The first-ever bike tour under the Philippine Cyclo Tourism program officially kicked off in the island province of Marinduque. Dubbed the Marinduque Cycling Experience, the sightseeing tour aims to showcase the province’s scenic routes, attractions, and unique culture that make it a must-visit destination for cycling enthusiasts.
All-inclusive three-day, two-night bike tour packages, which include transport, accommodations, meals, the use of quality mountain bikes, and a support van, were launched to encourage bike tourism on the island. The bike tours are ideal for local and foreign cyclists who want a hassle-free way to bike around Marinduque while sightseeing at the same time. Initial tour dates have been set and are now available from March to May 2026.
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Over three days, guest bikers experienced the nature, culture, and history of Marinduque while pedaling around the top tourist spots. The ride included a challenging ascent 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 also embarked on a scenic Marinduque Loop, a 120km bike ride visiting key landmarks, passing Santa Cruz Church, Poctoy White Beach in Torrijos, a view of Haynon Hills, Malbog Sulfur Spring, along with various churches along the way.
The country’s first planned bike tour circuit in Marinduque was organized by the Department of Tourism (DOT) MIMAROPA, Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), the National Bicycle Organization, tour operator Dream Favor Travel and Tours, and Maru Bicycles Philippines.
The inaugural ride drew solid support from the cycling community, with guest bikers including brand ambassadors, cycling content creators, bikepackers, and local cyclists.
Two legendary Philippine Loopers also joined the ride to show their support for the country’s bike tourism efforts. They were Carlo Gonzaga (aka The Happy Biker), a Philippine Loop Hall of Fame awardee who cycled 17,000 kilometers in 88 days, and Victor Salas, a two-time Philippine looper and Maru Bicycles ambassador who combines bike rides with community advocacies.
Ahead of the ride, guest bikers attended the media launch, graced by Hon. Reynaldo P. Salvacion, Hon. Melecio Go, Hon. Romulo Bacorro, Jr., and key officials, which brought together industry partners and tourism stakeholders to promote Marinduque as a premier cycling destination.
Cesar Villanueva of the Tourism Promotions Board Philippines shared the vision behind the Philippine Cyclo Tourism campaign, which emerged as an offshoot of their successful Philippine Motorcycle Tourism (PMT) program.
According to Villanueva, bike tourism is a growing industry in the country. Highlighting the richness of the country’s natural assets, like lakes, mountains, waterfalls, mangroves, islands, historical monuments, and local cuisine, he said bike tourism can provide an eco-friendly and immersive way for travelers to explore the country. Aside from Marinduque, other island destinations like Catanduanes and Batanes (for the premium market) are being eyed for possible bike tours, according to TPB.
National Bicycle Organization president Benedict Camara shared insights on the bike tour development and led the official rollout of the cyclists, while Dream Favor Travel & Tours general manager Susan Nace presented three different bike tour packages, with initial tour dates now open from March to May 2026.
Nico Lee, owner of Maru Bikes Philippines, presented the specs for the Maru Kaze, a Japan-designed Taiwan-made mountain bike suitable for long rides, which serves as the official tour bikes.
In a video message, President of the European Cyclists’ Federation and the World Cycling Alliance, Henk Swarttouw, extended his congratulations to Marinduque for the launch of the new bike tourism products.
“Cycling tourism has been identified by UN Tourism, the United Nations World Tourism Organization, as one of the most sustainable modes of tourism,” he said.
Citing global trends among modern travellers favoring active mobility, sustainable tourism, and domestic tourism, he stressed how bike tourism could boost the local economy and help preserve the environment.
“In the Philippines, as elsewhere, cycling tourism brings livelihoods to local communities in rural and semi-rural areas. Cycling tourism cares for the environment. It helps nature conservation and cycling tourism generates income for the local and national economy,” he added.
Interested in taking a bike tour around Marinduque this summer? Check out the full packages, inclusions, and sign up to join the next bike tours on their website here: Marinduque Bike Tours.
