Overview
A ten-day expedition bridging volcanic wonder, coastal serenity, and the ancient traditions of the mountain tribes. From the lahar plains of Zambales to island hopping in the Hundred Islands of Pangasinan, through the high-altitude trails of Benguet and the Halsema Highway, and deep into Kalinga to meet Apo Whang-Od and the slow food communities of Pasil.
Itinerary
Safety briefing, introduction, bike setup, gear fitting, and welcome drinks before the ride begins.
- Safety briefing
- Introductions
- Setting the bikes
- Gear fitting
- Welcome drinks
There is an old saying among Filipino riders that the real country begins only when the traffic of Manila finally fades into the rearview mirror. This ten day expedition is designed to prove that theory, bridging the gap between volcanic wonder, coastal serenity, and the ancient traditions of the mountain tribes.
The adventure starts on the stark, haunting plains of Zambales, where you will navigate the ash canyons left behind by the 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo. After experiencing this moon like terrain, you will trade the dirt for the sea, heading to the Hundred Islands of Pangasinan. On this day of respite, you will hop between 124 limestone islets, snorkeling in crystal clear water and sharing grilled fish on sandbars while the rhythm of the ocean washes away the fatigue of the ride.
Refreshed, you will climb into the Benguet backcountry. You will navigate the challenging, high altitude dirt trails of the Tacadang and Kibungan regions, where the road often narrows to little more than a ridge between deep valleys. Once you crest the Cordillera, you will experience the sheer spectacle of the Halsema Highway, passing through the mist and pine forests toward Sagada and the terrace landscapes of Banaue.
The journey then pushes further north into Kalinga, following the winding path of the Chico River. This waterway is a symbol of profound resistance, as it remains free flowing today because the local tribes stood their ground against a government dam project in the 1970s. You will feel that weight of history as you ride toward the village of Buscalan. After a short trek up a ridge, you will find the home of Apo Whang Od. Now 107, she has been practicing the art of hand tap tattooing for over nine decades. Her grandnieces continue the tradition, using a simple thorn and soot ink to create intricate, permanent stories on the skin.
On the return journey, you will immerse yourself in the slow food movement of Pasil. Here, local women are reclaiming ancestral agriculture, offering meals of heirloom rice, wild mushrooms, and potent sugarcane wine. The final chapter includes an exploration of the forests surrounding Mount Ugo. Named after a Kalanguya term for the history of mountain warfare, this peak was largely unmapped until a plane crash in the late 1980s forced the creation of new trails. Whether you choose to summit for a sunrise above a literal sea of clouds or spend your time exploring the lush Kalanguya farming villages, you will finish the trip with a deeper, quieter understanding of the Philippine spirit.
What's Included
Not Included
Pricing
All-inclusive price per rider, per day (USD). Price reduces as group size grows.
| Riders | Honda CRF 300L | Honda Transalp XL750 | Yamaha Tenere 700 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $340 per day | $393 per day | $408 per day |
| 2 | $275 per day | $328 per day | $343 per day |
| 3 | $260 per day | $313 per day | $328 per day |
| 4 | $265 per day | $318 per day | $333 per day |
| 5 | $255 per day | $308 per day | $323 per day |
| 6 | $250 per day | $303 per day | $318 per day |
| 7 | $245 per day | $298 per day | $313 per day |
| 8 | $240 per day | $293 per day | $308 per day |
| 9 | $235 per day | $288 per day | $303 per day |
| 10+ | $235 per day | $288 per day | $303 per day |
Optional Add-ons
What to Bring
Insurance Options
Optional insurance price per day (USD), by motorcycle and deductible tier.
| Motorcycle | Option A | Option B |
|---|---|---|
| Honda CRF 300L | $7 per day $520 deductible | $12 per day $180 deductible |
| Honda Transalp XL750 | $12 per day $520 deductible | $22 per day $180 deductible |
| Yamaha Tenere 700 | $15 per day $520 deductible | $26 per day $180 deductible |