The Philippines is one of the most incredible budget travel destinations in the world by default because of its free attractions, cheap wine and food, and pocket-friendly accommodation options.
It is known for its breathtaking white-sand beaches, enchanting seas, mesmerizing sunsets, tropical vibes and the friendliest of locals which attract thousands of backpackers and budget travelers all over the world.
However, travelers looking for more and more ways to stretch their travel funds even further than how cheap the country already is. Starting from getting cheap airline tickets, which Travel Agents in London are to be thanked for, to getting a super pocket-friendly accommodation option, the key to travel on a budget is to stay there like a local. If you don’t have much money but still want to travel, consider these few things listed down below to enjoy a great vacation in the Philippines; which will be both a cheap as well as exciting. I was able to secure a cheap flight to Accra in the past, and my journey in that city was as exciting as the city itself. So you can also avail similar offers for Philippines on their platform.
What should you expect?
The Philippines is a country where you can travel to with as little as 20 pounds a day if you are traveling on a tight budget but don’t want to miss out on traveling. The budget can go even down if you opt out to hitchhike and camp around the country. Similarly, your budget can go way up if you choose to stay in a luxurious beachfront resort, or can’t resist an amazing meal at a fancy restaurant.
Like explained above, how much it costs to travel around The Philippines really depends on your travel style, where you go, what you eat and where you stay. Manila and Boracay are significantly more expensive than other parts of The Philippines, so I suggest you go out of these cities for a cheaper vacation. For this, you will have to share a room and split the cost with a buddy or get a comfortable dorm in a nice hostel if you’re on your own.
However, you will enjoy it all the same.
Accommodation
Like discussed before, your budget can go up if you choose an expensive place to stay. There are plenty of accommodation options for international tourists such as five-star hotels and super gorgeous backpacker hostels but they can really break your bank. Luckily, there is other cheaper accommodation available once you are out of the expensive Manila. You will find dorms which will provide facilities like free Wi-Fi and air conditioning, which is very important as The Philippines can be really hot sometimes. Local guesthouses and huts on the beach are even cheaper than dorm beds in hostels. You can sleep in a hammock for even cheaper many hostels.
Transportation
If you are short on money, the best way to travel around the country is by a ferry. However, ferry rides can be really long and tiring. Luckily, there are other options, and no there not uber and fixed-rates taxis. They are buses and bicycles.
Food
The country is known for its delicious and cheap food such whole fish, curries, marinated pork and chicken on a stick. If you want to go traditional without breaking your bank, don’t try a white tablecloth, but some of the local food like Budel which is a plate full of seafood cooked different ways, lumpias, which are basically fried spring rolls, boiled kidney beans, fried noodles, coconut gel, etc. Rum is cheaper than most soft drinks and therefore, is the drink most common in the Philippines.
Activities
The Philippines has an unlimited number of free attractions, which has basically given it the title of a budget-friendly destination. There are a plenty of public and free spaces such as parks, boulevards, museums, national parks that will take little to no money out of your pocket. Even in the expensive capital city of Manila you will find a number of free attractions to see that include free shuttle services. The country, with its exquisite white-beaches, is one of the cheapest places in the world to learn to how to dive and snorkel. You can dive with as little as 19 pounds in some places and snorkel at even a cheaper rate; you can hire snorkeling gear, for as little as 3 pounds.
Throughout the 7,000 islands of the Philippines, there 20 active volcanoes which are a sight you absolutely cannot miss! You can also take a stroll in the Banaue Rice Terraces, which is often considered as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” Rizal Park, Chocolate Hills, Burnham Park, and Hundred Islands National Park, all with little to no money in your pocket, or spend a little afternoon in the island of Boracay, which is famous around the world for its beautiful white beaches, soaking in the Philippines sun.
If you are into Churches, you can see some of the oldest and beautifully built churches in the Philippines