Why go to the Philippines?
I can write a whole article on why you should come to the Philippines, but to keep it short, here is a list of reasons why you should make the Philippines your next destination:
- The people are really nice and they all speak English so communication is easy and efficient.
- You get to experience the wildlife up close like the tarsiers and the whale sharks.
- For thrill-seekers, there are plenty of stunning volcanoes to hike around.
- Palawan is literally heaven on Earth.
When To Visit the Philippines?
The highest season is the dry season from November to April when the country's attractions are fully accessible. The number of whale shark encounters in the wild also peaks around April, and if you are like me and looking forward to swimming with these wonderful creatures, March to April is probably the best time. One downside is that it is really hot in April. If you can't handle the heat, traveling during December to February is a good idea as the temperature is a little lower.
How to Get to the Philippines?
Browse through Skyscanner or Expedia to find a cheap flight from where you live to Manila or the main city hubs like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, or Bangkok. Then, you might be able to find a cheap flight from there to Manila via AirAsia. To find a cheap flight, I would recommend you browse through Skyscanner or Expedia before comparing prices, so you will get the cheapest one possible.
How To Get Around Philippines?
Traveling around the Philippines can be quite a pain since the country is an archipelago. Bus rides take longer than they should, while flights might not be as budget-friendly.
The fastest way is by plane, and airlines such as Cebu Pacific and AirAsia are well-connected and offer affordable prices.
Buses are the cheapest form of transportation in the Philippines. They can be quite reliable if you are traveling within the main islands. Some operators, like Victory Liner, have scheduled trips that connect the provinces together.
Train is also another great option if you are not in a rush. The Philippine National Railways (PNR) offers many routes with different tiers of services, from executive sleeper to economy. It is slower than the bus, though, but more comfortable.
Traveling within a city or taking short distance trips is as simple as flagging down a tricycle from the road. They are widely available and relatively cheap if you bargain hard enough. Jeepneys are also great as backup transportation in case the vans or buses are not running as they are supposed to (it happens).
Which tourist SIM card is best for The Phlippines?
Tips: To stay connected with your loved ones at home, make sure to have a VPN service like NordVPN installed before traveling. This will allow you to bypass any local Internet censorship you may encounter while in the Philippines.
The Internet situation in the Philippines is quite complex, as the industry is being run by two companies: Globe and Smart. Their coverage is both subpar, with the focus mainly on urban areas. That said, I used Globe and had no problem getting 3G speed in most places mentioned here, except Pinatubo. For more info, read here.
Daily Budget
This place is quite affordable compared to all the other countries in the world. If you are planning a trip here, you can expect to spend around $25 - $45 USD per day per person, which should include accommodation and three meals.
Please keep in mind that these are suggested daily budgets based on my own style of travel, which leans more towards the budget side of things. If you aim to stick to this budget, anticipate sleeping in dormitories, dining out only occasionally, and being comfortable with the cheapest and most convenient modes of transportation, which often involve a considerable amount of walking.
What to Pack for Philippines?
As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Philippines:
- Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
- Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
- Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
- Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
- Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
- Swim Suits: A swim trunk is a must-pack item if you are planning to visit Philippines in the summer, just in case there is a body of water you can jump in.
- Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
- Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
- Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
- Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
- Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
- Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
- Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.
For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.