivers. Our next isle is full of hot, cold and soda springs thanks to the many volcanoes that are also responsible for the black sand beaches and a sunken cemetery. The lush and green interior contrasts nicely with the azure blue of the surrounding waters. We spend three nights here to fully enjoy Camiguin before heading back to Bohol. Here we explore the white sands of Alona Beach on the southern tip of Panglao Island. Our next destination is Siquijor Island which is known for its mystic healers who live in the highlands. We next make our way back to Cebu with a brief ride on the island of Negros on the 
way there. We ride up the coast of Cebu before crossing the hilly core to the east coast and transferring to Cebu City.
Biking Difficulty: 3 out of 5
Riding Style: Minor roads, off road jeep track and single track trails that require some technical experience to enjoy.
Cycling Distance: 525 kilometres
Cycling Days: 9 full days
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Day 1: Cebu Island - arrival
Your driver will pick you up in Cebu at Mactan International Airport and bring you to your hotel. In the evening you can meet your guide and share dinner together.
Day 2: Bohol Island
Early morning a boat will take you to the island of Bohol where you can start you cycling along quiet dirt roads through small villages and terraced rice paddies to the Tarsier Sanctuary. After a visit with these nocturnal creatures you are back on the bikes for a fabulous winding ride down to the picturesque Loboc River.
Day 3: Bohol Island
Start the day with an uphill climb before the terrain evens out until the end of the day when there is yet one more uphill to your hotel. You ride through a Mahogany forest, visit a butterfly garden and the world famous Chocolate Hills.
Day 4: Camiguin Island
A tough start to the day with a 6 km climb, followed by a great downhill of 20 km! At the coast you take a boat to volcanic 
Camiguin Island and ride on a coastal road to your beachside resort.
Day 5: Camiguin Island
Explore Camiguin Island with its spectacular views of the blue sea and the green volcanoes wrapped in white clouds. You can make frequent stops along the way to cool off at the various cold water springs and visit the sunken cemetery.
Day 6: Panglao Island
Take a well-deserved rest day with the option of biking a short distance to a dramatic 70 m waterfall - just lie in the hammock at the resort!
Day 7: Siquijor Island
Boat back to Bohol where you can ride along the coast, stopping to swim in the shallow turquoise blue waters of the many beaches you pass, and end the day at Alona Beach, known for its fine white sands.
Day 8: Siquijor Island
After a relaxed morning, visit the Bee Farm for an organic lunch and then explore Panglao island by bike before taking the ferry to Siquijor Island.
Day 9: Siquijor Island
Cycle in Siquijor's “Highlands” to visit the heart of this mysterious island. Stop for a visit with a local traditional "healer". Descending to the coast you can take a dip at the refreshing Cambugahay Waterfalls.
Day 10: Siquijor Island, Apo Island
Today you have a rest day with the option of visiting nearby Apo island, a marine sanctuary with over 650 documented species of fish and estimated to have over 400 species of corals, for diving or snorkelling.
Day 11: Negros Island, Cebu Island
A short undulating ride to the pier takes you to a ferry for Dumaguete on Negros island. you then cycle around 20 km before you take another short ferry ride across the Tañon Strait, known for whale and dolphin watching, to Cebu where a coastal ride brings you all the way to 
Moalboal on the west coast - another famous diving and snorkelling spot.
Day 12: Cebu Island
Cross the narrow Cebu Island to CarCar City, a very scenic ride. In Carcar, hop into our support vehicle which will bring you back to your hotel in Cebu City where you'll have your farewell dinner.
Day 13: Cebu Island - departure
Time to say goodbye to Cebu. Your guide will drop you at the Mactan International Airport for the flight home.
Other costs
Single Supplement: US$425
Bike Hire: US$180 Hardtail, US$225 Full suspension
