Cycling in Philippines General Information

By: Yohann

CYCLING EQUIPMENT

To find a bike dedicated to Cyclo-Touring in Philippines is quite difficult and there are mostly two alternatives: If you are a foreigner you can come with your own bike otherwise you may have to buy a mountain bike and equip it with a rear rack. You should use PRESTA VALVE Type inner tube because it is very difficult to find spares with any other type of valve. The most common size for tires 126inches.

In case of technical trouble, it is easy to find support, filipinos are very helpful and they will either give you a hand or take you up to the closest bike repair shop. Budget for simple repair is very reasonable but it is not any longer the case if some branded spare part are needed.

Ensure to have a helmet because some of the Philippines roads are private and security people will forbid you to use them without helmet.

For cloth you won't need anything other than t-shirts, shorts and a raincoat. Even when raining temperature remains above 20°C. You will need a warm long sleeve top only if you travel in North Luzon mountain area or for evening especially if your trip takes place between November to February.

Do not forget the basics: cap, suncream, water bottle, toolkit, bike lights, first aids. . .


ACCOMODATION FOR CYCLISTS

Unlike other ASEAN countries, accomodation is a bit expensive in Philippines for cyclo-tourists.

In city especially Luzon, you can find accomodation less than Php1,000 but it is not really that good and most of time this type of accomodation is for short term stay (hourly rate). Medium Class Hotel will cost you approximately Php2,000 in town. In tourist area, guesthouse starting from Php750 are available as well as resort for a higher budget. Local tourism usually caters to groups and families so renting a simple kubo cottage costs much for cyclo-tourists travelling alone or in duo (Php1,000-2,000 for cottage, Php2,000-4,000 for rooms with aircon). Because single travellers are not their common market, owners do not make much effort to adapt their price.

Another solution is to set up tent to some private property (after having been authorized) or in some dedicated resort for a fee which usually cost around Php200 per head. There are usually some comfort rooms with a waterpoint for shower. To camp in wild isolated place is not recommended or you should ensure to be in group. Homestay will work pretty well in country side and area out of the tracks. People are open to cyclo-tourists who they considered a bit like weird travellers and they offer easily their assistance. 

Last alternative is to use network such couchsurfing or warmshower to find hosts for the night. Unfortunately, warmshower network dedicated to cyclo-tourism hosting is not well developed yet in Philippines. . . Let's contribute to change that... 

FOOD DURING BICYCLE TOUR
How

No need to bring cooking food equiptment but bringing a couple of tupperware food container will be very useful.

There are lots of small food store commonly CARINDERIA where you can buy cooked rice, meat, fish, vegetables, etc. FRom Sari-Sari Store (a small street retail store) you can buy basic grocery items: drinks, snacks, bread. . . And you can get fruits from palengke (wet market). It is usually costs around Php50-100 per meal, pandesal bread Php2 each and Banana Ph50 per kg.

If cycling in remote places, its advisable to take out food from downtown (using your tupperware) as some places don't have 24hours open store. It will avoid you to starve in case you arrive late to your day destination. Do not keep food more than a day because it gets spoiled quickly due to temperature.

To eat is like a leisure for Filipinos so behave the same way and enjoy your food during your Bicycle Tour in the Philippines!

SAFETY CONCERNS FOR CYCLISTS

As for any journey, it is a must to have a personal travelling insurance. Roads are quite safe because Filipinos drive slowly and horn before overtaking but you have to keep focus when riding through cities because traffic increases and rukes tend to not be respected. Be careful with jeepneys which stops at anytime on the right and may cut your route.

It is advice to cycle during daylight and to avoid to take very small road keeping away from villages and cities. As long as you keep on main roads, the pavement will be in good condition but it won't no longer be the case if you get out of the tracks. Rough roads are common in the countryside so get ready to have some bottom pain on the evening. 

Temperature is high and it can reach 40°C during summer time so ensure to take enough water with you. If you go to remote area, it might be difficult to refill with clean water but surprisingly soft drink will always be available in sari-sari (small street stores). To save money you can refillyour bottle in a purifier water station which are usually located in town (it will cost you Php5 for 1liter). 

Ride safe and enjoy your bicycle tour in Philippines!