Budget Travel in the Philippines: Vegan-Friendly Tips to Save More and Explore More

7 May

Written By Eat Plants & Travel

The Philippines is a dream destination for many backpackers and adventure-seekers, but it can also be surprisingly expensive — especially for vegan travellers or anyone hopping between the country’s 7,000+ islands.

In this guide, we share our best budget travel tips for the Philippines, including where to book, how to save on transport, where to find hidden guesthouses, and how to explore more without breaking the bank.

Let’s dive in!

📅 1. Plan Ahead and Book Flights Early

Last-minute island hopping in the Philippines can cost you — especially when it comes to flights. While ferry prices stay fairly stable, the cost of domestic flights skyrockets if you book too late.

Example: Our flight from Cebu to Puerto Princesa was listed at ₱1,000 (~£14) initially. Just a few days later, the same flight jumped to ₱3,200 (~£45).

✅ Tip: Plan your route early and book internal flights in advance using budget airlines like Cebu Pacific and AirAsia Philippines.

🏨 2. Find Accommodation Beyond Booking.com

Popular booking platforms like Booking.com or Hotels.com don’t show the full range of affordable, local guesthouses across the Philippines.

Instead, we found some of our best stays through:

Google Maps searches
Walk-ins and word of mouth
Backpacker WhatsApp groups
Travel communities on Reddit and Facebook

One example? We discovered D’Blue Moon Backpackers in Siquijor - a beachfront, family-run guesthouse charging just ₱650 (~£9) per night for an A/C double room. It had no online presence at all until we helped them set up a Google Maps listing.

✅ Tip: Reach out to other travellers for local recommendations. Many hidden gems aren’t online yet!

🛺 3. Always Shop Around and Negotiate

It’s a running joke that “everything costs ₱300” in the Philippines - tricycles, kayak rentals, entrance fees, and more.

While friendly, Filipino vendors are strong negotiators. Haggling can be tough, but not impossible. Here's how we got better deals:

Walk away and ask other vendors
Compare prices nearby (many services are duplicated)
Stand firm - most prices will drop if you show you're not a tourist in a rush

✅ Tip: Learn a few words of Tagalog or Bisaya - even simple phrases can go a long way during negotiations.

🏝️ 4. Stick to One or Two Islands

One of the biggest money-drains in the Philippines? Constantly moving between islands.

Ferries, flights, buses, and jeeps add up quickly - both in time and cost. Even with a 30-day tourist visa, you’ll likely spend a large portion of your trip just getting around.

Instead, choose one major region and explore it in depth. For example:

🏖️ Palawan – stunning beaches, island tours, nature reserves
🌋 Luzon (North) – mountains, rice terraces, cultural heritage
🐢 Visayas (e.g. Bohol, Cebu, Siquijor) – diving, beaches, waterfalls

✅ Tip: Focus on 1–2 areas max. You’ll spend less on transport and more time enjoying the Philippines.

🍜 Is the Philippines Expensive for Vegan Travelers?

In short - yes and no.

Here are average travel costs in the Philippines (in 2024):

Bike Rental....................................P400 - 600 (£6-8)

Bottle of Beer...............................................P80-110 (£1)

Good dorm bed.................................P500 - 600 (£7)

Private double rooms........P1000 - 1500 (£13-16)

Island hopping tours.........P1300 - 1600(£18-22)

Mid-range meal for 2..................................P600 (£8)

Vegan Pizza.......................................... P200-500 (£5)

T-shirts..................................................P350 - 650 (£4)

Vegan travellers should be aware that plant-based restaurants are often aimed at Westerners, with prices to match. Vegan food in big cities or tourist hubs is typically more expensive than local meat dishes.

✅ Tip: Learn a few Filipino food words (e.g. "gulay" = vegetables, "walang karne" = no meat) and ask for vegan options at local eateries, or make your own food from market finds.

🧳 Final Thoughts: Budget Travel in the Philippines Is Possible

While the Philippines may not be the cheapest country in Southeast Asia, it's definitely possible to travel on a budget - especially if you’re a resourceful, flexible, and conscious traveller.

To save money while island hopping in the Philippines:

🛫 Book flights early
🏘️ Explore lesser-known guesthouses
🛶 Avoid over-travelling across islands
💬 Be willing to negotiate (with patience)
🌿 Opt for local vegan meals over tourist cafes

🌍 If you’re planning affordable vegan travel through Asia, don’t miss more tips, guides and deals at EatPlantsAndTravel.com -your go-to resource for saving money while eating compassionately and exploring sustainably.