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Mindanao Highlands Loop · 5 Stages
A practical road loop linking Cagayan de Oro, Iligan’s waterfall gateway, Bukidnon’s cooler plateau, the Mount Apo foothills, Lake Sebu, General Santos, Davao — then back north to close the ride.
Introduction
This loop is built for riders who prefer momentum and clarity: long, smooth runs where the bike can breathe, broken up by high-value landmarks that can be used as real waypoints. Each overnight is a clear hub, so you arrive early enough to recover, sort kit, and enjoy dinner without rushing.
Tech overview
Placed as routing waypoints where possible.
Clockwise full loop · CDO → Bukidnon → South → Davao → back.
All-tarmac biased · avoid unsealed shortcuts; stay on national roads.
Easy in cities · top up before rural detours and Lake Sebu.
Drier months preferred · typically Nov–May is more stable.
Returns to Cagayan de Oro on the final stage.
Interactive Map
Markers: POI (red), Hotels (blue), Restaurants (green). Click markers for Google Maps deep links.
Stages
Stage 1 · Cagayan de Oro → Valencia
Coastal run to Iligan, then inland climb to Bukidnon’s plateau. Keep stops short and arrive early for a calm evening.
Open Stage 1 routeStage 2 · Valencia → Kidapawan
Plateau riding via Malaybalay for a clean waypoint stop, then a southbound drop into the Mount Apo foothills.
Open Stage 2 routeStage 3 · Kidapawan → General Santos
A real scenery swap via Lake Sebu: lake-country pause, then a smooth run to the southern coast for your overnight hub.
Open Stage 3 routeStage 4 · General Santos → Davao
A clean repositioning day. Arrive with time to reset, refuel, and plan the long closing arc north.
Open Stage 4 routeStage 5 · Davao → Cagayan de Oro
The long return. Breaks matter: hydrate, refuel early, and keep the final hour conservative to avoid fatigue.
Open Stage 5 routeGetYourGuide
Paste the 1–3 matched activity URLs per overnight hub and I’ll add them here as cards (same grid).
Restaurants (arrival hubs)
Stage 1 · Valencia City
Plateau dinner options.
Comfortable “arrival meal” stop: simple plates, calm pace, and a reliable feel when you want food first and sleep second.
Google MapsA softer café pick for lighter plates and coffee — ideal if you’re keeping the evening calm before the next Stage.
Google MapsRider-friendly and unfussy: quick service, straightforward comfort food, and minimal decision fatigue after a long day.
Google MapsStage 2 · Kidapawan City
Foothills town favourites.
A more “treat night” feel: best when you’ve banked kilometres and want a calmer sit-down dinner with a touch of polish.
Google MapsHandy, casual, and uncomplicated — a strong pick if you arrive late and just want a dependable meal without a long wait.
Google MapsA comfort alternative to local staples: good for a slower dinner and a calmer atmosphere before the lake-country Stage.
Google MapsStage 3 · General Santos City
Coastal hub dinner options.
A classic “big dinner” option: hearty plates and an easy group-friendly setup — perfect after Lake Sebu for a proper refuel.
Google MapsA lively but straightforward arrival dinner choice: grilled comfort food and a social vibe, without over-planning the evening.
Google MapsA calmer end-of-day stop if you want lighter plates, conversation, and an unhurried wind-down after the ride.
Google MapsStage 4 · Davao City
City reset dinner options.
A dependable local classic for a proper sit-down meal: familiar dishes, steady service, and an easy “arrival night” rhythm.
Google MapsGreat when you want something coastal and hearty: seafood-forward plates, busy-but-efficient energy, and a clear “reward dinner” vibe.
Google MapsA calmer, lighter option: ideal for coffee, smaller plates, and a slower wind-down if you want to keep the evening low effort.
Google MapsStage 5 · Cagayan de Oro
Finish-night options.
A classic “finish dinner” pick: steady Filipino staples and a familiar feel when you just want to close the loop properly.
Google MapsA more polished end-of-ride treat: slower pacing and a “sit, breathe, and celebrate the kilometres” mood.
Google MapsA lively option when you want something punchy and casual: strong flavours, quick energy, and a satisfying last-night bite.
Google MapsHotels (arrival hubs · Booking.com deep links)
A practical plateau overnight: straightforward rooms and an easy “sleep and go” feel that suits an early departure.
A calmer foothills base with a recovery-friendly vibe — handy when you want a quieter evening before Stage 3.
A polished, easy-to-live-with hub: good comfort levels and a strong “reset point” feel before your next day.
Modern and straightforward: predictable comfort and a practical base to keep the loop moving smoothly.
A strong “reset” base: modern comfort and predictable service — ideal before the long return Stage north.
Efficient and practical: easy access, straightforward check-in, and a low-friction “ride-in, ride-out” setup.
A comfortable, well-rounded option: solid rooms and a dependable feel for recovery and planning the final day.
Your clean finish base: central location and a simple “shower, dinner, sleep” flow after closing the loop.
No-frills and convenient: ideal if you keep the overnight simple and put budget into fuel, detours, and time riding.
POI Photo Gallery
Wikimedia Commons · free licences (see file pages for details).
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Photo credits: images from Wikimedia Commons (see captions for authors and licenses). Used under CC BY-SA / public domain terms where applicable.
