The Philippines were a proper surprise. We went in expecting beaches and got beaches – but also sea turtles, hidden islands, a £5-a-night tent on a beachfront, and some of the most genuinely off the beaten track experiences we’ve had anywhere in the world. It’s chaotic in the way Southeast Asia often is, warm in every sense of the word, and if tha’s willing to put in a bit of effort to get to the less-visited corners, it’ll absolutely blow thy mind.
How much does the Philippines cost?
The Philippines is genuinely excellent value. We spent around £25–35 a day for two people across most of our trip – and that’s including some boat trips and island-hopping tours that most places would charge a fortune for. Accommodation ranges from £5-a-night beach tents (genuinely – read our post below) to perfectly decent guesthouses for £15–25 per room. Food from local eateries (carinderias) costs next to nowt. The main costs to budget for are inter-island flights and boat transfers, which can add up but are unavoidable if tha wants to reach the best places.
We used Booking.com for accommodation in cities and larger islands, and Skyscanner for flights both into Manila and for domestic hops between islands.
Where we went
Palawan and El Nido – Consistently ranked among the most beautiful islands on earth and honestly, the hype is deserved. Limestone karsts jutting out of electric-blue water, hidden lagoons, snorkelling with fish so bright they look photoshopped. We did ziplining and via ferrata here too – one were brilliant, one were a bit shyte. We’ll let the post below tell thee which is which.
Balabac – This is the one. If tha only takes one recommendation from this entire page, go to Balabac. It’s at the very southern tip of Palawan, takes a serious effort to reach, and rewards that effort with some of the most pristine, untouched island scenery we’ve ever seen. Sea turtles in the wild. Sandbars that disappear at high tide. Almost zero other tourists. We went with Lagum Adventures and it were faultless.
Bucana – Where we found the £5-a-night beach tent. Right on the seafront, breakfast included, views that’d make thee weep. Yes the zip on the tent were broken. No, it didn’t matter at all.
Getting around the Philippines on a budget
Getting between islands requires either domestic flights or ferries – both are affordable if booked in advance. Cebu Pacific and AirAsia cover most domestic routes cheaply. On the islands themselves, tricycles and jeepneys are the local way to get around and cost pennies. Avoid tourist shuttle buses where possible – they’re convenient but significantly pricier than local transport.
When to go
November to May is the dry season and the best time to visit most of the country. June to October brings typhoon season to many areas – Palawan is less affected than other islands but it’s still worth checking before booking. We went in early spring and the weather were absolutely perfect.
Our Philippines posts — start here
Your Guide to Balabac: Remote Paradise in the Philippines
Balabac is about as remote as it gets. White sand, sea turtles, no crowds, and toilets that haunts us to this day. Here’s our honest 4-day guide to one of the Philippines’ most extraordinary islands, including who we booked with, what it actually costs, and whether it’s worth the effort to get there.
Balabac Adventures: Embracing Raw Island Life
Woke up to our final sunrise in Balabac — quiet, golden, and a bit bittersweet. The sound of the waves and the smell of the sea already feel like memories. Packed up slow, trying to take it all in one last time. It’s been days of nothing but nature — wild, untouched, and peaceful. The…
Exploring Balabac’s Hidden Gems: Mansalangan & Punta Sebaring
The post describes a blissful escape to Balabac, embracing the slow, carefree island lifestyle. Highlights include the stunning Mansalangan Sandbar, the beautiful but buggy Punta Sebaring beach, and a delightful beach picnic. The experience culminates in a serene sunset swim, fostering contentment as they prepare to leave Cakisigan Island behind.
Balabac Expedition Day Two: Island Hopping Dreams & Turtles on Patrol
On Cakisigan Island, we awoke to golden sunlight and enjoyed a simple breakfast before a day of island hopping. Onuk Island’s stunning reefs and marine life captivated us during snorkeling. After a bumpy boat ride back and a delightful seafood dinner, we relaxed under the stars, feeling enchanted by the experience.
Balabac Expedition Day One: The Long Road to Paradise
Our Balabac expedition with Lagum Adventures officially kicked off today, and to say it was a journey is putting it mildly. The day started bright and early in Puerto Princesa, where we were picked up before sunrise by Lagum’s van for the long drive down to the southernmost tip of Palawan. It’s not the smoothest…