Proving that “It’s more fun in the Philippines” SpiceRoads Cycle Tours has launched a 13-day bicycle tour that explores five islands in the Visayas group – Cebu, Bohol, Camiguin, Siquijor and Negros.

On the Island Hopping the Philippines tour cyclists will ride 525 kilometres in 9 cycling days from the long and narrow island of Cebu, to the famous Chocolate Hills of Bohol, to volcanic Camiguin, mysterious Siquijor and on to Negros before returning to Cebu.

Though close to each other, each of the five islands on the tour have a distinct identity, but they all possess beautiful beaches and clear blue seas. Riders will spend seven nights at beachside resorts to be able to take full advantage of the sea and sand after a day in the saddle.

On Bohol the tour visits the Tarsier Sanctuary and rides by terraced rice paddies. On Camiguin riders can refresh in hot, cold and soda springs thanks to the many volcanoes that are also responsible for the black sand beaches. After a morning to rest on Alona Beach the tour continues on to Siquijor Island which is known for its mystic healers who live in the highlands. On the way back to Cebu cyclists have a quick glimpse of Negros before boarding their sixth boat of the tour.

There is a wide variety of riding, from undulating roads, to short steep climbs to awesome descents and of course flat coastal roads. This tour is 90% on tarmac and is for those looking for a moderate to challenging ride.

The tour costs US$3,150 with an additional $225 for bike rental. Included is accommodation, most meals, drinks and snacks while riding. The tour starts and ends in Cebu City, Cebu.

As an introduction to the tropical Island Hopping the Philippines tour SpiceRoads Cycle Tours are offering a US$250 discount off the first departure on October 14. Departures in 2013 are scheduled for 17 February, 14 April and 13 October.

This is the second tour that SpiceRoads offers to the Philippines. Also available is an 11-day Mountain Biking the Philippines tour. This tour starts and ends in Manila and rides dirt trails each day.

For more information, check out the Official Website at www.spiceroads.com.