The Marinduque Cycling Experience Chronicles: Cycling to the Heart of the Philippines

I’ve visited Marinduque many times and have always walked away charmed by its sights. But cycling the length and bread...

I’ve visited Marinduque many times and have always walked away charmed by its sights. But cycling the length and breadth of the island is altogether a different experience. It’s not a race, mind you, but an opportunity to discover (and rediscover) the province at a bike’s pace.

Winding road to Balinacan

The premise has so many good points: It’s good for the planet, and it’s good for your soul. Not to mention, it enables you to explore sites and the culture that you would otherwise miss when you’re riding a car or commuting on a fossil-powered vehicle.

Officially kicking off the Marinduque Cycling Experience

So, one uneventful morning, we boarded a Starhorse Shipping ferry headed for Marinduque, heeding the call of the Tourism Promotions Board of the Philippines for the Marinduque Cycling Experience kick-off. This was actually a continuation of the first phase we embarked on two years prior. This time around, the route has been expanded into a complete loop around the island.

Road and view at Luzon Datum

Why Cycle Marinduque?

Why Marinduque, you ask? For starters, it boasts great roads; in particular, the 150km circumferential road seems custom-built for touring. The rolling terrain translates to a dynamic riding experience—not just a series of endless climbs, but rather a montage of gentle ascents, rolling hills, occasional steep pitches, and rewarding descents. Apart from that, the scenery is incredibly varied and never boring. Think dramatic mountain backdrops, serene forests, vibrant rice fields, coconut plantations, quaint fishing villages, rocky coastlines, and, of course, pristine white sand beaches.

Because I hadn't ridden my bicycle for some time after shifting to a scooter, I was curious to see how my body would adapt to the physical demand. We’ll see!

At the Balinacan Viewdeck with the Maru Kaze bike

Our itinerary involved looping around the island and claiming segmented portions of a collectible medal at designated stops to commemorate our journey—a feature that certainly made the experience more exciting. We were also provided with Maru Kaze mountain bikes, a boon for guests who are loath to transport their own gear but still want to dive into the riding experience.

The group's first stop is at the Boac Cathedral

Day 1: Headed for Mogpog and the Heart of the Philippines

After the opening ceremony, we ride to our first destination, the NHI heritage site of the Boac Cathedral, otherwise known as the Immaculate Conception Cathedral. Our trusty steed is the Maru Kazen, modified to meet the demands of the terrain. So far, so good. My legs are holding up to the rather gentle terrain.

Next, we were off to Balanacan Port. It was a twisting journey that offered excellent views of the sea, which was remarkably calm and a brilliant blue that day.

Luzon Datum

Our subsequent stop was Mogpog, the birthplace of the Moriones festival. The scenery shifted beautifully as we rode past old heritage houses, wide highways, and distant ocean vistas. Then, we started the ascent to Luzon Datum, the base point for the first modern survey of the Philippines. A geodetic datum is a global reference frame representing positions on Earth. While GPS has largely taken over the task of modern mapping, the Luzon Datum remains a significant piece of history. It serves as the geographical reference point where all official pre-GPS maps of the archipelago were based—the literal heart of the Philippines.

Group photo at Luzon Datum

Having experienced riding its incredibly steep terrain before, I decided to skip the cycle up to Luzon Datum from Balanacan Port this time around. However, the expansive panoramic views at the top, alongside the sight of the beautifully and newly constructed crystal dome, made the trip well worth it. It was here that we claimed the first section of our interlocking medal.

Arriving at Paadjao Falls

After lunch, I got back on the saddle and we headed toward Paadjao Falls, roughly 11 kilometers away. We navigated through thickening forest cover and tackled steep ascents starting around the 7.4km mark. We claimed the second portion of our medal right at the falls—a fitting, refreshing reward for a great day of riding.

Early morning at Mangamnan Bridge as we head to Sta Cruz

Group photo at Mangamnan Bridge before the arduous ascend

Day 2 & Day 3: Cycling to Sta Cruz, Torrijos, Malbog, & Gasan

It was another early start for us. It is always a pleasure to ride before the sun comes up, enjoying the crisp morning breeze and cooler weather. However, the flat terrain quickly gave way to challenging ascents around seven kilometers into our ride to Sta. Cruz. We paused at the Holy Cross Parish Church, a stunning 17th-century landmark, where we collected the third piece of our medal.

Morion busts in Sta Cruz

Group photo at Holy Cross Parish Church

Next, we head off to Poctoy Beach in Torrijos, where we got the fourth part of our cycling experience medal. I’ve been here a few times in the past, and the sight of the stretch of white sands never fails to impress me.

Group photo at Poctoy Beach

Our next stop was Tabag's Place, a charming cafe perched on a hill with imposing views of Mt. Malindig. Aside from enjoying a refreshing buko shake and a sandwich snack, we were awarded another piece of our medal here.

Tabag's Place

Viewdeck photo at Tabag's Places

From the winding roads of Barangay Timbo, which offers an impressive view of the Haynon Hills, we enjoyed a thrilling descent back toward Malbog. The Malbog Hot Springs served as our next official stop, where yet another medal piece was added to our collection.

Getting ready for descent at Baranggay Timbo

Our mini loop next takes us to Gasan and the Joseph Spouse of Mary Catholic Church, where we lay claim to the concluding part of our cycling experience medal. While the time constraints kept us from exploring the full experience, it nevertheless gave us a great taste of the cycling adventure.

Viewdeck photo at Tabag's Places

The Maru Kaze Mountain Bike was more than up to the task — with a great bounce, a trusty set of brakes, and a smooth ride able to tame the rougher portions of the loop.

A big shoutout goes to the Tourism Promotions Board of the Philippines, the Marinduque Tourism and Cultural Office, National Bicycle Organization, Dream Favor Travel and Tours and the Department of Tourism.

Cycling Experience Details

There are three 3-day packages on offer

• Package 1: Luzon Datum, Small Loop & Sight-seeing
• Package 2: Marinduque Loop with Immersive Sight-seeing and 4 Water Experience Activities
• Package 3: Marinduque Full Loop & Luzon Datum Adventure Ride

Groups comprising 10 or more riders may request their choice of trip dates. Weekday tours can be accommodated, although Friday to Sunday tours are highly recommended. Visit https://nationalbicycle.org.ph/marinduquebiketours/ for details.

Ending our loop back in Boac

For more info, local guests can call or message 0918 9331605. For international inquiries: message +639999268566 on Viber and Whatsapp or email: nbdsecretariat@gmail.com.

Watch my videos of my Marinduque Cycling Experience on YouTube here. Part 1 and Part 2.