9 Biking Trails Near Manila For A Much Needed Change of Scenery!

Pat Prado

Last updated 15 Mar 2024

Photo Credit (L-R): @allorange and @ran.dll_ on Instagram

Go on a two-wheel adventure in and around the city when you visit these biking trails near Manila

As urban dwellers, we are always craving for a breath of fresh air or any chance to enjoy nature. May it be a quick hike to the nearest mountains in Rizal or a spontaneous road trip to Batangas, we are game for whatever adventure that will take us away from this concrete jungle, even just for a while.

Although we are all itching to get out of the city, there are actually plenty of scenic spots within the metro that are just a bike ride away (technically!) Leave the paved streets of your subdivision or neighborhood and visit these nearby biking routes in and around Manila! Within an hour or two, you’ll be able to reach these trails that offer everything to all types of cyclists. From winding roads with awesome views to exhilarating uphill climbs that will lead you to mountain peaks! Just make sure to bring your cycling buddy along, and you’re in for an incredible ride.

Biking Trails In and Around Manila

Marikina River Park
La Mesa Nature Reserve
C-6 Bike Lane
Timberland Heights
Antenna Hill
Nuvali
MOA Seaside Loop
Filinvest Mountainbiking Trail
Mt. Baytangan/Camp Sinai

1. Marikina River Park

For first-timer bikers who are still trying to find their footing, you can start your journey at Marikina River Park. The 220-hectare complex comprises of parks, trails, and playgrounds encircling the Marikina River. It has an 11-kilometer pavement that cyclists can enjoy for free, and without the distractions of motorized vehicles! Shades and benches are also abundant here, giving visitors plenty of places to rest.

Marikina River Park also has an amphitheater, a basketball court, and a shopping center that you can visit.

Marikina River Park

Address: 300 Shoe Ave, Sto. Nino, Marikina, 1800 Metro Manila
Opening hours: Open 24/7
Rates: Free

2. La Mesa Nature Reserve

La Mesa Nature Reserve, also known as the La Mesa Watershed, is a stomping ground of choice especially for residents of the North looking for a leisure break. The protected 2,700-hectare land also houses the La Mesa Dam, one of the city’s major water sources. Do take note that this is different from the La Mesa Eco Park.

La Mesa Nature Reserve has a 52-kilometer trail consisting of single tracks, fire tracks, and dirt roads that will excite newbies and experts. It is a frequent venue for bike races, which is a good indication that it’s a top-tier destination for cyclists. The refreshing greenery and gorgeous reservoir are just icing on the cake.

La Mesa Nature Reserve

Address: 4332, Quezon City Dr, Novaliches, Quezon City, Metro Manila
Opening hours: Monday-Sunday (except Tuesdays), 6:00am-3:00pm
Rates: For groups of 6-10 - PHP200 per person; for groups of 1-5 - PHP1,000 per person. Each group will be assigned a guide and can use the park for a maximum of 3 hours. Check their official Facebook page on how to make a reservation

3. C-6 Bike Lane

Taguig residents need not go too far if they want to go biking. The Laguna Lake Highway, or more popularly known as C-6, has a dedicated lane for bikers. It is the first of its kind along a national highway in the Philippines with a 3-meter-wide track that stretches for 5.8 kilometers, giving cyclists plenty of space. It also has a planting strip separating the bike lane from the highway to protect pedestrians passing in the area.

If you’re planning to visit the mountain bike trails of Rizal, C-6 connects Lower Bicutan in Taguig to Taytay, Rizal, making it the perfect biking route.

C-6 Bike Lane

Address: 1630 C-6, Taguig, Metro Manila
Opening hours: Open 24/7
Rates: Free

4. Timberland Heights

Rizal’s Timberland Heights is both dreaded and loved by many cyclists. The biking destination near Manila became famous (or infamous) for its paved bike trail called The Wall. As soon as you enter the area of Timberland Heights, you’ll be welcomed by this steep, uphill inclination that is 5 kilometers long! It’s also full of sharp hairpin turns and ascents, so much caution is needed.

The Wall is not only the main attraction of Timberland Heights. There’s also Wall 2, a more bearable but still challenging climb inside the private community, the scenic Roxas Basic Trail, where you’ll pass by rows of pine trees and more.

Timberland Heights

Address: c6 Timberland Ave, San Mateo, Rizal
Opening hours: Monday-Sunday, 8:00am-5:00pm
Rates: Free

5. Antenna Hill

Another great biking destination just outside the city is Antenna Hill in Rizal. Located in Binangonan, many cyclists compare Antenna Hill to Timberland Heights’ The Wall. If you’re new to biking, be cautious or tag an experienced biker along.

There are a couple of trails you can try going up to Antenna Hill, depending on your level of expertise. But in the end, you’ll all be rewarded with a breathtaking view of Laguna Lake and the nearby towns once you reach the summit. If you still have energy, you can visit the Angono Petroglyphs, where you’ll find fascinating engravings from centuries past carved into rock walls.

Antenna Hill

Address: Antenna Hill, Tayuman, Binangonan, Rizal
Opening hours: Open 24/7
Rates: Free

6. Nuvali

If you frequent Tagaytay, you’re probably already familiar with Nuvali in Laguna. This mixed-use complex is a popular stopover and is best known for its shops, restaurants, and outdoor koi pond. But not many know that this is also a haven for bikers and other extreme sports aficionados.

Nuvali welcomes leisure bikers inside their complex, where you’ll find designated bike paths that are paved and safe for all types of cyclists. They also have an off-road biking and running trail that spans 50 kilometers. Nuvali’s bike routes are packed with twists, slopes, bumps, and single tracks that will make your drive here worth it.

Nuvali

Address: Santa Rosa - Tagaytay Rd, Don Jose, Santa Rosa, 4026 Laguna
Opening hours: Monday-Sunday, 8:00am-8:00pm
Rates: Free

7. MOA Seaside Loop

For people living in the south, SM Mall of Asia (MOA) is slowly becoming a favorite among cyclists. This bike destination in Manila is well known for its paved, smooth roads - perfect if you want a fun and hassle-free ride. MOA’s Seaside Loop is particularly a favorite among bikers, where you’ll get a glimpse of the Manila Bay and savor its cool breeze. Since SM MOA is still a public area, make sure to schedule your ride early in the morning to beat the crowd and the scorching weather.

SM also takes pride in making MOA a bike-friendly mall. You’ll find plenty of bike parking here, bike-centric street signs, and vending machines if you need refreshments.

MOA Seaside Loop

Address: SM Central Business Park, Seaside Blvd, 123, Pasay, 1300 Metro Manila
Opening hours: Open 24/7
Rates: Free

8. Filinvest Mountainbiking Trail

Southerners have another reason to get moving in Filinvest City in Muntinlupa. Dubbed as the Garden City, Filinvest takes pride in providing modern conveniences while maximizing its natural surroundings. That’s why it’s no surprise that they have a bike trail here in the form of the Filinvest Mountainbiking Trail.

Filinvest’s trail is 9 kilometers long, designed with eight different courses that both beginners and experts can enjoy. Expect a couple of uphill climbs, winding pathways, and berms when biking here. The entire Filinvest property is also bike-friendly, so you can also go on a leisure ride and explore the area.

Filinvest Mountainbiking Trail

Address: 1781 Filinvest Ave, Alabang, Muntinlupa, Metro Manila
Opening hours: Open 24/7
Rates: Free

9. Mt. Baytangan/Camp Sinai

For long-distance cyclists, another bike trail near Manila that you can overcome is Mt. Baytangan in Antipolo. Also known as Camp Sinai, the mountain rises at 455 meters above sea level, where brave bikers will be rewarded with a heavenly view.

The area of Mt. Baytangan is mostly paved already, so you won’t have to worry about dirt roads and unkempt trails. However, the steep, uphill climb and narrow streets will be the most challenging part of your journey. There’s a cafe at the peak where you can purchase a cup of coffee or breakfast before heading back to the city.

Mt. Baytangan/Camp Sinai