XPLR PH 14 Day Tour of Luzon – February 2026

Day 1 – 12th Feb – Pick up in Manila. Orientation in Tagaytay

Early 7am pick up for Kit at his hotel in Makati, closely followed by Art at his nearby hotel, then a ride 70km south to the XPLR PH HQ in Tagaytay.

Once settled-in we enjoyed some tasty local Buko (coconut) pie and Ube Hopia, then it was down to business. We introduced Kit & Art to their merchandise pack and ran through a detailed briefing covering the key point of our contract, an intro to Philippine road habits and rules and the bike signals we will use whilst on tour.

Now it was time to get acquainted with the bikes. A general inspection of the bikes and some adjustment to the mobile phone mounts. We noted that the Art”s Benelli 500 was a little low on oil so made a note to stop the following morning and top it up.

A quick change of clothing for everyone then it was time to load up the bikes with the luggage and head out for a short ride down the hill towards the Taal Lake.

The day finished off with a coffee in the Philippines largest Starbucks. There can’t be many such cafes with a better view than this:

Day 2 – 13th Feb – Tagaytay to Baler

We are all ready for our first real day of riding, but first we need to fulfill a special request from Kip’s Lola (mother-in-law) – to get his bike blessed. The local church delivers Mass everyday at 6am followed by bike blessing (yes it’s a real thing) at 7am, so we rock up at 6:45am to be greeted with locked doors, but don’t worry Lola, the bike was blessed previously, so all is well.

Or so we thought; 10km into the ride we stopped at a Shell station to get oil for the 500, none was a available so we set off down the hill in search of more oil; well, Kip and I did; a few hundred meters down the road I notice that Art was nowhere in sight, so I turned back, only to find Art standing over the 500 staring at what we thought was a flat battery. Off I went back to base to find a replacement battery. To cut a long story short it turns out that the battery was not the problem, but rather a lose connection somewhere. Our mechanics soon got it started, but we decided not to rely on the bike for the trip and I had our Makati shop quickly prepare the CFMOTO 450MT for us to exchange, as we were on our way past Makati.

A quick exchange of bikes and a relaxing cafe latte and rice breakfast at BIGS Cafe and we were on our way to Baler..

The late start gave us some relief from the usual heavy Skyway traffic, but meant that once we joined NLEX the expressway turned into a car park. 10km of slow moving traffic and 30+C temps meant an uncomfortable start, but after a pit stop at Petron Malrilao the traffic eased and it was plain sailing after that all the way to the Ikagai Overlooking stop in Aurora province.

Our late start meant that darkness was now looming and so was the rain. Due to some misunderstandings the group got separated for a short while. This served as a stark reminder of why we have certain rules on tour, but nothing an open and frank debrief over a coupe of cold beers couldn’t sort out.

The day started at 7am and concluded with a 8:3pm hotel check-in and a delicious meal of grilled tuna and spicy gambas; the 3 tired and aching road warriors were ready for bed.

Day 3 – 14th Feb – Baler to Santiago

Kip was the earliest to rise and was already polishing off his first coffee when I got down to breakfast at 7am. A surf carnival was in full flow by 8am, the weather was a little inclement with light rain and some wind, but it made for a big swell and ideal surfing conditions.

A delicious breakfast (or two) at our beachfront accommodation before donning our wet weather gear and hitting the road.

It’s a stunning ride along the costal road heading east out of Baler. The road was badly damaged by the recent November 2025 typhoon but is now passable and almost completely repaired.

A quick stop at a roadside karinderya (local eatery) before taking a left turn and heading north into the Sierra Madre mountains.

As we gained elevation the rain became a little heavier but not enough to spoil the thrilling sensation of carving through this wonderful landscape.

We have traveled this road a number of times and always come across the same Aeta (indigenous) kids with their happy smiling faces. This tour we took some tee shirts for them; a very little thank you for always welcoming our tour and allowing us to pass through their community.

More thrilling riding head until we come across the Abbag bridge which spans the Cagayan River at Dipantan. Time for a rest and for Kip to stare endlessly into the river, dreaming of all the fish he could catch if he only had the time.

Next stop Santiago and a nice refreshing shower before enjoying a sumptuous Japanese meal at a local ramen house, followed by an early night in bed.

Day 4 – 15th Feb – Santiago to Aparri

Kickstands up at 8am today in readiness for a long but exhilarating ride to Aparri at the very north of the Philippine mainland. We elected to take the long road. This must be the best kept riding secret in the Philippines, as we head a little west into the Mountain province via Bananao. I”m reluctant to share this road here because I want o keep it to myself. Kilometer after kilometer of gently undulating, twisty road in great condition make for the ride of a lifetime. The golden corn growing in the fields and spread out onto the road to dry only serves to further enhance the beauty of this landscape. We spent lunch in Tabuk reliving the past few ours of motorcycling ecstasy.

The second half of today’s ride took us as along the Cagayan River into Aparri where we checked-in to the famous Hotel Dian, owned and operated by the first Filipina to ride the Himalayan Mountains, ma’am Dian Dayag.

Our day was complete as we enjoyed dinner with a group of 9 Vespa riders embarking on their Philippine Loop. 5,000+km on a Vespa – respect!

Day 5 – 16th Feb – Free Day in Aparri

After 3 days of hard riding we were all looking forward to a rest day. Initially Kip & Art planned to take the 2 hour ride out to Santa Ana but eventually elected to take a short trip into town to mooch around the local markets.

For me it was a day at the hotel catching up on paperwork, writing blogs etc

Day 6 – 17th Feb – Aparri to Pagudpud

The weather forecast for today was good, but the weather gods had other ideas. I light drizzle turned into a downpour just as we left Aparri. But not to worry, the wet weather gear was donned and out adventure continued onwards towards Pagudpud.

A stop at the Apayao Brew Cafe in Ballesteros gave us the chance to dispense with the wet weather gear and enjoy a delicious coffee.

This ride is mainly flat but as we approach Pagudpud (about 50km away) we encounter some exciting twisters; up and over the hills, not once, but twice, before we travel along the famous Patapat Viaduct, where the mountains meet the sea.

Just when we thought the scenery couldn’t change any more, we ride through the wind farm race-track roads into Pagudpud….. wow!

After all that excitement it’s now time to relax at the beach bar of our resort on Saud Beach with one or two (or maybe more) ice cold beers.

The day was rounded off with dinner on the beach at Evangeline Beach Resort and yet another early night in bed (these riding days are exhilarating but tiring).

Day 7 – 18th Feb – Pagudpud to Vigan

What a way to start the day. A beautiful rainbow to great us at breakfast.

Now we start our long journey south. Heading first to Vigan via a stop at the Bojeador Lighthouse, then on to the Malacanang of the North, then the Church at Paoay.

First a stop just outside of Pagudpud to take some photos of the beautiful coastal scenery. Here we met Tex, a lovely 79yo lady with the energy of a 29yo. She is visiting from Canada but originates from Bacolod and was very keen for both Kip and Art to visit her home town.

Next stop the Bojeador Lighthouse, a classic example of a Spanish colonial lighthouse first lit in 1892 and still operational today.

Back on the bikes for a stunning ride south down the coast road. Beautiful cloudless skies and roads lined with salt fields and bamboo stalls selling large bags of sea salt and local vinegar.

An impromptu stop suggested by Kip at the Malacañang of the North, a presidential mansion and museum located in Paoay, in the province of Ilocos Norte, overlooking the scenic Paoay Lake. It was built in 1977 during the presidency of Ferdinand Marcos. The mansion served as the official residence of President Marcos and his family whenever they stayed in their home province of Ilocos Norte. It was intended to be the northern counterpart of Malacañang Palace, the official residence of the Philippine president in Manila.

Now to the nearby Church at Paoay, a World Heritage listed Church, constructed between 1694 and 1710, and is famed for being a prime example of “Earthquake Baroque” architecture — a style that adapts Baroque elements to the seismic conditions in the Philippines,

But first a sumptuous steak and pork lunch overlooking the church.

It was starting to get a little late and we still had a 1.5 hour ride to our overnight accommodation at Vigan. As we approached Vigan City the traffic got a little heavier but not too bad and we were all checked-in by 5pm.

You meet the nicest people whilst on tour. Tonight we dumped into Reno a DHL delivery guy on holiday in the Philippines for a few weeks. A few cold beers and lots of stories meant for quite a late night by our standards.

Day 8 – 19th Feb – Vigan to Sagada

Another beautiful day greeted us as we continued our journey south.

Hugging the coast until it was time to turn east and head up into the mountains.

First a quick stop for for bananas and a some rehydration.

Now onwards and upwards towards the Quirino Skyline View Deck.

Here we met Janice and Peter from Halifax, an incredibly adventurous couple who would keep us entertained all night with stories of their adventures when we would meet up with them later in Sagada.

Now for the highlight of the day. As we passed through the small town of Quirino we were waved down by people enjoying an anniversary party of a dear departed father-in-law and grandfather. We were offered free food and drink and spend a good hour or so talking to the local children and their parents. The true friendly spirit of the Filipino was on display for all to see and enjoy.

The final push up to Sagada, but first a quick water break on the bridge before we attempt the challenging ride up the steep switchback roads that lead us in to Sagada itself.

Here we go…..

A quick stop at the Rust N Wood cafe on the outskirts of Sagada for a tasty latte before checking-in to our accommodation for the next two nights.

Our chalet nestled into the rustic surrounds of the Sagada Heritage Village.

Dinner was taken at the highly recommended T.Ave cafe in town. Kip had been longing to try the local Bulalo soup (a bone marrow soup with corn, potato, cabbage, onions, fish sauce and peppercorns) and now finally got his chance and it was well worth the wait. A heartwarming dinner to complement the cool 13c night air.

Day 9 – 20th Feb – Free Day in Sagada

The day started with an impromptu pre-breakfast of delicious pandesal bought from a passing bread vendor. The bread was hot an tasty and the rider even threw-in 3 extra pieces free of charge.

Kip and Art elected to visit the famous Hanging Coffins on their rest day, but first a hearty breakfast at T.Ave. Every visitor to Sagada is required to register at the Tourism Office before taken any tour. XPLR PH have a local tour guide on hand and we arranged to meet her at 11am, so we got the guys registered and updated on all the local tours before I left them in the capable hands of Esperansa.

Remember Janice & Peter from Halifax? Well they managed to find us via the XPLR PH website and contacted us via the WhatsApp link. We arranged to meet them for a beer and a bite to eat at the Sagada Cellar Door. Fortunately XPLR PH have a local friendly Tuk Tuk driver; Dwight picked us up at 5pm and drove us the 4.2km; the 200cc motorcycle struggled a little to haul 3 foreigners up some of the steep hills but it all adds to the adventure.

An evening of storytelling, laughing, drinking, eating and enjoying guitar music around a camp fire ensued. A truly unforgettable evening.

Day 10 – 21st Feb – Sagada to Baguio

Art had been pining for a fresh yogurt since the start of the tour and I knew the ideal place to get one. An early check-out and breakfast at the Rust n Wood Cafe where Art ordered his fresh homemade yogurt topped with nuts, dried fruit etc… he was one happy man.

Once again we were blessed with good weather to start our ride to Baguio. A little mountain mist greeted us as we set off into the cool mountain air.

The road from Sagada to Baguio is probably the most technical and demanding on tour. Kilometer after kilometer of twisting, winding, steep roads carving through the rice terraces of the Cordillera region. A few landslides and washed-out roads kept us on our toes as did the slow moving vegetable trucks, but we powered through. The temperature fell noticeably as we approached the Highest Point on the Philippine Highway System (well, actually now the 2nd highest but let’s not let the truth get in the way of a good story).

Arriving at our Baguio accommodation by mid afternoon we had plenty of time to relax and shower before finishing the day with a sumptuous Korean BBQ meal.

Day 11 – 22nd Feb – Baguio to Hundred Islands

Another glorious sunny morning greeted us as we made our way down the famous Kennon Road from Baguio towards Alaminos (Hundred Islands). The Sunday morning traffic was a little heavy but not too bad and no slow trucks to negotiate.

One of my favorite coffee stops on tour is to be found at the bottom of Kennon Road at the Fuel Save Gas station. One of only three Turkish Coffee Cafes in the Philippines. The Turkish Latte is expensive but worth every peso. Just watching them make it is worth the money.

The traffic from Rosario to Alamino can be heavy but fortunately for us we were traveling on a Sunday and passed quickly through the small towns dotted along the coastline. Approximately 10km from Alaminos we find the Red Baron Riders Den. A magical treasure trove of pristine vintage motorcycles, great food and ice cold drinks, owned and operated by my good friends Stephen and Venus.

We are settled-in to our accommodation at 148 Guesthouse by 4pm and are able to arrange for our local tricycle rider Neil to pick us up with 2 tricycles and take us to dinner at Isola Trattoria.

Day 12 – 23rd Feb – Rest Day in Hundred Islands

Today is our chance to explore the Hundred Islands National Park (HINP), the famous island-hopping and eco-tourism destination in Alaminos, Pangasinan. It consists of 124 islands at low tide and 123 at high tide, spread across 1,844 hectares in the Lingayen Gulf.

Neil and his tricycle mate pick us up early and take us to the tourism office where we avail of our boat and tour guide (Jeff).

Today is a hot one but thankfully the staff at 148 have packed our XPLR PH branded cooler boxes with ice, beer and water to cool us off.

We visit several of the islands, many adorned with religious status, including a 17m high status of Christ before stopping on Children’s Island (so called because of the child-friendly shallow waters surround it) for a bite to eat before settling down on our very own desert island for a swim and a few cold ones.

Day 13 – 24th Feb – Hundred Islands to Zambales

Only two more days of riding left. Today is a leisurely ride down the coast to our resort accommodation in San Felipe, Zambales. We stop at a quirky little eatery called The Deck for a bite to eat. The lady who manages the place opened up especially for us

Arriving at our beachfront resort at about 1:30pm gave us lots of time to relax by the sea and enjoy a few cold beers.

As the sun started to set we showered and changed and had a short walk down the beach to a hidden gem of an eating alley called Liwa @ The Strip. Great choice of food and drink.

Day 14 – 25th Feb – Zambales to Manila

Unfortunately every good think must come to an end. We said goodbye to our beach resort and headed to Olongapo to experience the delights of Harley’s Bar & Grill.

Harley’s serves the best Aussie Burger this side of Sydney, Australia. We all enjoyed the view and a hearty breakfast before the final long expressway push back into Manila.

The trip was rounded off with a visit to Handlebar Bar & Grill, the famous Makati biker’s hangout where we met an old friend of mine (Paul).

And there it ends… another wonderful tour of Luzon.. till next time!