Best Biking Trails in Metro Manila

There's nothing more fun than going out and having your trusty bike carry you somewhere around unfamiliar places. Maybe it's the adrenaline rush that comes when you become one with nature or ride a 6,000-vertical in less than your record time.

But then again, it might secretly be those mud facials you get by accident (which could make your skin baby soft, by the way). Of course, you won't admit this to your cycling buddies even if it would cost you all your teeth, but hey, we're not here to judge.

The good news is you don't need to travel far-flung areas to experience it anytime. Just take your trusty bike out for a quick spin in the most popular biking trails within (and near the vicinity) of Metro Manila and you're good to go.

Camp Aguinaldo Trail

Camp Aguinaldo Trail is unique in such a way that its surroundings are filled with military jeeps and trucks. It's where all the decommissioned military vehicles are laid to rest, so there's a bit of “post-cataclysmic” vibe when you ride in certain parts of the woods.

It's still something we'd recommend if you're out there looking for a trail, though. You have two options: bike along their dirt road, or the camp roads. Whichever you choose, you'll be working up quite a sweat—and unleash your inner soldier.

U.P. Diliman Bike Trail

If there's one thing U.P. Diliman has in spades, it's space. So what better way to utilize this than to use its biking trail? U.P.'s trail is actually easy--even for beginners.

This is the perfect place to practice how far you've gone with all the skills you know.  But more importantly, it will give you an idea if you'll continue with your cycling instructor who overcharges you whenever his wife kicks him out of the house.

You can find this trail at Commonwealth Avenue, Bike Lane, Diliman, Quezon City.

Fort Bonifacio Army Trail

Another place with a "military vibe" to it, Fort Bonifacio Army Trail can be found at Gate 6 along Bayani Road, Taguig. It's a great way to ride and imagine like you're at a battlefront, ready to run down those vicious enemies with your bike.

Once you get tired of all that ride, you can simply head out to the lake and ponder about life's greatest mysteries. (Or just count how many burps you can do in a minute, for all we care).

Filinvest Trails

Those who live in the South can go to Filinvest's bike trail. Located at Filinvest Avenue in Alabang Muntinlupa, it's one of the best spots for beginners-to-advanced bikers to choose on eight various terrains that will test the level of their skills.

If you're not in the mood to go cycling, then you can just work your jogging gears out on the trails and get a good cardio workout.

Circulo Verde

Ever heard of a pump park? It's an off-road terrain composed of continuous circuits of turns with rollers (and other structures) that cyclists ride through without pedaling. Riders take advantage of this momentum, and the motion that gets generated is what’s called "pumping."

If you want to experience riding on a pump park, then you should take your BMX out for a ride at Circulo Verde in Bagumbayan, Quezon City. It's great for those with advanced skills, but those who prefer a "tamer" bike ride can use the flat, open spaces spread across its 10-hectare lot as well.

Timberland

It's often called the "Mountain Biking Capital of the Philippines"--and for a good reason. Timberland is a great place for beginning-to-advanced bikers to hone their riding skills, but more than that, it's a place to enjoy nature as well.

Many bikers tend to take some of its routes for granted, so beware. It's fairly common to see egos deflate like a balloon when their faces hit the pavement. So always be mindful of your surroundings and pay particular attention to sharp turns that tend to appear when you least expect them.

This place is not really within Manila--it's in San Mateo, Rizal. Still, if you're willing to stretch your miles (and money) a bit, then it's definitely worth it.

Neopolitan Business Park

Located in Novaliches, Quezon City, the Neopolitan Business Park is one of the most popular hangouts among cyclists because there aren't a lot of cars that hog the road.

It will take you a couple of hits-and-misses before you get to your destination because this place isn't on the main road. A good landmark to use here is SM City Fairview. Just go behind this mall, and you'll see scores of cyclists there, having a jolly, good time.

La Mesa Nature Reserve

La Mesa Nature Reserve (in Quezon City) is popular among cyclists because the trails are relatively easy.

It's the only rainforest that actually exists here in Metro Manila. It was a project of ABS-CBN's Bantay Kalikasan, and since then, they have added in 74 forest species that are thriving everywhere.

The trails are relatively easy, but the terrain changes quickly. The good news is that there are free trail guides to help you along the way, so you don't have to wonder if you're reliving the Blair Witch Project (all over again).