Many backpackers who travel through Southeast Asia skip the Philippines. Perhaps because it’s slightly more expensive than countries like Laos or Cambodia, or because the Philippines has the reputation of being an unsafe destination. However, backpacking in the Philippines is an absolute must because this country has everything you’re looking for in an adventurous trip. From gigantic green mountains with rice terraces to the most beautiful beaches in Southeast Asia. The Philippines is nearly as paradisiacal as it gets! Additionally, the people are extremely polite, and a large part of the population speaks very good English. Interested in backpacking through the Philippines? In this article, you’ll read all about backpacking in the Philippines.
Costs & Budget for Backpacking in the Philippines
Backpacking in the Philippines is a bit more expensive than in other countries in Southeast Asia. You’ll spend a bit more money on your daily expenses like accommodation and meals. Now, there’s also a difference between the islands. For example, living in El Nido is much more expensive than on Siargao. For convenience, let’s talk about averages. If you want to stay in popular hostels, a bed in a dormitory costs about $10, and for a double room, you should expect to pay around $25. If you prefer to stay in a nice B&B, you’ll pay around $40 per night for a double room. A pizza in a well-rated restaurant costs about $6. In addition to daily expenses, you should consider the costs of domestic flights. If you’re backpacking for a few weeks and want to visit different islands, you’ll spend between $100 to $350 on flights. You can keep these costs low by booking your flights several months in advance. Curious about how much we spent during our trip to the Philippines? Check out our detailed article on the costs for the Philippines.
Best Time to Travel to the Philippines
The Philippines has multiple seasons. Try to avoid the months of July through October because it’s the rainy and typhoon season. The best months for the Philippines are January through May. During this period, it’s not too hot, and it doesn’t rain often. However, there are a few exceptions because the Philippines is so vast, and the seasons vary here and there.
Transportation
You’ll often need to take a domestic flight between the larger islands. There are some routes where you can take a ferry, but sometimes it takes days, and ultimately, you’re not saving much money. On the mainland, you can travel by bus or jeepney, and for shorter trips, you can take a tricycle. This is a motorcycle with a covered sidecar that will take you anywhere for a small price. In larger cities, you can take a taxi or jeepney. If you take a jeepney, you may need to figure out which one to take. There are so many jeepneys in the city, and it’s not entirely clear where they stop. If you have the time, though, it’s also a fun adventure.
Safety in the Philippines
During our three trips to the Philippines, we never felt unsafe, which is reassuring. It’s important to do some research beforehand because there are certain areas in the south that are best avoided. Additionally, Manila is likely the least safe destination you’ll encounter. It’s not the most pleasant city, so it’s wise to move on as soon as possible. If you find yourself staying in Manila, Makati is the safest neighborhood. By using your common sense, you can navigate safely without any worries. You can learn more about safety in the Philippines in this article.
Hotels & Hostels in the Philippines
Unlike destinations like Bali and Thailand, the Philippines doesn’t have an abundance of charming hostels and hotels. While there are certainly good options available, many accommodations are subpar. Therefore, it’s worth booking your hotels or hostels in advance to ensure a comfortable stay. The popular places often fill up quickly if you don’t book well in advance. We’ve compiled a list of our favorite hostels and hotels in the Philippines. These accommodations have provided us with enjoyable experiences, or they’ve been recommended by our followers.
The Ultimate Travel Itinerary for the Philippines
With 7,641 islands, the Philippines is incredibly vast, making it challenging to plan a travel itinerary. Each island offers a unique experience, so it’s essential to research which island suits your preferences. Having visited the Philippines three times in recent years and explored numerous islands, we’ve created our ultimate travel itinerary for the Philippines. While some islands may not be worth the visit for us, everyone has different preferences. Therefore, we’ve described the atmosphere and activities on each island so you can easily tailor the itinerary to your liking!
