Hill 53 Bikers’ Café

is a rest stop and café perched along the winding roads of Brgy. Bicahan in Antequera, Bohol—welcoming cyclists, bikers, and travelers with panoramic views, fresh air, and locally rooted architecture. Known among locals and riders for its steep climb and scenic reward, the café has become both a destination and a place to pause.
Architecturally, the structure is a nod to vernacular building traditions. Made primarily of timber, bamboo, and nipa, the café reflects an approach rooted in local knowledge and natural materials. The design works with the land’s steep terrain rather than against it. A long stairway weaves through the slope and leads visitors toward a cluster of raised platforms, each offering space to rest, eat, or take in the view.
Upon arrival, guests are greeted by the central bar, constructed from reclaimed wood and shaded by trees and a canopy of split bamboo. Seating areas are distributed across levels, shaded by bamboo clusters and existing vegetation. The layout favors openness, airflow, and a relaxed relationship with the landscape.
Simple construction methods were used throughout. Elements are left exposed, allowing materials to express their texture and function. The aim was not to impose a design but to build lightly—making use of what is available and letting the structure age alongside its surroundings.