The Philippines, boasting over 7,000 islands, offers something to meet any traveler’s requirements. If it’s solitude you seek, expect no problems here; or for something different, try rainforests, mountains, and ancient tribal villages, all of which await.
Filipinos’ spirit of community togetherness – or bayanihan – can be seen every day, from entire communities pitching in to help reposition a family’s nipa hut or engaging in random acts of kindness with neighbors. For those interested in starting a milk tea business in the Philippines, you can find a comprehensive milk tea business plan (https://philippinesguides.com/common/a-comprehensive-milktea-business-plan-how-to-start-and-succeed-in-the-milktea-industry/).
1. Stay in Local Hostels
One of the main draws to backpacking in the Philippines is its affordability; your pennies can go further if you choose hostels over hotels; these budget accommodations feature all of the usual amenities, such as beds, bathrooms and wifi, at significantly less of a cost than hotels – not to mention social activities that provide opportunities to meet other travellers!
Philippines accommodation spans from budget rooms to five-star resorts, from budget accommodations with only fan cooling available through budget options to mid-range hotels with air conditioning, private bathrooms, and air conditioning in towns and cities. For those seeking something a bit more lavish, many resorts and hotels in the Philippines provide private villas equipped with pool and butler service – perfect for any traveller!
If you have a higher budget, privately owned apartments for rent in the Philippines may also be an option. These are commonly located in larger towns and cities, typically fully furnished. This could prove more cost-effective than staying at hotels if travelling as part of a group.
As part of your visit to the Philippines, be sure to sample some of their cuisine. Seafood and pork dishes like lechon are both highly sought-after; Filipino soups and noodles often feature spicy seasoning such as calamansi from citrus fruit combined with soy sauce for variety of dishes.
Food costs approximately PS20 a day on average; this figure may differ depending on where and how much you eat. There may be an additional 12% VAT fee and service charge applied; this may not apply in street markets or cheaper eateries though. When traveling overseas it is advisable to carry cash with you since some smaller shops and eateries do not accept credit cards.
2. Rent a Car
As when traveling, budgeting is integral. A budget allows you to plan effectively and ensures you do not spend more than what is in your account. The Philippines is very affordable even on a tight backpacker budget; you could make do in this country on as little as $20 USD daily depending on where and how you travel – consider staying in family-operated guesthouses that cater to locals; eating at restaurants that focus on local flavors; and forgoing expensive tours!
Before renting a car in the Philippines, it is vitally important that you check with the company regarding their fees and taxes as well as terms and conditions such as any restrictions on driving off-paved roads or through certain areas. You must also understand their requirements regarding driver’s licenses since some may only accept international drivers with valid passports.
Once you’ve decided on a car rental company, booking your vehicle should be easy. Be sure to review their website for discounts or promotions available, as well as what types of payments they accept (some companies only accept credit cards while others may permit PayPal payments or money transfers). Saferide Car Rental accepts various methods including cash and credit card.
Keep in mind that the Philippines operates under a cash economy, so you will require Philippine pesos on hand for your stay. A visit to a bank or currency exchange institution prior to departure would be wise, and remembering time zone differences when planning your itinerary can make planning much simpler and cost-efficient. Also try and avoid peak hour traffic as much as possible as this will only add an extra step and difficulty on your travels.
Philippines provides not only great transportation solutions but also has many attractions and sights worth seeing. By renting a car, you have the freedom to discover its diverse culture and breathtaking landscapes at your own pace. For additional savings, ride-sharing apps like Uber can also be used to get around city.
3. Take a Ferry
Philippines archipelago of 7,000 islands is one of the world’s largest archipelagos and provides everything from colorful coral reefs and colonial architecture, colonial beaches, sandy beaches and mountainous terrain, unique culture as well as its own distinct climate and lifestyle. A visit here will certainly not disappoint. Flying between cities can be expensive; fortunately there is an extensive network of ferry routes offering cheaper transport while giving passengers a chance to view countryside from their seat!
On top of traditional wooden outrigger boats known as bangkas (traditional wooden outrigger boats), various companies operate passenger liners – large ships designed for long distance travel with cabins for passengers. Some larger ferries also carry vehicles. It’s essential to check fares and schedules regularly, particularly from July through October during typhoon season when changes may occur more rapidly.
Tickets for any ferry can be obtained at local ticket offices, travel agents or directly at the pier; it is often cheaper to book ahead. Ferry fares in Southeast Asia tend to be very reasonable – for instance Manila-Cebu is typically only P750 while Manila-Mindanao costs roughly P1150; an upgrade to private cabin adds another amount.
FX taxis, Toyota minivans adorned with signs that indicate their destination, have become more and more common across major cities and intercity routes, but do not abide by fixed routes, becoming overcrowded quickly as more people climb in – often three more than what their vehicle was designed for! They provide another form of air-conditioned transportation.
There are also smaller fast boats for island hopping available in Coron. Travelers can take two-hour or four-hour ferries with either Jomalia Shipping Lines or Montenegro Lines every afternoon around noon; with Jomalia, car parking can also be left behind but costs significantly more than a regular passenger ferry service. Be sure to check schedules prior to heading out; as weather disruption could disrupt these plans unexpectedly! It may be wise to reserve online as it’s hard to know.
4. Go on a Tour
Philippines boasting over 7,000 islands is an idyllic destination for hiking, swimming and snorkeling adventures. However, as tourism becomes more prevalent there may be less authentic experiences available and higher costs.
One way to protect yourself from this is by going on a tour with a local guide. They can assist in finding the most affordable prices while making sure no ripoffs occur; plus they provide valuable insights into local history.
Philippines provides numerous affordable tour options. Many are run by small, locally-owned businesses who are more likely to hire local operators and leave less of an environmental footprint than large corporations would. View below options to find one that fits your budget perfectly!
Experience Filipino culture first-hand at one of its renowned festivals or events! The Philippines boasts an eclectic blend of East and West that can be seen through their festivals. There are festivals celebrating everything from coconuts and sardines to dance. If you want to plan a trip around any of these festivities, make sure you consult a calendar in advance and plan ahead!
If you want a taste of rural life, there are numerous tours in the Philippines to show you all its natural and cultural attractions. For example, on this seven-day itinerary you could visit Bohol tarsiers and dive into El Nido coral reefs; while on another six day itinerary there would be centuries old rice terraces and mountainous landscapes to hike through!
Although the Philippines aren’t as well-known as Thailand and Vietnam, they’re quickly gaining in popularity. Boasting beautiful beaches, lush natural features, and rich cultural traditions; its appeal to anyone looking for an escape from everyday life and discovering something truly amazing cannot be overstated – why not book your next escape to the Philippines now?