Hi cyclists! Lindsay, your Asia tours specialist, here again.
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The blue-green waters between the islands of Siquijor and Apo.[/caption]
Today, we added two new tours to our growing Asia roster--these in the sunny, tropical paradise of the Philippines.
When I first moved to Asia, I had a list of countries I wanted to vist. All the hotspots, like Thailand (elephants!); China (the Great Wall!), and Japan (sushi!). But after 3 or 4 years of living in Korea, I started to hear murmurs of some other really fantastic places we should see beyond the usual guide book suggestions.
One of these places was the Philippines. I kept hearing about the crystal clear, blue-green waters full of ancient sea turtles and brilliant clownfish; stately old Spanish Catholic churches dotting rice fields and dirt roads; mangos so fresh your stomach will rejoice; friendly, smiling people; and best of all, a slow-paced way of life that makes you just want to stop, crawl up in a nearby hammock, and take a nap while the sea breeze tickles your face.
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The friendly people and laid back spirit of the country only adds to the tropical paradise of the Philippines.[/caption]
We were lucky enough to spend two weeks on just one of the more than 7,000(!) islands that make up the Philippines. Siquijor, a magical place with stunning coral reefs, beautiful mountains, friendly people, and rushing waterfalls was the perfect reprieve from our normal lives in bustling South Korea.
For one week, we stayed in a $10-a-night hut on the beach; the next week on the nicest resort on the island (still surprisingly cheap--and featured on one of our new BTD tours!). We spent our days discovering all corners of this island where we hiked to waterfalls, played with the outgoing local kids, snorkeled with the sea turtles; and ate enough mangos our blood surely turned orange.
With so many treasures to see and so many far-flung islands, there is no better way to experience the Philippine life than by bike. Ferry rides are as cheap and common as mangos, and another paradise destination is always just an hour or so away from the large cities.
BikeToursDirect now has two Philippines bicycle tour itineraries. Be sure to check them out. And whatever you do, don't forget to eat your daily mangos.
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Hidden waterfalls and swimming holes dot the tropical landcape of the Philippines.[/caption]
- Island Hopping in the Philippines: 12 nights, guided. $3,150. Dates: Feb 17; Apr 14; Oct 13, 2013. With 7,107 islands to choose from in the Philippines, it's hard to decide where to start, but here's a way to cycle on five islands in the Visayas and enjoy the beaches at all of them.
- Mountain Biking in the Philippines: 10 nights, guided. $2,200. Dates: Jan 6; Feb 3; Mar 3; Nov 10; Dec 8, 2013. Bike around the main island of Luzon and experience the wonders of the Philippines. Swim with whale sharks, soak up the warmth of natural hot springs and ride some great technical trails in this tropical destination.
Beyond these Philippines bike tours, we now have more than 38 guided and self-guided
bike tours in Asia.
Start searching these offerings now, and feel free to
email me with questions on tours in Asia!
Tips for traveling in Asia >>
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The blue-green waters between the islands of Siquijor and Apo.[/caption]
The friendly people and laid back spirit of the country only adds to the tropical paradise of the Philippines.[/caption]
Hidden waterfalls and swimming holes dot the tropical landcape of the Philippines.[/caption]