Explore Tourist Cities in Philippines For Cheap

A tropical vacation, contrary to popular belief, doesn’t always have to be an expensive affair. While azure waters, sandy shores, and sunny beach sides sound exotically paradisiacal, you’d be surprised to know that some of the best beach destinations in the world are accessible for much cheaper prices than you think.

The Philippines is one such country, an archipelago of more than 7000 islands, that offers stunning sandy landscapes on a budget. Sightseeing across some of the most popular tourist cities in the Philippines, in fact, costs nothing more than a few thousand rupees. Picking the right Philippines tour packages plays an important role in this aspect. Choosing flights and accommodations are the next two contributing factors that can help you plan an optimized tropical vacation on a budget.

Here is a detailed look into why the Philippines is the ultimate budget-friendly destination for a topical holiday, and how you can explore iconic Philippines tourist attractions for cheap.

Affordable all-inclusive Philippines tour packages
Cheap day tours
Affordable accommodation options
Local experiences cost much less
Budget-friendly adventure activities
Island hopping on a budget
Tips to explore the best tourist cities in the Philippines on a budget
Wrapping Up: Exploring The Best Tourist Cities in Philippines For Cheap
FAQs

Affordable all-inclusive Philippines tour packages

Aerial view of General Luna Town in Philippines
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/Curioso.Photography

The Philippines is a Southeast Asian country comprising some of the most beautiful landscapes and beaches in the continent. Because of its proximity to India, and because of the general concentration of tourist cities in the Philippines in specific regions throughout the country, most well-curated tour packages are affordable. You will be able to explore several places as part of the package, and stay at some of the best hotels in the Philippines, without worrying much about in-city transit.

Philippines travel packages covering iconic destinations start from as low as Rs. 52, 000, making it easier for you to make a decision, sans any guilt that comes with choosing a self-care escape.

Also Read: Top 7 Beaches in the Philippines for a Tropical Getaway

Cheap day tours

Aerial view of El Nido, Palawan, Philippines
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/R.M. Nunes

Exploring Philippines tourist attractions is cheap and easy, even if you set out solo without booking an all-inclusive package. While there are entry fees to almost every iconic landmark in the country, the charges are delightfully easy on the pocket. You can go on cheap day tours to some of the most famous islands in the Philippines such as Siargao and Negros without burning a hole in your pocket. Choose to take walking tours of the islands or rent two wheelers for cheap while spending time on the islands and save more.

Affordable accommodation options

Tourist enjoying views from a hotel terrace in Philippines
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/kudla

While some of the more popular tourist cities in the Philippines such as Manila and Boracay can be comparatively more expensive than others, many secret gems in the country offer cheap and comfortable accommodation options, including at good-quality hotels.

If you prefer spending less time in your room, and more time outside exploring, you can also avail of cheap dorm accommodations for as low as a few hundred rupees a night. On the other hand, if a private room is important for you, you can look for the best options outside of Manila or Boracay for much cheaper prices, and choose to go sightseeing on ferries – another cheap transit facility for island hopping.

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Local experiences cost much less

Souvenir shops in Cebu, Philippines
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/shuttertoyz

Touring a different country often involves exploring and experiencing the indigenous culture first-hand. This core traveller objective comes at unbeatably affordable prices in the Philippines. Street food for example, one of the top 10 tourist attractions in the Philippines, costs as little as below Rs. 500 sometimes if you choose less-packed eateries. Tourist-centric restaurants also offer great-quality food for reasonable prices.

In the same way, you can partake in local events and festivals without spending too much on anything. This will allow you to learn more about the country and its people, and have a wholesome vacation well within your budget.

Also Read: Philippines Visa Sample Image: How does your Philippines look like

Budget-friendly adventure activities

Tourists snorkelling in the Philippines
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/Aleksei Kornev

A tropical vacation inevitably calls for some water-based adventure. For the same reason, water sports such as scuba diving, snorkelling, and surfing are some of the top 10 tourist attractions in the Philippines. Interestingly, the country is one of the cheapest in the world to learn to dive. Many of the islands provide surprisingly affordable diving lessons for tourists looking to experience the magic underwater. The most popular islands and tourist cities in the Philippines may charge higher, but you can still expect it to be affordable. Exploring these activities on less frequented spots in the country can be a great way to save even more.

Snorkelling is another water activity that costs less than diving. You can also buy snorkelling gear for as low as a few hundred rupees apiece. If water sports are your idea of a thrilling and fun tropical vacation, the Philippines is indeed the place to be.

Island hopping on a budget

Chocolate hills, Bohol island, Philippines
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/Shovon SIS

The Philippines is one of the few places in the world where you can make a comprehensive itinerary spanning multiple islands while still staying within your budget. This is because the country offers cheap ferry services and long-distance buses to travel between islands. Instead of taking flights between different destinations, which can quickly eat into your budget, you can choose to go island hopping on ferries. Some of the islands are accessible via buses too. To save more, you can simply walk through the streets and explore the vibrant Philippines tourist attractions by foot.

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Tips to explore the best tourist cities in the Philippines on a budget

Here are a few additional tips and pointers to help you experience the magic of the Philippines on a budget.

Look for accommodations and dining options outside of tourist-centric destinations like Manila and Cebu to avoid unnecessarily high prices. Instead choose to stay at other more aesthetic tourist cities in the Philippines and visit Manila on a day tour if you must.
Choose to travel between islands and tourist cities by ferry – a cheap and practical way to get around the country.
Experience the local culture and events by foot.
Take walking tours or rent two-wheelers to save money on in-city travelling.
Use cheap Jeepney rides, buses and Uber to travel around longer distances and avoid taxis to prevent spending exorbitant rates on sightseeing.
Choose to explore street food to not only save money, but also get the authentic taste of the country’s cuisine.
Carry your own water bottle to avoid having to purchase bottled water.
Carry items like sunscreen in plenty, as it can be an expensive thing in the Philippines.
Look for cheap flights to Manila and book them around five to six months in advance to get the best deals.
Research and find the most affordable and best hotels in the Philippines to ensure a comfortable and budget-friendly stay.

Also Read: Budget Trip to Bali: Explore Paradise Without Breaking the Bank

Wrapping Up: Exploring The Best Tourist Cities in Philippines For Cheap

The Philippines is one of those breathtakingly picturesque places on earth that surprisingly do not cost an arm and a leg to explore. From offering cheap and easy island hopping facilities to budget-friendly water activities, the country boasts several excellent attractions that make it one of the most affordable yet wholesome tropical holiday destinations in the world. Travellers can satiate their thirst for adventure, sightseeing, or simply lying on the beach with a well-curated Philippines tour.

Look for niche affordable Philippines tour packages and book the lowest air tickets to the Philippines well in advance to maximise your budget. Secure your Philippines visa well ahead to avoid last minute hassles as well.

Quick Summary – Exploring Tourist Cities in Philippines On a Budget

Tropical vacations are often considered expensive, but, not one at the Philippines. The South Asian country is one of the most budget-friendly destinations in the world perfect for a tropical beach vacation. This is because it offers stunning landscapes and spectacular beaches, along with affordable hotels, and cheap transportation options like ferry rides for island hopping. Exploring tourist cities in the Philippines is thus a pocket-friendly affair.

FAQs

Is the Philippines budget-friendly?

Yes, the Philippines is considered one of the most budget-friendly countries in the world to go on a vacation. It offers spectacular beaches, water sports, temples, and other scenic landscapes along with cheap accommodation and transit options, such as ferries. This makes exploring the country on a budget much easier.

What is the Philippines famous for?

The Philippines is famous for its stunning beach landscapes, sandy shores and turquoise waters. It is also renowned for its distinct vibrant culture. Being a beach destination, water sports like snorkeling and scuba diving are some other activities that the country is best known for.

Which month is best to visit the Philippines?

The best time to visit the Philippines is typically during the dry season in the cooler months between November and February. During this period, the country experiences pleasant weather, with little rainfall, cool temperatures, and ample sunshine, perfect for tourist activities like sightseeing and water sports.

Which airline is best to fly to the Philippines?

Some of the most popular and widely booked airlines offering cheap flights to Manila include:

Thai Airways
Air India
Etihad
Malaysia Airlines
Air Asia

Do they speak English in the Philippines?

Yes, English is in fact, one of the official languages of the country and is spoken by a good majority of Filipinos. Most people have a great level of fluency in English, making communication much easier.

Do I need a visa to go to the Philippines?

Yes, Indians require a valid Philippines visa to visit the county on tour. You can apply for a Philippines visa online and get it processed within 10 days, if you choose a reliable travel partner experienced in providing online visa services for 180+ countries.

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