For a comfortable 2-week trip to the Philippines, budgeting around $1,000 to $2,500 per person is advisable, depending on your choice of accommodation, activities, and dining options.
Accommodation Costs
Budget Options
- Hostels: Expect to pay around $10-$20 per night for a dormitory style room. These often come with basic amenities like free Wi-Fi and sometimes free breakfast.
- Guest Houses: Slightly more private than hostels, guest houses offer rooms at around $20-$40 per night.
- Local Inns: In less touristy areas, local inns can offer rooms for as little as $15 per night.
For those looking to save, consider checking out Couchsurfing as an alternative.
Mid-Range Options
- Boutique Hotels: These typically range from $50-$100 per night and offer a local flavor in terms of architecture and cuisine.
- Chain Hotels: Well-known names like Holiday Inn and Best Western have properties in major cities and tourist areas, priced around $70-$120 per night.
- Serviced Apartments: These are good for longer stays and offer amenities like a kitchen. Prices are around $80-$150 per night.
Take a look at websites like Agoda for special deals and offers.
Luxury Options
- 5-Star Hotels: International chains like The Ritz-Carlton and Shangri-La offer rooms starting from $200 per night.
- Resorts: Especially popular in beach areas like Boracay, luxury resorts can cost upwards of $300 per night.
- Private Villas: For ultimate privacy and luxury, prices start at around $500 per night and can go up significantly.
Consider using Concierge Services for special experiences.
Food and Dining
Local Eateries
- Street Food: You can enjoy local delicacies like balut, isaw, and taho for under $1 each.
- Carinderias: These are local food stalls or small restaurants where a meal can cost around $1-$3.
- Fast Food: Jollibee, a local fast-food chain, offers meals for around $2-$4.
For an authentic experience, visit a public market.
Mid-Range Restaurants
- Buffet Restaurants: Priced at around $10-$20 per person.
- Themed Restaurants: These offer a unique dining experience and meals typically cost between $15-$30 per person.
- International Cuisine: Sushi, Italian, or American-style restaurants usually range from $20-$40 per meal.
Check Zomato for reviews and ratings.
High-End Restaurants
- Fine Dining: Expect to pay around $50-$100 per person, not including drinks.
- Seafood Restaurants: Fresh catches of the day can be pricey but offer a unique dining experience.
- Celebrity Chef Restaurants: These can cost upwards of $100 per person and often require advance reservations.
Transportation Costs
Public Transport
- Jeepneys: These iconic Filipino vehicles are one of the cheapest ways to get around, costing around $0.20-$0.50 per ride.
- Tricycles: Suitable for short distances, expect to pay about $0.50-$1.50 per trip.
- Ferries and Boats: These can range from $1 to $10 depending on distance and whether you’re crossing between islands.
For longer distances within a city, consider the Metro Rail Transit (MRT).
Car Rentals
- Daily Rentals: Prices can vary from $30-$60 per day for a basic sedan.
- Weekly Rentals: If renting for a longer period, you may get a discount with prices averaging around $200-$400 per week.
- Driver Services: If you prefer to have a driver, this will usually cost an extra $10-$20 per day.
Check out car rental agencies for promotional rates.
Domestic Flights
- Budget Airlines: Local carriers like Cebu Pacific often offer flights for as low as $20-$40 one way.
- Full-Service Airlines: Philippine Airlines and other full-service carriers can cost around $50-$100 for a one-way ticket.
- Chartered Flights: If you’re looking to go to a more remote destination, chartered flights can cost $200 and up.
Activities and Attractions
Free or Low-Cost Activities
- Beach Hopping: Many beaches have no entry fee, though some of the more popular ones might charge a minimal amount.
- Hiking: There are numerous hiking trails that are free to access, such as the trails in Mount Pulag.
- Museums: While some museums charge an entrance fee, many are free or have a “pay what you wish” policy.
Moderately Priced Activities
- Snorkeling Tours: Expect to pay around $20-$50 depending on the location and the duration of the tour.
- Cultural Shows: Tickets can range from $10-$30.
- Day Trips: Whether it’s a trip to a nearby island or a city tour, day trips can cost anywhere from $20-$100.
Expensive Activities
- Scuba Diving Courses: PADI certification courses generally cost around $300-$500.
- Luxury Boat Tours: Private boat tours can range from $100 to several hundred dollars per person.
- Helicopter Tours: These can cost upwards of $500 for a 30-minute tour.
Daily Necessities
Groceries and Snacks
- Local Markets: You can get fresh fruits, vegetables, and other staples for about $10-$20 per week.
- Supermarkets: For packaged goods, international brands, and wider selection, expect to spend around $25-$50 per week.
- Convenience Stores: For quick snacks and drinks, items typically range from $1-$5.
Personal Care Items
- Pharmacies: Basic medicines and toiletries can cost around $5-$20 depending on your needs.
- Beauty Products: Local brands are generally cheaper, with products ranging from $2-$10.
- Laundry: Self-service laundromats cost around $3-$5 per load, while full-service can be $10-$20.
Communication Costs
Local SIM Cards
- Starter Packs: These usually cost around $1-$2 and come with some preloaded credit.
- Data Plans: 1GB of data usually costs around $1-$5 depending on the carrier.
- Text and Call Packages: Unlimited text and call packages to local numbers can be around $5-$10 for a week.
Internet Access
- Wi-Fi in Accommodations: Most places offer free Wi-Fi, but speeds can vary.
- Internet Cafes: Costs are around $1-$2 per hour.
- Portable Wi-Fi: Rental can be $5-$10 per day, useful if you need to stay connected while on the go.
Entertainment and Nightlife
Bars and Clubs
- Local Bars: Drinks are generally cheap, with beer costing around $1-$3. Cocktails can be slightly more expensive, ranging from $3-$6.
- Nightclubs: Entry fees can be anywhere from $5-$20, with drinks priced similarly to bars.
- Rooftop Bars: These are generally more expensive, with cocktails starting at $10.
Cultural Events
- Live Music: Ticket prices can range from $5-$50 depending on the venue and artist.
- Theater Shows: Prices can range widely but expect to pay anywhere from $20-$100 per ticket.
- Festivals: While some are free to attend, others might require tickets that can cost between $10-$50.
Shopping and Souvenirs
Local Markets
- Handicrafts: Unique crafts like woven items can be purchased for as little as $5.
- Local Food: Dried mangoes, a popular souvenir, cost around $3-$5 per pack.
- Clothing: Local fabrics and styles are usually priced around $10-$30.
The Quiapo Market in Manila is a great place to start for a wide range of local products.
Shopping Malls
- Mid-Range Brands: Expect to pay around the same as you would in other countries, roughly $20-$100 for clothing.
- Electronics: These are generally not cheaper than other countries but are available at a wide price range.
- Books and Stationery: Prices are quite reasonable, ranging from $5-$20 for most items.
Specialty Items
- Antiques: Can be pricey, depending on the item and its origin.
- Designer Brands: Prices are on par with other countries, so expect to pay a premium.
- Local Art: Paintings and sculptures by local artists can range from $50 to several thousand dollars, depending on the artist and medium.