The Filipino people are some of the warmest, friendliest, and generous people I’ve met on my travels. We arranged a transfer with our hotel from the airport at a fixed price. Entrance is free as this is just a regular road you will likely need to use to get to Chocolate Hills. Klook.com(function(d, sc, u) { var s = d.createElement(sc), p = d.getElementsByTagName(sc)[0]; s.type = 'text/javascript'; s.async = true; s.src = u; p.parentNode.insertBefore(s,p); })(document, 'script', 'https://cdn.klook.com/s/dist_web/klook-affiliate-front/s/dist/desktop/dynamic_widget_v1.js'). A pretty epic escape from hostel life! There are plenty popping up all over the islands, so you’ll be spoilt for choice. Moreover, you won’t be able to enjoy and make the most of your trip. Which boat tour should I choose, 40 Stunning Photos That Will Make You Want To Visit The Philippines, Siargao Island Travel Guide for Non-Surfers. We chose Globe solely based on the tourist package that best aligned with our itinerary. Arriving at the Coron ferry terminal, you will be bombarded with tricycle drivers, yelling at you and pulling at your arm. READ: SIARGAO TRAVEL GUIDE: What to See, Do, Budget and Itinerary. Climb Mt. No wonder they say to do this hike over two days… Hiking under the Milky Way Galaxy and eating breakfast as the sun pushes through the sea of clouds was one of the best things I experienced backpacking the Philippines. Today, he runs a number of online ventures, including, Airbnb's Most Unique Properties Worldwide. Get all the ingredients right, then prep up for a fun drive, and a whopping vacation. We had come off the back of travelling almost 30 hours to reach Manila and even though our hotel was just across the road from the airport (we basically could have slept at the airport because we needed to be back there less than 8 hours later), we were in no mood to argue and agreed with the fixed rate proposed by our taxi driver. The Philippines responded to the COVID-19 outbreak with some of the longest and strictest lockdowns in the world. Often just as cheap, and the added bonus is you may get a whole apartment! I was in The Philippines for just a month on my first trip and six weeks on my second trip. Seriously, this saves so much precious time and confusion! Always cheaper buying from the beach shacks than in a restaurant. These beautiful hotels may have basic private rooms, but for $30 a night you can get a private beachfront room. Check out our Diving section at the end of the guide for more specific dive sites! Not picked the perfect travel backpack yet? The Broke Backpacker team has tried out over thirty backpacks this year! You can catch a bus directly from Badian or from the south bus terminal in Cebu city for 200p. ATM fees are the WORST. Alcohol is widely drank and readily available. Adventurer and vagabond. Depending on your qualifications, you can work remotely from your laptop and make a positive impact on the world! . And you should never travel without travel insurance. Their breakfast is the among the best meals I’ve had in this backpacking trip plus the place exceeds my expectations! Top Tips – the Philippines on a Budget Haggle: Want to save money whilst backpacking the Philippines, well get your haggle game on or expect to be ripped off. This Bicol road trip budget is good for three days in Bicol. In El Nido, we opted to participate in a group tour with. One of the most popular attractions to visit from Siargao is Sugba Lagoon. BBQ dinners ended up being our favourite and you can usually watch your meat, seafood and vegetables being cooked on the grill before coming straight to your table.Â, from AUD $12.90 | USD $8.80 | GBP £6.85 | EUR €7.95. You can just hop on a bus without a ticket but if you’d rather book in advance, I’d recommend checking out Bookaway. It’s refreshing and delicious. It’s also the perfect hub to fly anywhere you want domestically in the Philippines! You can participate in a local homestay. However, despite the price difference, all the accommodation we stayed in was always clean and tidy with helpful staff. PHP ₱500 (full day) We visited Siargao, El Nido and Coron. Badian is located 98km southeast of Cebu & is well known for its thrilling canyoneering experience. For those not keen on exploring these wicked wrecks, Coron is a great place to kick back with a beer or two for the day. ⁣ I’d recommend exchanging your money once in The Philippines. Spend the day paddle boarding, jumping into the water & watching the sunset over the horizon. If you need to cover up to visit that random temple or just need a break from the sun, they are highly recommended by the women-folk. Cheap beer, beautiful beaches, adrenaline pumping activities and some of the most friendly, genuine, people in all of Asia; the Philippines truly captured my heart. There are shuttle buses which complete the same journey from El Nido for the same price (PHP ₱600 per person return), however, you are restricted to set departure times. Will has been on the road for thirteen years, travelling to far-flung lands on a budget. The increase in daily flights heading to Batanes have led to promo fares popping up with most budget airlines. Great location central to sites like Kawasan Falls & whale sharks in Oslob. ⁣ from AUD $57 | USD $39 | GBP £30 | EUR €35. Whale sharks are drawn to Donsol Bay from November to May, due to the high concentration of krill & plankton. Want to support the site? Most travellers will flock to the Philippines around January and February when the weather is more reliable and cooler, perfect for travelling around! Kibungan Circuit is a three-mountain circuit in the town of Kibungan in Benguet. If you plan on visiting other islands in the archipelago, let this post be a guide to help you prepare your Philippines travel budget. However—not all tour operators are created equal—that is for sure. Head to the Cebu South bus terminal & catch a 2 hour bus to Dalaguete; it should cost about 100p. You can get flights with the likes of Air Asia and Philippines Airlines for as little as fifty dollars! You’re more than ready to do some sunbathing, drink fresh coconuts every day and go snorkelling with the incredible marine life. Philippines: Trip Starting From INR 50,000; Nicaragua: Trip Starting From INR 75,000; Bangladesh: Trips Starting From 30,000; Bolivia: Trips Starting From INR 75,000; 1. I had an amazing time and it completely lived up to my tropical island vision, so I totally recommend going there! Want more specifics? Spanish conquistadors created a feudal system in the Philippines, and Spaniards owned vast estates worked by Filipinos. The most popular is the Cave Connection tour, which takes you from Lumiang Cave through Sumaguing Cave. Flying into the Philippines was incredible. For day-to-day activities, transport is usually by tricycle or scooter. The journey is approximately 3 hours. The ride may take a few hours or a few … I have heard this area decent local dive scene and is easy to reach from Manila. Underground River, Puerto Princesa – £22. Flights to The Philippines are becoming more frequent. Unlike in the United States or Europe, traveling by road in the Philippines won’t get you from one end to the other. Avoid traveling … However, venturing into the less tourist and rural areas it is best to dress more conservatively. If you can stay in the Philippines for more than a month, you should be able to visit at least most of the major tourist hotspots. Afterward, take a trip to Siargao Island, best known for its surfing and wild, sandy beaches, soothing lagoons, coral reefs & limestone formations. Mayon, an active and picture perfect volcano. Most tourists, do tend to stick to the same spots so finding a quiet, authentic corner of the country is simply a case of getting on your bike or jumping a ferry and heading the opposite direction to everybody else! Speaking English is a highly-valued skill all over the world. We have designed three epic itineraries that have the potential to be combined if you have enough time (and a chance to extend your visa). For more safety tips when travelling the Philippines: Partying in the Philippines is boats, booze, bikinis, crystal clear water, and some wicked beats. Ferries, or Bangkas, are still one of the cheapest ways to get off the mainland and onto some of the incredible islands. How much money will you need for your trip to the Philippines? from AUD $1.70 | USD $1.20 | GBP £0.90 | EUR €1.05, Watch out Bali. You can search for a deal on Agoda, Hostelworld or Airbnb. Buy it fresh from a stand and it will be cheaper. While backpacking in Palawan I used it as a base to get to the national park and islands nearby. With thousands of islands to choose from, you can spend your lifetime in the Philippines and never see it all. Below you can download the budget … Donsol is famous for swimming with the Whale Sharks as they pass through the bay during their migration. Expect to pay around P7 for short journeys or if going between towns, up to P50. If you prefer to fly you have to head back to Legazpi & fly via Manila as there are no direct flights to Cebu. It’s a pretty commercialised and can be rather expensive, but you can defiantly find cheap backpacking options if you know where to stay in Boracay. You can fly directly to Cebu from either Manila or Coron; however, your best & cheapest bet is to catch a ferry from Donsol. If you are backpacking the Philippines in peak season use Airbnb as an alternative. We did see boats transporting groups of tourists to these same islands so if you choose to visit the islands this way, we expect the price per person would be less. If you are planning to hitchhike the Philippines I recommend hitchhiking short distances. A small resort, totally deserted with gorgeous beaches, crackling bonfires and swaying palm trees; making for a magical evening! The North Philippines … AUD $11.40 | USD $7.80 | GBP £6.10 | EUR €7.05. Book your transport on 12Go now and guarantee your seat easily. I often find great international deals to The Philippines with China Southern (via Guangzhou) and Emirates (via Dubai). You’ll be packed in with several other travellers but at least the van is air-conditioned! Tattooing is serious business here and she will only tattoo some people! A boodle fight in Filipino culture is the military practice of eating a meal. From fresh tropical fruit drinks to cold bottle of beers, colourful halo-halo dessert and scrumptious BBQ dinners – this is what you should eating in the Philippines. Past travelers have spent, on average, ₱605 ($13) on meals for one day and ₱791 ($16… Don’t be afraid to haggle the price here. I guess you get what you pay for, right? I booked my Mt Pulag trip through Travel Cafe, the cheapest and best tour guides out there. Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. San Miguel is the local beer. ... PHILIPPINES BACKPACKING: 2019 BUDGET TRAVEL … The only downside of air travel? There are pretty cheap flights from Manila (and sometimes Cebu) travelling onwards in Southeast Asia to countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia! And you should never travel without travel insurance. Thankfully Backpacking the Philippines is great all year round – even in the rain! What’s better than this, seriously? If you’re sitting on the fence, read our blog post – TRAVEL INSURANCE: SHOULD I, SHOULDN’T I? How to Travel the Philippines on a Budget Seat Sales. The cliffs overhanging the ocean offer so incredible views from the top which even the beginner climbers can enjoy. You must reserve a seat and collect your tickets from the ferry office the day before you travel. Trekking deep into the jungle you’ll come across the tribal village where Whang Od lives with her family and friends. Siargao known as the surfing capital of the Philippines is located about 800km southeast of Manila, also known as Cloud 9. The trails are so quiet I could venture for a day and see no one, having the countryside all to myself! Check out this surf guide for the Philippines to find the gnarliest curls! Boracay Island is something that you see on a postcard: beautiful powdered white sand beaches & crystal clear blue water as far as the eye can see. The Philippines is less conservative than its neighbouring countries of Malaysia, Indonesia and Taiwan when it comes to clothing. Don’t expect to turn up, pay, and get inked. Why not rent your own pad? There are so many awesome spots to go caving, but I definitely recommend checking out the Crystal Caves in Sagada. Teaching English online is a great way to earn a consistent income on the road. on the side of a scooter), best to hire one close to where the waves are so you don’t have to carry it too far. If you have 4 weeks, you can slow down and stay in places for longer. No lunch included. More Comfortable Philippines Backpacking Budget US$40/day | 2100 Pesos If you are more of a fan of the ‘go with the flow’ kind of travel than rigid planning then you might want to allow for more like US$40 per day. See below. You will often have to backtrack to the main hubs of either Cebu or Manila. SUBIC TRAVEL GUIDE with Budget Itinerary 2020 ... Subic is usually included in the itinerary for road trips up north. The Philippines is a super popular destination for newlyweds so if you and your beloved are heading here to celebrate your recent nuptials, be sure to check out Honeymoon backpackers ultimate guide to enjoying your honeymoon in The Philippines. If you’re in Cebu chances are you came to see the incredible Kawasan Falls. No matter where you go, you should be able to find some beautiful beach and epic diving. AUD $4.30 | USD $2.90 | GBP £2.30 | EUR €2.65. You can find delectable local cuisine for next to nothing, and many of the tourist attractions are free. Stick to hostels, street food and the local beer and you will be laughing…. While this area is touristy, there’s a reason why. Restaurants and cafes add a mark-up. ⁣ These places made it to my list of Best Road Trip Destinations Near Manila because they passed my criteria for accessibility, affordability, pet-friendly, unique and enjoyable. There are heaps of things to do in Coron, but diving was what attracted me here! It was beautiful, there’s no denying that. Badian is located 98km southeast of Cebu & is well known for its thrilling canyoneering experience. Go hiking and camping in the hills, try your hand at rock climbing, visit Bokong Falls or the eerie hanging coffins – a local tradition. The Ultimate 4 week Philippines Travel Itinerary for exploring Cebu, Bohol, El Nido and Coron with all of the best adventures on a budget! Many 20th century Presidents are known for running dictatorships, but poverty and education levels have been improving in the 21st century. You can hire a guide for 200 pesos to take you in or do the loop in reverse and you won’t have to pay to enter… if you get lost though you are pretty fucked so be sure you know where you’re going. 4. Tattoo lovers (like me) can’t resist the opportunity to receive a tribal tattoo from Whang Od: she’s a living legend. Diving in Donsol is also quite popular. Unfortunately, the trip from El Nido to Nacpan Beach is not the most comfortable in a tricycle as it was quite a snug fit for the two of us. Not quite a mountain, the trek to the summit is typically done over two days and is very, very easy. © 2020, The Broke Backpacker. I went to a wrestling match AND these young girls were everywhere. The Philippines will provide this and so much more. $60-$70/day for 2 people. Check it out! We were in for quite a shock. We used Montenegro Lines to catch a ferry one way from El Nido to Coron. They’re the remains of a small 18th-century church village after the huge eruption of Mt Mayon. We’ve listed a few of the costs we incurred and some others that you can expect to pay. There are tonnes of epic backpacker hostels in El Nido, HOWEVER, you will have to book in advance in high season as it’s super popular. Whang Od is a person rather than a place; this lady is the last Kalinga tattoo artist to hold the title of Mamababatok. If you’re a conscious traveller & wish to balance travelling & the need for the environment, don’t go to Oslob. Especially since the local beer is only forty pesos! Your best bet is rallying together a few divers & sharing the cost of the boat rental.To get here from Legazpi is super easy: just go to the bus station & catch the Donsol Bus. Not only will this keep you from getting lost, also less likely to get ripped off. Consider joining a Liveaboard trip in the Philippines! While most people head south for Palawan, consider this adventurous 10-day itinerary instead (or add it on to the next itinerary). from AUD $200 | USD $137 | GBP £107 | EUR €123, If you are travelling with a group of friends, a private boat tour is cost effective and allows a fair bit of flexibility. It has been, Your NEXT staycation could be here 😎⁣ One of my favourite things to do in Sagada is to simply take to the hills and hike for an afternoon. Sagada is a four-hour bus ride from Baguio or overnight from Manila. I’d recommend finding a quiet spot around the island to camp for free. Check out this post for plenty of ideas on ingenious ways to, I also strongly recommend travelling with a headlamp whilst in the Philippines (or anywhere really – every backpacker should have a good headtorch!) It’s an essential Philippines bucket list activity and honestly, there’s a party to suit all of us. Double Room, Air-Conditioned, Private Bathroom, AUD $571 | USD $390 | GBP £304 | EUR €352, Superior Double Room, Air-Conditioned, Private Bathroom, AUD $130 | USD $90 | GBP £70 | EUR €80. Continue on to Sagada (about a 4-hour bus journey) afterward for some non-stop adventure. Hitchhiking becomes a little harder. Keen to live the digital nomad dream while traveling the world? Tao Sailing Trip (El Nido – Coron) – £375. If time is of the essence and you have a few more dollars up your sleeve, flying between the islands will be the fastest and most convenient mode of transport but also the most expensive. This was my favourite hostel in Manila. How Much Will The Philippines Cost? A spider web of bus links, friendly and helpful locals, and all modes of travel offered at super cheap prices mean that getting around the Philippines couldn’t be easier! This detailed DIY travel guide is exactly what you need. Generally travelling in the Philippines is very safe in the touristy areas, but there are some places you want to avoid. You can backpack the Philippines for as little as $20 a day. If … North Luzon Loop Road Trip Estimated Budget… There are plenty of islands to catch some waves! Despite being popular with Digital Nomads, there is no Digital Nomad visa available and most simply enter on long stay tourist visa’s. Not quite a mountain, the trek to the summit is typically done over two days and is very, very easy. The fun does not come cheap, but spending a bit and it will be a road trip to remember! You can only buy food and drink on Daku Island. Make sure you visit Sabtang Island; you’ll probably have to get a tour so shop around & find the best deal. Be careful in Manila. Philippine Travel Tips. For the sake of transparency, some of the links in our content are affiliate links. On that note; the situation with Drugs in the Philippines has changed big time in the last twelve months. Palawan and Cebu are the most famous spots in the Philippines, but you don’t have to look much farther to get off the beaten path! Port Barton itself is well worth the effort though; a sleepy fishing village just a stone’s throw away from uninhabited islands where you can snorkel and even stay overnight. Make sure you agree on the price before allowing the driver to load your luggage onto their tricycle. There are two main telecommunication mobile carriers in the Philippines: Globe & Smart. If hiking isn’t your thing, hire an ATV & fang around the base of the volcano looking for wicked viewpoints like at Sumlang Lake. The Philippines have some insanely fancy pants resort hotels all over the mainland and islands. The Philippines geographical location within the Ring of Fire means there are plenty of volcanoes to climb or admire from afar. Pssssst! So it’s not surprising Couchsurfing is popular and well used, that is, if you aren’t invited to stay with the locals anyway. Ohhh the thermometer i, Dreaming of faraway places 💭⁣ Around seventy five pesos to get in, the Fort guards the entrance to the Pasig River with an oasis of gardens, plazas and fountains leading to its arched gate and lily pond. Taxi drivers are supposed to run fares on their meters but they are notorious for claiming malfunctioning machines and/or will bargain a fixed fare with you instead. Say no to plastic straws! Just a quick trip from Manila, Tagaytay is an ideal destination for budget travelers for so many reasons. ... budget … It's the ideal place for surfers & yogi's plus it's close to the beach! You can explore the North & South of the island by tricycle for P200 an hour, or hire a bicycle or motorbike. If you’re a backpacker lucky enough to have money burning a hole in your pocket, then you’re in for a treat! You can also hike in the famous chocolate hills here, and motorbike around the area with ease. ⁣ Sure, you want to explore every Island in the Philippines but with limited time and budget, you might not be able to do so. If you do choose to spend some time exploring the bustling Manila, check out Fort Santiago. My favourite place on the island is Spider House. Chances are, your Philippines backpacking route will begin in Manila.