How to Travel Cheap in the Philippines

So you’re done with your research and itinerary. You are excited but having doubts at the same time. Worry not, I know how you feel ‘coz I was in your shoes 4 years ago. So while I was traveling last week in the Visayas I was reminded of the first time I did solo travel in the Philippine. Hope this guide on “How to Travel Cheap in the Philippines” would be of help to the new breed of travelers out there.

What to expect and what to do when you finally arrive at your destination?

Take the Public Utility Vehicle

Usually you arrive at your destination via airplane. You get out of the plane and get your check-in baggage (sucks right? told you to limit the baggage to 7kgs hand-carry). As soon as you leave the airport gate you are swarmed with all the drivers speaking dialects you don’t understand. Walk on, ask the security guard where is the airport exit and take the public utility vehicle from there (jeepney, tricycle, habal-habal). For a change, try not to take the taxi. I tell you, it would save you a lot of money. Ask the driver to bring you to downtown (you can ask where to eat). Enjoy and breath some fresh air!

Cebu Colorful Multicabs- cheaper than Taxi

Go to the Public Market

At the city center or downtown, look for the public market. Whenever I find myself in a new place, I always look for the public market. Usually you can find the terminal near the public market. Or the public transportation going to the terminal. Also near the area you find the cheapest and freshest food. This is the first real encounter with culture. Observe. Observe. Observe. You will find local produce familiar and weird to your eyes. Savor the experience!

Where I ate my breakfast yesterday, Php55 for two viands and 2 cups of rice.

Eat Local

And since you are already at the market, try to sample local food. Most are found near the market. In Dumaguete, eat budbud and tsokolate; Cebu has lechon; Davao has lots of fruits; CDO offers the sweetest pineapples; batchoy is Iloilo’s pride; Vigan has the sumptuous orange empanada and Tuguegarao will fill your belly with pancit batil patung.

Spicy Boneless Lechon at Cebu

Ask the locals what’s the best. They will be more than willing to assist a visitor.

Try to master local phrases

You can’t learn the dialect in a single trip, unless you are staying for a month. So try to ask the basics like ‘good morning’ delicious’ ‘how are you’ ‘how much’ ‘where’ ‘when’ ‘let’s eat’ ‘yes’ ‘no,’ Jot down at least 10 words/phrases. It will be useful, trust me. Makasabot nako ug Bisaya.

Do you know that Visayan-speaking locals find it amusing when Tagalogs try to speak their local dialect?

Look for the Tourism Office

It would be very helpful to look for the tourism office. They know where is the best place to go. When I visit tourism offices, I always ask “What is the highlight of your province/city/town?” I don’t usually visit everything that a province/destination has to offer. It is tiring and I don’t think people should travel just for the sake of seeing this or that. A destination should be enjoyed and experienced. It sucks when you go to a tourist spot and then spend 5-1o minutes taking photos of it then you go again to the next and the next. I don’t think it’s called travel.

Befriend a local

If there is one tip I would like for you to remember. This is it! Befriending a local is the best experience you will ever have while on the road. Apparently, you don’t need a guide book or a big budget to do this. You just have to be natural and as you are. It always starts with a smile or a simple question. When you are about to leave, don’t forget to get his/her number, Facebook or whatever that will keep you connected. Don’t forget to invite him/her to your place and tour him/her around.

Cebu friends- Shyne, Maou and Rea

Cathe. A friend of a friend who became my friend and now became my sister.

When you befriend a local, you can always return to that place and when you return, you return not as a tourist anymore but as a friend.

Volunteer

This is not yet widely practiced in the Philippines but I’m seeing a lot of travelers doing this already. I was able to stay in Palawan for almost a year because I volunteered in one of the organizations helping young people in leadership. I heard there are farms in Northern Luzon that offers free accommodation in exchange for a half-day work in the farm. This needs more exploration as opportunities to volunteer are everywhere. If you got any information please share on the comments section.

One way of volunteering? Helping roast lunch later…

Hope the things I said help you on your next adventure. Did I forget anything? Please feel free to share your “cheap traveling secret” below. Thanks in advance!

Should you ask for more tips, try to read my past articles:

How to Start Your Own Backpacking Trip

Make Your Trip ‘UNFORGETTABLE”

8 Travel Tips for Backpackers

25 Things To Do While Traveling