Siargao, in Surigao del Norte, is best known for surfing. It can also be seen by bicycle, on roads lined with coconut palms that run from one surf town to the next.
The ride
A local bike rental business, Siargao Bikes, describes a loop of the island of 127 km with 750 m of climbing, about 90 percent of it on paved road. Those figures come from one commercial source, so treat them as a guide. Ask about the unpaved part when you rent.
Ridden in one day, this is a moderate to hard ride, and for most of our readers a hard one. Split over two days it becomes comfortable: a little over 60 km a day, with time to stop and look around.
Because about a tenth of the route is unpaved, choose a bike with wider tires, such as a gravel bike or a mountain bike.
Good to know
- Do not rely on the usual December to May dry season here. Siargao faces the Pacific and does not follow the national pattern. Ask your rental shop or your host which months are wettest, and check the forecast before you set out.
- Start early: by mid-morning it is hot. See riding in the heat.
- Carry two bottles of water and some cash, and refill in the towns.
- Ride with a companion, or tell your host your route and when you expect to be back.
- Ask local riders about traffic and road conditions before you go.
- If you rent, check the brakes, tires and gears before you leave the shop, and ask for a spare tube and a pump.
Getting there with a bike
If you bring your own bike by sea, see taking your bike on trains, ferries and ships, and confirm the rules with the operator before you travel.