Ride to Kaybiang Tunnel: My First Solo Adventure

My first bike

Back in 2014, I bought my very first motorcycle—a 100cc Honda Wave 100R. At that time, riding wasn’t really my passion. We had just moved into our new home, far from the town proper, and commuting was both difficult and expensive. Buying a motorcycle was simply the most practical choice, and with my wife’s approval, I went for it.

This is my first motorcycle:  

At first, I only used the bike for errands—going to work, the market, and nearby places. But deep inside, I carried fear. News about motorcycle accidents, often fatal, made me hesitant to ride farther. Still, there was a whisper inside me, urging me to explore.

One day, while surfing the net, I came across a website called Motorcycle Philippines. They had a forum dedicated to—guess what?—motorcycles and riding. 😄 There were many topics, but what caught my attention was the section on Rides and Touring. The first thread I saw was about Kaybiang Tunnel in Ternate. Riders shared their experiences and posted photos of the beautiful spots along the way, including the tunnel itself. Seeing those pictures piqued my curiosity, and I told myself: “Mararating din kita…”

The Day of the Ride

That day finally came. At 12:30 PM on March 22, 2014, my kids and wife were taking their siesta, but I wasn’t sleepy. I felt bored watching TV and thought, “Why not go out for a ride?” 😀

I took a quick bath and prepared my things. An hour before leaving, I checked Google Maps and realized there were no gas stations along the mountainous highway leading to the tunnel. The nearest one was in Nasugbu, Batangas, about 60 km away from Ternate.

Route from Tejero, Gen Trias to Kaybiang Tunnel:  

At 2:30 PM, I set off. To be safe, I brought an empty 1.5-liter Coke bottle, planning to fill it with gasoline as backup. (Note: Please don’t use ordinary plastic bottles like I did—proper gasoline containers are available at Ace Hardware.)

My first stop was the Petron gas station in Naic. I filled my tank and the Coke bottle, then placed it inside my Givi box. After 15 minutes, I continued my journey.

The Ride Experience

Passing through the Maragondon Arc and Ternate Arc, I paused briefly before heading into the mountains. Excitement built up—I opened my visor, felt the wind on my face, and cruised the smooth, winding road. The sound of the engine and the wind was pure music. Alone in the mountains, I felt a mix of fear and exhilaration. My adrenaline surged with every twist and turn. I loved it! 😄

Maragondon Arc

Ternate Arc

Along the way, I took my first helmet selfie.

Then I saw a sign for Caylabne, though I had no idea what it was.

About 30 minutes from the Ternate welcome arc, I finally caught a glimpse of the sea. 😄

At a Y-intersection, Caylabne was to the right, so I turned left toward the tunnel. The road was scattered with sand and pebbles, so I kept my speed steady at 40–50 kph.

Kaybiang Tunnel: The Destination

And then finally—😅 I reached Kaybiang Tunnel. All the fatigue vanished. I entered the tunnel, honking my horn loudly (a ritual many riders do). Just a few meters away, I found a view deck overlooking the sea, the perfect spot to pause and take it all in.

By 5:30 PM, I decided to head home. It was an unforgettable experience—my first ever solo long ride. On the way back, I kept telling myself: “I’m gonna do it again.”

Reflections

That ride to Kaybiang Tunnel wasn’t just about reaching a destination—it was about conquering fear, embracing adventure, and discovering the joy of riding. What started as a practical purchase became the beginning of a passion.

And yes, I did it again. And again. And again.