We found it very essential when communicating with the locals. English is certainly not widely spoken. A picture-dictionary, like 'Point It', was also very useful in those situations. Be prepared for narrow and bumpy roads. Only on the main north-south highway cars can pass without getting of the road.
Drivers are very considerate with cyclists.
It almost never happened that we were pushed of the road. Traffic is on the right hand side of the road. The rough roads can be very hard on your bike so check everything before leaving. Just before Kalaw the freewheel in one of our bikes broke. Food and drinks Every town and village will have small restaurants.