OFF-ROADING AND OVERLANDING

Over the past decade, Overlanding has evolved into a popular recreational activity or way of life. The term
“Overlanding” was initially coined way back in Australia wherein Overlanding was seen as a means to move
livestock over long distances. Presently, Overlanding has a broad definition, but it is generally understood as
vehicle-supported, self-reliant adventure travel to remote destinations, where the journey is the primary goal.
Your vehicle is the primary mode of transportation and living, and all gear and supplies that you need are
carried with you. Overland vehicles are typically built out to accommodate living from the vehicle, a set-up that
usually is not compatible with extreme off-roading, four-wheeling, and rock-crawling due to balance and
weight loads.

On the other hand, Off-Roading involves travel on unsurfaced roads or tracks or over natural terrain. This may
include extremely rugged terrain that involves four-wheeling or rock-crawling. Mainly, Overlanding is traveling
over vast distances via land, which most of the time will require driving on unpaved roads. However, off-
roading is the type of driving you do once you’re on said routes. Overlanding involves off-roading, but off-
roading isn’t Overlanding.

These activities are done as a “lifestyle” promoting self-sufficiency, exploration, and adventure, and not
necessarily simply for tourism purposes. However, with the long periods of lockdowns and travel restrictions
imposed during the Covid-19 Pandemic, and with social media exposure, Overlanding and Off-Roading
activities have gained more people’s interest in the country, as the activity allows people to explore off-the-
beaten destinations with unspoiled natural scenic landscapes. This also gives people the opportunity to access
communities in highly remote areas, with who they tend to interact and deliver help after times of natural
calamity.

Off-roading and Overlanding Tourism Demand

Off-Roading and Overlanding tourism are another form of nature-based adventure tourism that is closely
related to ATV tourism. Differing from ATV tourism, Off-roading and Overlanding require at least a 4x4 Sports
Utility Vehicle (SUV) or an Asian Utility Vehicle (AUV) to engage in the activity, with vehicle modifications and
camping equipment increasing as an enthusiast delves deeper into the activity. North America remains the
largest market for off-road vehicles, followed by Europe, with the Asia-Pacific market growing quicker.

An extensive desk search revealed that there are no such industry reports by market research firms specifically
on Overlanding. Moreover, there are no articles discussing the size, revenue, sales, or growth of the market
found. We were unable to locate any data readily indicating the size of the market, in dollars, and the rate by
which the market grows. Because of this, we proceeded to look for organizations, publications, or events that
are associated with Overlanding and also looked at the global market demand for equipment used for
Overlanding and car camping activities.

Market research done by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) has found that the light-truck
segment, which includes pickups, vans, SUVs, and CUVs is forecast to account for all new vehicle sales in the
US by 2025. It also found that consumers spent more than USD 12 billion on aftermarket upgrades and
accessories for their vehicles in 2018 and are expected to further increase in sales. SEMA stated that off-roading
and outdoor recreation is one of the largest sectors the special-equipment industry now supports. Over the
last several years, SEMA has seen healthy growth of 5% to 10% per year, from 2017 to 2020, among categories
of off-road, safety, storage, and expedition parts for trucks and utility vehicles. The caveat, however, is that
there is no guarantee if upgrades and accessories purchased for the vehicles are for the purpose of Overlanding
and tourism, or if consumers simply want to modify and accessorize their vehicles as a hobby. However, there
is some indication pointing to the continuous growth of the Overlanding industry. For example, between 2015
and 2017, the number of people attending Overland Expo’s East and West events has grown by 175% and
130%, respectively.

Meanwhile, worldwide consumption of camping equipment currently stands at a value of USD 16.4 billion
(2022) and is estimated to race to USD 33.17 billion by the end of 2032. This is because the global camping
equipment market is projected to expand at a noteworthy CAGR of 7.3% between 2022 and 2032, according
to a market study on camping equipment by Fact.MR. This includes the sales of sleeping bags, cooking
equipment, camping stoves, and camping gear storage. For camping furniture, a market study by Grand View
Research indicates that the global camping furniture market size is expected to reach USD 275.8 million by
2025, expanding at a CAGR of 4.9% over the forecast period. This can also be attributed to the increasing
number of campers born out of long periods of lockdowns indoors during the pandemic. North America held a
significant market share in 2018 and has also increased in RV ownership ever since. Asia Pacific is expected to
witness the fastest growth in the coming years due to increasing number of outdoor recreational activities in
the countries including Australia, Indonesia, and India.

Based on the magnitude of these increases, significant market growth on Overlanding activity can be expected
in succeeding years.

Overlanding has also gained attention in the Philippines over the recent years. According to our in-house
survey, 30.9% of respondents have tried off-roading using their four-wheeled vehicle, while 9.6% have tried
Overlanding in the past 5 years. Due to the activity’s growing popularity, some companies have begun to see
the potential of Overlanding activities in the country. In an effort to further promote the activity, Petron
Philippines, in collaboration with overland equipment companies, are holding a Philippine Overland Expedition
for both experts and amateur enthusiasts. At least 300 vehicles with two passengers per vehicle are expected
to participate in this event.

Profile of Off-Roading and Overlanding Enthusiasts

Off-roading Enthusiasts are typically between the ages of 26 to 41 years old. Based on our surveys, 66.3% of
the domestic market engaged in Off-Roading tourism belong to this age group. 50% of the domestic market
are married while 85.4% of respondents have at least one kid. There is also significantly more female (59.6%)
than male (40.4%) respondents across the different off-roading activities, except for motorcycle off-roading
and Overlanding where there are more male enthusiasts. The majority of the respondents for Off-roading
belong to C2 (34.8%), and C1 (34.3%) SEC. However, 16.3% of respondents also belong to the PHP 75,000 to
PHP 100,000 income bracket. Most respondents also stated that they stay at a friend or relative’s house (42%),
in budget hotels or resorts (43.9%), or camping facilities with their own equipment (36.3%) for their
accommodation at a destination. 71.3% of respondents also prefer Do-It-Yourself (DIY) when planning and
preparing for the activity.

Overlanders and Off-Roaders usually both travel in groups to support each other when taking on challenging
terrain and bring recovery gears with them. Overlanders usually travel together with friends and family and
travel for multiple days while stopping at different tourist sites and attractions along the way. Their top reasons
for considering destinations for Off-Roading in the Philippines are the many activities that can be done at the
destination (68.9%), the presence of natural attractions (66.7%), and the feeling of safety and security (63.6%)
at the destination.

There are no specific classifications of the types of Overlanding and Off-roading enthusiasts as the two terms
are often interchanged despite varying motivations for travel. Overlanding is more categorized over the type
of vehicle used to engage in the activity. This includes SUVs, pickup trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, and sedans.
SUVs are often the common choice for Overlanding and off-road activities because they are rugged, offer plenty
of cargo space, have reliable 4×4 systems, and can be outfitted with all kinds of accessories for Overlanding,
from brush guards to light bars to rooftop tents. Overlanding and off-roading also overlap with Motorcycle
tourism and Bikepacking as both vehicles can still be used to travel long distances, whether on paved roads or
off-road for the enjoyment of the journey and its surroundings.

Overlanding enthusiasts must also be differentiated from Car Campers as both have varying needs with regards
to the accessibility and available amenities in a destination. Car Camping is the act of driving up to a campsite,
unpacking your car, and establishing a camp outside of the vehicle. The campsite could be raw but also have
maintained amenities like toilets and showers. The style of camping usually happens over a weekend or a few
days and consists of one destination where people arrive, unpack and set up their camp, spend time, and then
pack up to head home. Meanwhile, an Overlanding trip can consist of multiple destinations with longer trip
durations. Car Camping can be done by people that have sports cars, sedans, and other stock vehicles while
Overlanding tends to be more expensive due to the components you need to purchase to make the vehicle
sufficient for off-road expeditions. Overlanding vehicles are typically set up with upgrades and accessories to
allow them to travel almost anywhere by land and serve as their main campsite. Generally speaking, Car
Campers take a car to the campsite and set up camp beside their car, while Overlanders take the campsite with
them anywhere they go with their vehicle.

Off-roading and Overlanding Tourism Supply

The Philippines has 7,641 islands with a total land mass of 300,000 square kilometers, 124,400 square
kilometers of agricultural land, and a forested area of 71,886 square kilometers. The country’s largest island is
Luzon with a land area of 109,965 square kilometers, followed by Mindanao with 97,530 square kilometers.
The major islands of Visayas consist of Panay (6th largest island), Negros (4th largest island), Cebu (9th), Bohol
(10th), Leyte (8th), and Samar (3rd), which are connected by the San Juanico Bridge. As of October 18, 2021, the
DPWH’s Road Data reports that the Philippines has over 33,000 km of road, with only around 445 km of roads
still unpaved nationwide. It can be noted that the data inventory does not even include trails or roads created
by the private sector for logistical needs (i.e., trails formed for quarrying/ logging trucks). These roads and
pathways lead to various cities and towns and traverse diverse natural landscapes that offer many
opportunities for Overland adventures, while undeveloped pathways with rocky surfaces and challenging
terrain serve as a playground for off-roading enthusiasts.

Many individuals and outdoor enthusiasts may view the Philippines as unfit for Overlanding due to its
archipelagic structure where domestic overland travel can be challenging, limiting some overland expeditions
to major islands in the country. However, Overlanding can still be done through ferry lines or RoRos where you
can load your vehicle and ride across the sea. The country’s islands also have relatively mountainous
geography, allowing for exciting and challenging trails and destinations featuring beaches, forests, and
mountain sceneries.

The Covid-19 pandemic contributed to the increasing interest and popularity of outdoor recreational activities
such as camping, as it allows individuals and families to enjoy nature, bathe in sunlight and breathe fresh air
after months of lockdown and isolation. This growing demand for outdoor sites also paved the way for the
opening of many campsites around the country.

Off-roading and Overlanding Destinations and Attractions.

Given the differences between Overland and Off-Roading enthusiasts’ needs and capacity, they also tend to
seek out varying types of destinations. Overlanding enthusiasts are more self-sufficient in terms of
accommodations and prefer to stay in campsites with basic amenities while immersed in nature, while Off-
Road Enthusiasts tend to seek challenging trails, but do not necessarily stay at their destinations overnight.
Some Overlanders also prefer to travel to remote areas that are not accessible by normal unmodified vehicles,
and areas that feature the unspoiled natural beauty of the country. While both activities are more journey-
oriented, Off-Roading is often centered on the activity and the technicality of overcoming a difficult trail.
According to our desk research, these are some of the destinations and trails frequented by Off-Roaders and
Overlanders around the country:

Table XX. Off-Roading and Overlanding Sites in the Philippines

Region Location
Region I- Ilocos Region Paoay, Ilocos Norte
Region II- Cagayan Valley Malico, Nueva Vizcaya
CAR Mountain Province
Benguet, Mountain
Province
Mountain Province
Ifugao
Benguet
Kabayan, Benguet
Kalinga
La Trinidad, Benguet
Region III- Central Luzon Casiguran, Aurora
Doña Remedios Trinidad,
Bulacan
Doña Remedios Trinidad,
Bulacan
Porac, Pampanga
Pampanga
San Marcelino, Zambales
Botolan, Zambales
Nueva Ecija
Region IVA- CALABARZON Rodriguez, Rizal
Rodriguez, Rizal
Daraitan, Rizal Jungle Base Firing Range and 4x4 Center
Tanay, Rizal
Tanay, Rizal
Tanay, Rizal
Tanay, Rizal
Tanay, Rizal WK Forest Reserve and Campgrounds
Quezon Province General Nakar (Infanta-Umiray-Dinggalan Traverse)
Cavinti, Laguna
Lumban, Laguna
Mabini, Batangas
Destination/ Trails
Paoay Sand Dunes
Yamashita Trail
Sagada
Mt. Data
Bontoc
Banaue
Baguio City
Lake Tabeo
Malaap- Abra Trail
Mt. Kalugong Eco Park
Casapsapan Beach
Talangkaan Batu DRT Trail
Bayabas Trail
Mt. Pinatubo, Delta V Trail
Sacobia River
Lake Mapanuepe
San Juan
Minalungao Trail
Mt. Balagbag
Blue Lagoon Falls (trail)
Camp BOA
Camp Well River Valley
Kinabuan Falls Trail (Sta. Ines Road)
Viewscape Nature’s Park
Cavinti/ Usong Falls Trail
Kaliraya Surf Kamp
Mt. Gulugod Baboy
 Magallanes, Cavite Mt. Talamitam
Region V- Bicol Region Camarines Sur Siruma beach
Baras, Catanduanes Binurong Point
Region VII- Central Visayas Danao City, Cebu Danasan Eco Adventure Park
Region XI- Davao Region Digos City, Davao del Sur Camp Sabros
Davao Oriental Darrport, Mati

Overlanders are often hesitant to share trails and destinations due to concerns over tourist influx. They believe
that sharing or posting information about a destination’s location on social media exposes the sites to less
experienced and less-disciplined tourists who tend to damage the quality of these nature destinations and
destroy the trail. Due to this, there are limited sources regarding off-road and Overlanding destinations around
the country, particularly in the Visayas and Mindanao regions.

Factors Likely to Affect Off-roading and Overlanding Tourism Supply.

Rising Fuel Costs. Overlanding usually involves large vehicles and long drives consisting of a multiple-day
expedition. With the global rising cost of oil, rising prices of diesel and gas, the cost of overlanding, and
transport and travelling in general, will significantly rise. Overlanding will be inaccessible to some people;
however, Overlanding and Off-Roading are expensive hobbies to begin with. Serious enthusiasts will probably
continue to engage in the activity, while more casual tourists will consider traveling to sites and destinations
closer to their place of residence to augment fuel costs.

Accessibility of Destinations. Overlanding is basically traveling long distances over land, therefore the
availability of roads, bridges, and ferries to allow vehicles to travel from one place to another is a vital
consideration when planning for an expedition. While most provinces in the Philippines are already connected
by national and municipal roads, most rural areas still do not have paved roads and bridges that can be easily
accessed by stock vehicles. This may be a concern for some car campers; however, it can be more appealing to
Off-Roaders and Overlanders who have outfitted vehicles meant for off-roading activity and river crossing.
Hardcore Overlanders and Off-Roaders are usually willing to take on any kind of route as long as their vehicle
can handle it. This adds to the experience of adventure, however, they are also often equipped with recovery
gears and other safety equipment. The country’s archipelagic state tends to limit cross-country overlanding,
from the island of Luzon to Mindanao. The availability and convenience of ferry lines and ROROs can help
bridge this gap, creating a summit-to-sea island expedition for Overlanding tourists.

Quality of Natural Attractions. Nature-based activities are highly dependent on the quality of the surrounding
environment. Overlanding is heavily journey-oriented, so destinations chosen usually involve routes that have
scenic views of natural landscapes. However, many factors can affect the ambiance and beauty of their natural
surroundings. For example, poor waste disposal from undisciplined tourists and locals can contribute to a
destination’s unattractiveness. Illegal logging and quarrying activity in a destination can also deter Overlanders
as it lessens the quality of their experience in nature. The overbuilding of structures obstructing scenic views
also takes aways the appeal of certain routes. This can be observed along Marilaque Highway, where more
establishments are being built along the road, covering views of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range and Laguna
Lake. Passing through Marilaque, however, is unavoidable for some as it serves as a main corridor to access
many off-road trails around Rizal.

Peace and Order. The peace and order situation in rural areas, particularly in the mountains can discourage
tourists and Overlanders from exploring an area. The presence of military and security assurance can help
alleviate the worries of some Overlanders. Meanwhile, some overlanding groups coordinate with the local
government and barangay to ensure their safety and passage when exploring an unpopulated area. In 2019,
the first 4x4 expedition in Northern Mindanao was held, with the tagline “Ride for Peace and Unity.” The two-
day event was attended by 25 participants who came from different cities of the region. The trip was meant to
highlight the Northern Mindanao Highlands and promote its nature-based tourism attractions and cultural
experiences with the indigenous tribes of Sitio Lawlawon. Initiatives such as this can help promote highland
areas around the country that are usually avoided due to news of insurgency and terrorist activity.

Poor Camping Etiquette. Overlanders are often hesitant to share trails and destinations due to concerns over
tourist influx. They believe that sharing or posting information about a destination’s location on social media
exposes the sites to less experienced and less-disciplined tourists who are most likely to damage the quality of
these nature destinations and destroy the trail. Overlanders tend to seek “secret destinations” where there are
virtually no tourists but have majestic views of the natural landscape. Overlanders take camping etiquette very
seriously and allocate a large amount of space in between camps of different groups as they do not intend to
disrupt each other’s outdoor experience. Crowded campsites with very little space allocation often deters them
from visiting a place.

Overlanders and seasoned Car Campers also tend to avoid campsites and destinations where amenities such as
electricity are available. The availability of electricity tends to draw in less-experienced campers who have very
little knowledge on camping etiquette and are prone to noise and pollution. Access to electricity also allows
activities such as Karaoke, which overlanders do not like as it adds to noise pollution and takes away the peace
and feeling of disconnection in nature. Areas with campsites will require the LGU to impose a quiet time
Natural Hazards and Climate Change