Planning my first trip to Philippines in the next few months. I've read through a lot of the older threads but wanted to check if the info is still current.
My main questions:
- Best area to stay for easy access to the scene?
- Realistic daily budget?
- Any areas to avoid?
- How welcoming are the locals to foreign visitors?
I'm coming from the UK and have experience in Southeast Asia but this would be my first time in Philippines.
Thanks for any help!
Philippines — what to pack
Started by CardiffChris · 16 Mar 2026 · 538 views
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16 Mar 2026 at 05:10
"Travel is fatal to prejudice." — Cardiff, UK
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16 Mar 2026 at 08:29
Agreed on all points. Make sure to bring small bills.
Yorkshire Lad — Leeds, UK
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16 Mar 2026 at 08:43
What was your total spend roughly? Trying to budget for mine.
"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page."
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16 Mar 2026 at 15:45
Saving this thread for my trip planning. Gold mine of information.
Sacramento Sal — Sacramento, CA
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16 Mar 2026 at 22:50
Just booked my flights! Thanks for the motivation.
San Diego, CA | Member since 2024
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17 Mar 2026 at 01:46
I'd rate it similarly. Solid 9/10 destination.
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17 Mar 2026 at 09:58
Great report, thanks for sharing. I had a similar experience there last month.
"Travel is fatal to prejudice." — Philadelphia, PA
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17 Mar 2026 at 12:57
Hmm, I had a different experience. Prices were lower when I went. Maybe timing matters.
Ozzie Travels — Sydney, Australia
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17 Mar 2026 at 22:23
Nice report. Heading there next month — exactly the intel I needed.
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18 Mar 2026 at 05:39
Any restaurant recs for the daytime?
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18 Mar 2026 at 14:16
I was there in March and prices were exactly as described.
Spent about $130/day all-in. Quality was above average.
My tip: avoid weekends.
Spent about $130/day all-in. Quality was above average.
My tip: avoid weekends.
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18 Mar 2026 at 20:29
This is outdated info IMO. Things have changed since the pandemic. Current prices are higher than what's described here.
"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page."
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18 Mar 2026 at 21:52
What was your total spend roughly? Trying to budget for mine.
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19 Mar 2026 at 03:55
I'd rate it similarly. Solid 9/10 destination.
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19 Mar 2026 at 04:52
I was there in February and prices were great value.
Spent about $107/day all-in. Quality was excellent.
My tip: the late night crowd is different.
Spent about $107/day all-in. Quality was excellent.
My tip: the late night crowd is different.
Bristol, UK | 16 countries visited
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19 Mar 2026 at 05:08
Quick question — how was the wifi?
Texas Heat — Houston, TX
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