The Philippines is an often-overlooked stop on many South East Asia backpacking itineraries. It’s understandable, as its geography can make it a much more challenging country to travel through than Thailand or Vietnam. Those who accept that challenge are rewarded with pristine landscapes and a warm, welcoming culture.
Backpacking the Philippines is a deep dive into a treasure trove of unique experiences spread across its thousands of breathtaking islands. Each bangka ride leads to something new and exhilarating. Hiking amidst rice terraces, surfing world-famous waves, or simply reading a book under the shade of a towering palm tree, the Philippines is one heck of a destination for any traveler. However, the Philippines is much more than just its untouched beaches and lush, green mountains. It boasts a variety of rich cultures and traditions, mouthwatering cuisine, and I may be biased, but the friendliest people in the world. We Filipinos know how to live life, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a culture that loves to have fun and show their guests a good time as much as we do.
But like I said, traveling the Philippines comes with its fair share of challenges. Quite a few travelers come in unprepared and miss out on a lot of the Philippine experience. Here’s everything you need to know before backpacking the Philippines.
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Table of Contents
- Things To Know Before Going to the Philippines
- Best Time of Year to Visit the Philippines
- Is The Philippines Safe To Visit?
- Do You Need a Visa To Go To The Philippines?
- Currency and Cash
- Language
- Getting a SIM Card
- Travel Insurance
- Getting to the Philippines
- How To Travel Around the Philippines
- Where To Stay in the Philippines
- Top Destinations and Sample Itinerary for the Philippines
Things To Know Before Going to The Philippines
Best Time of Year to Visit the Philippines
Unfortunately, monsoon season is a very real thing in the Philippines. With the great outdoors being our main attraction, good weather can make or break a trip. There are long stretches of the year where the sunshine and warm weather will be replaced by powerful storms and flash floods. Monsoon season in the Philippines is typically from May to October, with the summer seasons being particularly prone to strong storms. Try to visit outside of monsoon to maximize your chances for good weather.
Most travelers visit the Philippines from November to April. That also means most of our popular tourist destinations will be packed with people during those few months. But hey, that’s a good reason to go off the beaten path and explore a few of the Philippines’ lesser-visited destinations.
Is The Philippines Safe to Visit?
No destination is perfect, and despite the vast majority of Filipinos being friendly and welcoming, there are a few problem areas. Manila, in particular, is highly prone to petty theft and pickpocketing. Other large cities like Cebu have these problems to a lesser extent. There is also a terrorist presence in some islands, particularly in the south, although tourists rarely visit those parts of the coutnry. Everywhere else, I’d say the Philippines is a very safe destination. In big cities, exercise your usual cautions when out and about. Filipinos are generally very friendly and hospitable, but high poverty rates and corruption in some big cities can lead to desperate measures and few consequences.
Overall, the Philippines is a safe travel destination, but like any other country, keep your wits about you and use common sense.
Do You Need A Visa To Go To The Philippines?
Most countries are able to visit The Philippines visa-free for a period of 30 days. In total, 158 countries are able to enter the Philippines visa-free or obtain a visa on arrival. Here is the full list of those 158 countries, so make sure you double check before heading over. Sadly, thirty days is far from enough to explore this beautiful country, but you’ll have to make do with what you’re given.
Currency and Cash in The Philippines
The currency of the Philippines is the Philippine peso. I’d recommend having plenty of it handy as once you’re out of the big cities, most places will be cash-only, or charge an additional fee for using a credit card. There are plenty of ATMs in the Philippines, so you won’t have any issues finding one. Unfortunately, the fee for taking out cash can be quite high at most ATMs. 250 pesos, about $5 USD seems to be the standard. For this reason, I’d recommend taking out large chunks at a time so you don’t have to stop at an ATM every few days. Those fees will add up.
If you plan on visiting more remote islands or smaller towns, be sure to withdraw enough cash to last you beforehand.
Language Barrier in the Philippines
The national language of the Philippines is Tagalog, although English is widely-spoken. However, the more remote areas of the Philippines will have significantly fewer English speakers. There are 186 spoken languages in the Philippines, and countless more dialects.
Mostly everyone speaks Tagalog, though, so if you learn a few phrases beforehand, it will come in handy. Filipinos love when people make even the slightest effort in learning our language. So even though you can get by with just English, I’d recommend picking up some Tagalog. It’ll help you get around and make some local friends who can absolutely make your experience in the Philippines much more exciting.
Getting a SIM Card for the Philippines
Globe and Smart are the two main SIM card providers in the Philippines. Data in the Philippines is ridiculously cheap. I’d definitely recommend getting a SIM Card, especially because Wi-Fi in the Philippines is unreliable, but for some reason, our data is reliable and affordable.
My phone is locked so I used an eSIM throughout my time in the Philippines and found it to work just fine. I used Airalo and the plans were relatively affordable for the amount of data you get. I unfortunately have a phone with locked SIM card so I had to rely on eSIMs. If you opt for an eSIM with Airalo, you can get $3 off your first eSIM with my code ELIJAH933.
Travel Insurance for the Philippines
Oh, and before you go, make sure to have good travel insurance handy while you’re off adventuring across the world. I useSafetyWingto keep me covered throughout my travels for as low as $45 a month, and their coverage includes the Philippines among the 190+ countries that they cover. It’s handy to have travel insurance in the Philippines, especially if you plan on island-hopping to remote areas, hiking in its cordilleras, and taking to those crazy winding roads with even crazier drivers.
Getting to the Philippines
With the Philippines being an archipelago in the middle of the Pacific, the only way to reach the Philippines is by flying. The main international airports in the Philippines are in Manila and Cebu. You’ll likely need a layover in one of these two cities if you plan on flying elsewhere in the country. AirAsia and CebuPacific offer affordable flights from elsewhere in South East Asia. Jeju Air and Jetstar will get you to the Philippines for cheap if you’re coming from South Korea or Japan.
Philippine Airlines, All Nippon Airways, and a handful of Middle Eastern airlines fly to the Philippines from more distant destinations, like the United States or the Arabian Gulf countries.
How To Travel Around the Philippines
With The Philippines being an island nation, it isn’t as simple to get around as night-bussing or training it around countries like Thailand or Japan. It’s a big reason why many backpackers overlook the Philippines, as it is admittedly not as easy and not as cheap to travel around. Ferries can be expensive and unreliable. Flying constantly can be annoying. Most places will require multiple modes of transportation to get to. I get it. You’ll be spending a lot of time on the road or on the sea.
Domestic flights are often the quickest way to travel between islands. Airlines like Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and AirAsia offer frequent flights to major destinations, and luckily, they are pretty affordable. Booking flights last minute in the Philippines tends to be fine, as prices stay consistent even up until the same day of the flight.
Since many of the Philippines’ top destinations are spread out throughout the country on different islands, flying is inevitable, although boat travel is also an option. Many Filipinos still use large ferries or smaller speedboats to get from island to island. However, they are very reliant on good weather and can often have inconsistent schedules. Popular routes, like Palawan to Coron, tend to be more reliable, although delays are common.
On the bigger islands, buses or shared minivans are a reliable option. In larger islands like Luzon and Mindanao, buses and vans are the primary modes of land transportation between cities and provinces. They offer a more budget-friendly option, but travel times can be longer due to traffic or road conditions.
In some areas, especially tourist destinations like Palawan, Siargao or Bohol, renting a car or motorbike can be convenient for exploring at your own pace. It isn’t particularly cheap, especially compared to other destinations like Bali or thailand. Booking longer-term might help you haggle for a discount.
Ride-hailing apps like Grab are available in major cities like Manila and Cebu. I’d recommend it over flagging a taxi off the street. If you have to resort to a taxi or tricycle, make sure to agree on the fare beforehand.
Where To Stay in the Philippines
As a backpacker, you’ll be spoiled for choice with the hostels in the Philippines. It’s home to some of the best hostels I’ve ever stayed at. Popular destinations will have a number of hostels to choose from, and the hostel culture in the Philippines is elite. They are great places to meet people, and I’ve found that the Filipino workers in every hostel will absolutely be partying with you once they’re off their shift. Well, sometimes they won’t even wait until then.
A few of my favorite hostels in the Philippines are:
- Manila – Lub D Hostel
- El Nido – Frendz Hostel
- Siargao – Mad Monkey Hostel
- Coron – Outpost Hostel
- Bohol – Bohol Coco Farm
Hotels are also affordable. Whenever I needed a break from the hostel life, I could find a decent hotel for $40 a night. One can also find cheaper hotels if you’re willing to sacrifice a little bit of comfort. Air conditioning is a necessity in the Philippine heat, though, so I personally was not willing to sacrifice that particular comfort.
Speaking of, keep in mind that The Philippines won’t always have the comforts of a more developed country. Hot water, wi-fi, air-conditioning, and other amenities that you take for granted might not be common once you find yourself in the smaller towns and lesser-traveled islands. It’s the price to pay for exploring an untouched paradise.
Top Destinations to Visit and Sample Itinerary for the Philippines
Here’s my recommended one-month travel itinerary for the Philippines. With tourists only getting a 30-day visa-free period, I’d recommend prioritizing a few islands and staying longer in each one rather than trying to squeeze in a dozen different destinations in one trip. One can easily spend 2-3 weeks exploring Palawan and Coron alone, and then just lounging in Siargao for the final week. I’ve included a bunch of different destinations, but keep in mind it can be hectic traveling in the Philippines and trying to jam-pack your itinerary can be exhausting.
Manila: 2 Nights
Welcome to the Philippines! I promise, it will get better. Use Manila to get your feet set. Manila is a sprawling urban jungle, and a city that I have a love/hate relationship with. I’ve grown to appreciate it for what it is, especially having made it my home base on that side of the world. Wander through the old city of Intramuros or stroll along Manila’s boardwalk during the day. Explore some of the bustling markets, like in Quiapo or one of the many weekend markets. Visit some jazz bars and go clubbing in Makati’s Burgos Ave at night, or hit up one of the many rooftop bars to take in the beautiful skyline. Stay at Lub D in Makati to be right in the heart of the action.
Palawan: 7 Days
From Manila, fly to the island of Palawan. It’s quite a big island, but luckily, there are plenty of amazing spots to visit. Palawan’s main airport is on in the town of Puerto Princesa. From here, one can head directly north or stay a day and visit its famous underground river. From Puerto Princesa, take a shared van up to Port Barton. Spend a day island-hopping and taking in the serene vibes of this small town. There’s not too much to do here, but it’s a great destination for breaking up the lengthy journey to El Nido.
El Nido is the gem of Palawan, boasting otherworldly landscapes and beaches that seem straight out of a fantasy world. The main offerings of El Nido are its various island-hopping tours, which you should take full advantage of. El Nido town is also home to great restaurants, boutiques, and a popping nightlife. Frendz Hostel is the place to stay in El Nido.
Although El Nido is growing increasingly touristy, it remains an excellent all-around destination and home base for exploring Palawan’s stunning natural beauty. If you’ve got time, I’d aso recommend a stop at Daracotan Island.
Coron: 3 Days
From El Nido, we head on over to Coron. There are a few different ways to get to Coron. One way is to take the ferry from El Nido to Coron, which takes about four hours. Another option, if you have time to kill, is to embark on the three-day island-hopping excursion that leaves from El Nido and drops you off in Coron. It’s an epic way to see more of the islands that tourists will tend to miss.
Like El Nido, island-hopping is the main offering of Coron, although divers will have an abundance of things to do here. Spend a day island-hopping and visiting the famed blue lagoon and Barracuda Lake. Coron is breathtaking. The town is much smaller and less happening than El Nido, but there are still some good restaurants and bars. Head to Outpost Hostel to pregame and then dance the night away at Tribu. The island that Coron is on is decently big with plenty of hidden gems to explore, but it can be difficult to get around. Because of this, I’d recommend only spending a few days in Coron and then flying to Cebu.
Cebu: 3 Days
Cebu is the second-largest city in the Philippines, but the city is not what we’re here for. Kawasan Falls and Moalbal are highlights of Cebu. If you’re visiting during whale shark season, nearby Oslob is also a must-visit. I actually would recommend skipping over Cebu and flying straight to Siargao or Bohol. Unless you’re in town for whale shark season or the Sinulog Festival, I think Cebu’s main highlights aren’t worth the detour compared to the rest of the Philippines. Don’t get me wrong, it is beautiful, but with only thirty days on your visa, you’ve gotta make them count, and one can easily lose an entire day or two just traveling from place to place in Cebu.
Siargao: 4 Days
The surf island of Siargao is a backpacker-favorite. Siargao, known as the surfing capital of the Philippines, offers a mix of natural beauty, adventure, and relaxation. The famous surf break of Cloud 9 attracts surfers from around the world. Even if you aren’t a surfer, the vibes in Siargao are immaculate, and many people find themselves sucked into the vortex. You’ll find a community of travelers and expats from all over the world, making Siargao a pretty unique destination in the Philippines.
Take a boat ride to the stunning Sugba Lagoon surrounded by limestone cliffs. You can kayak, swim, or simply admire the natural beauty Trek through the jungle to reach the beautiful Taktak Falls. Siargao’s charm lies in its combination of stunning natural beauty, adventure opportunities, and a laid-back island vibe. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a nature enthusiast, or someone looking for a tranquil escape, you will understand why Siargao has a stranglehold on travelers.
Bohol: 3 Days
Time to switch things up. Although Bohol is a great island destination, its main attractions are different than what you’ve experienced so far. The Chocolate Hills and tarsiers are Bohol’s main attractions, offering a great opportunity for hiking and wildlife spotting. Panglao Island is a great spot if you are looking for more beachy vibes. Take three days to explore Bohol before flying back up to Manila.
It is understandable if you don’t want to spend any more time in Manila, so hop on a night bus to Sagada. The buses leave from Cubao’s bus station in the north. Even with the traffic, one should have plenty of time to make it there from the airport. Say goodbye to the ocean as you will be heading into a completely different region of the Philippines.
Sagada: 3 Days
The bus ride should have given you a taste of the rolling green mountains and cascading rice terraces of the Philippines’ cordillera region. Now, it’s time to dive in. Rent a motorbike and get to exploring. Thundering Bomod-Ok Falls, the Marlboro Hills, and the caves are some great options. In Sagada town, one can check out the Hanging Coffins, a unique burial method reserved for respected elders of the indigenous community. Sagada is also home to the best coffee in the Philippines, and there are countless cafes to choose from. If you’ve got a motorbike, check out Gaia and Isangwow for a coffee with a view.
Optional: Kalinga Tattoo at Buscalan
The north of Luzon is becoming increasingly popular, in no small part due to the increasing celebrity of Apo Whang-Od. The 106-year old tattoo artist is the last living mambabatok and nothing short of a living legend. Travelers far and wide come to visit her, and from Sagada, the journey isn’t too difficult. You’ll need to take a Jeepney from Sagada to Bontoc, then a bus towards Buscalan, followed by a hike to the village. Spend a night there before heading back to Bontoc and continuing to Banaue. Here’s a full guide on visiting Apo Whang-Od and the Kalinga village of Buscalan.
Banaue: 2 Days
Wrap up your Philippines adventure with one of the most breathtaking places in the country. Banaue’s rice terraces are arguably the most beautiful in the world. Batad Rice Terraces are personally the most unbelievable ones I’ve ever seen. Hop on a tricycle and take a tour of the various small towns and scenic spots of Banaue.
From Banaue, take the bus back down to Manila and that is a wrap on your Philippines adventure. Of course, there are many more places to visit in the Philippines. I was born in Aklan, home to Boracay, our most popular tourist destination. It has changed a lot since when I visited it as a young child, but there are countless neighboring islands like Romblon, Tablas, and Carabao Island. I could rattle off dozens more destinations, but this suggested itinerary should suffice for a first-time traveler to the Philippines.
Whether it’s the thrill of surfing the waves of Siargao, the tranquility of island-hopping in Palawan, or even the mayhem of Manila’s streets, I hope the memories made in my home country serve as a timeless souvenir. Take full advantage of everything our beautiful country has to offer, because we Filipinos love sharing our home with you all. Come back soon, ingat lagi 🙂.
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