With the pandemic not going away anytime soon, the need to breathe fresh air and soak in some sun is a must. Apart from being a healthier alternative to commuting using public transport, biking becomes an exercise grown into a passion. Whether one is a beginner or a seasoned biker, these following places in and around Metro Manila make ideal locations for a satisfying biking experience.
Trails in the Metro
Intramuros (Manila)
One of the oldest and most well-known historical places in the Philippines, Intramuros is a place worth checking out if you’re looking for an accessible, biker-friendly destination. Enthusiasts usually have this place as their go-to biking trail because its paved roads and the historical places found within its walls make their route more fun and interesting. For those who can’t bring their own bike, Intramuros offers Bambike tours – a bike made mainly of bamboo for a minimal cost.
UP Diliman Campus (Quezon City)
UP Diliman is considered by many to be one of the best universities in the Philippines. The campus is huge and features lush greens from grass to trees, as well as wide, unbusy roads. This is why this university welcomes a lot of friends and families who are out for a jog and bike ride. You do not have to be a student or alumni to enjoy a quick morning or late afternoon stroll or workout inside the campus, too. The university also provides ample time to let their guests enjoy the Academic Oval, a popular spot for jogging and biking, twice a day without any fees.
Marikina River Park (Marikina City)
With the river and verdant greenery just alongside its biking and jogging tracks, Marikina River Park provides a great venue for biking as well as lots of other recreational outdoor activities. The park spans up to 11 kilometers, which makes it suitable for those who want a satisfying bike ride amidst gorgeous views. Bikers can come in anytime but witnessing the park be painted differently by the sunrise or sunset can make your experience much more scenic and enjoyable.
Heroes Bike Trail (Taguig City)
Located inside the Libingan ng mga Bayani (Heroes’ Cemetery), Heroes Bike Trail in Taguig offers a mixture of climbs, downhills, and smooth rides that can be enjoyed by all bikers, regardless of skill level. One can use the trails between 5:30 am – 5:00 pm with an entrance fee of only Php50. A parking area is conveniently located just near the trail and there’s also a small store that sells snacks and refreshments. This area is also located close to Bonifacio Global City, which is one of the top business districts in the Philippines. This means this trail can be in convenient proximity to your office and is only just a short distance away from a selection of establishments that you can go to for post-workout relaxation.
Filinvest MTB Trail (Muntinlupa City)
Filinvest Mountain Bike Trail has varied tracks of paved and dirt roads that give bikers a dose of adrenaline. This trail offers eight different tracks that bikers can enjoy – from steep uphills and drop sections to paths alongside streams or approaching major roads. For an easy-going ride, one can ride around key establishments and residential spaces within the developed Garden City.
Trails close to the Metro
Nuvali (Laguna)
Located in one of the Philippines’ best cities to live in, bikers wanting to step up their game while looking at the fields can go to Nuvali in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. The uphill dirt road allows bikers to enhance their skills. Meanwhile, the 50-kilometer off-road gives a fun challenge for beginner bikers. Surrounded by tall grass and trees, nature lovers will also enjoy the gorgeous views that can be enjoyed while biking on the long stretch of Nuvali’s off-road.
Twin Lakes Bike Trail (Tagaytay City)
Set in beautiful Tagaytay, Twin Lakes Bike Trail is another area where novice and advanced bikers alike can enjoy leisurely to extreme biking. The 2.5-kilometer loop is filled with various climbs, descents, and turns – perfect to excite any biker on such adventure. Reaching the top could be very rewarding as it offers a beautiful view of Taal Lake. The selection of restaurants nearby also allows you to enjoy a refreshing drink and scrumptious meal as you take in the stunning surroundings and the cool breeze of one of the coldest places in the Philippines.
Timberland Heights (San Mateo, Rizal)
Sometimes referred to as the “mountain-biking capital of the Philippines”, Timberland Heights takes pride as the only trail that is certified by the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA). Timberland Heights is a favorite among all cycling enthusiasts and has hosted a couple of mountain-biking events held in the country. There are five trails in the area but to reach them, bikers must go through a 2-kilometer ascent dubbed as “The Wall” because of its steepness. Timberland Heights is a “membership only” estate but sometimes opens its doors to other biking enthusiasts.
Antenna Hill (Binangonan, Rizal)
Antenna Hill bike trail in Binangonan, Rizal got its name because of an antenna installed at its peak by a utility provider. Its selection of biking trails is loved by both beginner and advanced bikers alike because it has a perfect route for every skill level. Novice bikers can take the Barrio Road to enjoy a network of paved roads with uphill climbs and dirt roads. Those who are more experienced can venture the rougher roads of Antenna Hill where they are rewarded with stunning views of Laguna Lake and the skyline of Rizal once they reach the top.
Angat Rainforest and Eco Park (Bulacan)
Located within Angat Dam, this eco-park in Bulacan will truly satisfy adrenaline-seeking cyclists. Its difficult and thrilling routes are perfect for skilled bikers looking for new challenges in their routine. Surrounded by lush greenery, the dirt roads of Angat Rainforest and Eco Park lead to a viewing deck where you can witness the park’s breathtaking nature views. Bikers can also buy a drink and rest on nipa huts situated in a section where the Ipo Dam can also be seen.
