The Philippines is a popular destination, attracting millions of visitors annually, with tourism contributing more than 6% to the country’s GDP.

It’s easy to see why many people love the Philippines. With its beautiful islands, stunning beaches, diverse wildlife, and affordability, you don’t have to spend a fortune to have a great trip.

In today’s post, we’ll explore some budget-friendly destinations in the Philippines. But first, let’s cover some important things to know for your visit:

• Stay with locals: Save on accommodation by staying with locals. Apps like Couchsurfing will help you find hosts offering free to low-cost stays, and you can experience the local culture more authentically.
• Group travel: Traveling in a group instead of flying solo can cut costs. Group trips offer more discounts, making them more budget-friendly.
• Food: Eating local will help you save more than eating in tourist trap restaurants. Local meals can cost as low as $1, while tourist restaurants charge as much as $8.
• Transport: Ride-hailing apps like Uber are more affordable than traditional taxis.
• Stay charged: Travel with a power bank, especially when visiting areas with unreliable electricity.
• Internet: Many coworking spaces and restaurants offer free and fast Wi-Fi, which can save you time, as reliable internet can sometimes be hard to find.
• Safety: To protect yourself from theft and robbery, avoid walking around at night and visiting areas with high crime rates.

Also read: Safest cities for female digital nomads!

The tips shared above are important, especially for first-time visitors. Knowing various places you can visit is important, even if you’re on a budget is important.

These tips can be handy if you’re a first-time visitor to the Philippines, helping you save money while making the most of your trip. Now that you’re all set, here are some affordable places you must visit in the Philippines.

Five budget-friendly destinations to visit in the Philippines

Chocolate Hills

The Chocolate Hills, located in Bohol, are sometimes called the Eighth Wonder of the World, and they are famous for resembling giant chocolate truffles during the dry season.

According to folklore, the hills were formed by a fight between two giants throwing stones at each other, while others believe that they were formed from the tears of a giant mourning his lover. However, scientists explain that the Chocolate Hills are leftover limestone deposits from when swamps and rivers were above sea level.

But, regardless of its origin, the Chocolate Hills are a geological marvel, and their breathtaking landscape makes them a must-see.

You can visit any time of the year, with an entrance fee of PHP 150 ($2.69), but the best time of day is during sunrise or sunset.

Although you can’t climb the hills, there is a viewing deck, and if you visit during the dry season, you can explore other activities like swimming and snorkelling.

Magellan’s Cross

Every year, millions of people travel across continents to visit a religious site, and Magellan’s Cross in Cebu, Philippines, is an example. This location symbolizes the arrival of Christianity in the country.

In 1521, a Portuguese explorer, Ferdinand Magellan, arrived in Cebu with his crew. On his arrival, he befriended the Cebu chief, Rajah Humabon, and persuaded him, his wife, and the people to accept and be converted to Christianity. To mark the event, on April 14, 1521, Magellan erected a wooden cross on the city’s shores, and since then, the Cross has become a symbol of faith.

Magellan’s Cross now sits in a small chapel open to the public daily from 8 a.m. to 6 pm Admission is free, and you can visit at any time of the year.

Go Tarsier watching

Tarsiers are among the animals facing extinction due to deforestation and poaching, so they can only be found in sanctuaries to ensure their safety and protection.

They are small creatures, around 9-16cm long, weighing between 80 and 150g, and timid and fragile.

They may harm themselves when frightened by noises, flashlights, or human contact, so it’s important to always listen to the sanctuary staff to keep them comfortable.

There are two popular sanctuaries in the Philippines where you can see tarsiers: Bohol Tarsier Conservation Area and Philippine Tarsier and Wildlife Sanctuary in Corella. The entrance fee varies between sanctuaries, but the Philippine Tarsier and Wildlife Sanctuary costs around PHP 80 ($1.43).

Mayon Volcano

Mayon Volcano, also known as the “perfect cone” due to its shape, stands 2462 metres tall in the province of Albay.

It’s the most active volcano in the Philippines, erupting almost 50 times in the past 400 years. Although climbing to the top is prohibited due to its activity, you can climb up to Camp 2 at 1800 meters.

Fort Santiago

Fort Santiago, located in Intramuros, Manila, has a rich history. Built by the Spanish in 1571 under Martín de Goiti to secure the area, it has been used by various forces, including the Spanish, British, American, and Japanese. The original fort was destroyed in 1574 by a Chinese attack led by Limahong but was repaired later.

Fort Santiago is known for its historical significance and role in the life of the Philippines’ national hero, José Rizal, who was imprisoned there. It’s a must-visit for those interested in the country’s history. It’s a budget-friendly destination that offers a glimpse into the Philippines’ past.

The fort is open daily from 8 a.m. to 11 pm; the entrance fee is PHP 75 ($1.34).

Wrapping up

The Philippines is a great travel destination for travellers on a budget. The best part is that with Grey, you don’t have to worry about payment issues. You can instantly convert and withdraw Philippine pesos directly from your Grey account. Create an account to get started today.