Planning A Philippines Vacay? Here's Your Budget-Friendly Guide

The Philippines is the ultimate destination when seeking the perfect blend of beach retreat, nature immersion, and historical discovery. The archipelagic country in Southeast Asia is also a cost-effective destination for Indian travellers, offering cheaper food, shopping, and lodging options. The Indian rupee is stronger than the Philippine peso, with INR 1 equalling PHP 0.69. Budget travellers can expect to spend around INR 2,500-4,000 per day, including transportation, meals, accommodation, and some activities. However, travel costs vary depending on the traveller's style and destination.

Top Attractions

The Philippines offers a variety of unique places to visit. Boracay has white sand beaches and lively nightlife, Palawan is a nature-lover's paradise with an underground river and beautiful islands, and Bohol is known for its Chocolate Hills, tarsiers, and beaches. Siargao is the surfing capital, Cebu has historical sites and waterfalls, Batanes is a peaceful escape, and Sagada offers a tranquil retreat with rice terraces and waterfalls. Davao City is great for nature and wildlife, Camiguin has diverse landscapes, and Manila has a rich history and cultural landmarks.

Visa

Indian citizens entering the Philippines for tourism purposes must apply for a tourist visa at the embassy. A single-entry, three-month temporary visitor visa costs INR 3,520. The average visa processing time is 10-15 days.

Currency

The designated currency in the Philippines is the peso (PHP). According to the current exchange rate, INR 1 equals PHP 0.69. To save money, consider planning your trip during the off season (June to October) when you can find more affordable accommodations and airfares.

Flights

Major airlines connect India to the Philippines. The flight duration ranges from six to ten hours, depending on the route and layovers. The cost of a single round trip is approximately INR 30,000. You can get the best deals and prices if you travel off-season.

Accommodation

In the Philippines, budget-friendly accommodations start at INR 1,238 per night. Private rooms cost an average of INR 1,418, while dorm beds in Manila average INR 1,668. Whether you're in Boracay, Bohol, or Manila, there are options to suit every budget.

Local Travel

The best way to get around the different islands is to hop on a ferry. You can pre-book your spot on one via 12go.com. A ticket costs between INR 371 and INR 600. On land, shuttles, tuk-tuks, mopeds and buses are the dominant modes of transport. Hailing a ride on them costs approximately INR 30, varying according to distance.

Dining

In Philippines, you can enjoy a delicious spread without shelling out a lot of money. The average cost for a three-course meal in a mid-range restaurant would be approximately INR 850. Street food costs even less, with a filling meal costing approximately INR 100. If you want to enjoy a beer, the local bar fixes you up a pint for as little as INR 80.

Shopping

You can return from Philippines with a bag full of interesting souvenirs like colourful woven mats that sell for approximately INR 200. Local sweets like pastillas de leche and hapia are also great gifts and cost approximately INR 71. Other favourite souvenirs include miniature jeepneys, local coffee and coconut-based products—the cost for each ranges from INR 214 to INR 600.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit the Philippines is from December to February. During this period, the temperatures are cooler with relatively less rainfall. From March to May, the weather turns hotter. The months following May are still bearable and considered off-season, which means you can find cost-effective flights and accommodations.