There are lots of different modes of transport you can use to get around the Philippines. But my personal favorite is just getting on a motorbike, riding around and exploring on your own. Motourism is on the rise and more tourists are discovering the Philippine islands on two wheels.

Based on my personal trips, some destinations around the country are just great for exploring by motorcycle. My criteria for picking these places includes the availability of motorbike rentals and general safety and security. I would say all these islands are safe for solo travelers, including solo female riders and international tourists. Most are relatively small and tourist-friendly islands that you can ride around in a day or less. The larger islands will take about 3-5 days including sightseeing and island-hopping side trips.

Here are my top picks starting from the smallest to the largest islands suitable for riding. For more details per destination, please click on the headings per entry. The list below excludes popular motorcycling routes on major island masses like Luzon (North Luzon Loop, South Luzon, Sagada Loop, etc.) and Mindanao that require multi-day rides as well as popular road trip destinations from Manila.

Batanes

Batanes, the northernmost and smallest province in the country, is my favorite place that I’ve ridden in the Philippines. Batan Island, the main island of Batanes is very small  making it very easy to ride around in less than a day. The main circumferential road is fully paved and concreted though there are some hairpin turns on cliffs. Some areas are only accessible by relatively steep pathways.

Circling the whole island and passing through the four towns (Basco, Ivana, Mahatao, Uyugan) on the main island won’t take you very long if you just speed through. However, you will find yourself taking it very slow just to appreciate the epic views. It’s actually a challenge to keep your eyes on the road while trying to soak in the postcard-worthy views wherever you look.

What makes it great for riders: Batan Island is very compact, measuring just 20-kilometers long and 6.5 km at its widest point but public transportation between towns is scarce. Most tourists get around here by packaged van or tricycle tours. Though motorcycle rentals are not widely available, it is possible to borrow or rent from locals since motorcycles are the main mode of transport in Batan and other islands of Batanes like Sabtang Island and Itbayat Island.

When riding on your own  you can spend as much time you want in each spot without having to be shuttled in a group with other people. You can explore sights that are not normally included in package tours. Aside from motorcycling, Batan Island is small enough to explore by mountain bike, though the steep elevation in some portions may prove to be challenging for newbie bikers. You can spend a whole day just biking/riding around here.

Ride highlights: Marlboro Country, Vayang Rolling Hills, Alapad Rock Formations, Lighthouses, Fundacion Pacita, Honesty Cafe, every single view deck you come across, friendly locals. Seriously the best place I’ve ever ridden.

Camiguin

Camiguin, dubbed the “The Island Born of Fire” is the second smallest province in the country next to Batanes. This stunning island in Northern Mindanao is just packed with lush forests, waterfalls, springs, unspoiled beaches and diving spots for adventure junkies as well as ancestral houses, Spanish-era churches and heritage sites for history buffs.

Why it’s great for riders: Camiguin has a well-paved 64-km long circumferential road that is very easy to navigate. Motorbike rentals are widely available on the island. The island is compact and very safe to drive around even if you’re traveling alone. You can get around easily and visit beaches, waterfalls and other stunning sights.

Ride highlights: Sunken Cemetery, Mt. Hibok-Hibok, Ardent Hibok-Hibok Spring, Sto. Nino Cold Springs, Katibawasan Waterfalls, Tuasan Falls, Binangawan Falls, Old church Ruins, Mantigue Island & White Island (boat ride required)

Siquijor

The island province of Siquijor is the the third smallest province of the Philippines with a coastline of 102 kilometers, making it compact enough to explore on a day tour. Siquijor is often associated with stories of witchcraft and mysticism, making it sort of an “exotic” and offbeat destination compared to the more popular Philippine islands. The whole island has that lovely air of mystery that will definitely enchant you. Coastal views are amazing and locals are friendly.

What makes it great for riders: You can rent motorbikes directly from the port as soon as you arrive, making it a good choice for solo travelers. There are lots of interesting spots scattered around the island which are far apart if you’re traveling by public transportation, but which you can easily get to on two wheels.

Ride highlights: Enchanted Balete Tree, Lazi Church & Convent, Cambughay Falls, Salogdoong Forest Reserve, Salogdoong Beach

Biliran

For those who prefer uncommercialized destinations, the island province of Biliran still remains under the tourist radar. Formerly a sub-province of Leyte, Biliran is the country’s fourth smallest and one of the newest provinces, lying less than a kilometer north of the island of Leyte.

Why it’s great for riders: Biliran is very rural and laid-back. It stiill feels pure and untainted by commercialism. The island is small enough to loop in a day and it’s very easy to get around. This is also a good destination for cyclists. Motorbike rentals are not widely available compared to other major tourist hubs, but it’s possible to rent or borrow from locals.

Ride highlights: Tinago Falls, Ulan-Ulan falls (hike required), Talahid Beach Resort, Canaan Farm Hills, Sambawan Island (separate boat trip required)

Siargao

The island of Siargao in Surigao del Norte is another great destination for riders, especially those who also love the beach and surfing. The island’s coastline is marked by a succession of reefs, small points and white sandy beaches. The neighboring islands and islets have similar landforms and contains the largest mangrove forest reserves in Mindanao at Del Carmen.

Why it’s great for riders: Siargao is small enough to circle in a day and motorbike rentals are cheap and widely available in General Luna. You can rent a motorbike as soon as you arrive from the airport. There are beautiful uncrowded spots spread around the island that you can easily ride to. Surfers can rent motorbikes with surf racks to go to surf spots that aren’t so crowded.

Ride highlights: General Luna Cloud 9 boardwalk, Magpupungko Pool, Tayangban Cave, Malinao, Dapa, Pacifico, Taktak Falls, Sugba lagoon, beaches, mangrove forests. Naked, Guyam and Daku Islands (separate boat rides required)

Coron (Busuanga Island)

Busuanga is the largest Island of the Calamian archipelago in the Northern part of Palawan province. It’s known for its nice beaches, gentle landscape, and is a top hiking and diving destination for local and international tourists. While the main area of Coron is highly developed (like El Nido), the rest of Busuanga Island feels like an undeveloped frontier. Paved roads give way to rough gravel and dirt. If you want some off-road action getting to areas of interest, this is a good place to explore.

Why it’s great for riders: Motorbike rentals are widely available in the Coron town proper. Aside from island-hopping tours (which are the main draw), riders can opt to explore the rest of the island or ride all the way to Calauit Safari Park from Coron. There’s no traffic outside of town.

Ride highlights: Puerto del Sol, Ocam-Ocam Beach, Concepion Water Falls, Calauit Game Preserve and Wildlife Sanctuary, Maquinit Hot Springs

Bohol

Bohol is the tenth largest island in the Philippines and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country for its eco-tourism activities. This province is home to the famed Chocolate Hills, one of the country’s most iconic natural attractions and cute tarsiers (among the world’s smallest primates). Panglao Island, located southwest of Tagbiliran is famous for diving locations and is routinely listed as one of the top ten diving locations in the world.

Why it’s great for riders: Bohol is one of the most tourist-friendly places in the Philippines. Motorcycle rentals are widely available everywhere and it’s very easy to go around and navigate the island. You can ride around to the most stunning and scenic views. There are good dining options especially in Panglao. While riding, you can skip the typical tourist trap parts of package tours and spend more time in spots you really want to. You can also experience the uncommercialized side of Bohol in smaller towns aside from the main tourist circuit.

Ride highlights: Chocolate Hills, tarsiers, Bilar man-made forest, Loboc River, Panglao Island, Anda beach

Cebu

Cebu in the Central Visayas region is one of the most developed provinces and of the top tourist destinations in the Philippines. The province consists of Cebu Island, as well as 167 smaller islands, including Mactan, Bantayan, Malapascua, Olango and the Camotes Islands, known for their beaches and dive sites.

Why it’s great for riders: The main Cebu island stretches 196 km from north to south and 32 km (20 mi) across at its widest point. Cebu has a very long and narrow coastline with well-paved roads that offer great views. You can ride either north or south to get away from the city and spend more time in beach towns. Food (especially lechon)  is delicious. You get a mix of creature comforts in the city and the provincial feel in other towns. Because of Cebu’s central location in the Visayas region, you can bring your bike and cross over by ferry to other islands like Negros, Bohol and Leyte.

Ride highlights: Osmena Peak, Kawasan Falls, Moalboal, Waterfalls in South Cebu, Sumilon Bluewater Resort, lechon, food-tripping, Cebu City historical sights

Samar

Samar is the third largest island in the Philippines and is made up of three provinces: (Western) Samar, Northern Samar and Eastern Samar. Many spots here (especially on the Eastern side) still feel very untouched from the rest of the country. If you want something very uncommercialized, this is a great place to explore.

Why it’s great for riders: For riders coming from mainland Luzon (Sorsogon), Samar is the first island in the Visayas region you get to after crossing by ferry. While most just pass through on the Western side to cross over to Leyte, the rest of Samar island is definitely worth exploring. You can cross all 3 provinces by looping the island. This is currently only doable by motorcycle or bicycle as there is no bridge in one part of the North-Eastern portion so larger vehicles can’t pass. If you’re on a tight schedule, it’s time-consuming to get around by public transportation in Samar so having your own mode of transpo is great. The main cities are geographically located far from each other and vans and jeeps don’t leave regularly.

Ride highlights: San Juanico Bridge (crossing to Leyte), Biri Island (boat ride / detour required), Ulot River Torpedo boat, Calbiga Cave (hike required), Lulugayan Falls (hike required) Mapanas Rock Formations, Borongan, Guian, Calicoan, Marabut

P.S: Leyte, which is connected by the longest bridge to Samar, is a great place to ride as well, but I have not yet explored it fully, so I can’t give my personal recommendations yet. But if you do ride there, you can cross over from Southern Leyte to Surigao in Mindanao as well.

Palawan

Palawan is an archipelagic province located in the region of MIMAROPA. It is the largest province in the country in terms of total area of jurisdiction. If you’re after a long and satisfying ride and want to visit amazing beaches and natural sights, Palawan is your best bet. Palawan consistently ranks in travel articles as one of the world’s best islands. It’s home to the famed Underground River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Why it’s great for riders: Motorcycle rentals are widely available and affordable. When traveling by air, you arrive in the middle of the island, the capital Puerto Princesa. From there, you can choose to ride up North to El Nido or to the Southern tip heading to Balabac. Palawan has lots of laid-back beach towns as well as top tourist hubs with nightlife and dining options. There’s no traffic whatsoever in the main highway. It’s very safe to ride here.

Ride highlights: Underground River, San Vicente Long Beach, Port Barton, Fort Isabel, El Nido, island hopping (boat required), Brooke’s Point, Balabac

I know there are many other islands in the Philippines worth riding around like Mindoro, Panay, Negros Island etc. which I have yet to explore by motorcycle. But in the meantime, these are just 10 of the islands I can recommend. 🙂 Hope you find these tips useful!