Monday, September 16, 2013

Top 10 Philippine Backpacking Destinations Under a ₱5,500 Budget


  

Whenever I go to Domestic Destinations here in the Philippines, I’d like to go to as many places as possible so that I can maximize my time wisely and discover  as many provinces in a few days. I’m just a regular employee so I don’t have much leaves that’s why I usually book trips that can be good for the weekend. I usually book my trips from Friday to Sunday. 
      I’m a fan of independent travel. I usually plan my own trips, book my own flights, hotel accommodations and decide on where to go. I really like to plan my travels and I usually plan trips with my close friends. I usually don’t purchase travel packages at travel agencies, or in Deal Sites. I believe that you can find good deals on your own and it’s also cheaper. The good thing about independent travel is that you get to decide where to go and have your own time in where you want to go. Unlike in package tours which are all in schedule and you might get even scammed in areas which are “tourist friendly”.  
      If you think travelling in our country is expensive, well think again. I can suggest to you my Top 10 Philippine Backpacking Routes where you can only spend under a P5, 500 budget.  This includes everything, from  your airfare (promo fare), accommodation, food, transportation, do it yourself tours and “pasalubongs”. You will not only just go to one province under this budget but you can go to at least 2 to 3 destinations in just one weekend Trip. 

*Prices of the Budget Tours were based on my own Travel Experiences over the past few years.
*Prices are subject to change without prior notice.
*Prices are in Philippine Pesos



1.     Dumaguete+ Siquijor

3 Day/2 Nights Dumaguete + Siquijor  Budget per Person

Roundtrip Airplane ticket Manila to Dumaguete (Promo Fare)
1300
Transportation In Dumaguete
  101
Accommodation in Dumaguete (P1600/ 4)
  400
Food in Dumaguete
1295
Round Trip Ferry Boat Ride From Dumaguete to Siquijor
  360
 Accommodation @ Coco Grove Beach Resort (P4100/4)
1025
Late Dinner at Coco Grove Beach Resort
  250
Tricycle Rent for 2 Days (P1500/4) with tour guide
  375
Pasalubong at Sans Rival
  320
Airport Terminal Fee
    40
Total Cost with Airfare, Accommodation, Tour,  Presents
5466














2.     Bacolod  + Iloilo + Guimaras




3 Days / 2 Nights  Bacolod + Iloilo + Guimaras Budget
Roundtrip Airfare Manila to Bacolod ( Seat Sale)
1000
L Fisher Hotel  P1,500 Divided by 3
500
 Zekamps Hotel Guimaras (P 1,500 /3)
500
Food
980
Pasalubong
300
Roundtrip Boat ride from Bacolod to Iloilo
500
Roundtrip Boat ride from Iloilo to Guimaras
30
Other Commuting Expenses
660
Roundtrip Airport Terminal Fee
400
Entrance Fee at The Ruins
60
Entrance Fee at the Beach
15
 Total Cost
4945




3.     Sagada+ Banaue






4 Days / 3 Nights Sagada + Banaue Budget

Roundtrip Aircon Van Transportation ( Gas+ Toll + Expert Driver with Tour Gude) ( 23,000/10)
2,300
Hotel Accommodation 200 per person per night
   600
Food
1,500
Grocery (Snacks + Drinks)
   300
Entrance Fee and Guide on Tourist Spots
   200
Pasalubong
   300
Total Cost
5200

4.     Cagayan De Oro + Camiguin

3 Days/ 2 Nights Cagayan De Oro +  Camiguin Budget
Roundtrip Airfare ( Promo Fare) Manila to Cagayan De Oro
1000
Hotel Accommodation  in Cagayan De Oro 1000/ 3
  333
White Water Rafting in Cagayan De Oro
1500
Food In Cagayan De Oro
  600
Transportation in Cagayan De Oro
  300
Roundtrip Boat Ride  Cagayan De Oro to Camiguin
  500
Hotel Accommodation in Camiguin  (1200/3)
  400
Food In Camiguin
  500
Transportation in Camiguin
  300
Total Cost
5433


5.      CamSur + Albay



3 Days/ 2 Nights Camarines Sur + Legazpi, Albay  Budget

Roundtrip Airfare  Manila to Naga (Promo Fare)
1200
Roundtrip Terminal Fee
  240
Food and Drinks
1050
Accommodation 2 Nights (P3000/3)
1000
Transportation
  460
Wakeboarding  (1 hour)
  250
Lago Del Rey   (1 hour)
  120
Entrance Fee at Cagsawa Ruins
    30
Zipline at Lignon Hill
  200
Go-Kart Racing at Embarcadero De Legazpi (2 rounds)
  150
Pasalubong Shopping
  300
Total Cost
5000
Travel Tips: Cheaper to Drive From Manila to Naga  and just chip in for gas
Related Blog Posts:



6.     Sierra Madre + Real, Quezon


Day Trip Sierra Madre Mountain and Real, Quezon  Budget
Transportation  RT Gas (3000/8pax)
375
Entrance Fee
  35
Food   (3 meals )
500
Open Hut Rental  (400/8pax )
  50
Total Cost
960

Related Blog Posts: Real Quezon Day Trip
Tips: Cheaper if you Drive by yourself to Sierra Madre  and Chip- in for Gas.


7.     Nasugbu  + Tagaytay  


2 Days/ 1 Night Hamilo Coast + Tagaytay
Transportation Rountrip Gas + Toll Fee (3500/6)
  583
Condo for Rent in Hamilo Coast ( Overnight Stay) (5000/6)
  833
Guest Fee (Lean Season)
  300
Groceries (Chips & Drinks)
  200
Food
1200
Total Cost
3116

Travel Tips: On your way to Nasugbu, Batangas, pass by the new Cavitex Road, stay at Hamilo Coast for overnight. Go to the other side and pass by tagaytay and have dinner and desserts  in the famous restaurants in Tagaytay City.


8.     Cebu + Bohol

3 Days / 2 Nights Cebu + Bohol Budget
One-way Airfare Manila to Cebu ( Promo Fare)
  500
Transportation In Cebu
  200
Hotel Accommodation in  Cebu (P2000/ 4)
  500
Food in Cebu
1000
Touring Around Cebu
  200
Ferry Boat Cebu to Bohol
  250
Hotel Accommodation in Bohol (P1600/4)
  400
Food in Bohol
  800
Transportation in Bohol
  400
Touring Around Bohol
  300
One-way Airfare Tagbilaran to Manila ( Promo Fare)
  550
Total Cost with Airfare, Accommodation, Tour,  Presents
5150

















9.     Anawangin + Capones

Anawangin-Capones Day Trip Budget per Head
One way Bus ride from Manila to Iba, Zambales via Victory Liner
213
Van ride to Pundaquit
150
 Roundtrip Boat ride to Anawangin – Capones
300
Food/ Drinks (Andok’s Chicken + Grocery Goods + Rice + Dinner in Subic + Softdrinks + Alcoholic Beverages)
500
Tricycle ride to the town Center
50
Bus ride from the Town Center to Iba, Zambales
40
Bus Ride from Iba, Zambales to Manila
213
Total
1466

Related Blog Posts: Anawangin Capones Day Trip
Tips: Cheaper if you Drive by yourself to Zambales and Chip- in for Gas.

10.  Baguio + Bolinao + Dagupan


 Bolinao + Dagupan + Baguio in 2 Days/ 1 Night  Tour Cost
Regular Bus Ride Cubao to Dagupan
P350
Food 
 653
Enchanted Cave Entrance Fee
P 90
Beach Resort Cottage Use, Parking and Bathroom Fee (300 +100+70)/7
P 68
Ordinary Bus Ride Dagupan to Baguio
P130
Taxi Ride in Baguio (4 trips) 400/7
P 60
Pasalubong
P300
Accommodation  ( Homestay)
Free
Regular Bus ride Baguio to Cubao
P450
Total Cost
P2101

Related Blog Posts: Bolinao Baguio Dagupan Adventure
Tips: Cheaper if you Drive by yourself to Pangasinan and Chip- in for Gas.

Additional Tour:
11. Las Casas Filipinas Acuzar+ Anvaya Cove + Anawangin
4 Days 3 Night Bataan-Zambales Itinerary and Cost  per person
Day 1
Roundtrip Manila to Subic Gas and Toll (P4000/10pax)
Hotel (P8,000 per Day x 3 Days / 10 pax)
P     400
     2400
Las Casas Filipinas Acuzar Entrance Fee and Food
     1000
Day 2
Anawangin- Capones-Nagsasa Island Hopping  and Food Expense
      800
Day 3
Anvaya Cove  Guest Fee is P 400 with use of Pool Amenities and 250 Consumable of Food and Drinks
      500
Day 4
Shopping and Food Trip
       500
TOTAL Expense
 P 5,600


For Related Blog Post : The Ultimate Bataan- Zambales Tour
Travel Tips
-          Finalize your itinerary, travel companions and budget ASAP.
-          Flights and accommodations are cheaper when you book them in advanced.
-          Check regularly promos (Piso Fare, Zero Fare, 10 Php Fare, 100Php Fare) and discounts of airline websites.
-          When you see a low-priced airfare, book it immediately. #booklangngbook
-          Book your friends immediately, they will have no choice but to come with you since they already have a ticket. (Joke)
-          Research on Hotels which are affordable and which is also located at the city centre
-          Buy guidebooks, and read travel blogs to look for the must-see places especially when travelling abroad.
-          Research as many websites as possible, when looking for destinations that suit you.
-          In order to save money, do walking tour of the city, you can also burn calories as well.
-           If you have a relative or a friend who lives there, ask if you can stay at their home.
-          To save more, I advise to travel in a group of 3 in order to divide your expenses.
-          You might save more money if you drive up to a place and chip in for gas
-          When you get to the place, ask for a free map at the airport in order to not get lost.
-          When booking flights, do not purchase a seat selector anymore, hot meals or even a 15 Kilo luggage. Remember that you’re only travelling for a few days.
-          Travel Light!


Note: Suggested Tours are advisable for backpackers & adventures seekers ages 16 to 45 Yrs.