A Backpacker's Practical Guide to the Philippines
A BACKPACKER’S PRACTICAL GUIDE TO THE PHILIPPINES By Rocío Paloma The Philippines has surprisingly gained 534 more islands now making it an eastern archipelago of 7,641 islands. Boasting with countless white sand beaches, virgin islands, blue-green coves, hidden cold and hot springs, majestic rice terraces, volcanos and mountains, the country is doubtlessly an enchanted paradise earning its popularity among backpackers across the globe. It is challenging to decide where to go first for its “off the beaten path” reputation yet it appears that many have weathered past it. How does a traveller have to prepare for the Philippines? Quite similar planning compared with others perhaps but here are a few random tips to survive the Pearl of the Orient: 1. Know the gateway Manila is the main entry to paradise but Cebu is also another option if coming from select Asian countries. It is essential to decide on what activities to take as each of the major islands (Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao) has unique topographical traits. In Luzon, rice terraces and sand dunes are situated up north, and surf sites can be found in its west and east sides via La Union and Aurora provinces. Expect to do a lot of island hopping, river hunting, diving and food tripping in Southern Luzon and all of Visayas. For white water rafting, surfing, pineapple fields and longest ziplines, Mindanao is the best bet. The gateway has a lot of input to maneuvering around the Philippines so decide well because no one really wants to get stranded in an island when the following day is the scheduled flight back home.
Banaue Rice Terraces. ©Craig Glandorf // flickr
Kawa Hot Bath in Antique Province. ©Win Concha // instagram/wiiindirection
2. Research and plan with a local An advance research on the “must” do, visit and see in the Philippines would immensely help in crafting that trip. Preferred locations are always dependent on planned activities making it worthwhile to find a local friend (try couchsurfing.com or withlocals.com) for tips and secrets not found on the web. Friendly locals may share information on where to find tasty and affordable food, which transportation modes and routes to take, when the best time to go is, and which islands are best to see. It is only advisable to avoid Boracay Island, Palawan, Davao and Cebu during the peak season or visit them on lean. To experience real Filipino culture without breaking the bank, go to the less touristy places guaranteed to satisfy that sought-after tropical life. Take the routes to any of these - Quezon Province, Bicol Region, Mountain Province, Antique, Siquijor, Zamboanga Peninsula, Ilocos Region, Romblon Province and Biliran Province, among others. Popularity does not always equate with the ideal.
Cresta De Gallo, Sibuyan Island in Romblon Province. ©Marj Marasigan // instagram/bemarj
Sambawan Island in Biliran Province. ©Angelique Borja//instagram/thewanderangel
3. Become used to Southeast Asia (SEA) Imagine a column of street vendors, roads crowded with motorbikes and anything seemingly complex to the senses. These are just a few distinct characteristics about SEA countries. Assume that the Philippines share the same attributes but a comforting fact is that these exist only in the main commercialized areas. Nevertheless, be ready for anything charmingly disorganized. The following tips may be useful: Travel light. Cliché, but yes. Purchase consumable items in the supermarkets or local convenience stores A.K.A “sari-sari store” Use gadgets discreetly while on streets or restaurants. Bring tightly snugged body bag that can be worn under clothing. Travel with a local, if possible. Converse with locals. Filipinos speak good English. They are also very friendly and compassionate that they would always be willing to help in any way they can. Rent a motorbike or bicycle in the provinces. International licenses are not required but recommended. Stay for 1 to 2 days only, when in Manila. Leave the modern society at once to immerse in the local life at the provinces. Try the street food and eat at the “carinderia” or canteens instead of restaurants. 5. Know when to visit There are only two seasons in the Philippines – wet and dry. June to October is generally the wet months when typhoons and rains are often experienced (at least 20 typhoons visit the country every year). Accommodation, tour and airline rates during this time are fairly low that travellers still choose to come by and spend longer periods in the provinces despite the anticipated “bed” weather. The only downside of this season is the possibility of staying longer in the islands and wait until boats or planes are allowed to go. The rest of the year, from November to April, is considered the dry months and these are divided into two tourism seasons. Late November to mid-February are the best months to take a trip considering a lean number of tourists and rates are still low, despite having a fair weather and temperature between 23 and 30 degrees. Late February until May are the driest months and is considered the country’s summer season with temperature between 30 and 40 degrees. Although these months have the clearest skies to achieve a perfect tan line, it is good to consider that airline, hotel and tour operators offer the highest rates during this period. Not to mention, thousands of tourists both local and foreign flock to common vacation spots. So, choose the timing, activities and locations well. 6. Book ahead with local airlines The typical public transportation from Manila to Luzon is by bus, running between 4 and 16 hours depending on location. There are only 3 gateways up north – via Tueguegarao, Laoag or to the remote Batanes Island if taking the plane. Going south gives a traveller more transportation options whether by bus, ship or plane. To save money, one would benefit from an overnight bus or ship. To save time, the airplane is always the paramount alternative. Here is a listing of airlines in the Philippines.
Cebu Pacific – number one in selling promo flights year-round with the usual policy of book now and fly at a later date (www.cebupacificair.com) AirAsia – next in line for promos, also have year-round sales with a slight variation in policy – book now, fly now – but sometimes, at a later date as well (www.airasia.com/ph) Tiger Air – in partnership with Cebu Pacific, although this airline has very few destinations, it also offers promos and discounts Philippine Airlines – the first airline company in the Philippines, promos and discounts are available but is less often offered than Cebu Pacific. However, PAL’s rates are cheaper by its hidden charges compared with others (www.philippineairlines.com) Skyjet Airlines – this airline is exclusive to select hard-to-reach destinations including Batanes Island, Coron Island, Boracay Island via Caticlan and Siargao Island. Rates are quite pricey but they also offer promos from time to time (www.flyskyjetair.com) Airswift – another airline exclusive to select islands, they also offer promos but very seldom. Destinations include El Nido in Palawan, Boracay Island via Caticlan and Cebu City (www.air-swift.com)
7. Accommodation Backpackers usually find Manila lacking in hostels. In the past 5 years however, there have been newly-built commercial hostels in Metro Manila, specifically in the cities of Makati and Manila, to accommodate more visiting tourists. Although a bit more expensive than other countries, these hostels are situated in prime locations where food and transportation are accessible. If money is a big concern though, there are a few other options to consider. Book a room through Airbnb, find a host through Couchsurfing or look for discounted rooms in Booking.com and Agoda. It is not guaranteed that cities offer cheap accommodations, rest assured though that local municipalities in the provinces offer homestays and inns with prices ranging between 300 to 500 PHP per person per night. This can be haggled as well.
~~~ One could take delight in extra independence when planning a trip to the Philippines. Quite refreshing that almost everything can be arranged by making deals with locals in the provinces. While visibly developed in urban operations, provinces seem left behind. But like all other travellers, they find it better to go back to the basics for the real charm is in the undiscovered.
Banaue Rice Terraces. ©Craig Glandorf // flickr
Kawa Hot Bath in Antique Province. ©Win Concha // instagram/wiiindirection
2. Research and plan with a local An advance research on the “must” do, visit and see in the Philippines would immensely help in crafting that trip. Preferred locations are always dependent on planned activities making it worthwhile to find a local friend (try couchsurfing.com or withlocals.com) for tips and secrets not found on the web. Friendly locals may share information on where to find tasty and affordable food, which transportation modes and routes to take, when the best time to go is, and which islands are best to see. It is only advisable to avoid Boracay Island, Palawan, Davao and Cebu during the peak season or visit them on lean. To experience real Filipino culture without breaking the bank, go to the less touristy places guaranteed to satisfy that sought-after tropical life. Take the routes to any of these - Quezon Province, Bicol Region, Mountain Province, Antique, Siquijor, Zamboanga Peninsula, Ilocos Region, Romblon Province and Biliran Province, among others. Popularity does not always equate with the ideal.
Cresta De Gallo, Sibuyan Island in Romblon Province. ©Marj Marasigan // instagram/bemarj
Sambawan Island in Biliran Province. ©Angelique Borja//instagram/thewanderangel
3. Become used to Southeast Asia (SEA) Imagine a column of street vendors, roads crowded with motorbikes and anything seemingly complex to the senses. These are just a few distinct characteristics about SEA countries. Assume that the Philippines share the same attributes but a comforting fact is that these exist only in the main commercialized areas. Nevertheless, be ready for anything charmingly disorganized. The following tips may be useful: Travel light. Cliché, but yes. Purchase consumable items in the supermarkets or local convenience stores A.K.A “sari-sari store” Use gadgets discreetly while on streets or restaurants. Bring tightly snugged body bag that can be worn under clothing. Travel with a local, if possible. Converse with locals. Filipinos speak good English. They are also very friendly and compassionate that they would always be willing to help in any way they can. Rent a motorbike or bicycle in the provinces. International licenses are not required but recommended. Stay for 1 to 2 days only, when in Manila. Leave the modern society at once to immerse in the local life at the provinces. Try the street food and eat at the “carinderia” or canteens instead of restaurants. 5. Know when to visit There are only two seasons in the Philippines – wet and dry. June to October is generally the wet months when typhoons and rains are often experienced (at least 20 typhoons visit the country every year). Accommodation, tour and airline rates during this time are fairly low that travellers still choose to come by and spend longer periods in the provinces despite the anticipated “bed” weather. The only downside of this season is the possibility of staying longer in the islands and wait until boats or planes are allowed to go. The rest of the year, from November to April, is considered the dry months and these are divided into two tourism seasons. Late November to mid-February are the best months to take a trip considering a lean number of tourists and rates are still low, despite having a fair weather and temperature between 23 and 30 degrees. Late February until May are the driest months and is considered the country’s summer season with temperature between 30 and 40 degrees. Although these months have the clearest skies to achieve a perfect tan line, it is good to consider that airline, hotel and tour operators offer the highest rates during this period. Not to mention, thousands of tourists both local and foreign flock to common vacation spots. So, choose the timing, activities and locations well. 6. Book ahead with local airlines The typical public transportation from Manila to Luzon is by bus, running between 4 and 16 hours depending on location. There are only 3 gateways up north – via Tueguegarao, Laoag or to the remote Batanes Island if taking the plane. Going south gives a traveller more transportation options whether by bus, ship or plane. To save money, one would benefit from an overnight bus or ship. To save time, the airplane is always the paramount alternative. Here is a listing of airlines in the Philippines.
Cebu Pacific – number one in selling promo flights year-round with the usual policy of book now and fly at a later date (www.cebupacificair.com) AirAsia – next in line for promos, also have year-round sales with a slight variation in policy – book now, fly now – but sometimes, at a later date as well (www.airasia.com/ph) Tiger Air – in partnership with Cebu Pacific, although this airline has very few destinations, it also offers promos and discounts Philippine Airlines – the first airline company in the Philippines, promos and discounts are available but is less often offered than Cebu Pacific. However, PAL’s rates are cheaper by its hidden charges compared with others (www.philippineairlines.com) Skyjet Airlines – this airline is exclusive to select hard-to-reach destinations including Batanes Island, Coron Island, Boracay Island via Caticlan and Siargao Island. Rates are quite pricey but they also offer promos from time to time (www.flyskyjetair.com) Airswift – another airline exclusive to select islands, they also offer promos but very seldom. Destinations include El Nido in Palawan, Boracay Island via Caticlan and Cebu City (www.air-swift.com)
7. Accommodation Backpackers usually find Manila lacking in hostels. In the past 5 years however, there have been newly-built commercial hostels in Metro Manila, specifically in the cities of Makati and Manila, to accommodate more visiting tourists. Although a bit more expensive than other countries, these hostels are situated in prime locations where food and transportation are accessible. If money is a big concern though, there are a few other options to consider. Book a room through Airbnb, find a host through Couchsurfing or look for discounted rooms in Booking.com and Agoda. It is not guaranteed that cities offer cheap accommodations, rest assured though that local municipalities in the provinces offer homestays and inns with prices ranging between 300 to 500 PHP per person per night. This can be haggled as well.
~~~ One could take delight in extra independence when planning a trip to the Philippines. Quite refreshing that almost everything can be arranged by making deals with locals in the provinces. While visibly developed in urban operations, provinces seem left behind. But like all other travellers, they find it better to go back to the basics for the real charm is in the undiscovered.
