How to Travel the Philippines on a Budget

The Philippines is an archipelago of 7,641 islands in Southeast Asia. Its remote location may seem less appealing to some backpackers, who prefer popular overland backpacking hotspots like Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam. Traveling to the Philippines requires careful planning, given the many places to explore and hundreds of islands to discover off the beaten path. Depending on a traveler’s interests, one should either travel or stay for some time to truly enjoy the country’s charm. Western tourists find the Philippines a cheap place to live, but for so-called budget travelers, it might be a little expensive by backpacker standards.

This idea of backpacking is challenging for some locals to understand because of widespread stereotypes; they automatically assume that Westerners have money to spend. They don’t know that budget travelers exist, so being taken advantage of here and there is common. As a result, innocent backpackers are becoming victims of this, and the Philippines is becoming less and less appealing. To break the thinking that Westerners are spoiled brats with plenty of dollars to spend in a third-world country, backpackers should let locals know that, yes, there is such a thing as budget travelers. To do this, one must have the know-how.

Assuming the main reason you’re reading this right now is to get tips from an expert local who knows the ins and outs of getting around, if you really want to travel cheaply, be aware that safety may be at risk. Make sure you are mentally and physically prepared for the hassles and inconveniences of commuting like a local. If you’ve already decided, then, by all means, feel free to follow this guide on how to travel in the Philippines cheaply but safely.

1. So you already have an itinerary and are ready to buy a plane ticket. The most cost-effective option is to take advantage of Cebu Pacific Airlines’ promotional offers. You’ll save a lot if you book really early, but this is not for the fickle-minded; you will definitely pay more if you change your flight. That will cover the rebooking fee for each flight schedule, which may result in you paying more than the cost of the promo ticket you originally booked.

2. Upon arriving at the NAIA airport in Manila (the Philippines’ capital) with all your heavy backpacks, the first thing you’re going to look for is a cab to take you to your hotel or guesthouse. There is no shortage of cabs, as many of them offer rides around the area. Be aware that yellow taxis are the most expensive; the flag-down rate is $1 or more, and drivers may ask you to pay a fixed price. This happens frequently to foreign travelers; they end up paying more than they should, even though the guesthouses are just a few kilometers from the airport. To save, look for the white taxis, whose flag-down rate is P30, or the fare should not cost more than P150 up to Malate, which is the Khao San Road-like backpackers’ hub of Manila. However, some may still insist on a fixed price; if you don’t want to pay more, politely ask to be charged by the meter. If they don’t, the best way is to get out and find another cab.

3. The cheapest mode of transportation to get around Manila or in other cities in the Philippines is by jeepney, which will cost you at least P7 to get to the nearest destination. You can also take the jeepney from the airport, but only if you don’t mind the hassle and inconvenience of putting your backpacks among the other passengers crammed inside. If you plan to stay in Malate, you can save by taking the jeepney. From the NAIA airport, just walk outside the main highway, ignoring the cab drivers yelling to offer you a ride. Several jeepneys are going to Baclaran or the LRT (Metro). When you get off, either way, be sure to take the next ride to Quiapo; you will not miss it because destination signs are clearly posted in front of the jeepneys. Ask the driver to drop you off in Adriatico St. in Malate or near Malate Church.

If you plan to take a jeepney to get around Manila, be sure to research your destinations carefully, as getting from point A to B can be a little confusing at first. Ask the jeepney drivers to drop you off at the exact location you’re headed to. Sometimes, however, when you ask for the fare, they might look at you first, then pause to think about how much they could rip you off. This does not happen all the time, but to be on the safe side, ask passengers for the fare before paying; they know the exact cost to reach your destination. If you’re in a hurry, it’s best to take the metro or a taxi, as jeepneys can be a little annoying when they stop at almost every block to pick up passengers.

4. LRT 1 and 2, and the MRT are the fastest ways to get around the city to avoid annoying traffic. It will only cost you at least P12 to get to the stations. Traveling by metro is easy; the trick is to be familiar with northbound and southbound and check where your destination is. LRT 1 and the MRT might be a hassle if you join the rush hour madness, which usually starts at 5pm during weekdays. Be prepared to be crowded and sometimes pushed in by other passengers waiting at each station.

5. Safe traveling is not an assurance; the same case everywhere you go. It is advisable to leave your expensive jewelry, watches, and accessories at home before arriving in the Philippines. When traveling to cities, particularly Manila, wearing these is definitely an eye-catcher for snatchers and robbers. A foreigner traveling alone already catches attention, so try to keep a low profile by wearing casual or travel clothes with fewer valuable accessories or, better yet, with no expensive jewelry at all. Pickpocketing is common in crowded areas such as Quiapo, Divisoria, Baclaran, and Pasay, where even locals are being robbed. Make sure you don’t bring all your money and avoid putting your wallet or gadgets in the back pocket of your backpack, as they become easy targets.

If you have a body bag or a shoulder bag, don’t put your valuables in it to avoid having it snatched. It’s better to keep your money and cell phone in your pockets. It pays to be a little paranoid in this case, so be aware of the strangers you’re walking with and those who are following you. Change your walking route from time to time if you feel someone is constantly behind you, and avoid walking through dark alleys with fewer people. Be aware of anyone suspiciously eyeing your belongings while you’re on public transportation, especially in jeepneys; if you feel uncomfortable, get off.

6. If you’re traveling very late at night or going back from a late-night party, it would be best to take taxis rather than risk getting robbed on public transportation. If you’re drunk from clubbing or partying, it would be better to get accompanied by someone you know to get back to your guesthouse. Go with the flow and avoid walking in dark areas without streetlights; ask the traffic enforcer or the police for directions.

7. In some cities, particularly in touristy places, you will most likely encounter street children or young beggars harassing you for some money. Don’t patronize them; they should be in school, not out on the streets begging for money. However, it’s still your prerogative to give or not, but it’s best to just ignore them, as some might be robbers disguised as beggars, waiting for the right moment to take advantage of you.

8. When you’re busy shopping in the extreme bargain marketplace, such as Quiapo, Divisoria, and Baclaran, just carry enough cash for shopping; credit cards are not accepted in shopping places like these. Pickpockets are widespread in these areas, so just keep your money and gadgets in your pockets instead of inside your bags.

Haggling is often considered the best way to get a great deal in the marketplace. However, sellers might give you a dirty look if you bargain too much. They may assume foreigners have no reason to haggle because they have the money to travel to the Philippines. Be fair and bargain just like the other locals, no more, no less. Ask other buyers what they paid for the goods before buying. This way, you’ll know if you’re being overcharged or not.

9. Tricycles are found mostly around small towns and residential areas. A tricycle is a little roofed sidecar bolted to a motorcycle. This is a cheap ride that will take you to the nearest town, around the residential blocks, and to the main street or jeepney terminals. You’ll save money if you manage to find the terminal and wait until the tricycle is ready to go, fully packed with passengers, two people inside, and two at the back. You’ll pay at least P15 to reach the destination or any point along the way. This is faster than sidecars or pedicabs, which are bicycles with attached sidecars that seat two passengers. This is common only in certain residential areas and street blocks.

Some might offer you special trips, especially if you’re alone; this is the fastest way to reach your destination; however, you’ll pay a little more. You’ll pay at least P25 for shorter trips around town and up to P200 or more for longer trips in the countryside or if you’re headed out of town. Avoid taking special trips when traveling alone at night; it’s better to be accompanied by a local friend or a fellow traveler. Plan ahead and ask locals about the landmarks of the place you’re headed to; in this way, you’ll know when you’ve already arrived at your destination.

10. Air-conditioned and Non-air-conditioned buses are widely present, especially in Manila. These are slower and often stop to get more passengers. Non-Aircon buses are, of course, way cheaper; you’ll pay at least P15 to go to the nearest destination, but the drivers annoyingly fight their way through the traffic with intense maneuvering. A little bit of a hassle for first-time travelers in Manila, locals had already gotten used to the noise and quick-tempered bus drivers.

Provincial buses operate in several areas of Manila. Bus terminals serving the southern provinces are located at Pasay Rotonda and Buendia, while those heading north are in Cubao along Edsa Highway. Longer trips, ranging from 6-8 hours, usually cost around $10, while non-air-conditioned provincial buses are cheaper, costing around $6 to $7 for the inconvenience.

Keep an eye on your belongings when traveling by bus. When commuting at night, it is safer to avoid sitting too far back and instead sit near the driver. Avoid the temptation to check your cell phone for text messages or answer calls, especially when you’re on a bus or other public transportation. Some clever thieves will sit beside you and watch your every move. The next thing you know, your cell phone has been quickly snatched from your hand. Be aware of your seatmates; if you feel they are suspicious-looking individuals, then, by all means, transfer to another seat or, better yet, get off and take another bus.

These are the basic guidelines for traveling cheaply but safely in the Philippines, which mostly rely on common sense. If you want to save money and navigate the metropolis like a local, then feel the pain of the day-to-day average commuters. No one is safe; even locals are not immune to the risks and inconveniences. Some will rob you, overcharge you, or steal your money, but these can often be avoided by following your instincts. If you can make a quick decision with limited information, or by observing someone or a place, you can avoid risks. You can travel and enjoy this beautiful country while staying safe.

Don’t blame the people for not having a safe country; the poor economy and the government are accountable. Citizens don’t pay very high taxes to clean the streets or maintain wide, well-developed roads. Even if they pay high taxes, where the money goes is still questionable.

For more information on budget travel in the Philippines, please consult the available guidebooks. Do research online, or better yet, ask a local friend. Enjoy the Philippines!

Guest Post by Karen Calansingin

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