Bambike Ecotours Intramuros — Attraction in Manila

Great tour guide, but leaving an informational review for other foreign tourists:

This bike tour involves actively biking on roads next to cars and motorcycles. If you've been in Manila for a bit, you probably can already see why that might be intimidating as drivers are not afraid to get very close to others, to cross lanes in order to cut others off or get ahead, and the large number of motorcycles on the road that weave between everyone. So definitely do not do this tour unless you're confident biking amongst cars on the road. There is indeed a bike guide that stays at the back and helps block cars so you can pass, but can't guarantee they will be that good - our guide actually crashed into some bricks at one point and was almost as bad at biking in a straight line as I was (and I learned a week ago!) They also lost us/forgot about us one crosswalk away from the end, but luckily our friends popped back out to find us.

I'm still giving 5 stars though because that was a trainee and the lead guide (Paolo) was honestly great and gave detailed history at each stop, complete with visual references too. Ample time to wander around at each stop, Paolo was great at volunteering to help take pictures, and of course good ice cream at the end. Watch out for mosquitos, they provide citronella spray but I was still bitten twice. And yeah, don't do this tour if you're liable to get a panic attack like me from trying to start pedaling again in the middle of a busy road after every time we stop. Also can't imagine letting a kid ride by themselves even if they were experienced - there's just too many cars/motorbikes on the road willing to cross right in...

Our team tried the Sunset ecotour last March 26. In my experience, this is the most fun way to tour around Intramuros! Their headquarters is located in the beautiful Plaza San Luis, a great place to start the tour. Aside from seeing the old glam and beauty of Intramuros, being on a bambike gives the tour an extra point which breaks away from the usual walks. Our guide, Cedhie, is very knowledgeable and happily answers our questions. You'll know that he enjoys what he's doing because he has that contagious enthusiasm. They have a traffic stopper rolling with the group who makes sure that everyone crosses the road safely. They also have their own first-aid kit and asks everyone if one can really ride a bike, a question that shound be answered truthfully to avoid accidents. Those who don't know how to ride a bike need not to worry because the Bambike ambassadors can give back-rides so no one misses out on the fun.

The Bambike itself is made with real Bamboo, it's sturdy and safe to ride on. They are locally made by the beneficiaries of Gawad Kalinga, a Philippine based community development organization for the poor. The company help provide the community with employment, scholarships and other enrichment programs. Plus they also help make the Earth greener with their bamboo nursery for reforestation. It's so nice to find a company with amazing advocacy.

Please support Bambike and Bambike Ecotours. Experience the most fun way to tour around Intramuros!

P. S. They also have...

We had stumbled across Bambike Ecotours on Instagram and decided to take a Saturday afternoon tour. It was a 45 minute drive from Makati; relatively good for a Saturday. The Bambike’s HG is located on a historic stone street and this particular afternoon, it was bonkers. Just crazy busy with cars and tourists, school kids in uniforms, beggars and street vendors. The street was alive with movement and colour. For those with anxiety this isn’t the place for you but if you’re like me, where people watching is a hobby, Real Street is the perfect place to sit and watch the activity unfold. But there’s no time to sit and relax, it’s time to ride around Intramuros. First up, you’re asked to select your bamboo bike and give it a test ride for comfortably and suitably. Next we meet our friendly tour guide Jonathan who greets our group, provides safety instructions and our tour plan. Nervously he checks if everyone can ride a bike. In no time, we are on our way. And at that point I’m channelling my 15 year old self. Look no hands!!! We’re in single file and on the right had side of the road sharing it with cars, horse and carts, tricycles with side carts, pedestrians and cats out for a stroll with little care of the bustle of its surroundings. It was great. It really was and well worth the tour. We did the 1.5 hours but wished we booked for the longer experience. Thanks guys it’s...