Home › the Philippines › On a budget
the Philippines on a budget: how to do it well
Short answer
Yes, the Philippines works on a budget if you limit flights and share tours. Plan on about ₱2,400 per person per day (bed ₱800, food ₱600, tours ₱800, transport ₱200), with domestic flights and the El Nido–Coron ferry extra.
A realistic daily budget
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | ₱800 | ₱2,500 | ₱7,000 |
| Food & drink | ₱600 | ₱1,200 | ₱3,000 |
| Sights & tickets | ₱800 | ₱1,800 | ₱4,000 |
| Local transport | ₱200 | ₱600 | ₱2,000 |
| Per person, per day | ₱2,400 | ₱6,100 | ₱16,000 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our the Philippines day-cost table.
Free things to do
- Walk Intramuros' walls and San Agustin Church grounds in Manila
- Explore Binondo, Manila's Chinatown
- Swim at Nacpan Beach and Las Cabanas in El Nido
- Watch the sunset over Bacuit Bay
- Snorkel from public beaches
- Hike to Mount Tapyas viewpoint in Coron (small fees may apply)
Cheap eats
- Adobo with rice at a carinderia: about ₱80–150
- Silog breakfast: about ₱100–180
- Grilled fish and rice in El Nido: about ₱300–500
- Lechon by weight: about ₱150–300
- Halo-halo dessert: about ₱80–150
Where to sleep for less
Guesthouses near the piers in El Nido and Coron cost about ₱1,200–2,500 a double, with hostel dorms cheaper.
Getting around cheaply
Tricycles cost ₱50–150 per ride; jeepneys and buses are cheaper. Grab works in Manila and Cebu. Book flights early.
A sample budget day
- Morning: Tour A in El Nido (about ₱1,400–1,800 plus fees)
- Lunch: included on the tour
- Afternoon: swim at Las Cabanas (free)
- Evening: grilled fish dinner (about ₱400)
- Total: about ₱2,200–2,500 per person including a guesthouse share
More ways to save
- Pay the environmental fee once; it lasts 10 days in El Nido.
- Carry cash; ATMs can run out in island towns.
- Travel in December to May but avoid Holy Week for prices.
- Pack light for 7 kg hand-luggage limits.
- Rent a scooter (about ₱500 a day) with a group.
- Bring your own snorkel gear.
Some links on this page are partner links. If you book through them TonyPlan earns a small commission — the price you pay is exactly the same.
Common questions
Can I visit the Philippines on a budget?
Yes, at about ₱2,400 a day with guesthouses and shared tours.
What is the cheapest way between islands?
Ferries where available; book flights early for low fares.
Do I need cash?
Yes; ATMs can be unreliable on small islands.