Known as one of the more famed cycling routes in the Philippines, the Laguna Loop is on the bucket list for many Filipino cyclists. Its general route literally loops around the 911.7 square kilometer Laguna Lake, and can make for one of the most epic bike rides you can do in the country.

Introduction to Ciclo's Laguna Loop Route Guide 

If you choose to ride the Laguna Loop, you will pass through Metro Manila and the provinces of Rizal and Laguna. Depending on which version you choose, the short or the full loop, you would cover between 170 to 205 kilometers and pass between 28 to 31 cities and municipalities near Laguna Lake’s coast. 

Our Laguna Loop route guide starts and ends at Shell C5-Tiendesitas in Pasig City, Metro Manila. From there, we recommend starting early in the morning at around 3:00 or 4:00 AM to get ahead of the road traffic. This is before sunrise; be prepared to bring bike lights that will last at least two hours of riding in the dark. 

We also recommend following the counter-clockwise direction and pass by the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) service road through Taguig, Paranaque and Muntinlupa cities first. Again, this is to get ahead of the heavy vehicular traffic congestion on these roads. Otherwise, you will get caught in suffocating bumper-to-bumper traffic later in the day on the way back to Shell C5-Tiendesitas.

Full Laguna Loop Route

Our full Laguna Loop Route is 205 kilometers long with a total elevation gain of 1,233 meters. Most of this route is flat, with one punchy climb at KM 96 crossing from Lumban to Kalayaan, Laguna, as well as the rolling hills starting at KM 176 when you start crossing from Cardona into Binangonan, Rizal.

Short Laguna Loop Route

The shorter laguna loop route skips the Jala-jala Peninsula, Cardona and Morong Towns bringing the total distance 174 kilometers. However, the trade-off shorter distance is greater elevation gain at 1,432 meters with major climbs going up Bugarin at KM 119 and Teresa at KM 156.

Points of Interest

KM 51.8 - Calamba Crossing

The Calamba Crossing is where three major roads intersect at Calamba City, Laguna. The entire area is shaped like a triangular roundabout. Going the wrong way will lead you towards Santo Tomas, Batangas. As you approach the crossing heading southbound, take the road leading slightly towards the right. Then turn left before SM Calamba mall. After turning left, make a right turn at the next corner. 

KM 92.1 - Pagsanjan Stone Arch and Binalot sa Dahon Restaurant

The Pagsanjan Stone Arch built in 1880 will welcome you as you enter Pagsanjan, Laguna’s town proper. And right beside the arch is the Binalot sa Dahon Restaurant. This bike friendly restaurant offers a bike rack parking space and al fresco dining. They serve Filipino favorites such as tocino, adobo and binagoongan pork chop.

 

KM 129.8 Short Route - Pililia Wind Farm

If you want to make a slight detour, you can visit the Pililla Wind Farm on the way down from Bugarin. Their main tourist facility offers an expansive view of the Laguna Lake. And from there, you can even trace where you came from earlier in the day.

KM 140.2 Full Route - Punta, Jala-jala View Point

Punta is a barangay at the tip of the Jala-Jala Peninsula. There are no stores or restaurants here, but it offers a great view of the Laguna Lake should you choose to take a pit stop here.

KM 141.9 Full Route - Jala-Jala Dairy Processing Center Store

A little over a kilometer away from Punta is the Jala-Jala Dairy Farmers Cooperative store. Here they offer various milk and yogurt products that make for great refueling at this point of your ride. Their yogurt is especially thick and filling.

KM 160.7 Full Route or KM 136.2 - Tita Carmen’s Eatery

Tita Carmen’s Eatery is a popular stop for day ride cyclists coming from Metro Manila heading towards Pililia or Jala-Jala. They offer various Filipino food and rice-based snacks or kakanin.

Important Reminders

Take note of all establishments that can serve you in case of emergency

We have compiled a Google Map for locations of hospitals and clinics along the route for medical emergencies, as well as bike shops that can serve serious mechanical problems.

Rehydrate and Refuel as often as needed

This is a very long ride and you will need to maintain your hydration and nutrition to sustain yourself. Numerous convenience stores can be found along the route. Bigger towns have multiple restaurants where you can have full rest stops and meals.

Expect heavy vehicular traffic on the route

You will be passing through major roads linking urban centers. For the most part the road is wide enough for adequate space between you and motorists. Take extra care when the road narrows, especially at the climb at KM 96.

The narrow road at the Lumban-Kalayaan climb. Photo by Sara Erasmo.

With our guide, we hope that you’ll be able to tick off completing the Laguna Loop off your cycling bucket list! Continue to Ride Happy and Ride Safe.

Curious to find more routes? Check out Ciclo's Bike Route Guides:

• Bike Routes Near Metro Manila - Nuvali
• Bike Routes Near Metro Manila - Sierra Madre
• Bike Routes for Beginners in Metro Manila
• Five Coffee Ride Destinations Outside Metro Manila – Ciclo
• Cycling Trip: Quezon City to San Juan, La Union
• Cycling Trip: Quezon City to Baler, Aurora
• Cycling Trip to Lake Caliraya, Laguna
• Cycling Aurora's Pacific Coast
• Five Romantic Bike Routes in the Philippines