Traveling Philippines: Affordable Or Costly?

The Philippines is a diverse country known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. It is a cheap travel destination, even by Southeast Asian standards. However, it is not as low-cost as other countries in the region. The Philippines is made up of over 7,000 islands, which can make getting around more expensive and time-consuming. Domestic flights and ferries between islands can add up quickly, and it is important to do some research to find more affordable options.

Accommodation in the Philippines can vary widely in price, with some hotels being more expensive than expected. However, there are also budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses available, especially in Manila, Cebu, and El Nido. Food in the Philippines is very affordable, especially if you dine at local establishments and eat street food.

Overall, the Philippines is a reasonably affordable destination, but it is important to plan and research in advance to make the most of your budget.

Budgeting for travel in the Philippines

The Philippines is a diverse country known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. It is a cheap travel destination, even by Southeast Asian standards. However, it is not as low-cost as some other countries in the region. The cost of your trip will depend on your travel style and where you go. Manila and Boracay, for example, are significantly more expensive than other parts of the Philippines.

Accommodation

Accommodation costs can vary widely in the Philippines. On the lower end, you can find dorm beds in hostels for $6-15 USD per night, or even sleep in a hammock for less than $5 USD. On the higher end, luxury hotels can cost upwards of $100 USD per night.

Transportation

Getting around the Philippines can be expensive, especially if you plan to visit multiple islands. Ferries between islands can cost a minimum of $20 USD per trip, and domestic flights can range from $50-90 USD. Public transportation options such as jeepneys and long-distance buses are much cheaper, costing only a few dollars per ride.

Food

Food in the Philippines is very affordable, especially if you dine at local establishments. Street food and fast food typically cost $4-5 USD per meal, while restaurant meals can range from $5-20 USD. Local dishes such as lumpias (fried spring rolls) and pancit (fried noodles) often cost less than $1 USD. Drinks are also reasonably priced, with local beer costing around $2-3 USD and a bottle of water for about 75 cents.

Activities

The Philippines offers a range of activities to suit any budget. Diving and snorkelling are relatively inexpensive, with dives costing around $30-50 USD and snorkel gear rental for as little as $3-5 USD. Other activities, such as island-hopping tours, can cost $15-25 USD or more.

Tips for Saving Money

• Stay with a local through Couchsurfing or stay at a local guesthouse, which is often cheaper than hostels.
• Look out for Air Asia sales, as this is one of the cheapest airlines servicing the Philippines.
• Buddy up with other travellers to split the cost of activities.
• Hitchhike to save money and meet new people (although be aware of the risks).
• Eat where the locals eat to find the best value and most authentic food.
• Camp on the beach or in hostels to save on accommodation costs.
• Bring a reusable water bottle with a filter to save money and reduce plastic waste.
• Avoid Manila, as it is expensive and doesn't have much to offer besides traffic, scams, pollution, and poverty.
• Be prepared for flight delays, especially during typhoon season (June to October).
• Bring sunscreen, as it is expensive in the Philippines.
• Carry multiple bank cards and store them in different places in case you lose one.
• Download the Grab app to avoid overcharging by taxis.

Sample Budgets

According to BudgetYourTrip.com, the average daily cost per person for travelling in the Philippines is $75 USD, including accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing. This breaks down to the following:

• $25 USD for meals
• $21 USD for local transportation
• $49 USD for hotels

However, it is possible to travel much cheaper or more luxuriously, depending on your budget and travel style. For example, a "shoestring" budget might involve sleeping in hostel dorms, eating at cheap eateries, and relying on public transportation, while a luxury budget could include stays in high-end hotels, fine dining, and private drivers.

The cost of food and drink

The average daily cost of food in the Philippines is $25 per person, per day, based on the spending habits of previous travellers. This includes dining at local eateries, street food, and fast food. Local food in the Philippines is heavily influenced by many different cultures, including Chinese, Malay, Spanish, European, and American cuisines.

Some examples of popular local dishes include:

• Sinangag: Fried garlic rice with dried shrimp, often served with sausage or hot dogs.
• Chicharron: Salted and deep-fried pork rinds, often served with vinegar, chillies, or liver sauce.
• Hamonado: A honey-cured meat dish served on special occasions, typically made with pork and sweetened with honey or pineapple juice.

In Manila and other posh parts of the Philippines, food and drink can be more expensive, especially when drinking alcohol. A night out can cost anywhere from $300 to $2000, depending on the location and how much alcohol is consumed.

For those travelling on a budget, it is recommended to stick to local food and avoid tourist-centric restaurants, where prices will be higher. Street food can cost as little as $1, and meals at local eateries typically range from $10 to $20.

When it comes to drinks, a bottle of local beer, such as San Miguel, usually costs around $1-2. It is also worth noting that tap water is not safe to drink in the Philippines, so it is recommended to bring a reusable water bottle with a filter or purchase bottled water from convenience stores.

Overall, while there may be some variation in prices depending on location and type of cuisine, the Philippines offers a range of affordable food and drink options for travellers.

Transport costs

The Philippines is an island chain that isn't the easiest to get around. Unlike other Southeast Asian countries, you can't just hop on a cheap bus; instead, you'll need to take ferries or planes, which can be costly. Ferries between islands tend to cost a minimum of $20 per trip, and flights can quickly eat into your budget. There are decent long-distance buses running across some of the bigger islands, such as Luzon, but you'll inevitably end up on a ferry at some point—it's the only way to get to many of the islands.

If you're travelling on a shoestring budget, it's a good idea to plan your trip in advance. You can save money by doing some research and taking advantage of sales that airlines often have. It's also worth bearing in mind that travelling during peak times, such as the summer months or around major holidays, will result in higher accommodation and transportation costs.

Within the cities, there are various affordable ways to get around. In Manila, for example, you can use Uber, which is much cheaper than taking a taxi. You can also get around via jeepney, with rides costing between 20 and 50 cents. In other parts of the Philippines, you can get around cheaply via bus, tricycle, or even a rented bike.

If you're looking for an adventure and a chance to meet new people, hitchhiking is also an option in the Philippines.

Ferry Safety

While ferries are a cheap form of transportation, they can also be unsafe. Use your common sense and don't board a ferry that seems to be over capacity. It's also a good idea to check the weather reports before taking a ferry, as some captains will sail even in rough waters.

Local Transport Costs

On average, past travellers have spent $21 (₱1,210) per person, per day, on local transportation in the Philippines. In comparison, the cost of a taxi ride or ridesharing service (such as Uber or Lyft) is significantly more expensive.

Domestic Flights

If you're planning to take domestic flights to explore different areas of the Philippines, it's a good idea to compare prices online. Some of the most popular and affordable airlines include Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and Airphil Express. Flights are usually reasonably priced, but prices can increase during peak travel times and around major holidays. Most flights are economy class only.

Train Travel

If you decide to take a trip on the Bicol Express Train, you can choose between four different classes:

• Executive Sleeper Class: private, air-conditioned cabins with one bed.
• Family Sleeper Class: cabins with four beds and air conditioning.
• Deluxe Class: reclining chairs in air-conditioned cabins.
• Economy Class: benches and fans for ventilation.

Accommodation prices

The Philippines is a cheap travel destination, even by Southeast Asian standards. However, some hotels may be more expensive than you would expect. As a whole, it is a very affordable travel destination.

The average hotel room price in the Philippines is $41 in the low season and $77 in the peak season. The average price paid for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $49, whereas for one person sharing a room, the average price is $25 per night.

Hostels are a cheaper option, with dorm beds costing between $6-20 per night. In Manila, a posh backpacker hostel can cost around $20 per night, whereas in Palawan, dorm beds can be found for as little as $6 per night. Local guesthouses and huts on the beach are even cheaper than hostels, with some huts costing just $2 per night.

If you're looking for luxury, be prepared for a daily price of around $196. Luxury hotels, fine dining, high-end excursions, and private drivers will push you into the "luxury" bracket.

For budget travellers, the average daily expenditure is around $29 per person per day. Mid-range travellers tend to spend around $75 per day, whereas luxury travellers can spend up to $196 per day.

It is worth noting that the Philippines is an island nation, and it can be costly to travel between islands. Ferries between islands can cost a minimum of $20 per trip, and domestic flights can quickly eat into your budget.

Overall, the Philippines offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit different budgets, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels.

Activities and sightseeing

The Philippines is an island nation in Southeast Asia, with a diverse culture, friendly people, and exciting activities. The climate is tropical, and the hottest months are between March and May, with rains starting in June and lasting through October. The coolest months are between November and February, with the best time to visit being between the middle of January and the end of February.

The Philippines is divided into three major island groups: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Luzon is the economic and political centre, and home to the capital city of Manila. Visayas is where you'll find the country's best beaches and richest biodiversity. Mindanao boasts most of the country's indigenous culture.

The Philippines is a cheap travel destination, even by Southeast Asian standards. However, some hotels may be more expensive than expected, and getting around the islands can be costly. Ferries are a cheap form of transportation but can be unsafe. It is always good to check the weather before taking a ferry, and if a boat seems to be over capacity, do not get on it.

• Banaue Rice Terraces: These 2,000-year-old rice terraces are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offer a scenic view of the country's natural beauty.
• Tamaraw Falls: A popular thirty-metre-high waterfall with nearby swimming pools. It's a great spot for a picnic and is about 14 kilometres from Puerto Galera.
• Hundred Islands National Park: This small but lovely national park is just off the Alaminos coast and is made up of over one hundred islands, three of which have been developed for tourists.
• Pagudpud: One of the most popular tourist beaches in the Philippines, with white sand and blue water perfect for swimming. It's relatively secluded yet accessible by public transportation.
• Snorkelling and Scuba Diving: The Philippines is one of the cheapest places in the world to learn to dive, with dives costing around $30 to $50 USD. Snorkelling gear can be hired for as little as $3 to $5 USD on many beaches.
• Underground Rivers and Caves: The Philippines is home to underground rivers and mammoth caves, such as those found in Puerto Princesa and El Nido.
• Waterfalls: The country boasts some of the most enchanting waterfalls in the world, including those in Sagada and Kalinga.
• Volcanoes: Towering volcanoes, such as Mayon Volcano in Albay, offer a breathtaking view of the country's natural beauty.
• Coral Reefs: Pristine coral reefs surround the islands, providing excellent snorkelling and diving opportunities.
• Jungle Treks: You can camp out in the jungle, explore limestone cave systems, and discover hidden waterfalls.
• World War II Wrecks: Off the coast of some islands, you can snorkel around World War II wrecks.
• Cultural and Historical Sights: Manila, the country's capital, offers museums and cultural areas worth visiting. The Philippines also has a strong Spanish influence due to colonisation, making it Asia's largest Catholic country.

The Philippines has a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. Food is also affordable, especially if you dine at local establishments and try street food. Some recommended dishes include Sinangag (fried garlic rice with dried shrimp and sausage or hot dogs), Chicharron (deep-fried pork rinds), and Hamonado (a honey-cured meat dish).

Overall, the Philippines offers a diverse range of activities and sights to suit any budget.

Frequently asked questions