Backpacking the Philippines (Epic Budget Travel Guide • 2023)

Why Go Backpacking in the Philippines

With thousands of islands to choose from, you can spend your lifetime in the Philippines and never see it all. 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. That said, it will require some careful planning and might prove to be quite intensive.

No matter where you go, you should be able to find some beautiful beach and epic diving. 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!

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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). The third itinerary can be completed on a one month visa, or split into two if you have less time!

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.

Backpacking the Philippines 10 Day Itinerary #1: Sagada

While most people head south for Palawan, consider this adventurous 10-day itinerary instead (or add it on to the next itinerary). Start your trip to the Philippines staying in the capital, Manila. From here, you can take a six-hour bus journey to the legendary Mt Pulag and the truly stunning sea of clouds. Not quite a mountain, the trek to the summit is typically done over two days and is very, very easy.

Continue on to Sagada (about a 4-hour bus journey) afterward for some non-stop adventure. Go hiking and camping in the hills, try your hand at rock climbing, visit Bokong Falls or the eerie hanging coffins – a local tradition.

For even more of an adrenaline rush, make sure to go caving and spelunking in the surrounding caves. The most popular is the Cave Connection tour, which takes you from Lumiang Cave through Sumaguing Cave.

The Philippines 3 Week Itinerary #2: Palawan

This is the best Philippines itinerary for diving fanatics or those wanting to experience the sheer natural beauty the Philippines has to offer. If you have 4 weeks, you can slow down and stay in places for longer.

Fly to Puerto Princesa, and leave pretty quickly to get over to Port Barton. This area has several islands with good beaches and snorkeling.

Next, travel to the El Nido area, known for its island hopping. If you have the money, you can arrange an expensive boat ride to Tubbataha Reef Marine Park, known for its pelagic marine life.

Take a ferry to Coron, which is famous for its WWII wreck diving. If you are a diver, take a day or two to explore the nearby Apo Reef as well. You can also check out other islands off the beaten path, like Culion Island and Busuanga Island. From what I’ve heard it’s nothing but huts, beautiful beaches and diving.

Ferry again to Puerto Galera. I have heard this area decent local dive scene and is easy to reach from Manila. You can end your trip with a visit to Boracay if you have some time. It’s a bit out of the way, but easy to reach from Puerto Galera. This is one of the most famous beaches in the Philippines due to its incredible sand.

The Philippines 4 Week Itinerary #3: Diving, Whale Sharks, and Surf

Catch a flight to Cebu from Manila. Chances are you came here to see the incredible Kawasan Falls. Badian is located 98km southeast of Cebu & is well known for its thrilling canyoneering experience. You can catch a habal habal from Dalaguete to Kawasan Falls/Badian, for 200p per person.

Next, let’s get off the grid a bit and head to Siquijor Island, which used to be known for its witch-like healing practices. Siquijor has amazing snorkeling and diving too. There are tranquil waterfalls, caves & forests to explore on the island. This is a great island to lay back and chill with a beer.

Afterward, take a trip to Siargao Island, best known for its surfing and wild, sandy beaches, soothing lagoons, coral reefs & limestone formations.

Ferry across to Bohol (and Panglao Island), another diving hot spot. You can also hike in the famous chocolate hills here, and motorbike around the area with ease. This is also one of the only places in the world to see tha Tarsier, you know those tiny, giant-eyed primates no larger than a child’s fist?

Catch a quick flight or a long overnight ferry to Legazpi, home of the most perfect cone-shaped volcano in the world, Mt Mayon.  This town is also used as a gateway to dive with the Whale Sharks in Donsol. You can hike to the summit of Mt Mayon, but it’s quite a difficult climb.

It’s super cheap to free dive with the whale sharks in Donsol, and it’s a magical experience! Diving in Donsol is also quite popular, particularly in the Manta Bowl where you can see both manta rays & whale sharks.

Backpacking Manila

Chances are, your Philippines backpacking route will begin in Manila. A bustling metropolis, Manila is filled with vibrant neighbourhoods to explore, fancy shopping malls, trendy bars, beautiful people, and fancy restaurants. The wealthy and the poorest live next door to each other and it can be pretty shocking for first-time travellers.

I only spent a few days exploring Manila once landing, and a few more when I had to pass through on my way to another island. There’s plenty to do in Manila, but ultimately get out as soon as possible and spend your time exploring the rural and island areas of The Philippines. I stayed in a couple of hostels in Manila, as I passed through three times, the best was without a doubt Z Hostel.

If you do choose to spend some time exploring the bustling Manila, check out Fort Santiago. 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. Explore the fort inside and even head down to the creepy cell blocks or relax in the museum. It’s essentially a shrine to The Philippines national hero, José Rizal. You can easily kill a day here without getting bored, and I highly recommend checking this out.

Want more history about The Philippines and the people? Check out the National Museum of the Filipino in Manila. It costs around a hundred and fifty pesos to get into this museum and it’s worth it. Since 1998, the National Museum has been restoring and safeguarding important cultural values, sites and reservations throughout the Philippines. Super interesting and chilled, and perfect for those history nerds like me!

If you want to party and meet lots of locals, Manila is a good place to start. While a bustling capital, Manila is still safe to visit and an awesome place to let loose a bit. It’s also the perfect hub to fly anywhere you want domestically in the Philippines!

Backpacking Mt Pulag

A six-hour bus journey from Manila is the legendary Mt Pulag, and the truly stunning sea of clouds. Not quite a mountain, the trek to the summit is typically done over two days and is very, very easy. Marked by clear trails and signs, you’d have to be really trying to get lost. Mount Pulag attracts hikers from all over the world.

The third highest peak in the Philippines standing at 2,922 metres above sea level, you know it’s going to offer some epic views at the top. You are technically ‘not allowed’ to hike this mountain without a guide. I booked my Mt Pulag trip through Travel Cafe, the cheapest and best tour guides out there. You’ll likely need to base yourself in nearby Baguio for at least one night or you’re going to be knackered!

It’s not just the beautiful sea of clouds that attracts people to climb Mount Pulag’s summit… Have you ever seen the Milky Way Galaxy at dawn? I hadn’t until waking up (super) early, hiking to the summit and being greeted with the most incredible sky I’d ever seen. 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.

Backpacking Sagada

Sagada is a four-hour bus ride from Baguio or overnight from Manila. Welcome to the adventure capital of the Philippines! This is hands down one of my favourite places I explored in all of The Philippines.

I crashed in Olahbinan – an amazing place with warm vibes and an epic view from the balcony. It’s opposite Kimchi Bar; which happens to be the best place to hang in the evenings for a beer or three…

Sagada has everything, from relaxed day hikes into the hills, advanced treks into the mountains, and for the adventurous, caving. Travelling to and exploring Sagada’s secrets is a recommendation for anyone visiting the Philippines.

The Crystal Cave is an explorer’s paradise. Spend the day squeezing through tight black holes, climbing raging waterfalls, abseiling further into the darkness before being led into another chamber filled with mammoth crystal formations. Expect to pay around 2,500 Pesos to hire a guide to take you through not only Crystal Cave but also the cave link connection. If you are new to caving, I suggest starting the cave link connection, parts of the Crystal Cave are tough.

Want creepy and cool? Check out the Echo Valley and the Hanging Coffins. Paganism before the 20th Century was the prominent religion in The Philippines, and Filipinos believed the dead had to be close to the gods to help reach their final resting place. So, instead of being buried in the ground, coffins were secured to the sides of mountains.

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. Today, locals are sometimes still buried in the foetal position in these hanging coffins but it’s very expensive – a sacrifice of twenty cows and forty chicken are required – so the practice is dying out.

One of my favourite things to do in Sagada is to simply take to the hills and hike for an afternoon. The trails are so quiet I could venture for a day and see no one, having the countryside all to myself! Stunning views, great weather and deserted trails were the only reasons I needed to venture out to the wilderness.

I spent a lot of time staying in the Sagada area, and I recommend it to everyone backpacking the Philippines who wants to escape the tourist trap. Those looking for adventure should head here.

Backpacking Puerto Princesa

From the Kalinga Jungle, I travelled to Manila to catch a cheap flight to Puerto Princesa; the gateway for Palawan and the underground river. I spent a few days here visiting the underground river.

The awesome Sheebang Hostel was a great place to meet some more backpackers! It was beautiful, there’s no denying that. Floating underground, blue water and waterfalls were just incredible, but the amount of people that flock here didn’t make me want to hang around for long…

Puerto Princesa itself is a bit of a concrete jungle. While backpacking in Palawan I used it as a base to get to the national park and islands nearby. Unless you are a massive foodie (good restaurant culture here) move on quickly…

Backpacking Port Barton

Does the idea of white beaches, crystal clear water, small seaside towns, fresh fish feasts and camping on the beach sound like heaven to you? Well, that is just what Port Barton is. Seriously, it’s one of my favourite Philippines backpacker spots. It is a little bit of a mission to get here from Puerto Princessa; I screwed it up and ended up paying through the nose to catch a boat after being dropped in the middle of nowhere by an unfriendly bus driver.

You can catch a bus all the way to Port Barton from either Puerto Princesa or El Nido. Just beware the journey rather bumpy; however, they’re currently building a proper road which should be finished shortly. Your other option is to catch a ferry here from Sabang, where the Puerto Princesa Underground River is located.

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.

Gaga, a local fisherman, can hire out tents and will arrange for you to crash on an island for a night, complete with a cooked fish dinner, for as little as $30 a person. You can reach him on (0949) 467 2204 – Tell him I sent you and he will reward you with one of his legendary smiles. What’s better than this, seriously?

If you’re not keen to camp, there are lots of cheap places to crash in Port Barton, but I recommend blowing your backpacker budget one night and heading out to White Beach. A small resort, totally deserted with gorgeous beaches, crackling bonfires and swaying palm trees; making for a magical evening! It’s possible to walk here from the main beach, it only takes around two hours. Sunshine House, on the main beach, has good Filipino food, fast internet and cheap rooms.

Backpacking El Nido

El Nido is one of the most popular spots for those backpacking the Philippines to visit. The beaches are known for their epic parties, white sand, and blue waters; everybody ends up at visiting El Nido one way or another…

Head out on one of the epic island hopping cruises, show off your backflip skills jumping from the boat into crystal clear waters below. Snorkel the reefs or if you dare, swim through the underwater caves found in the lagoon. The underwater caves are hard to find, so ask the local lads to show you; it’s in the lagoon and although dangerous is a lot of fun.

Fed up of Water sports? El Nido is one of the best places in The Philippines to climb. The cliffs overhanging the ocean offer so incredible views from the top which even the beginner climbers can enjoy. Check out Taraw Peak, one of the coolest climbs in El Nido.

If you can afford the expensive boat ride, diver fanatics should make their way to Tubbataha Reef Marine Park, known for its reef and pelagic marine life. .

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. El Nido is super easy to get to, you can get direct transport here from Puerto Princesa & Port Barton or a ferry from Coron.

Backpacking Coron

Named one of top dive spots in the world, Coron is popular for its World War II wreck diving. In September 1944, a fleet of Japanese ships hiding in the harbour were sunk in a daring raid by the US navy. The result is around ten well preserved underwater shipwrecks surrounded with coral reef: a divers paradise!

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. There are numerous chill places to stay in Coron and a lot of cool areas to explore.

You get to Coron from El Nido by ferry, which takes around eight hours or fly directly here from Manila or Puerto Princesa. Flights are cheap if you book in advance, otherwise get your haggling game on! I got the price down to a thousand pesos, way cheaper than advertised!

Explore Coron by motorbike and see it’s beauty. There are heaps of things to do in Coron, but diving was what attracted me here!

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Backpacking Legazpi

Legazpi is home of the most perfect cone-shaped volcano in the world, Mt Mayon, & used as a gateway to dive with the Whale Sharks in Donsol. You can hike to the summit of Mt Mayon, but it’s quite a difficult climb. Some companies offer an extremely expensive 2 day expedition, however, it does seem possible to climb it yourself too. 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 most popular viewpoint of Mt Mayon is Lingnon Hill, but it’s pretty touristy. To get here on public transport, catch a loop 2 Jeepney from the main road in town. It drops you near the top of the hill & will only set you back 10p.

The Cagsawa Ruins are pretty cool to check our while you’re here. They’re the remains of a small 18th-century church village after the huge eruption of Mt Mayon. I stayed at Mayon Backpackers Hostel which has a cool view from the rooftop & even has a kitchen to cook your own food. Pretty much all the flights here go via Manila, check out Cebu Pacific for cheap sale deals.

Backpacking Donsol

Donsol is famous for swimming with the Whale Sharks as they pass through the bay during their migration. It’s one of the few places in the world where you can dive with them in their natural environment, unlike in Cebu where they’re hand fed & never migrate. Whale sharks are drawn to Donsol Bay from November to May, due to the high concentration of krill & plankton.

It’s super cheap to free dive with the whale sharks and only sets you back $25 USD, including boat hire, environmental fee & snorkelling hire. It was a magical experience swimming alongside the majestic whale shark which can grow as long as 18m!

Diving in Donsol is also quite popular. particularly in the Manta Bowl where you can see both manta rays & whale sharks. However, it is a decent boat ride to get there & can be pricey if you’re diving solo. 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.

It takes about 2 hours & costs only 75p. The cheapest way to get to Cebu from Donsol is by local ferry from the Pilar Port. This will take you to Masbate, where you change to a night ferry onwards to Cebu City. All up the ferry ride should cost just under 100p. If you prefer to fly you have to head back to Legazpi & fly via Manila as there are no direct flights to Cebu.

Backpacking Cebu

Cebu city is much like Manila, but it’s smaller & the traffic isn’t as bad. I’m not the biggest fan of big cities, so I didn’t enjoy the city itself so much. The best area of Cebu to stay in is the south, and you’ll probably need around 5 days to a week to travel & see everything. You can fly directly to Cebu from either Manila or Coron; however, your best & cheapest bet is to catch a ferry from Donsol.

I’d definitely stop into Dalaguete, also known as “little Baguio” and is renowned for its cool climate, vegetable crops & has a beautiful viewpoint at Osmena Peak. Head to the Cebu South bus terminal & catch a 2 hour bus to Dalaguete; it should cost about 100p.

If you’re a conscious traveller & wish to balance travelling & the need for the environment, don’t go to Oslob. Yes, it’s famous for swimming with Whale Sharks, but no, it’s not good for the animals or their environment.

If you’re in Cebu chances are you came to see the incredible Kawasan Falls. Badian is located 98km southeast of Cebu & is well known for its thrilling canyoneering experience. Most backpackers do either a day trip, or canyoning tour finishing up in Kawasan Falls. You can catch a habal habal from Dalaguete to Kawasan Falls/Badian, for 200p per person, entry to the fall is only 30b.

Moalboal is south of Badian & has some of the most incredible dive spots & coral reefs. It’s a chilled laid back beach town 2.5 hours south of Cebu city. You can catch a bus directly from Badian or from the south bus terminal in Cebu city for 200p.

Backpacking Siquijor Island

Siquijor Island is absolutely beautiful & used to be known for its witch-like healing practices, though today most healing is done with a relaxing beer on the beach & dip in the ocean.

Siquijor has amazing snorkelling & is great for diving too. There are tranquil waterfalls, caves & forests to explore around the island. Just beware of the sea urchins, especially during low tide, if you get one in your foot they hurt for days!

To travel to Siquijor Island from either Cebu or Moalboal catch a bus to the Lilo-An Port in Santander then take a ferry across to Siquijor. Siquijor is a really laid back chilled island, I absolutely loved the vibes here.

Backpacking Siargao

Siargao known as the surfing capital of the Philippines is located about 800km southeast of Manila, also known as Cloud 9. But you don’t have to be a surfer to enjoy the incredible white sand beaches, soothing lagoons, coral reefs & limestone formations. The town has a chilled, laid back island feel, with beautiful scenery & natural attractions all around the island.

Most backpackers stay in the General Luna area as it’s a lively part of the island and one of the best places to stay in Siargao. I’d recommend finding a quiet spot around the island to camp for free. Otherwise, there’s a few surf camping grounds & plenty of hostels around the area. To get here & away, you can either fly directly to the island or fly to Siargao city & take a ferry across to Siargao island.

Backpacking Boracay Island

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 sunset on the white beach is absolutely breathtaking,  the nightlife here is awesome!

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. The cheapest drinks on the island are at Kurt & Mags on the beach in station 3, cocktails are 45p & beers are 35p!

Make sure you get to Ariels Point! It’s all you can drink & eat while you spend the day cliff diving, kayaking, snorkelling & partying. My favourite place on the island is Spider House. Spend the day paddle boarding, jumping into the water & watching the sunset over the horizon.

To get to Boracay you will either fly into Kalibo or Caticlan airport & get the ferry over to Boracay Island. You can snag cheap flight for around $40 USD & the ferry from Caticlan Pier is 200p.

Backpacking Batanes

Batanes is pure paradise and so much more accessible to backpackers these days. The increase in daily flights heading to Batanes have led to promo fares popping up with most budget airlines. If you get your flight on sale, it’ll set you back around P500 from Manila, so it’s not that expensive to get here anymore.

You can explore the North & South of the island by tricycle for P200 an hour, or hire a bicycle or motorbike. Make sure you visit Sabtang Island; you’ll probably have to get a tour so shop around & find the best deal. Its super beautiful in Batanes: the beaches have white sand, the viewpoints are incredible, and blue turquoise water is inviting.

There aren’t any hostels in Batanes, but you should be able to find some local houses.

Getting Off the Beaten Path in the Philippines

With some many islands to choose them, it is relatively easy to get off the beaten path in the Philippines. 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!

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1. Go Snorkelling or Diving

The Philippines is one of the best places in the world to dive under the sea. There are hundreds of sites ranging from reef to wreck diving, the open ocean and night dives too! Plus, Philippines budget won’t be blown; it is one of the cheapest places in the world to get underwater for the day and learn how to snorkel and dive.

Check out our Diving section at the end of the guide for more specific dive sites.

2. Go Island Hopping

Considering this is a country made up of thousands of islands, it couldn’t really be a Philippines trip without hopping a couple islands! Most hostels will offer some island hopping trips. You can choose from a chilled trip or take on one of the Philippines infamous booze cruise island hopping trips! One of the best things to do in this amazing country is to simply go with the flow and head off on an island-hopping adventure.

3. Swim with Whale Sharks

You can snorkel with whale sharks in Donsol! I highly recommend supporting the industry here versus Cebu (where they handfeed the sharks and disrupt the ecosystem and their migration patterns).

There are over 1000 islands in the Philippines so getting away from the tourist trodden beaten path is actually pretty easy. Even the popular islands have quiet corners and lesser known beaches and resorts.

4. Eat the Local Delicacies

Philippine local delicacies are so good, so cheap, and so weird! The Philippines has the most ‘interesting’ selection of street food I’ve ever seen. It’s the cheapest way to eat, the most delicious and surprising… watch out for hard boiled eggs called Balut.

5. Go Caving in Sagada

There are so many awesome spots to go caving, but I definitely recommend checking out the Crystal Caves in Sagada.

6. Summit a Volcano

The Philippines geographical location within the Ring of Fire means there are plenty of volcanoes to climb or admire from afar. With 25 active volcanoes to summit, yo

7. Swim among the Picture Perfect Lagoons of Palawan

While this area is touristy, there’s a reason why. The clear blue and green lagoons will have you wondering how places likes this exist on Earth.

8. Get off the Beaten Path on the Batanes Islands

If you’re trying to escape the crowds and immerse in local culture, head to the Batanes Islands, where women wear haystack-like-head gear, and people live in traditional stone-and-cogon-grass houses. You can participate in a local homestay. Make sure to climb and hike in the nearby hills and volcanoes!

9. Explore the Chocolate Hills of Bohol

This island is famous for green rivers, jungle, and yes chocolatey hills!

10. Surf some Waves!

There are plenty of islands to catch some waves! You can head to the Lozon region and stay on Bicol (near Donsol) for some nice waves. Quezon is a good place to learn how to surf. Check out this surf guide for the Philippines to find the gnarliest curls!

ur choices are varied. Climb Mt. Mayon, an active and picture perfect volcano.

Small Pack Problems? 😉

My missus travels with all her clothes in ziplock bags: don’t be like my missus. UP YOUR PACKING GAME!

Packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise its volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to ziplock bags.

View Our Fave Cubes Or Check Out the Sacks!

In terms of finding accommodation in The Philippines, you have a lot of options.

The cheap hostels in the Philippines (or ‘guesthouses’ as they’re called locally) are definitely the way to go for those on a backpacking budget. There are plenty popping up all over the islands, so you’ll be spoilt for choice. You can get a pretty decent dorm set up for around $7 per night!

Backpacking the Philippines can be a little luxurious even in the lower range hotels! These beautiful hotels may have basic private rooms, but for $30 a night you can get a private beachfront room. A pretty epic escape from hostel life!

If you’re a backpacker lucky enough to have money burning a hole in your pocket, then you’re in for a treat! The Philippines have some insanely fancy pants resort hotels all over the mainland and islands. Starting from around $100 a night you can get some incredible rooms!

If you are backpacking the Philippines in peak season use Airbnb as an alternative. Often just as cheap, and the added bonus is you may get a whole apartment! If not, you’ll make some awesome local friends!

]Filipino locals are well known for their hospitality and warmth towards travellers. So it’s not surprising Couchsurfing is popular and well used, that is, if you aren’t invited to stay with the locals anyway. Couchsurfing the Philippines not only saved me some pennies, but I got to experience The Philippines like a local with some wicked new friends. I highly recommend being hosted through Couchsurfing to anyone backpacking the Philippines!

The Best Places to Stay in the Philippines

The Philippines is a broke backpackers paradise. You can backpack the Philippines for as little as $20 a day. Seriously it’s cheap! Obviously, if you splurge for fancy beachfront resorts and classy island hopping tours your Philippines budget may stretch a little. Stick to hostels, street food and the local beer and you will be laughing…

That said, if you’re constantly island hopping your budget is going to have to stretch. Places like El Nido and Coron are going to be more expensive. Travelling on shoulder season will save you money too!

A Daily Budget in the Philippines

Money in the Philippines

Asia is great for making us broke backpackers feel loaded! The Philippines certainly doesn’t disappoint. $25 = 1,248 Philippine Peso, pretty awesome huh? Especially since the local beer is only forty pesos!

You can exchange money in your home country before you begin backpacking the Philippines. However, there is a limit of around 10,000 pesos (around $200) in cash you can bring into the country at one time. I’d recommend exchanging your money once in The Philippines. You’ll get a better exchange rate and you won’t have to worry about restrictions.

ATMs in The Philippines are found in most places, but it isn’t uncommon for ATMs to run out of money, especially on weekends and holidays. You will be charged for using most ATMs (around 200 pesos per transaction), so try to be smart about the amount you withdraw.

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. Haggling is fun and totally normal in the Philippines, so try it! Every penny helps!
• Eat the Street Delicacies: Not only is it delicious, weird and wonderful but it’s damn cheap. Avoid the overpriced tourist restaurants and go where the locals go. If you’re heading off trekking or on a real tight budget, it might be worth packing a good quality backpacking stove. 
• Sleep on the Couch: Couchsurfing is taking off in The Philippines and for good reason. It’s freaking awesome! You’ll meet a good bunch of locals who, more often than not, are happy to play tour guide and show you some secret spots! It’s also well worth packing a tent – check out this post for a breakdown of the best tents to take backpacking.
• Ride the Jeepneys: One of the cheapest ways to get around the Philippines, especially in the cities. It is also the most fun if you’re on top. Avoid the tourist buses, save your cash and climb aboard!
• Camp: Take advantage of the warm weather, give camping a go, – hang your backpacking hammock for the night cost-free!
• Pack a travel water bottle: Save money – and the planet – every day!

Why You Should Travel to The Philippines with a Water Bottle?

Plastic washes up on even the most pristine beaches… so do your part and keep the Big Blue beautiful

You aren’t going to save the world overnight, but you might as well be part of the solution and not the problem. When you travel to some of the world’s most remote places, you come to realise the full extent of the plastic problem. And I hope you become more inspired to continue being a responsible traveller.

STOP USING SINGLE-USE PLASTIC! If you’d like some more tips on how to save the world, be sure to watch the video below.

Plus, now you won’t be buying overpriced bottles of water from the supermarkets either! Travel with a filtered water bottle instead and never waste a cent nor a turtle’s life again.

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Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle.

We’ve tested the Geopress rigorously from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Cuba, and the results are in: it WORKS. Buy a Geopress: it’s the last water bottle you’ll ever buy.

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The Philippines, like most Asian countries, has popular seasons and of course, the wet season. Thankfully Backpacking the Philippines is great all year round – even in the rain! Most travellers will flock to the Philippines around January and February when the weather is more reliable and cooler, perfect for travelling around!

Want more specifics? Let me break down the rest of the year for you amigos planning to go backpacking in The Philippines…

• Dry Season (November – April): This is when the weather is at its warmest and the rains are less likely to hit. Expect comfortable warm temperatures of around 30 degrees reaching the mid thirties on the Islands. The hottest months and most humid are March to May, temperatures will reach up to 36 degrees.
• Wet Season (May – October): ‘Wet Season’ normally put people off; however, this is a great time to backpack The Philippines. The rains aren’t constant, normally an hour or so of downpours before the sun drys everything up again. Expect temperatures of around 25 degrees.
• Typhoon Season (June – August): Not the greatest time to backpack the Philippines. Rains are much heavier at this time and typhoons are common. Many flights and ferries will be cancelled or face delays. Avoid some of the more rural islands at this time of year.

Festivals in the Philippines

• Ati-Atihan Festival: 3rd weekend of January in Kalibo, Aklan, this is one of the oldest religious celebrations in the country. Ati-Atihan is characterized by a parade filled with face-paint, indigenous costumes and dance
• MassKara Festival: Basically Masskara Festival is a giant masquerade party with Latin-inspired drumbeats, and intricate costumes, as well as sports events, concerts and a beauty pageant. Of course, participating in this event is also an opportunity for you to sample the most luscious delicacies that the city has to offer.
• Moriones Festival: Marinduque’s week-long Holy Week celebration combines Catholic pageantry with folk mysticism. During the festival, the centurion’s story will be reenacted in a theatrical play that’s staged by the locals.
• Giant Lantern Festival: San Fernando’s Giant Lantern Festival is a Christmas contest with giant bright lanterns. San Fernando has been fondly nicknamed as the “Christmas Capital of the Philippines.”

What to Pack for the Philippines

The Philippines is less conservative than its neighbouring countries of Malaysia, Indonesia and Taiwan when it comes to clothing. As tourism grows and island hopping and beach parties continue, the dress code is turning more towards the western style we are used to. However, venturing into the less tourist and rural areas it is best to dress more conservatively.

Avoid wearing all black; it’s considered a mourning colour, but black in the heat of the sun wouldn’t be my first choice anyway… If you are going to visit churches and temples make sure your shoulders, cleavage and knees are covered, otherwise, your packing for the Philippines should definitely be light and breathable.

When backpacking The Philippines, gals, I recommend carrying a Pashmina with you. 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.

Product

Description

Somewhere to hide your cash

Somewhere to hide your cash

Travel Security Belt

This is a regular looking belt with a concealed pocket on the inside – you can hide up to twenty notes inside and wear it through airport scanners without it setting them off.

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A travel water bottle

A travel water bottle

GRAYL Geopress Filtered Bottle

Having a filtered water bottle means you can drink from just about any source. The GRAYL Geopress is hands-down the most effective one we’ve ever used as well!

Check on GRAYL Check on REI

For those unexpected messes

For those unexpected messes

Microfiber Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

Check on Matador

When the power goes out

When the power goes out

Petzl Actik Core Headlamp

A decent head torch could save your life. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples, or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must.

Check on REI

Sleep anywhere

Sleep anywhere

Camping Hammock

Taking a tent backpacking is not always practical but hammocks are lightweight, cheap, strong, sexy (chicks dig hammocks), and allow you to pitch up for the night pretty much anywhere.

Check on Sea to Summit

To stay a clean backpacker

To stay a clean backpacker

Hanging Toiletry Bag

I always travel with a hanging toiletry bag as it’s a super-efficient way to organize your bathroom stuff. Well worth having as it helps to have quick access to all your stuff.

Check Best Price

Generally travelling in the Philippines is very safe in the touristy areas, but there are some places you want to avoid.

The whole of the far south is a no-go zone:

• The area of Mindanao
• The Sulu Archipelago
• And the Zamboanga Peninsula are all considered extremely dangerous due to terrorist activity.

Also, with so many adventures to be had in the Philippines, don’t forget to be safe while diving, surfing, trekking, and climbing!

For more safety tips when travelling the Philippines:

1. Check out Backpacker Safety 101 for tips and tricks to stay safe whilst backpacking.
2. Pick yourself up a backpacker security belt to keep your cash safe on the road.
3. Check out this post for plenty of ideas on ingenious ways to hide your money when travelling.
4. I also strongly recommend travelling with a headlamp whilst in the Philippines (or anywhere really – every backpacker should have a good headtorch!) – check out my post for a breakdown of the best value headlamps to take backpacking.

Sex, Drugs, and Rock ‘n’ Roll in the Philippines

Partying in the Philippines is boats, booze, bikinis, crystal clear water, and some wicked beats. The best parties are normally found outside of the main cities, off land and basically whilst island hopping. It’s an essential Philippines bucket list activity and honestly, there’s a party to suit all of us. If you want crazy dance beats, sexy dancers and unlimited alcohol or just a chilled vibe on the beach with a smoke, you got it.

On that note; the situation with Drugs in the Philippines has changed big time in the last twelve months. Jail sentences,  steep fines, and even death penalties, are not uncommon punishments, and foreigners are not exempt.

Police and other authorities have released strong statements regarding the trafficking and use of drugs in the Philippines. Recently, the police have waged a war on drugs resulting in the deaths of hundreds. Be careful. Just testing positive to a drug reading could land you in jail for 6 months. You’re better off just staying away from drugs altogether in the Philippines. If you are going to dabble in illicit substances, at least read Blazed Backpackers 101 for tips on how to stay safe.

Sex tourism in the Philippines is big and obvious. Prostitution is illegal but it’s definitely around, especially at Go-Go bars. I went to a wrestling match AND these young girls were everywhere. Some of them looked well under the age of 18 and were hanging off 50-year-old men.

Tinder very much works in The Philippines and the locals are… erm, very friendly. Picking up chicks in The Philippines is relatively easy and Filipinas do love to have a good time. Always show respect to local girls when traveling, it’s all to easy to break hearts when you’re dishonest with your intentions.

Alcohol is widely drank and readily available. The Philippines has horrifically strong Red Horse beer and some tasty rums on offer.

Travel Insurance for the Philippines

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Flying into the Philippines was incredible. Thousands of Islands surrounded by a beautiful blue ocean looked like the paradise that was promised after all the hype! Most backpackers travelling in The Philippines start off in Manila, the main flight hub. It’s likely your flight will land here or at least connect through to one of the many islands.

Flights to The Philippines are becoming more frequent. The cheapest airline to fly with is Philippine Airlines; however, they don’t come with the greatest reputation. I guess you get what you pay for, right?

I often find great international deals to The Philippines with China Southern (via Guangzhou) and Emirates (via Dubai). If you’re flying within Asia, rejoice broke backpackers, it’s so freaking cheap! You can get flights with the likes of Air Asia and Philippines Airlines for as little as fifty dollars!

Entry Requirements for the Philippines

Upon arrival, the majority of nationalities will get a visa allowing one month of travel in The Philippines on arrival. If you know you are going to stay longer than a month, definitely organise your visa before you arrive.

IMPORTANT NOTE: You usually cannot enter the Philippines, or even board a flight to The Philippines, unless you have an outbound flight already booked and can show proof. If you don’t know how long you plan to stay, this can be a major pain in the ass… A good way round this is to use this site to get hold of the documentation you need without actually having to pay for a full flight.

Forget boring accommodation… book yourself an EPIC STAY!

Why stay in a naff hotel when you can stay in a cosy, stylish local house instead? And for half the money too!

Stay somewhere EPIC and save your hard-earned dollars — from houses to barns to castles and caves, there is an Airbnb for every occasion!

Book an EPIC Stay

Backpacking the Philippines is easy, even for those with the worst sense of direction! 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! As long as you don’t expect air con, you are happy with loud music or movies playing, and a lack of glass windows, your budget Philippines adventure will be a breeze.

Traveling By Public Transport in the Philippines

]Most backpackers opt to travel The Philippines through its intensive network of long bus distance links. Seriously, the country has a spider web of bus routes, making it so easy to get from A to B. Prices vary around P435 – P500 and tend to run every half an hour or so.

Ferries, or Bangkas, are still one of the cheapest ways to get off the mainland and onto some of the incredible islands. These little wooden outrigger boats, Bangkas, are often uncomfortable and packed full of people. But they are great for boozy island hopping trips! Bangkas are the cheapest option to sail to the islands. If you want to do it more comfort there are larger ferries.

Prices for the ferries will range from P750 – P1150 (add an extra thousand for private cabins) and tickets can be bought at the pier right up to departure. Just keep an eye on the weather, take it from me; being on one of these tiny boats, packed with people and seasickness is not worth it – and pack suncream!

This is definitely the quickest way to travel around but it isn’t the cheapest. There are a number of domestic, cheap airlines available including the national airline, Philippine Airlines though. If you’re one of the lucky fare hunters, you can pick up seats for one P1! But on average, regular fares will be around P499 – P999 depending on the flight route. The only downside of air travel? You will often have to backtrack to the main hubs of either Cebu or Manila.

The ultimate Philippine icon, these are not rare in the cities of Manila, Cebu City, Davao and Baguio and essentially are repurposed American Jeeps from WWII given a dash of paint. You will definitely end up travelling on one of these while backpacking The Philippines and likely you’ll find yourself involved in jolly conversations with the rest of the passengers about your nationality, destination and marital status…

There are no fixed schedules, you simply hail Jeepneys down from the side of the road and learn their route from what is scribbled on the window that day. It’s best to only use Jeepneys if you have an idea of where you’re going, or manage to make friends with one of the locals. Not only will this keep you from getting lost, also less likely to get ripped off.

Expect to pay around P7 for short journeys or if going between towns, up to P50. Definitely, try out top-loading (sitting on top of the jeepney) where possible.

You can just hop on a bus without a ticket but if you’d rather book in advance, I’d recommend checking out Bookaway. Rather than just rocking up at the bus stop in the hope they will have space to fit you on, you can book tickets in advance! Using Bookaway you can book cheap tickets for long and short journeys all over Asia! Seriously, this saves so much precious time and confusion!

It’s not just buses either – Bookaway can get you sorted with ferry tickets too. Check it out!

Hitchhiking in the Philippines

Getting around The Philippines is relatively easy, and with many different modes of transport for all budget levels it seems silly to even consider hitchhiking… Wrong amigo!

Hitchhiking the Philippines is easy if you are hoping to travel a small distance and it’s is a great way to meet cool people on the road. Not only will locals pull over to curiously help you on your way, but Jeepneys will often stop as well. Just make sure to let them know you’re hitchhiking with no money before you hop in, or you could find yourself in an awkward situation.

Travelling a longer distance? Hitchhiking becomes a little harder. Most locals with their own vehicles are only travelling short distances and those that are travelling longer distances will often look for a bit of cash to help with fuel. If you are planning to hitchhike the Philippines I recommend hitchhiking short distances. If you’re travelling longer, hop in a Jeepney.

Onwards Travel from The Philippines

Since the Philippines is comprised of islands, the main way to travel onwards is by flight (unless you’re a sailor of course!). There are pretty cheap flights from Manila (and sometimes Cebu) travelling onwards in Southeast Asia to countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia!

The Philippines isn’t typically a destination that ex-pats come to looking for work. Salaries are low, the currency weak and economic migration usually heads the opposite direction. That said, the Philippines is a popular destination for Westerners to retire to, is a bit of a digital nomad hub and there are always teaching opportunities for backpackers. The cost of living in the Philippines is pretty low, too!

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Work Visa’s in The Philippines

To work in the Philippines a work visa is required. This must be obtained by an employing company. Despite being popular with Digital Nomads, there is no Digital Nomad visa available and most simply enter on long stay tourist visa’s.

Teaching English in the Philippines

Speaking English is a highly-valued skill all over the world. For locals, it opens up whole new worlds of employment opportunities and travel.

Perhaps one of the best options for backpackers wanting to explore the Philippines long-term and experience living in this truly incredible country is to get a Teaching English as a Foreign Language certificate online.

Volunteer in the Philippines

Volunteering overseas is a great way to experience a culture whilst doing some good in the world. There are lots of different volunteer projects in the Philippines which you can join ranging from teaching, to animal care, to agriculture to pretty much anything!

High levels of poverty throughout the Philippines mean there are plenty of opportunities for backpackers to volunteer and help small communities. Social work, like teaching, and cultural exchanges are always available to aid community development. Other opportunities include helping out in hospitality and assisting with eco-projects on farms. Travelers won’t need a special visa to volunteer in the Philippines for less than 90 days, but you’ll have to apply for the appropriate permit to stay long-term.

Our go-to platform for finding volunteering gigs is Worldpackers who connect travellers with host projects. Have a look at the Worldpackers site and see if they have any exciting opportunities in the Philippines before signing up.

Alternatively, Workaway is another excellent common platform used by travellers searching for volunteering opportunities. You can read our review of Workaway for more info on using this terrific platform.

Volunteer programs run through reputable work exchange programs like Worldpackers and platforms like Workaway are usually very well-managed and reputable. However, whenever you are volunteering do stay vigilant, especially when working with animals or children.

Worldpackers: connecting travellers with meaningful travel experiences.

The Philippines has an awesome selection of Street food; from the damn delicious to the slightly weird, there is something for everyone. The food in the Philippines is influenced from Spanish, Chinese and Malay recipes so expect a good mix of East meets West.

So what to try when wandering the streets and spoiled for choice? Let me tell you my favourite delicacies I tried while backpacking the Philippines…

For Filipino cooking classes, check out this site for awesome deals.

The Filipino people are some of the warmest, friendliest, and generous people I’ve met on my travels. They are always keen to find out where you’re from and going, offering to show you the way and helping you haggle the best price; all with a smile on their faces. It’s not a surprise to be invited out for a beer, back for some local delicacies, or even a place to stay! Embrace it: you’ll meet some incredible friends, be taken to some wicked hidden spots and shown how to party local style!

Books to Read about The Philippines

• History of the Philippines: From Indios Bravos to Filipinos: For the history nerds, this is an awesome background of The Philippines, the culture and what went into making it the incredible country it is today. Seriously, well worth a read!
• The Latinos of Asia: How Filipino Americans Break the Rules of Race: An interesting book exploring how social status will change people’s perception of your race, the background into Filipino Culture and how Spanish Colonialism has influenced The Philippines. A real in-depth read but seriously worth it.
• Philippine Folk Tales: Want to hear real life stories before getting there and meeting the people behind them? Check this book out! Filled with stories and tales from local indigenous Filipinos and their lives. I love reading people’s tales of a country, it makes me feel connected to the country before I even get there. It’s fantastic.
• Lonely Planet Philippines: For those who love to organise the trip while they go, the lonely planet has everything and anything you need to do this. I am not normally one for guidebooks, I often find them a pain to lug around. But they do come in handy when you need a helping hand.

A Brief History of the Philippines

The Philippines was originally inhabited by hunter-gatherers. The Spanish explorer, Magellan, claimed the islands for Spain in the 1520s.

Spanish conquistadors created a feudal system in the Philippines, and Spaniards owned vast estates worked by Filipinos. They also converted the Filipinos to Catholicism. You’ll see much of this influence in the Philippines today.

In 1898 came war between the USA and Spain. The USA colonized the Philippines, though after WWII the Philippines became an independent country. Many 20th century Presidents are known for running dictatorships, but poverty and education levels have been improving in the 21st century.

Be aware, however, that the Philippines current President, Duterte, is yet another dictator known for his tough war on drugs, where thousands of people are dying.

DON'T DIE OUT THERE! …Please 🙂

Things go wrong on the road ALL THE TIME. Be prepared for what life throws at you.

Buy an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure – don’t be daft!

Buy on REI

Diving in the Philippines

There are endless options for diving in the Philippines, but many of the best dive sites have already been mentioned in this guide, and are included on all of the Philippines itineraries!

• In the Palawan Region you have Coron Island, which has some of the best wreck dives in the world. Barracuda Lake in Coron Island is a great fresh-water site with alien-like underwater landscapes and legends of a monster-sized barracuda. Near Coron you can reach Apo Island by boat, a well-protected marine sanctuary and one of the best dive sites in the world.
• Tubbataha Reef National Park in the Sulu Sea, Palawan is a Philippines national park with over 600 fish species, 360 coral species, 11 shark species, and 13 dolphin and whale species.
• Puerto Galera in Mindoro – not too far from Palawan – has over 40 dive sites for all levels. Sabang is where the hardcore diving community and Long Beach is the easy-going beach culture.
• Monad Shoal in Malapascua, Cebu is famous for the elegant, oddly-shaped thresher sharks that breach the waters off the island.

You can snorkel with whale sharks in Donsul, and also dive “the Manta Bowl,” famous for the majestic manta rays.

Scuba Diving The Philippines on a Liveaboard Trip

With so much epic diving to be had in the Philippines, why not take your love of diving up a notch?

Consider joining a Liveaboard trip in the Philippines!

Explore dive sites you never new existed, day after day. Eat delicious food, scuba dive, and spend you nights chilling out with other die-hard divers!

If diving inspires you, then I am sure you will love joining a Liveaboard trip and exploring some of the world’s best diving locations!

Trekking in the Philippines

There are endless trekking options in the Philippines: remote hill hikes and active volcanoes, gentle strolls, an multi-day backpacking trips. Some popular treks include Cordillera and its rice terraces + Mt. Pulag. Not too far from here you can reach Sagada and hike in the hills.

Bohol and the Chocolate Hills are a great place to trek as well.

The Philippines is home to 25 active volcanoes that can be climbed to the summit. The best time to climb volcanoes is between March and June. Mt Mayon is one of the most popular and rewarding volcano climbs. Mt Pinatubo has a serene crater lake in the middle. Mt Apo has the highest peak at 2,954m. Mt Isarog will take you through jungles and waterfalls. Mt Guiting-Guiting is a strenuous 10 hour trek to the top, and Mt Kanlaon is the largest active volcano.

Kibungan Circuit is a three-mountain circuit in the town of Kibungan in Benguet. The circuit, which takes anywhere from two to three days to complete, spans across the mountains of Tagpaya, Oten, and Tagpew.Rock Climbing in the Philippines

Rock Climbing in the Philippines

There are numerous places to rock climb in the Philippines and for all levels. Some of the most popular places to climb include:

Cantabaco and Poog on Cebu, the region of Sagada, sport climbing in Wawa in Montalban, Rizal, and a rural village on the foothills of the Sierra Madre near Manila. Luzon and the Visayas have plenty of options too.

Joining an Organized Tour in The Philippines

For most countries, The Philippines included, solo travel is the name of the game. That said, if you are short on time, energy, or just want to be part of an awesome group of travelers you can opt to join an organized tour. Joining a tour is a great way to see a majority of the country quickly and without the effort that goes into planning a backpacking trip. However—not all tour operators are created equal—that is for sure.

G Adventures is a solid down-to-earth tour company catering to backpackers just like you, and their prices and itineraries reflect the interests of the backpacker crowd. You can score some pretty sweet deals on epic trips in The Philippines for a fraction of the price of what other tour operators charge.

Check out some of their awesome itineraries for The Philippines here…

So there you have it amigos, everything you need to know to hit the road and begin backpacking The Philippines, so get out there already.

Got more to add to the guide? Let me know in the comments below!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!