What’s it like Cycling in the Philippines?

Obviously, it's beautiful, but what's it really like?
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[@scrumartist5630]

totally agree, cycling outside of the major cities is the way to go here, preferably outside the main roads as well. within the city, the ride is just hell, vehicles give out hot air like there is no tomorrow

[@carlovillarica]

yup! I don't miss having to navigate through the traffic streets

[@TheTravelingCyclist1]

I could not agree more with you! I got to do some riding in San Mateo and Binondo. All of my friends thought I was nuts and thought it would be more dangerous. Despite the traffic, I never felt I was at risk of being hit by a car. Everyone co-exists. In the states -- even in rural areas, Cars blow past you over the speed limit and regularly over 60mph... I cant wait to go back and explore more. Thanks for sharing your video!

[@carlovillarica]

Thanks for watching!

[@royellisonsoriano]

Cycling in the Philippines truly is an awesome experience. Friendly community, generous people, breath-taking views. On the contrary, just like what you mentioned, it is crowded and full of dogs and chickens! Hahaha!

[@carlovillarica]

Couldn't agree more! Hahah

[@lavista4701]

Completed some month back my cycling trip from Hanoi to Singapore- now exploring new options for another bike backing trip

[@carlovillarica]

Philippines would be a great one!

[@crisolitoporras8602]

Anywhere in the world cycling always been fun

[@carlovillarica]

that's true!

[@tonyoestrella7306]

Yup cycling in the Philippines is really good especially if you are a mtb or a gravel rider but rb I don't think so since Philippine roads are lot of pot holes and uneven surface terrain even though in the road but nothing to bother about as long as you have a good company or group cycling could be much more better.

[@carlovillarica]

agree

[@karlikot]

I do agree with sarisari store. Its a convenient place to buy food, softdrinks, and food.

[@carlovillarica]

Yup! I didn't realize the convenience until I started cycling abroad

[@realgains1538]

Been to pinas many times and drove on many roads with a car and scooters but not yet with a bike. I became a better driver driving in the chaos hehe...and even the countryside can be chaos of a different sort with all the dogs, cats , roosters, and kids along the road sides. Would you recommend a gravel bike for the best road bike for Pinas ? I can't imagine using a full on road bike with 23mm tires etc on most roads. Of course the off road stuff must be fantastic ...can't wait ! Let me recommend Camguin. The main highway is very smooth and has light traffic and there is a long serious climb that goes from one side of the island up to about 1200 meters and down to the other side of the island. Regarding the chaos of the cities ....pinoy drivers are very respectable to cyclists and to each other in general , and the traffic is slow so even though it's chaos it's a little bit of a controlled chaos lol...and I think pretty safe for in city riding. You do have to be very much aware of your surroundings though. The main issue in the cities is the air quality....pretty bad at times in some areas. I think the biggest threat to a cyclist in Pinas is the many stray pinoy dogs that can be unpredictable on the roadsides. Camiguin has a very strict governor so I hardly saw any pinoy dogs but other places like Island of Fire(Siguijor) ,as stunning as it is, is inundated with stray pinoy dogs and roosters lol(the worst province I have been to in this regard sadly) While I do NOT think he is faster than a scooter/motorcycle driver that knows what he is doing lol...but I agree with the rest of this clip ... kzbin.info/www/bejne/aauopISuf9SNrdU

[@carlovillarica]

Thanks for watching. For a bike in the Philippines, I gravel bike would be good, but these days road bikes can fit much bigger tires so if you have a modern road bike that should do fine

[@MinnesotaBikings]

I have never been out of the US but I would love to bike with you someday in the Philippines! If you find yourself in Minnesota ever please let me know.

[@carlovillarica]

Thanks for the invite!

[@Daniel_Grey]

G'day Carlo from Aus, thinking of riding from Manila to Cebu staying of the main roads as much as possible. Do you know where I can find the best routes?

[@carlovillarica]

You can try komoot. ALthough once you are out of the city areas (Manila and Cebu), most of the roads should have much less cars

[@peterquest6406]

Sounds good,here in nz the drivers are crap.Hit a car the other day that went through intersection without giving way to me.Then nearly got hit the following week,same intersection.Avoid that intersection now .I try to get out if town as fast as possible as it is quieter and safer in country side

[@carlovillarica]

In the outskirts of our cities, I feel are were the best riding is

[@johncarlocielo8164]

Been staying here in Cebu for a month now and I have to say this is even more true in Cebu.

[@carlovillarica]

so true here

[@robinvandenberg25]

Hey mate! I want to travel to the PH and stay for 3 months. I love exploring on the bike, i will buy a second hand bike in the PH. As you mentioned roads can he unpredictable and sometimes pretty bad. Would you recommend a gravel bike instead of a racebike for added comfort? With a gravel bike i could also do some offroad trial riding. Or would you recommend a racebike with maybe 32mm tires? Thanks!

[@carlovillarica]

Personally Im biased towards the gravel bike. If it's for adventure riding and exploring, the thicker tires would do you good

[@R.S.407]

I'm completely sold on the idea of using the Philippines as a location to spend around six months cycling and finally avoid these miserable wet, cold and windy UK winters.

[@carlovillarica]

come on over!

[@ridebikesmore]

Hi, I am coming to Cebu soon and looking for cycling friends. Is there any groups you can help with? Thanks!

[@carlovillarica]

Most of the groups I know of are private friend groups. But you can find lots of people to bike with if you go up the local hill in Busay in the mornings

[@DatuSumakwel7]

I feel way safer biking in the Philippines. America was designed with cars in mind so drivers are used to having roads that are easy to drive (fewer obstacles) and they are used to going faster. When they encounter bicycles they are sometimes surprised and/or are quick to get impatient and end up overtaking in a dangerous manner. You hit it on the nail perfectly, in the Philippines, nearly everyone on the road is more attentive and focused.

[@carlovillarica]

Those were my thoughts when i was in the US. I really liked biking in california, bec you could find bike paths, but when you were away from one, wow it was scary

[@DatuSumakwel7]

@@carlovillarica I live in the Bay Area and I'd say you were in one of the best places not just in the country, but within California to go cycling. There is an abundance of street level cycling infrastructure in the Bay compared to much of the rest of the country. In other states, the driver situation is much worse. It's quite common for most cyclists to get run off the road and experience coal rolling. That's why gravel cycling is really taking off in midwestern states like Kansas and Texas.

[@mertsbelmes3209]

Astute observation! Succinctly elucidated.

[@carlovillarica]

Thank you!

[@eeskaatt]

6:07 oh dang asa ni dapit carl?

[@carlovillarica]

Musta naman ka scott!!!?? hahah good to hear from you bai. IT's in EL MAR. Nice place

[@breathestrongcycling3672]

HEY!...You stole my video idea ☹️😆...also Philippine roads generally have hard rideable shoulders, New Zealand roads don't leading to close passes and "road rage"....far less common here.

[@carlovillarica]

hahah you should still release it. Your point of view will definitely be different from mine

[@teekbooy4467]

Drivers in pinas are more aware with cyclist unlike in america

[@carlovillarica]

sure feels like it

[@nickconol1428]

So have you now decided to wear your swimsuit whilst riding to the resort? I think thats what the kid in cali asked you😂

[@carlovillarica]

Hahaha the cycling jersey and bibs kinda looks like a wetsuit. So it'll work