Calling all cycling enthusiasts: Want to experience biking around the island of Marinduque?
The inaugural launch of the first-ever bike tour under the Philippine Cyclo Tourism Program is taking place in Marinduque from February 20 to 22, 2026.
This event, organized by the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) and the Department of Tourism (DOT) MIMAROPA, is just the first of several planned bike-tour circuits being developed in the country.
Here’s what to expect from the upcoming Marinduque Cycling Experience launch and how you can sign up to join.
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What is the Marinduque Cycling Experience?
The Marinduque Cycling Experience is a 3-day, 2-night cycling journey in the island of Marinduque designed for riders who crave more than just the road. Participants will enjoy coastal climbs and lush countryside routes, immerse themselves in rich culture, experience pristine environments, and explore the island on two wheels.
This isn’t a race. It’s a sightseeing tour on two wheels to discover the island’s tourist spots like beaches, waterfalls, and local landmarks. The bike tour involves pedaling to Luzon Datum, the geodetic center point for all maps and surveys made in the Philippines, which is considered a historically significant reference point. Bikers will also circumnavigate the island, visiting key landmarks including Poctoy White Beach, mountain decks, hot springs, and churches, among others. Check out the complete itinerary here.
Where exactly is Marinduque, and how do you get there?
For the benefit of our foreign readers who may not be familiar with Philippine geography, Marinduque is an island province located in the Region IV-B or the MIMAROPA region, which comprises Mindoro (Occidental and Oriental), Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan.
This heart-shaped island is situated between Tayabas Bay to the north and the Sibuyan Sea to the south. It lies west of the Bondoc Peninsula (Quezon province), east of Mindoro Island, and north of Romblon.
From Metro Manila, getting to Marinduque usually takes about 6 hours. This involves traveling to the Dalahican Port in Lucena by land (3 hours) and the sea crossing (3 hours) to Balanacan in Marinduque by RoRo.
What are the inclusions of the Marinduque Cycling Tour?
According to event organizers, the inaugural tour includes: “thoughtfully curated cycling routes, comfortable accommodations, immersive local encounters, full event support, and exclusive launch privileges” to set the standard for cyclo tourism in the country. Here are the listed inclusions for the launch event:
- 3 Days, 2 Nights Stay at a hotel
- Accident insurance
- Photo coverage
- Breakfast – Days 2 & 3
- Lunch – Days 2 & 3
- Dinner – Days 1 & 2
- Tour guides and support group
- Welcome dinner from Marinduque
- Press Conference with TPB, DOT, and other stakeholders
- Bike for use
What are the requirements to join the bike tour?
The bike tour is ideal for local and foreign cyclists with intermediate to advanced biking skills. Riders must be comfortable riding medium to long distances (60-100km) with mountainous terrain involving 500 meters of elevation gain, with an average speed of 12-15kph.
What type of bike should be used for the bike tour?
Mountain bikes are recommended as there are rough areas and some possible river crossings. While local cyclists can bring their own bikes if they prefer, tourists can use readily available tour bikes.
Maru Kaze is the official tour bike of Marinduque and is included for use throughout the tour. Check out the detailed specs below. Bigger frame sizes for 6-foot-tall tourists are also available.
Bike participants can bring their own helmet, gloves, and water bottle. Organizers advise that cleats are NOT recommended, as there will be areas that involve climbing and trekking. The official tour bike uses platform-type pedals.
Why should cyclists experience Marinduque by bike?
As someone who has gone bikepacking around Marinduque before and also toured it by van, I can say that the island offers an appealing and offbeat destination for cyclists. Marinduque has roughly 150kms o paved circumferential road and beautiful, uncrowded beaches. With coastal roads, mountain views, beaches, and waterfalls accessible from the road, the island offers a bucket-list destination for cyclists eager to experience what it’s like biking somewhere other than the traffic-choked city streets of Metro Manila.
While the island province is a popular destination during Holy Week, it’s quiet the rest of the year with minimal traffic. It’s one of the most peaceful and underrated provinces in the country, making it ideal for leisurely cycling and sightseeing tours. Compared to other islands that require flights or longer travel time, Marinduque is more accessible as a weekend destination directly from the metro.
Bike tourism is popular in many countries around the world, yet it’s still in its infancy in the Philippines. This inaugural tour aims to make it easier for local and foreign cyclists to ride around the island, while encouraging local businesses to support biking infrastructure and protect cultural heritage and natural assets all around the country.
Whether you’re up for a challenge, want to go on a road trip by bike somewhere new, or would like to support the country's budding bicycle tourism efforts, the Marinduque Cycling Experience promises a worthwhile adventure. Sign up to join the bike tour and learn more about it here.
Aside from the special launch this February, regular bike tour packages for Marinduque have also been designed to cater to future bike tourists.
