Ride a Motorbike Through Transcentral Highway

The Most Scenic Drive in Cebu Island [2025 Edition]

If you’re looking for one of the most thrilling and scenic adventures in Cebu, hop on a motorbike and cruise along the Transcentral Highway. Stretching from Cebu City to Balamban, this winding mountain road offers breathtaking views, cool mountain air, and a taste of rural Cebu that’s hard to find elsewhere.

Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a casual traveler looking for a memorable half-day escape, the Transcentral Highway promises an unforgettable journey through pine forests, mountain cafés, flower farms, and cliffside views — all within an hour of Cebu City.

“It’s like Baguio, but on a motorbike — and with way better views.”

In this ultimate guide, we’ll show you how to ride the Transcentral Highway like a local, with tips on where to stop, what to eat, and how to stay safe on the road.

What is the Transcentral Highway and Where Does It Go?

The Transcentral Highway, often referred to as TCH, is a winding mountain road that connects Cebu City on the east coast to the town of Balamban on the west coast.

Originally built to shorten travel time across the island, it has since become a favorite weekend getaway route for both locals and tourists, especially for those riding motorbikes.

️ Key Route Info

• Start: Lahug or Busay (Cebu City uplands)

• End: Balamban town proper or Toledo City

• Total Distance: Approx. 33–40 kilometers

• Ride Time: Around 1 hour (non-stop), but plan 2–4 hours with stops

️ What Makes It Special?

• Panoramic views of mountains, valleys, and coastlines

• Sharp curves and steep ascents/descents — fun for skilled riders

• Cool, fresh air even during hot months

• Unique stops like cafés, flower farms, food stalls, and scenic lookouts

Orientation

• Starts around JY Square Mall or Marco Polo Plaza in Lahug

• Climbs up past Busay, Sirao, Top of Cebu, and then winds down to Balamban

• Beyond Balamban, you can loop back via Toledo–Naga Road or return via the same route

Ideal for: Motorbikes, scooters, bicycles (for hardcore cyclists), and adventurous drivers

Renting a Motorbike in Cebu – What You Need to Know

Exploring the Transcentral Highway by motorbike is easy and affordable — but you’ll need to be prepared and follow local rules. Here’s what you need to know before hitting the road.

Where to Rent a Motorbike

Cebu City has several motorbike rental shops, particularly around Fuente Osmeña, Capitol area, and Banilad. Most hostels and hotels can also recommend a rental provider.

Popular rental shops:

• Cebu Easy Ride Rentals

• Motorbike Cebu

• Biker’s Hub Cebu

Cost of Rental (as of 2025)

️ Helmets are usually included. Make sure to check brakes, tires, lights, and fuel level before leaving.

Requirements

• Valid driver’s license (Philippine or international)

• Passport copy and cash deposit or ID collateral

• Minimum rental age: usually 21 years old

⚠️ Road & Safety Tips

• Drive defensively — watch out for blind curves and trucks

• Stick to the right lane; pass with caution

• Avoid riding at night — poor lighting and sharp turns

• Always wear your helmet and closed shoes

• Bring a raincoat during rainy season (June–October)

Don’t forget to gas up before heading out — few stations are available in the mountains!

Top Stops Along the Transcentral Highway

The Transcentral Highway is more than just a ride — it’s a journey full of scenic, tasty, and Instagram-worthy stops. Here are the must-visits you shouldn’t miss along the way:

1. Temple of Leah

• ️ A Roman-style shrine dedicated to love

• Located in Busay, just 20 minutes from Cebu City

• Entrance Fee: PHP 100

Temple of Leah in Cebu: A Grand Monument of Love and Roman Beauty

2. Top of Cebu / La Vie in the Sky

• Mountain-view restaurants with sunset views

• ️ Try Filipino fusion dishes or French pastries

• ️ Perfect for romantic or chill afternoon stops

3. Sirao Flower Garden

• Known as the “Little Amsterdam” of Cebu

• Ideal for Instagram with windmills and vibrant flower fields

• Entrance Fee: PHP 100

Sirao Flower Garden in Cebu: The Little Amsterdam

4. Balamban View Deck

• ️ A cliffside viewpoint with a 360° mountain view

• ☕ Fresh coconut juice and BBQ snacks available

• Great for a mid-ride break or drone shots

5. Buwakan ni Alejandra

• A colorful botanical garden near Balamban

• ️ Easy roadside access with floral tunnels and swings

• Entrance Fee: PHP 60–100

6. Adventure Café

• Wall climbing, zip-lining, and obstacle courses

• Breakfast or hot chocolate with a view

• ️ Activity fees start from PHP 100–300

Most stops are cash-only. Bring small bills and coins, especially for entrance fees and snacks.

️ Where to Eat Along the Highway – Hidden Foodie Gems

One of the joys of riding through the Transcentral Highway is stumbling upon cozy cafés and roadside eateries with incredible views and even better food. Here’s where to stop and fuel up:

1. Top of Cebu Restaurant

• Filipino dishes with a modern twist

• Stunning sunset views over the city

• Must-try: Crispy Pata, Sinigang na Lechon

2. La Vie in the Sky

• French-inspired wine bar and bistro

• Wine, cheese, pizza, and pastries

• Elegant ambiance and city lights at night

3. Adventure Café

• Ideal for breakfast or brunch with a mountain view

• Try it after zip-lining or wall climbing

• Reasonably priced Filipino-Western menu

4. Balamban Liempo Stops

• Crispy grilled pork belly seasoned with herbs

• Roadside stalls or small eateries near Balamban town

• Best enjoyed with rice and spicy vinegar sauce

☕ 5. 21 Kilometers Coffee

• Coffee truck with a panoramic viewpoint

• ☕ Perfect pitstop for a cold brew or hot latte

• Highly Instagrammable — especially at golden hour

Many places offer free parking for motorbikes and al fresco seating — perfect for riders.

Suggested Itineraries for Day Trips or Overnight Rides

Whether you have just a morning to spare or an entire weekend, here are two ride plans to make the most out of your Transcentral Highway experience.

Half-Day Itinerary (Morning Ride – Perfect for Beginners)

Ideal For: Casual riders, short visits, sunrise seekers
Estimated Duration: 4–5 hours

️ Sample Route:

• Depart Cebu City at 6:00 AM

• Stop at Temple of Leah (6:30 AM)

• Quick breakfast at Top of Cebu (7:30 AM)

• Photo op at Sirao Flower Garden (8:30 AM)

• Coffee break at 21 Kilometers Coffee (9:30 AM)

• Return to city before noon

️ Morning rides are cooler, less traffic, and perfect for photography.

Full-Day or Overnight Itinerary (Adventure Route)

Ideal For: Seasoned riders, couples, adventure lovers
Estimated Duration: 8–24 hours

️ Sample Route:

• Depart Cebu City at 8:00 AM

• Visit Temple of Leah and Sirao Garden

• Mid-morning stop at Adventure Café

• Lunch in Balamban Town (Balamban Liempo!)

• Optional: Zip-lining or hiking nearby

• Sunset views at Buwakan ni Alejandra

• Return to Cebu or stay overnight at a Balamban homestay or mountain lodge

️ Overnight rides offer a chance to explore deeper into Toledo or southward to Moalboal via scenic loops.

⚠️ Safety Tips and Riding Guidelines

While riding the Transcentral Highway is a scenic thrill, safety should always come first — especially with sharp curves, mountain weather, and fast-moving traffic.

Basic Safety Gear

• ✅ Always wear a helmet — it’s required by law

• Wear closed shoes, gloves, and a windbreaker

• For long rides, bring a raincoat or jacket (sudden weather changes)

Road Safety Tips

• Avoid overtaking on blind curves

• Be extra cautious of buses, trucks, and fast cars

• Watch out for stray animals (yes, even cows and dogs!)

• Slow down on wet or gravel roads

Navigation & Connectivity

• Signal may be weak in certain areas — download offline maps

• ️ Google Maps or Maps.me are reliable for this route

• Charge your phone fully before departure

☀️ Weather Check

• Avoid riding during typhoons or heavy rain (June–Oct)

• ⛅ Best riding months: December to May

Extra Tips

• ⛽ Fuel up before climbing — gas stations are rare in the uplands

• Start early to avoid riding at night

• ☕ Take breaks every 1–2 hours to stay alert

First time in the Philippines? Stick to daylight rides and avoid isolated areas unless in a group.