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

Related Blog Posts:
Dumaguete + Siquijor = Surprisingly Amazing

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

Related Blog Posts: Bacolod + Iloilo + Guimaras = Adventure of a Lifetime

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

Related Blog Posts: Sagada It's like your're in heaven

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

 Related Blog Posts:http://www.travelblog.org/Asia/Philippines/Lanao/Marawi-City/blog-544562.html

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:

Cagsawa Ruins

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.

Related Blog Posts: Pico De Loro Hamilo Coast Awesome

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

 Related Blog Posts: Sinulog 2012 Street Party: Wet Wild and Crazy

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.