The most breathtaking cycling routes in Asia

A charming day-long seaside cycling route

Arguably Japan’s best and most popular cycling route, this 70-kilometer inter-island trail goes from Onomichi City to Imabari City. Perfectly paved, the route’s pathways are clearly marked with a blue line, so it’s virtually impossible to veer off course. But what’s all the fuss about? This route connects Seto Inland Sea’s six cultural islands via seven unique bridges. And in classic Japanese form, everything along it is well set up, from excellent public toilets to Instagrammable cafes, historic temples and uber-clean guesthouses.

Difficulty: Easy; this is one for the whole family, with no real change in elevation and plenty of places to rest.

One of the world’s most thrilling multi-day cycling adventures

Known as the China Nepal Highway, this 800-kilometer, multi-day cycle takes you from the Tibetan capital of Lhasa to China’s border with Nepal. For expert cyclists only, this adventurous pass takes through some of the world’s highest mountain peaks, past cultural sights and hairpin mountain turns and ends in a wildly long descent. Long distances between villages mean preparation is key for bikers (be sure to pack a tyre repair kit). Sure, you’ll be white-knuckling this ride, but the sky-high mountain views are genuinely jaw-dropping.

Difficulty: Difficult; traversing some of the world’s highest elevations means you should give yourself plenty of time to adjust to the altitude and leg-burning ascents.

An island circumnavigation without a pothole in sight

Experienced cyclers love Taiwan for its wildly developed cycling infrastructure. So, although you can take several different routes, Cycling Route 1 is #1 for a reason. Circumnavigating the entire island, the 960-kilometer loop winds through mountain passes, coastal cliffs, tiny villages and booming cities. It’s a "best of Taiwan trip," sans potholes; seriously, we dare you to find one. Marked by brown signs with a number one, this route could take anywhere from nine days to two weeks, depending on your pace and how often you stop for some stinky tofu.

Difficulty: Moderate; if you’re not a pro cyclist, riding anticlockwise is recommended for less hectic terrain.

History meets culture in northern Vietnam

Cycle along Sapa’s emerald green rice terraces in this half-day 12-kilometer stretch. Move carefully down dirt roads, stopping every few minutes to take in the gobsmacking beauty of northern Vietnam. You’ll pass the country’s ethnic hill tribe villages, stopping for an energising Vietnamese coffee before cycling to see rock carvings dating back thousands of years. If you’re not an expert biker but still want to cycle, have a van meet you at the bottom of the valley and drive you back up to Sapa.

Difficulty: Difficult; remember, what comes down must go up, and the farther you go down into the valley, the longer you’re riding uphill. Be aware that route conditions can be dicey, so try not to get too distracted by the scenery.

Where ancient history and spiritual culture collide

Check your brakes; you may need to dodge peacocks, elephants and even a mongoose or two on the tropical roads of Sri Lanka. The Cultural Triangle connects the country’s three ancient cities in roughly 150 kilometres: Anuradhapura, Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa. You’ll see numerous temples, spiritual sights and landmarks, but don’t pedal too hard—you’ll want to save some energy for Sigiriya. This ancient fortress and palace built on top of a rock is 1,200 steps up, but the views from the top are worth a serious leg day.

Difficulty: Moderate; most roads are paved, but you’ll need to carve your own path, as there is little signage or cycling infrastructure.

Scenic hill climb in the lush Malaysian hillside

This former tin mining community turned leafy resort town is home to some of Malaysia’s best cycling. Riders start their ascent from Kuala Kubu Bharu all the way up to the famous European clock tower in the centre of town. Distances vary for this trip from 40 to 50 kilometres depending on your starting route, but the ascent is 1200 meters through lush rainforest, cool mountain air and squawking birds cheering you on.

Difficulty: Moderate; brace yourself for the steep climb during the last eight kilometres to the top of Fraser’s Hill. 

A half-day coastal escape from the city

Singapore has a thing for planning ahead. So, it should come as no surprise that this future-proofing country is working on a Round Island Route (RIR) to be completed in 2035. But Phase 1 is already open and well worth getting suited up for. Spanning 75 kilometres, riders get a glimpse of southern Singapore as they pedal from Rower’s Bay to Berlayer Creek. Ocean views, oodles of greenery, and clearly marked biking paths remind you why riding in Singapore is seriously underrated.

Difficulty: Easy; you won’t see a hill in sight.