Off road driving in the Philippines: wow!

Today, as many times before, I went on an off-road - or should we say - a motorcross adventure? I really love this place, there are so many options if you enjoy some challenges, experiencing the most lovely sights and off road experiences in your life. Before, I did a lot of off road or let us say: very challenging paths in Cebu Island, with my Honda TMX 155.

These days I do some lovely explorations with my Yamaha YTX125 in Mindanao.

 I just changed my tires to an off-road style, and also the front sprocket downsized from 14T to 13T, and rear sprocket up from 45T to 52T, so my bike has now a better grip and a better pull.

And yes: I have now a sidecar for my YTX. I take it off when I don't need it though, as the roads here are basically too tough for a tricycle.

Unfortunately, I did not bring my camera with me on my last excursion up the valleys here, as it was not planned. I drove with my GF up into the valleys and mountains of the real province, where you have to cross many rivers and climb many steep and dangerous paths. The reward is so lovely: A fantastic thrilling drive, and a lot of wonderful nature and views.

Young boys, young men and also old men and even som women carry their burdens on their head or on their backs for many kilometers.

Most people who live in that place, walk by foot, carrying heavy loads for many kilometers on their back. Some are blessed with a motorbike, and it will always be a street bike, as the real off road bikes are so expensive that only the rich people (I am not in that category) can  afford to drive a Yamaha XTZ 125 or similar.

However, I dream of one day being able to drive in these mountain paths with a decent off road motorbike, like a Honda XR150.

A typical bike used in this area: A Honda copy, called Rusi, made in China. They will fit it with an off road style front fender, and also the tires will be off road style.

If you are coming here to the Philippines for a holiday or just a couple of months, it can be challenging to find a rental motorbike. However, I read about some Russians who rent out KTM bikes in Puerta Princesa, Palawan.

In Cebu City I found a company that rents out motorbikes, but you must pay a deposit that seems to be larger than the actual value of the bike!

In Angeles City, where I have never been, by the way, I read that it is available some nice rental bikes for decent prices.

You should definately try to find a nice off-on road bike, like:

Honda XR150 with a cash price tag of just under 90 000 pesos




Or if you can afford it, the larger Honda CRF250L, cash price is  ₱232,900
 

Yamaha XTZ125 is a sexy bike with a price tag of around 83 000 peso.
 

Kawasaki KLR 150, 115 000 pesos