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- A Few More Budget-Friendly Locations to Check Out in the Philippines
Summary
- The Philippines offers a wide range of budget-friendly destinations for travelers, including Coron, Palawan, Vigan, and Catanduanes.
- These destinations offer stunning natural landscapes, historical sites, and affordable accommodations, making them ideal for budget-conscious travelers.
- From private boat rides in Coron to colonial vibes in Vigan and island hopping in Catanduanes, there are plenty of activities to enjoy while keeping costs low in the beautiful country of the Philippines.
The Philippines is composed of over 7,640 islands; hence, there is much to explore. It is one of the ideal destinations for travelers on a budget, and it features a wide range of choices for a budget-friendly vacation. The country has diverse tourism featuring various mountains, rich in marine life, history, and stunning views. To further explore the country, listed below are the cheapest places to visit in the beautiful country of the Philippines.
UPDATE: 2023/09/12 16:45 EST BY JASON DOOKERAN
A Few More Budget-Friendly Locations to Check Out in the Philippines
With so much to see, there's no shortage of budget-friendly spots to visit. This update offers four more budget-friendly locations. All accommodations mentioned were chosen due to several factors, chief among them being a minimum rating of 7.0 and a budget-friendly price for travelers.
Coron, Palawan
The island of Palawan is the country’s hidden gem, and by that, it means hidden beaches and water caves. Its white-sand beaches and turquoise-clear waters are surrounded by lush green forests and rock formations. Coron offers a more adventurous experience than other beaches on the island of Palawan. It is indeed a haven, especially for honeymooners, because it’s like the Maldives but cheaper and more private. A private boat ride only costs $43 and is still negotiable; tourists can also bring food or let the crews cook without having the need to pay additional charges.
- Recommended Tour: Coron Island Tour ( A Shared Tour)
- Duration: 8 hours
- Cost: From $29 USD per adult
Vigan
One of the most iconic travel destinations in the Philippines is the historic city of Vigan. The city is highly historical because Spanish Spaniards settled in the city during the Spanish colonization of the Philippines. In fact, it is included in the list of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites; the city truly gives a colonial vibe. The Liberation Boulevard is a perfect accommodation place for travelers on a budget; it features comfortable transient rooms to stay.
- Recommended Tour: Vigan & Laoag Private Tour
- Duration: 5-8 hours
- Cost: From $202.67 per adult
Catanduanes
One of the most visited islands by couples is the island province of Catanduanes, which is also said to be one of the cheapest destinations in the country. Catanduanes features its wonderful pastoral hills and mountainside as well as a beautiful coastline. The best thing to enjoy here includes island hopping on Palumbanes Islands, surfing, and locating the tidal pools within the region. The cost of the accommodation only ranges from $10 to $24 per night.
- Recommended Tour: Catanduanes 360 Full-Day Tour
- Duration: 8 hours
- Cost: From $140 USD per adult, depending on the group's size
Antipolo City
Antipolo City is the capital of Rizal Province; it is a go-to destination for people coming from Manila for getaways. The city features fascinating landscapes and has an elevated topography, making it a perfect escape from the metro. Plenty of affordable resorts and cozy cafes can be found in Antipolo, and these are all budget-friendly. Maura’s Place offers stunning panoramic sunset views of the city. One of the most known resorts here is the Luljetta’s Hanging Gardens Spa, with a starting price of $17 per night.
- Recommended Tour: Skip the Line: Hike, Eat Swim at Mount Purro Nature Reserve
- Duration: 2-10 hours
- Cost: From $21.8 USD per adult
San Juan, Siquijor
The mysterious island of Siquijor is one of the most underrated travel destinations in the Philippines. When people visit Siquijor, most of them would stay in the town of San Juan because it offers very dramatic sunset views, which visitors love the most. Another reason for staying in San Juan is highly affordable hotels and resorts from $14 per night, and most of these are beachfront or located near the coastline. The best tourist attractions here are Cambugahay Falls, Paliton, Butterfly Sanctuary, Salagdoong Cliff Jump, and many more waterfalls and beaches.
- Recommended Tour: Siquijor Island Tour
- Duration: 3 days
- Cost: From $87.18 USD per adult
Baler, Aurora
Located in the northern part of Luzon is the coastal district of Baler, Aurora. Baler is one of the most affordable travel destinations as most of the attractions only charge minimal fees, and the bus rides are definitely cheap. There are a lot of historical sites within this town, including Museo de Baler. It is mostly known as a true haven for surfers because of its surfing waves. The biggest Balete tree in Asia can also be found here. Accommodation costs around $17 only.
- Accommodation: Kahanamoku Bed & Breakfast
- Address: Purok 7, Barangay Zabali, Baler 3200
- Amenities: Coffee Shop, Garden, Beach Access
Camiguin Island
Camiguin Island is the second-smallest island in the Philippines; it is located in the northern part of Mindanao and has so much to offer to every visitor. Despite being a small island, Camiguin is surprisingly packed with a lot of attractions and things to do that are relatively cheap. The lowest price for accommodation is only $5 per night, with free parking and free WiFi. Aside from having one of the most beautiful waters and white sand beaches in the Philippines, Camiguin is also home to hot springs, Nature Park, and waterfalls.
- Recommended Tour: Camiguin Land Tour
- Duration: 5-6 hours
- Cost: From $380 USD per group ( Up to 10)
Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro
Home to wonderful beaches in the town of Puerto Galera in Oriental Mindoro. In fact, it was awarded as the World’s Most Beautiful Bay in 2005 by the Les Plus Belles Baies Du Monde, a Paris-based organization. The most popular beach destination in town is White Beach; the most affordable accommodation place here starts at $20 per night. Island hopping is also a top activity by the visitors which is also relatively inexpensive. Visitors can also hike to Tamaraw Falls, a twin waterfall that flows through the human-made swimming pools.
- Recommended Tour: PUERTO GALERA Island Hopping & Snorkeling
- Duration: 5-6 hours
- Cost: From $64 USD per adult
Tagaytay City, Cavite
Aside from Antipolo City, Tagaytay is also a go-to place for the people in the metro to unwind. Tagaytay gives a calm feeling to its visitors because of the nature and fresh air in the city. The cheapest thing to do here is to see the Taal Volcano, which features a beautiful sunrise; this is a free experience and a free therapy for some. The famous attraction here, aside from the Taal Volcano is the Sky Ranch, People’s Park in the Sky, Picnic Grove, and many more. Hotels here cost $20 per night.
- Recommended Tour: PanoramicTagaytay Ridge Tour from Manila
- Duration: 7 hours
- Cost: From $150 USD per adult
Baguio City
What’s interesting about Baguio is that most of the popular attractions here are free; all the visitors need is accommodation, bus fare, and food. For only $60 dollars, a person can already have an excellent yet quick vacation. Baguio is truly one of the most beautiful cities in the Philippines, and it provides numerous picturesque views of various attractions. Things to enjoy here include Burnham Park, Mines View Park, Baguio Botanical Garden, Bell Church, Kenon Road, museums, etc. The cheapest comfortable accommodation place costs $10 per night.
- Recommended Tour: Baguio City Tour with Lunch
- Duration: 8 hours
- Cost: From $105 USD per adult
Bataan, Central Luzon
Located in the region of Central Luzon, Bataan is a destination in the Philippines famous for its history and laid-back atmosphere. All over the city are stunning buildings and memorials that shine a light on the city’s historic past. Besides the history, Bataan is also a place to enjoy relaxation as the city is endowed with charming beaches, impressive waterfalls, and towering mountains. In Bataan, tourists will enjoy activities such as hiking, swimming, and kayaking. Prices for some historic tours in the province may be expensive, but other outdoor activities and things such as transportation and food are cheap even by backpacker standards.
- Recommended Tour: Indigenous Forest Experience Manila 2022
- Duration: 10-12 hours
- Cost: From $160 USD per adult
Intramuros, Manila
Intramuros is one of the numerous historic places one can visit in the Philippines on a budget. Also known as - the Walled City, Intramuros is located in the capital city of the Philippines and is endowed with hundreds of years of Spanish history. During the exploration of this historic area, one will be met with old churches, beautiful stone fortresses, impressive cathedrals, and museums rich with artifacts ranging from cultural to artistic, musical, and historic. Many of these attractions come with surprisingly cheap price tags, and with 30-minute Kasela rides costing less than $10, one can easily drive around and have a wonderful time here without straining their pockets. As with many other parts of the country, food, water, and transportation are budget-friendly in Intramuros.
- Recommended Tour: Experience Intramuros with Bamboo Bicycle - Ecotours
- Duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes
- Cost: From $37.34 USD per adult
Cagsawa Ruins
One of the most unusual attractions in the Philippines is the Cagsawa Ruins. These are the remnants of a 16th-century Franciscan church that was built in the town of Cagsawa in 1587. It had a tumultuous history, first being destroyed by Dutch pirates in 1636 and then destroyed again by a volcanic eruption.
Today, the ruins are located in Barangay Busay, Cagsawa and are protected in Cagsawa Park. The ruins may remind visitors of the famous ruins of Pompeii - the famous Roman city destroyed by a volcano or the Caribbean island of Montserrat's capital of Plymouth, also buried under volcanic ash.
- Recommended Tour: Experience Intramuros with Bamboo Bicycle - Ecotours
- Duration: 1 Hour
- Cost: Entry Fee Approx. $1
Cebu City
Cebu City is one of the Philippines' top tourist destinations. It is the most populated city in the Visayas and has a population of around 1 million people. It is the hub from which the Visayas revolve and enjoys a booming tourist industry. Around two million foreigner flocks to Cebu annually.
Prime attractions of the city include its white-sand beaches and spectacular diving - plus, it is full of lively bars and emerging eateries. Cebu City is the urban embodiment of tourism in the Philippines. It is also the oldest city in the Philippines and is nicknamed in the Phillippines - the Queen City of the South. Like in the rest of the Philippines, prices in Cebu are rarely great.
- Recommended Tour: Private Cebu & Lapu-Lapu City Tour
- Duration: 6+ Hours
- Cost: $69
Panglao Island
Known for its pristine beaches and vibrant marine life, Panglao offers budget-friendly beachfront accommodations and delectable street food. Adventurers can explore the famed Alona Beach, go island hopping to uninhabited islets, or snorkel at Danao Beach on a shoestring budget. A visit to the Hinagdanan Cave and the historic Baclayon Church adds cultural depth without denting one's wallet. Panglao Island, where thrifty dreams meet tropical paradise.
- Recommended Tour: Bohol Island Countryside Wonders Guided Tour
- Duration: Full Day
- Cost: From $68.00 USD per adult
Boracay, Malay
This tropical haven offers wallet-friendly accommodations in Station 3 and Bulabog Beach, allowing visitors to relish the island's natural beauty without breaking the bank. Budget adventurers can indulge in local street food, embark on island-hopping adventures, and partake in exciting water sports. Boracay's famed White Beach is a cost-free paradise, while sunsets at Willy's Rock are priceless.
- Recommended Tour: Boracay Sunset Cruise
- Duration: 2 hours
- Cost: From $16.42 USD per adult
Iloilo City
This vibrant city offers a range of wallet-friendly accommodations, from cozy guesthouses to budget-friendly hostels. Street food stalls tempt with delectable local dishes at wallet-friendly prices. Exploring the city's rich heritage, including the Molo Church and historic Calle Real, provides an enriching cultural experience without straining one's travel budget. Nearby Guimaras Island, renowned for its sweet mangoes, is easily accessible for budget-conscious adventurers.
- Recommended Tour: Iloilo Fishing Port Tour and Local Market Food Trip
- Duration: 2 hours
- Cost: From $16.16 USD per adult
Siargao
This tropical paradise offers a myriad of budget-friendly accommodations, including beachfront hostels and cozy guesthouses in General Luna. Street food stalls dish out mouthwatering local flavors at modest prices. Adventurers can chase waves at Cloud 9 and explore tidal pools and lagoons without splurging. This island paradise's budget requirements are among the lowest travelers can encounter in the Philippines.
- Recommended Tour: Siargao Island Hopping & land Tour
- Duration: 8-10 hours
- Cost: From $107.00 USD per adult