CALABARZON Moto Rider Destinations

Every ride gives me the feeling of #freedom and reaching every destination provides me the feeling of self-fulfillment.

Kaya naman sa every ride ko, I make sure that I enjoy it and make it memorable. Let me share with you some of the famous motorcycle destinations in CALABARZON that I’ve been to.

Cavite : Kaybiang Tunnel

Considered as the fave spot of motorcycle riders, Kaybiang Tunnel is really popular not just to Filipinos but also foreigners. This tunnel connects Ternate, Cavite and Nasugbu, Batangas and is the longest road tunnel in the Philippines. Despite being closed for tourists, riders still take their chance to have a photo in front of the tunnel. Some take a video while passing through the tunnel, with their headlights on since it’s very dark inside. There are beaches nearby so take this chance to ride with the view of the sea along Nasugbu-Ternate Highway.

Laguna : Hulugan Falls

If you’re a nature lover and adventurous and would like to enjoy both the rides and the view of the destination, Hulugan Falls will never fail you. The around-three-hour-drive from Metro Manila plus the 30-minute-hike are oh-so-worth-it as you get mesmerized with the towering falls at around 70 meters in height.

It had just rained when we went there so hiking was extra challenging due to slippery ground and the waterfall dribbled harder than the photos I’ve seen online. Due to the weather, we were only allowed to go to the biggest waterfall for safety reasons. (Normally, there are three waterfalls to see — 30 minutes on descent each waterfall). We dared to do the challenge, tinawid namin ang ilang malalaking bato para makatayo sa harap ng talon. We were literally wet but had great pictures with such a wonderful sight as the backdrop.

Batangas : Basilica of Saint Martin de Tours

There are lots of highly recommended places in Batangas but the destination I can confidently rate with two-thumbs up is Basilica of Saint de Tours in Taal. Being the largest church in Asia, its colossal Baroque structure made of coral stones and adobe is indeed jaw-dropping. It is best to visit during the Christmas season to also enjoy the lights display at the park next to it.

If you will be coming from Manila, consider having bulalo in Tagaytay and drive down to Taal Basilica by afternoon. The road down to Batangas from Tagaytay rarely experiences heavy traffic jam. So feel the cool ride then once at the destination, chill at the park while enjoying the lights and the food. What I love the most here is the atmosphere —it encompasses the genuine happiness of the Filipino people especially during the Christmas season (ramdam mo na lahat ng taong nandon ay masaya!) It is totally recommendable — hindi kami pupunta dito taon-taon kung hindi sulit!

Rizal : Mystical Cave

Let’s go to the enchanting part! Mystical Cave wasn’t our main destination in Rizal when we went to Antipolo but this is the most memorable one. You may do the same thing if you plan to go to Antipolo or nearby cities — but note that the road going here isn’t as easy-peasy as other destinations. Medyo mainit at magalbok yung ibang daan so you have to prepare extra clothes and wear a mask to avoid inhaling dust due to some uncemented roads. Few kilometers near the cave, we overcame some steep downhill and uphill with forestry vibes on both sides.

Once in the destination, be enchanted as you go inside the cave with the rock formation, stalactites and stalagmites. There is a guide who will bring you back to the discovery of the cave in a supernatural way (through Inday Nelly’s dreams and visions when she was 7). The exciting part was the “creepy feels” as we navigated the 8- storey cave and went down to the deepest part of it. Dito mo mararanasan yung literal na pagpapawisan ka ng malamig! Brrrrr!

Quezon : Kamay ni Hesus

Kamay ni Hesus, one of the most famous Holy Week destinations in CALABARZON, is also popular as the healing church. It is located in Lucban, Quezon which is 3 to 4 hours drive from Manila. It is the “probinsya feels” that makes me love this ride — yung maraming palayan, tapos puro mga bundok sa gilid. If you prefer a less crowded adventure, it is best not to visit it on holidays.

The route is quite easy to follow via Waze or Maps. When you get there, there are staff who will guide you right away on where to park.The main attraction is the 15-feet statue of Jesus Christ on top of the hill. The shrine has a total of around 300 steps to get to the foot of the statue. Most Filipinos who visit the place aim to reach the top while praying (for their health) and strengthening their faith. Kung feeling mo naman na oldies ka na to do this, you may pray in the churches or attend the mass and visit the Noah’s Ark on the ground site along with the Garden of Eden. Overall, the place is really designed to reflect. In our case, it turned out to be a moment to burn fat and appreciate the view from the Shrine.

The best thing about rides is that we can have side trips near our main destination so sulit na sulit talaga ang rides natin! Disclaimer lang din, the list goes on if we talk about highly recommendable motorcycle rider destinations in CALABARZON. Pero as we enjoy, laging tandaan na mag-iingat. Cheers to more rides! Ride safely!