So you’re thinking about taking your big bike to the Philippines? Mate, you’re in for one hell of a ride. I’ve spent months cruising through these islands, and let me tell you – there’s nothing quite like the feeling of opening up the throttle on a coastal highway with the South China Sea on one side and jungle-covered mountains on the other. This isn’t your standard tourist experience; this is freedom on two wheels in one of Southeast Asia’s most underrated riding destinations.
Why the Philippines Should Be on Every Rider’s Bucket List
Most riders heading to Southeast Asia automatically think Thailand or Vietnam. Meanwhile, the Philippines sits there like that overlooked beauty at the bar – waiting for someone smart enough to notice what everyone else is missing. With over 7,000 islands, this place offers a diversity of riding that’s hard to match anywhere else in the region.
What makes big bike touring in the Philippines special isn’t just the roads – though there are some absolute crackers – it’s the complete package. One day you’re carving through mountain switchbacks that would make European riders jealous, the next you’re cruising past white sand beaches that’ll have you pulling over every few kilometers for another photo. And unlike some of the more traveled routes in Thailand or Vietnam, you’ll often have these roads practically to yourself.
The Filipino riding scene is also growing like crazy. More and more locals are upgrading to bigger machines, which means better service options, more rider-friendly stops, and a community that gets what we’re all about. Nothing beats pulling into a small town and immediately connecting with local riders over a shared love of torque and twisties.
When to Go: Timing Your Big Bike Adventure
Let’s talk straight about this – timing matters in the Philippines. Ride during the wrong season, and you might find yourself caught in the mother of all downpours or dodging typhoons that can throw your carefully planned route into chaos.
The sweet spot for big bike touring in the Philippines falls between November and May. December through February gives you cooler temperatures (we’re still talking 25-30°C, not exactly chilly) and minimal rain. March to May cranks up the heat, but the roads stay dry and visibility is killer – perfect for those mountain passes where you want to see what’s coming.
June to October is typhoon season, and while you can still ride, you’re playing weather roulette. That said, there’s something to be said for the off-season if you’re flexible. The tourist crowds thin out, accommodation gets cheaper, and there’s a raw beauty to the landscape when it’s green and lush after a good rainfall. Just pack quality rain gear and be prepared to shelter for a day if things get wild.
Choosing Your Weapon: Bike Options in the Philippines
You’ve got three main options when it comes to getting your hands on a suitable ride: rent locally, ship your own, or buy and sell.
Renting Big Bikes
The rental scene has improved dramatically in recent years, especially in Manila, Cebu, and tourist hubs like Boracay and Palawan. You can find everything from 400cc adventure bikes up to 1200cc beasts if you know where to look.
Companies like Bike Rentals Philippines and MotoTours PH have decent fleets of larger displacement bikes. Expect to pay anywhere from ₱2,500-6,000 ($45-110 USD) per day depending on the machine, with better rates for longer rentals. Always, and I mean always, thoroughly check over any rental bike – especially the tires, brakes, and chain condition. The Philippines can be hard on bikes, and maintenance standards vary wildly between shops.
Shipping Your Own Bike
If you’re planning an extended tour or you’re just particular about your ride (no judgment, we all are), shipping your own bike is doable but comes with bureaucratic hurdles. You’ll need a carnet de passage, import permits, and to deal with customs officials who may or may not understand why anyone would ship a motorcycle halfway around the world.
The payoff is riding your own trusted steed on some of the most incredible roads you’ll ever experience. Budget around $2,000-3,000 for shipping from most Western countries, plus a hefty refundable deposit for the carnet.
Buying and Selling
For longer stays, buying locally and selling before you leave makes financial sense. The Philippines has a lively second-hand market for big bikes, with Japanese and European brands commanding the highest resale values. Facebook groups like “Big Bikes Philippines Buy and Sell” are gold mines for finding options.
The process is surprisingly straightforward for foreigners, though you’ll need a local address for registration paperwork. Budget ₱250,000-600,000 ($4,500-11,000 USD) for a decent used big bike, with popular models including the Honda CB500X, Kawasaki Versys 650, and BMW GS series if you’ve got deeper pockets.
Must-Ride Routes: The Philippines’ Greatest Hits
Now for the good stuff – where to point that front wheel once you’re geared up and ready to roll. I’m not gonna give you some sanitized list of tourist trails; these are rider’s routes, chosen for their combination of technical interest, scenic payoff, and that indefinable quality that makes your soul sing when you’re in the saddle.
The Northern Loop: Luzon’s Mountain Playground
If I could only ride one region in the Philippines for the rest of my life, it would be Northern Luzon. This is the country’s big bike touring crown jewel – a mountainous wonderland of twisting roads, ancient culture, and vistas that’ll stop you dead in your tracks.
Start in Manila and head north toward Baguio, the country’s summer capital. The climb up Kennon Road or Marcos Highway gives you your first taste of the mountain riding to come. From Baguio, push northwest to Sagada and the Halsema Highway – one of the highest altitude roads in the Philippines and a technical challenge that rewards skilled riders with views across mist-shrouded mountains.
The Cordillera loop through Bontoc and Banaue puts you in the heart of rice terrace country. These UNESCO-listed agricultural marvels carved into mountainsides are over 2,000 years old and absolutely worth the detour onto smaller roads to see them up close.
For those looking for more remote riding, the coastal route up to Pagudpud offers a different kind of thrill – sweeping ocean views, coastal cliffs, and windswept beaches where you might not see another foreign face for days.
Allow 5-7 days minimum for the Northern Luzon loop, though you could easily spend two weeks exploring all its offshoots and hidden valleys.
The Bicol Express: Volcanoes and Coastal Blasts
Southeast of Manila lies the Bicol region, home to the perfect cone of Mayon Volcano and some of the most enjoyable coastal riding in the country. The main highway (AH26) is well-maintained by Philippine standards, allowing for higher speeds and relaxed cruising between points of interest.
Starting from Manila, it’s a solid day’s ride to reach Legazpi City, the gateway to Bicol. From there, circumnavigating Mayon Volcano on the roughly 85km loop road gives you constantly changing perspectives on this perfect volcanic cone – a spiritual experience for geology nerds and casual observers alike.
Push further south to Sorsogon and Matnog for the ferry crossing to Samar, or head east to discover the surf spots around Catanduanes island. The coastal roads winding between fishing villages offer plenty of opportunities to stop for seafood so fresh it was swimming hours before it hit your plate.
The Bicol route combines great riding with some of the spiciest cuisine in the Philippines. The locals aren’t joking when they warn you about their chili tolerance – approach the famous Bicol Express dish with caution or prepare for a mouth-fire that might have you reaching for your emergency water supply.
The Visayan Island-Hopping Adventure
The central Philippines contains the Visayan island group – Panay, Negros, Cebu, Bohol, and others – each with its own distinct character and riding opportunities. This is where big bike touring in the Philippines gets really interesting, combining road time with ferry hops between islands.
Cebu makes an excellent starting point with good rental options and direct international flights. The ride north to south takes you from the chaotic energy of Cebu City through the mountains of the central spine, emerging at quiet fishing communities that feel unchanged for generations.
Ferry your bike to Negros (easier than it sounds) and you’ll find the volcanic highlands around Mount Kanlaon offer cooler temperatures and coffee plantations alongside challenging mountain roads. The western coast of Negros delivers laid-back beach towns where you can rest up between riding days.
Bohol is compact enough to circumnavigate in a day, but deserves much more time. The Chocolate Hills interior provides surreal landscapes, while the coastal road passes through mangrove forests and small villages where time seems to move slower.
The island-hopping route requires more planning due to ferry schedules and inconsistent loading facilities for motorcycles, but rewards with a diverse riding experience impossible to find on a single island. Budget at least 10 days to do it justice without feeling rushed.
Practical Matters: The Nitty-Gritty of Philippine Riding
Alright, let’s get down to the stuff that can make or break your big bike touring adventure – the practical realities of navigating the Philippines on two wheels.
Road Conditions: The Good, the Bad, and the “What the Hell Is That?”
Philippine roads exist on a spectrum from “better than parts of California” to “who called this a road?” The good news is that major highways connecting larger cities and tourist areas are generally well-maintained with decent surfaces. The National Roads (marked with “N” on maps) should be your go-to for covering distance.
The challenges come on secondary roads and in more remote areas. Expect sudden changes in surface quality, unmarked hazards, and the occasional section where asphalt apparently existed only in someone’s imagination. This is why adventure or sport-touring bikes make more sense than pure street machines for extensive Philippines exploration.
A special mention goes to the ubiquitous road hazards: roaming dogs, free-range chickens, children playing, and tricycles pulling out without looking. Your reaction time needs to be on point, especially in rural areas where the road doubles as the town’s social space.
Traffic and Riding Culture: Organized Chaos
Philippine traffic operates on what I can only describe as organized chaos theory. Lane markings are often treated as loose suggestions, and the concept of right-of-way sometimes feels like it’s determined by vehicle size rather than traffic laws.
In urban areas, you’ll be sharing space with jeepneys (colorful converted jeeps serving as public transport), tricycles (motorcycles with sidecars), and countless scooters weaving through gaps you didn’t even realize existed. It’s intimidating at first, but there’s a flow to it that you’ll start to understand after a few days.
The key to survival is riding defensively and assuming that other road users haven’t seen you. Use your horn liberally – it’s not considered rude here, but rather a normal way to announce your presence. Filtering is expected in cities, and you’ll quickly learn that sitting in traffic is entirely optional on a bike.
Navigation and Connectivity: Finding Your Way
Google Maps works surprisingly well even in remote areas, though it occasionally tries to route you down nonexistent roads or paths that might be fine for a dirt bike but questionable on a loaded touring machine. I recommend downloading offline maps for each region before you head out and using them in conjunction with local advice.
Mobile data is cheap and coverage is decent in all but the most remote mountain areas. A local SIM card is essential – Globe and Smart are the major carriers, with Smart generally having better rural coverage for those off-the-beaten-path routes. For about ₱1,000 ($18 USD), you can get a prepaid SIM with enough data to last a couple of weeks of navigation and social media updates.
Accommodation: Where to Rest Your Head (and Park Your Baby)
Finding places to stay is rarely a problem, but finding places with secure parking for big bikes requires a bit more effort. Major cities have international hotel chains with proper parking facilities, while tourist areas offer everything from backpacker hostels to luxury resorts.
For riders, I’ve found that mid-range hotels in provincial cities (₱1,500-3,000/$27-55 USD per night) often have the best combination of security, comfort, and value. Many allow you to bring your bike into the courtyard or lobby area overnight – just ask nicely and perhaps slip the security guard a small tip.
When exploring more remote areas, look for “pension houses” – family-run guesthouses that cater to Filipino travelers. They’re usually simple but clean, and the owners often go out of their way to ensure your bike is secure. Prices range from ₱700-1,500 ($13-27 USD) per night, making them easy on the wallet during longer tours.
Dealing with Authorities: Licenses and Checkpoints
The Philippines generally recognizes international driving permits alongside your home country license, but enforcement can be inconsistent. Some riders get by for months without being asked for documentation, while others get checked at their first provincial checkpoint.
To be safe, bring your home license, an International Driving Permit, and the bike’s registration papers (or rental agreement). Keep photocopies of everything – offering a photocopy rather than your original documents at checkpoints can help avoid the rare “disappearing license” scenario that might lead to unofficial “fees” to get it back.
Police checkpoints are common, especially near provincial borders and in areas with security concerns. They’re usually looking for weapons, contraband, or local troublemakers – not foreign tourists. A smile, polite greeting, and respectful attitude go a long way. Most officers will wave you through after a brief chat about your bike and travel plans.
The Soul of Philippine Riding: Beyond the Roads
What makes big bike touring in the Philippines truly special isn’t just the technical aspects of the riding – it’s everything that happens when you stop the bike. This country has a way of seeping into your soul and changing how you think about travel.
Filipino Hospitality: Never Truly Alone
You might be solo touring, but you’ll rarely feel alone in the Philippines. The legendary Filipino hospitality isn’t just a tourism slogan – it’s a genuine cultural characteristic that reveals itself in countless small interactions.
Break down in a remote area (it happens to all of us eventually), and you’ll find yourself surrounded by locals offering help before you’ve even had time to check your toolkit. Stop for directions, and don’t be surprised if someone insists on leading you to your destination personally. Admire someone’s bike at a gas station, and you might end up being invited to dinner with their whole riding group.
This warmth extends to the growing Philippine big bike community. Local riding clubs often organize weekend rides and are typically thrilled to have international riders join them. Facebook groups like “Big Bike Riders Philippines” are great places to connect with these communities before your trip.
Food: Fuel for the Journey
Philippine cuisine doesn’t get the international recognition of its Thai or Vietnamese neighbors, but it absolutely should. Each region has its specialties, from the pork-centric dishes of Luzon to the seafood feasts of the Visayas.
Roadside eateries called “carinderia” offer the best value and most authentic experience. Look for places with lots of local customers and high turnover for the freshest food. A hearty meal rarely costs more than ₱150-200 ($3-4 USD), with specialties like adobo (meat marinated in vinegar and soy), sinigang (sour soup), and lechon (roast pig) providing the perfect fueling stops between rides.
For coffee lovers, the Philippines has a growing specialty coffee scene, particularly in the highlands where domestic beans are cultivated. There’s nothing quite like stopping at a mountain viewpoint with a freshly brewed cup of local kapeng barako to contemplate the road ahead.
Off-Bike Adventures: When to Park and Explore
Some experiences require leaving the bike behind temporarily, and they’re often worth the separation anxiety. The Philippines offers world-class diving, particularly around Coron and Moalboal, where you can swim with whale sharks or explore Japanese shipwrecks from WWII.
The country’s volcanic activity has blessed it with numerous hot springs and natural spas – perfect for soaking away the fatigue after long riding days. Places like Laguna’s hot spring resorts or the volcanic mud spas near Mount Mayon offer therapeutic breaks from the saddle.
For hiking enthusiasts, the trail networks in the mountainous regions provide everything from easy waterfall walks to challenging summit climbs. Packing a pair of light hiking shoes is worth the precious luggage space for the views you’ll be rewarded with.
Mechanical Matters: When Things Go Wrong
Even the most meticulously maintained bikes have off days, especially when confronted with challenging conditions. The Philippines has a mixed reputation for mechanical support, but the situation has improved dramatically with the influx of bigger machines in recent years.
Finding Qualified Mechanics
Major cities like Manila, Cebu, and Davao have dealerships and specialized shops that can handle most big bike brands. Japanese manufacturers have the widest service networks, with Honda and Yamaha dealerships found even in provincial capitals. European brands like BMW and Ducati have more limited official presence, mainly in Manila and Cebu.
For roadside emergencies in more remote areas, look for shops servicing the police and military bikes – they often have experience with larger displacement machines even if they primarily work on smaller bikes. The quality varies wildly, so ask to see previous work or get recommendations from local riders whenever possible.
Parts Availability: Planning for the Possible
Common service items for Japanese bikes – filters, brake pads, chains – are widely available in provincial centers. For everything else, Manila is your best bet, with specialty shops in the Caloocan area forming the heart of the aftermarket scene.
If you’re riding something exotic or particularly modern, bring critical spare parts with you. Things like specialized filters, electrical components, or uncommon fasteners can be impossible to find outside major centers, potentially leaving you stranded for days while parts are shipped in.
Roadside Repairs: The Art of Improvisation
Filipino mechanics have elevated improvisation to an art form, born from decades of keeping vehicles running with limited resources. I’ve seen alternator problems fixed with modified computer parts and leaking radiators sealed with exotic combinations of local materials that held better than factory components.
Carry basic tools, zip ties, duct tape, and JB Weld – with these and the resourcefulness of local mechanics, most issues can be resolved enough to get you to the next major service center. A basic mechanical vocabulary in Tagalog can help, but most mechanics in tourist areas speak enough English to understand motorcycle problems.
Safety and Security: Keeping Yourself and Your Bike Intact
Let’s address the elephant in the room – the Philippines has a reputation for security issues that concerns some riders. The reality, as usual, is more nuanced than international headlines suggest.
Regional Security Considerations
Most security concerns are limited to specific regions, primarily parts of Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago where separatist and extremist groups operate. For riders, this means simply avoiding these known hotspots, which represent a tiny fraction of the country’s riding opportunities.
The tourist areas of Luzon, Visayas, and northern Mindanao (including Cagayan de Oro and Camiguin) have safety profiles comparable to other Southeast Asian destinations. Standard travel precautions apply – don’t flash expensive gear, be aware of your surroundings in urban areas, and avoid isolated areas after dark.
Motorcycle Security
Motorcycle theft exists but targets primarily smaller bikes that can be easily transported and have ready markets for parts. Big bikes attract attention, which actually works in your favor from a security perspective – they’re harder to steal discreetly.
Still, common-sense precautions are essential. Always use your steering lock, add a disc lock for additional security, and try to park in well-lit, populated areas or secure parking facilities when available. Hotels will often let you bring the bike into a courtyard or lobby overnight if you ask nicely.
Health and Medical Considerations
Medical facilities vary dramatically across the Philippines. Major cities have hospitals comparable to Western standards, while remote areas might have only basic clinics. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is absolutely essential for peace of mind.
The country has the usual tropical health concerns – mosquito-borne diseases exist in rural areas, and stomach issues from food and water are common among travelers. Pack a basic medical kit including rehydration salts, anti-diarrheal medication, pain relievers, and plenty of sunscreen.
Riding Gear Compromises: Balancing Safety and Comfort
The tropical climate presents a challenge for protective gear. Full leathers are impractical in 35°C heat with 80% humidity, but the road rash potential remains the same as anywhere else.
The best compromise I’ve found is mesh armored jackets, riding jeans with armor inserts, and proper boots and gloves regardless of the temperature. Tropical downpours can appear out of nowhere, so packable rain gear is essential even in the “dry” season.
For helmets, ventilation is key – but never compromise on safety certification. The good news is that international brands are widely available in Manila and other major cities if your luggage space is limited.
The Environmental Side: Responsible Big Bike Touring
The Philippines faces significant environmental challenges, from plastic pollution to deforestation. As riders, we have a responsibility to minimize our impact while exploring this beautiful archipelago.
Minimizing Your Footprint
Carry reusable water bottles and refuse single-use plastics whenever possible – the country’s waste management infrastructure can’t handle the current volume of plastic waste, much of which ends up in the ocean.
Stick to established trails if you venture off-road, particularly in mountainous regions where soil erosion is a serious concern. Areas like the Cordillera are experiencing increased landslide risks due to environmental degradation, and responsible riding means staying on designated routes.
Supporting Sustainable Tourism
Choose accommodations and tour operators with demonstrated environmental commitments. Eco-lodges and community-based tourism initiatives are growing across the country, offering authentic experiences while directing tourism money to conservation efforts and local communities.
Consider carbon offsetting for your flights to and from the Philippines – it’s a small price to pay for the privilege of exploring this incredible country on two wheels.
Final Thoughts: The Road Goes On
Big bike touring in the Philippines isn’t always easy. You’ll face challenging roads, bureaucratic puzzles, and the occasional mechanical gremlin. But the rewards – those perfect empty coastal highways, mountain passes shrouded in morning mist, and connections with some of the warmest people you’ll ever meet – make every frustration worthwhile.
This is a country that gets under your skin. The Philippines has a way of turning a planned two-week ride into a month-long adventure, and sending you home with a phone full of local riders’ contact details and a promise to return.
So check your tire pressure, adjust your suspension for those questionable road surfaces, and point your front wheel toward the Pearl of the Orient. The Philippines is waiting to show you what big bike touring in Southeast Asia should really feel like.
When you’re sitting at home months later, scrolling through photos of your journey, I guarantee it won’t be just the roads you remember – it’ll be the entire experience of a country that embraces riders like nowhere else in Asia. The Philippines doesn’t just offer great motorcycling; it offers great motorcycling with heart and soul.
Safe travels, and keep the rubber side down.