The Philippines is an archipelago of over 4000 islands, and a lot of the roads are bad. Getting from one island to another sometimes means pushing the bike by hand across a flooded road or river, or loading it onto a small raft-like boat. Not really the place to tour on something like an FJR1300. I'd go for something like a KLE500, MT450, Himalayan 450 or Versys 650. If you're older or smaller, a CRF or KLX 300. Why automatic, don't you have a full licence? If not, maybe a big scooter like the X Max or ADV.

Those bikes are way overpowered in my opinion. You're lucky if you hit 80 km/h on the roads here in the Philippines. Buy a new 150-200cc bike and sell it after your trip. That's the cheapest and easiest way.

My girlfriend and I did a huge loop all the way to Cebu on an Aprilia SR GT 200. It was pretty good, but it would've been nice to have something a bit bigger, or just to have paid for Ohlins suspension. Power was plenty though. I'd get something 400cc or bigger so you can use the expressway when you want. The FJR1300 doesn't seem like the right bike for this. Keep in mind you'll be taking a lot of ferries along the way. With a nicer bike, keep some tip money ready for the guys who tie your bike down on the ferry so it doesn't tip over.

Just buy a second-hand bike on Facebook Marketplace, then sell it again when your Philippines trip is over. I think that makes more sense. You can buy and sell on Facebook Marketplace. FYI, to use the expressway the bike has to be over 400cc. But if you really plan to explore, I don't think it matters, because the national roads will take you places. Good luck 👍

According to Google..... In the Philippines you can rent a Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin through specialist adventure outfitters like Motorent Manila, which has the Africa Twin 1100 DCT in its big bike lineup and delivers across Metro Manila. Where to rent • Motorent Manila: Rents premium adventure models like the Honda Africa Twin 1100 DCT, with on-road support, repair kits and touring extras. Pickup and delivery cover the main Metro Manila areas (Makati, Taguig, Quezon City). • General availability: True liter-class adventure bikes like the Africa Twin are rare at regular local scooter rental shops (mostly 125-160cc). Specialist big bike tour operators in Luzon or the major cities are your best bet. Requirements and tips • License: You need a valid motorcycle license from your home country or an International Driving Permit (IDP), specifically covering large-displacement manual or automatic (DCT) motorcycles. • Deposit: High-end big bike rentals require a sizable cash or credit card deposit, refunded when you return the bike safely. • Expressway: With over 1,000cc, the Africa Twin is fully cleared for Philippine expressways (unlike small commuter scooters), which makes long-distance island touring much faster.