The Philippines is packed full of diverse landscapes, each offering unique experiences. The 7,000 islands are a haven for lazy beach bums and sea-loving party animals. Yet that’s not to say that there aren’t any inland adventures to be had. There are emerald rice paddies, colourful rainforests, moody volcanoes, and ample karaoke bars filled with friendly locals. Where will you decide to explore?
Philippines Fast Facts
Languages Spoken
The official languages of the Philippines are Filipino and English. More people speak Filipino than English, but English is widely spoken.
Currency
Name: Philippine Peso
Code: PHP
Symbol: ₱
Time Zones
The Philippines (GMT +8)
Popular Destinations
Manila
Palawan
Boracay
Cebu and Bohol
How easy is it to travel around the Philippines?
Pretty easy! English is widely spoken in the Philippines, meaning you’ll rarely get lost in translation whilst navigating public transport, booking boat tickets, ordering food or finding your way to your hostel. A good idea would be to book an adventure tour where you’ll meet other solo travellers. There are so many friendly backpackers in the Philippines, you’re bound to also meet plenty of new friends in a hostel. We recommend buying a local sim card when you arrive, so you can always stay connected.
How to travel the Philippines on a budget
The cost of living in the Philippines is super low in comparison to the United Kingdom. Food and drink from local stalls and cafes can cost less than a pound, and there are plenty of budget accommodation options available, some costing south of £10 per night. Getting around the islands by ferry instead of domestic flights can also save you a ton of money, but this can take a considerably longer amount of time you’ll need to factor in to your trip.
If you’ve booked onto an adventure tour, your meals, transport, accommodation and some must-do experiences are all included, saving you hundreds of pounds!
General Costs
Food and Drink
A meal from a cheap restaurant or café will normally set you back £2. Something a bit fancier, for example in a sit-down restaurant will cost around £5 per head. A bottle of local beer (which happens to be San Miguel) can cost you as little as 50p, whereas imported drinks go up in price considerably.
Transport
Short bus or jeepney journeys cost pennies, longer ones are a few pounds, and an overnight sleeper bus will set you back £5-10. Boat tickets are cheap too, but for longer ferry journeys, we recommend going with the bigger companies to be safe. A half-hour taxi ride will cost you around £5. Always make sure your driver has the meter on!
Hostels
A dorm bed in a hostel can cost anything between £4 and £15 depending on the level of luxury, or size. A single room will set you back about £15, and a double, about £25.
Hotels
You can often find rooms in midrange hotels for the same price as upscale hostels. Expect to pay around £20-30 a night.
Philippines Tour Reviews
Have you been to this popular Asian destination? Get in touch.