Backpacking Guide
Philippines
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Philippines Travel Guides
Click on an area of The Philippines that interests you for a more detailed overview
Things To Do in The Philippines
There is always something exciting to do when backpacking the Philippines.
To get you inspired, I have provided some suggestions below.
SWIM IN THE WATERFALLS
The Philippines is home to some of the most stunning waterfalls in the world offering the chance to relax, swim and jump into the tranquil waters. Waterfalls I recommend visiting: Kawasan Falls (Cebu), Cambugahay Falls (Siquijor), Lugnason Falls (Siquijor), Kawasan Falls (Bohol), Mag-Aso Falls (Bohol).
GO SCUBA DIVING
Diving at a shipwreck in Coron is a must do for divers and underwater enthusiasts. The World War 2 shipwrecks have become vibrant underwater ecosystems offering a unique opportunity to witness amazing marine life. Aside from here, most islands offer diving experiences, including Siquijor and El Nido.
Malapascua is one of the only places that you can dive with Thresher Sharks and it is an incredible experience! You can get here by taking a bus from Cebu to Maya Port and then hopping on a short ferry ride to the island.
VISIT THE CHOCOLATE HILLS
Located in the centre of Bohol are the Chocolate Hills, a group of between 1200-1600 conical hills that turn brown during the dry season resembling chocolate mounds. The viewing complex provides a perfect photo opportunity to capture their appearance.
WATCH THE SUNSET
The Philippines offers some of the most breathtaking sunsets in the world, so make sure to take an evening to sit back and watch the sun go down. Some of the best places to watch the sunset include Boracay, Siquijor, El Nido, Siargao and Puerto Princesa.
VISIT THE TARSIER SANCTUARY
The Tarsier Sanctuary in Bohol is a conservation area dedicated to protect and preserve the Philippine Tarsier, one of the worlds smallest primates. Visiting the sanctuary provides the opportunity to see these creatures up close in a quiet and calm environment. There is a small fee to enter that contributes to thing ongoing protection efforts.
JOIN A CANYONEERING DAY TRIP
This adventurous activity is an exhilarating experience combining trekking, climbing, jumping and swimming through canyons and rivers that ends at the famous Kawasan Falls in Cebu. The professional guides ensure a safe and fun experience. I would highly recommend booking onto a canyoneering tour if travelling to Cebu or Moalboal.
SWIM WITH WHALE SHARKS
Oslob, a small town in southern Cebu, offers the unique opportunity to swim with Whale Sharks in their natural habitat. Before heading into the water you will be briefed on how to safely and respectfully interact with the sharks which includes NOT touching them and maintaining a safe distance. Whilst this now a popular tourist activity, always make sure you choose eco-friendly tours that support the conservation efforts and avoid disturbing the natural behaviour of whale sharks.
TAKE A BOAT RIDE DOWN AN UNDERGOUND RIVER
The Puerto Princesa Underground River flows through a spectacular limestone karst mountain, featuring impressive cave formations and rich flora and fauna. Book onto a boat tour to be guided through the rivers cave system and view its stunning geological formations.
ENJOY THE NIGHTLIFE
Many of the islands have a nightlife scene, with various bars and clubs to try. The island of Boracay is particularly perfect for tourists who love to party. The main area is a bustling scene of food stalls, modern shops, fancy restaurants and beach bars. If you are looking for a few days of drinking on white sand beaches, this is the island for you!
CLIMB MOUNT APO
For travellers who enjoy a challenge, why not fly to Davao and climb the highest mountain in the Philippines? Tour companies offer the opportunity to climb to the summit of Mount Apo over a period of 2-3 days and the views from the top are second to none. Watch me Climb Mount Apo in this short video!
Be sure to check government travel advice - Davao can often be advised against travel due to political reasons.
Getting Around the Philippines
Ferry
Given the archipelagic nature of the country, ferries and boats are a popular way of travelling between islands. The main operators for trips between major islands are 12Go and OceanJet. Seats can sell out fast and queues to buy tickets on the day of travel are often painfully long. I would advise buying tickets at least a day in advance.
Whilst the ferries themselves are comfortable, the process of boarding can be tedious (particularly departing from Cebu). Many of the major terminals involve separate queues for checking in and getting your ticket printed, checking in any oversized luggage and going through security. Treat it like you’re at an airport so arrive with plenty of time.
Many terminals also charge environmental, tourism and terminal fees when departing or arriving from various islands. These fees are intended to support local conservation efforts are paid at a designated fee collection point.
You can also take an overnight ferry between Manila and various ports including Coron, Cebu and Iloilo. This is a longer but cheaper alternative to taking a flight.
Motorbike Rental
Renting a motorbike is a great way to explore the smaller islands of the Philippines. Check out reviews to ensure the rental place is reliable. Some places here will ask to see your driving license and either make note of your ID or hold it as a deposit. Needless to say, you should always wear a helmet and take out travel insurance when renting a motorbike!
Plane
Domestic flights in the Philippines provide a convenient and efficient way to travel between various islands. The three major airlines are Philippine Airlines (PAL), Cebu Pacific, and AirAsia, with the latter two being more budget-friendly.
As with any flight, make sure to arrive with plenty of time and to check luggage allowance. Some smaller planes may have specific weight restrictions for luggage on board.
When leaving the airport, make sure to have your phone ready to book a Grab Taxi to your accommodation - there will be tons of companies hassling you to book a taxi with them. These are renowned for being overpriced.
Taxi
I would recommend downloading the app ‘Grab’ which is essentially Asia’s version of Uber. It is a widley used and conventient transportation service offering a reliable and cheap way of getting around cities. This is my go to option when making shorter journeys.
Alternatively, many islands have Jeepneys to transport you from place to place. These are iconic, colourful and cheap, however can be crowded and follow fixed routes. Make sure to ask the driver if they are going close to your destination.
Tricycles and Pedicabs are another good way of travelling short distances on islands like Bohol, and Siquijor. Always agree on the fare before taking the ride!
Best Time To Visit The Philippines
Dry Season: December - April
When travelling between these months you can expect pleasant weather with low humidity and minimal rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the beautiful beaches. If you want to hit up some of the countries best waterfalls, aim to travel between December and March; as the temperatures heat up in April, the falls can dry out. January to February is cooler, with the hottest and therefore busiest season being March to May.
Wet Season: May - November
Avoiding the rainy season is generally advisable due to the risk of typhoons and heavy rains. July to October is considered the worst time to travel to this country, with heavy rainfall and strong winds regularly disrupting travel plans.
Travel Tip
Because the Philippines covers such a large distance between its west and east islands, certain regions can experience completely different weather forecasts at the same time of year. Because of this, it is important to check island specific forecasts when planning your trip.
Visa Requirements (updated 2025)
IT IS IMPORTANT TO CHECK VISA REQUIREMENTS SPECIFIC TO YOUR HOME COUNTRY. THE FOLLOWING ADVICE IS FOR UK CITIZENS.
UK Citizens do not need a visa to visit the Philippines and are allowed to stay for 30 days on arrival. If you wish to stay longer than 30 days or wish to live, work or study here, you’ll need to meet the requirements of the Philippine immigration regulations.
To enter the Philippines, you must register with the E-Travel system at least 72 hours before arriving in the country.
To be granted entry, your passport will need at least 6 months validity and at least 2 blank pages. You will also need to show proof of onward or return travel when checking in. Most airlines will not let you fly without this. To avoid this you can purchase a ‘fake’ return/onward airline ticket with Onward Ticket.
More Philippines Visa Information:
Travel Vaccinations
Before setting off on your backpacking adventure, I would highly recommend speaking to your GP or visiting a travel vaccine clinic to get the latest information on what vaccines to get. Make sure to leave plenty of time as some vaccines require multiple jabs over several months. If you plan on doing certain activities that may increase the risk of disease, such as jungle trekking, make sure to mention this to your health advisor. Remember to check your vaccination record as you may have had some as an infant or during secondary school.
Recommended Vaccinations:
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Tetanus, Diphtheria and Polio
Typhoid
Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR)
Rabies
A Yellow Fever vaccine is not essential for travelling to the Philippines however, if you are travelling from a high risk country you may be required to show a yellow fever certificate. Click here for the Yellow Fever Map
Dengue Fever and Zika Virus
A common illness amongst backpackers is dengue fever which is contracted through mosquito bites. Whilst most people who contract the illness don’t know they have it, symptoms can include a high fever (hence the name dengue fever), severe headaches, muscle and joint pain, nausea and vomiting, a rash and swollen glands. Sounds nasty right?!
The Philippines is also a country where Zika Virus can be contracted. This is also transmitted through mosquito bites as well as unprotected sex. Symptoms tend to appear 3-14 days after contraction and can include a rash, itching, headaches, a fever, red eyes, muscle and joint pain.
Make sure you pack a bottle of insect repellent before you arrive in the country along with some longer layers to cover your legs and arms in the evening. The best products are chemical based repellents like DEET, Picaridin and Permethrin. I have also used natural repellents such as lemongrass, which, to my surprise, did work, however its effectiveness was not as good as the chemical products.
Malaria Tablets
There is a low risk of malaria throughout the year in areas below 600m, and a higher risk in provinces of Palawan, Tawi Tawi, Zambales and Zamboanga del Norte. The risk is not high enough to warrant antimalarial medication, however taking preventative measures is always encouraged. These include applying insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin, wearing protective clothing during the evening and sleeping under a mosquito net.
Click here for the Malaria Risk Map - The Philippines
I would strongly advise to consult with your healthcare provider when making a choice about antimalarial tablets. The tablets are often quite expensive and side effects can be uncomfortable. Therefore, given the low risk, many avid travellers don’t bother. I have backpacked all over Southeast Asia and I am yet to take a malaria tablet (or get malaria). However, like I said, it is still worth doing some research and speaking to a medical professional so that you are happy with whatever decision you make.
For more information about travel vaccinations, check your local government travel advice.
More UK Vaccination Advice:
Costs and Budgets (updated 2024)
As a backpacker, I know how important it is to keep costs low whilst still ensuring an amazing travel experience. I have provided a rough idea of what costs look like per day so that you can plan your trip according to your budget. Whilst I have included the basics, try to also factor in a separate budget for emergencies (e.g. unexpected medical costs) and any of your bucket list activities that may cost a little more.
The currency in the Philippines is Peso (PHP).
Low Range Budget
Accommodation: £8-12 for a dorm bed in a hostel.
Food: £4-6 for basic meals at food markets or cheap stalls .
Activities: £3-5 for free or cheap activities like hiking, waterfall entry and relaxing on the beach.
Transport: £2-6 for short journeys in pedicabs/jeepneys.
Average Daily Spend:
£17 - £30
Mid Range Budget
Accommodation: £12-25 for a private room in a hostel or hotel.
Food: £10-20 for a sit down meal in a nice cafe and some drinks.
Activities: £10-15 for activities like museums and snorkelling.
Transport: £5-10 for public transport and/or Grab.
Average Daily Spend:
£35 - £70
High Range Budget
Accommodation: £25+ for a private room in a luxury hotel.
Food: £20+ for restaurant food and drinks.
Activities: £15+ for any activity you fancy!
Transport: £15+ for Grab rides, ferry journeys and domestic flights.
Average Daily Spend:
£75+ the world is your oyster!
Sim Cards / Wifi
Staying connected in the Philippines is generally unreliable and internet speeds can be very slow. There are 2 national operators: Globe and Smart.
I have used both of these operators before and I wish I could recommend one over the other, but they were both pretty bad. If I had to pick one again, I would probably choose Globe.
Option 1: Buy an eSIM
Purchasing an eSIM is a great way to access the internet whilst overseas. Personally, this is the easiest option and the option I choose whenever I am travelling outside of my home country. It is simple, affordable and hassle-free. Instead of finding a store and physically swapping out your home SIM for a travel SIM, you can download a data plan to your phone and instantly connect to a mobile network when you land in the country!
The app I use for buying an eSIM is called Airalo. After downloading the app and choosing the SIM you want, it will walk you through how to install and activate the eSIM.
Option 2: Buy a physical SIM in store
Getting a physical SIM is relatively straightforward. There are kiosks and stalls selling SIMs in almost every shopping mall, airport and city centre. You will need to provide your mobile number and sometimes present your passport as identification in order to register and activate the SIM. Sellers are very helpful with getting everything set up! Because of the unreliability of network strength here, if you are purchasing a physical SIM, I would advise purchasing both a Globe and Smart one as the best option to keep a reliable signal as you travel.
Plug Type
The standard plug type in the Philippines is Type A, B and C. An important item to pack is a universal travel adaptor that can offer conversion to multiple plug types. If you plan on taking any styling tools (hairdryer/curling tong) a converter is worth taking to avoid power surges.
Pack an extension lead! That way you can plug in one adapter for this and still have multiple plugs available!
DOWNLOAD A VPN!
A VPN stands for Virtual Private Network and offers a safer, freer and more secure online experience.
What does a VPN do?
1. It keeps your personal data like passwords, search history, account details and credit card details private.
2. It allows access to home content abroad as well as content from other countries. This is great when you want to watch Netflix shows only available in certain countries.
3. It can be cheaper to book flights and accommodation when connected to a different country.
Click here to give the Surfshark VPN 30 day free trial a go!
Language
The official languages of the Philippines are Filipino and English. Whilst Filipino is the national language, English is widely used.
If you want to impress the locals, here are some useful phrases in Filipino:
Hello - Kamusta
Thank you - Salamat
Thank you very much - Maraming Salamat
How are you? - Kamusta Ka?
How much? - Magkano?
Not spicy - Hindi Maanghang
I don’t know - Hindi ko alam
Please - Pakiusap
Religion
The main religion in the Philippines is Christianity, with a large proportion practising Roman Catholicism.
The country practices as a collectivist society where the needs of the family are prioritised over individual needs.
Filipinos are known for their warmth and friendliness making tourists feel instantly welcome. This stems from cultural values including social acceptance and harmony, awarding the Philippines with the title “Land of Smiles”.
Staying Safe
IMPORTANT NUMBERS
Police: 911
Fire: 911
Ambulance: 911
SCAMS AND CRIME
The Philippines, like many other countries can encounter various scams specifically targeted at tourists.
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Taxi drivers may take longer routes to increase the fare or use tampered meters. To avoid this, use reputable companies like Grab and avoid accepting rides from unmarked cars.
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Pickpocketing can happen in crowded areas so make sure to stay vigilant and keep your belonging secure and in sight.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
If you are hiking or trekking, always make sure to check weather forecasts. The Philippines is prone to natural disasters including earthquakes, typhoons and heavy flooding, especially during the wet season (usually May to November). Remember to stick to designated trails and if you are hiking alone, inform someone about your plans and expected return time, just in case something goes wrong.
INSURANCE
The roads on some of the islands are not great, often full of potholes. Accidents can and do happen when backpacking. Make sure you have a helmet and drive slow, particularly when road conditions are bad. Most importantly, get yourself covered with travel insurance. I recommend SafteyWing as the best backpacker travel insurance. You will also need to get yourself an International Driving Permit in order to legally drive here. Insurance will most likely not cover you if you don’t have this.
GOVERNMENT TRAVEL ADVICE
Certain areas in the Philippines have been advised by the Government to avoid due to potential terrorism concerns. These areas include Western and Central Mindanao, Davao and the Sulu archipelago. Check the Government’s Travel Advice before you plan your trip to ensure you’re traveling to safe areas of the country.
LGBTQ+ BACKPACKERS
The Philippines a generally safe to travel for LGBTQ+ tourists, with same-sex relationships being legal. LGBTQ+ communities are beginning to thrive in cities like Manila and islands like Boracay and Palawan, within a society that is becoming to show more acceptance. However, public displays of affection should be done with caution - you could be fined or sentenced to 6 months in prison if convicted of being ‘overtly affectionate’. For more advice check your local government travel advice.
UK Government LGBTQ+ Travel Advice
For Up to Date UK Government Safety Advice: Click Here
Insider Tips
A great way to save money when backpacking is to eat local food. Local food in the Philippines is a great alternative to a Western Food. Make sure to try the local dish called Adobo; meat marinated in a tangy and savoury sauce, simmered in soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, black peppercorns and bay leaves.
If you are going to the Philippines for a ‘backpacking’ experience, then make sure to do it properly! Book into hostels instead of hotels - this is a much better way to meet likeminded travellers and keeps to a lower budget. Not all hostels are party party party - if you want some down time to chill out, there are tons of more relaxed hostels to stay in. If you want more privacy but also want to socialise, booking a private room in a hostel is a good option!
Whilst having a phone full of photos is a great way to remember your time backpacking, I would highly reccommend packing a notepad and pen. Writing as little as a sentence a day is really good way of noting down what you got up too, how you felt, any friends you made etc. Putting the photos together with the diary makes an invaluable book to look back on years down the line.
Whilst it is a great idea to have a plan of the kinds of activities you want to do, don’t tie yourself down to anything. With this I mean try not to book anything in advance - as a backpacker plans change ALL THE TIME. Travel agencies and tour companies are dotted all over the Philippines so wait until you arrive to book anything. Activities are often also cheaper when booking in person.
Many bars in the Philippines offers a ‘Happy Hour’ where certain deals are offered on selected alcohol. This is a great way to save money when drinking so make sure to check happy hour deals before choosing where to go!
When packing for the Philippines, you will need less than you think. Don’t bother buying multiple long skirts, baggy trousers and expensive swimwear; you can get these and more for as little as £2. Save your money for cool adventures like a diving!
Follow my travels on Instagram for fun and exciting reels!