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How Much Does It Cost to Travel to These 7 Affordable Summer Destinations in the Philippines?
Here’s your budget breakdown to travel to these summer destinations in the Philippines!
By: Patricia Marie Prado | March 24, 2023
Make your way to the Philippines this summer!
Image: @marckregio
Travel brings endless joy, but we cannot say the same about the money in our wallets. For many of us, traveling is a luxury we can barely afford.
Many events and spectacular summer destinations in the Philippines where you can spend your time and experience an affordable weekend getaway this year! It might seem unbelievable, but there are affordable travel destinations in the Philippines that you can visit without burning a hole through your wallet. Read on and see where your money can take you this summer.
1. If you’re an adventurous traveler with a day or two to spare, you can spend it in Pangasinan, one of the best affordable travel destinations in the Philippines!
Discover the hidden beauty of Bolinao with just a tricycle ride!
Image: @papercrane.project
Pangasinan is rich in natural resources that have yet to be explored by many. Although Hundred Islands National Park in Alaminos is arguably its most famous attraction, another summer destination in the Philippines that has become popular over the years is Bolinao. Aside from the white sand and clear waters in Patar Beach, the falls and caves found nearby will also leave tourists no time to be bored. What’s more, for this affordable weekend getaway, many tricycle operators in Bolinao double as tourist guides, so you can rent a tricycle for a day and visit places like Bolinao Falls 1 and 2, Enchanted Cave, Cape Bolinao Lighthouse, and, of course, Patar Beach.
Budget Breakdown:
Bus ride going to Bolinao from Metro Manila: PhP600 per way
Day tour of Bolinao: PhP500/rent of tricycle
Food: PhP500
Total : *PhP1,600
2. Nueva Ecija might not be first on the list as a choice summer destination for most of us, but the province also has a lot to offer.
Widen your horizon and experience new sights in Nueva Ecija.
Image: @marckregio
If you want a change of scenery and an action-packed day in your summer destinations in the Philippines, you can visit Minalungao National Park. Minalungao offers various activities, including rafting along the Peñaranda River, a zipline ride, and trekking along its grotto, which consists of 1,000 steps. For this affordable weekend getaway, the cottages around the park are also available, where you can have a fun picnic with your family or friends.
Budget Breakdown:
Bus ride going to Gapan from Metro Manila: PhP234 per way
Tricycle ride from Gapan to General Tinio: PhP800 per way for three to five people
Entrance fee: PhP50
Cottage: PhP800
Life Vest: PhP40
Food: PhP500, or you can also bring your food
Total:* PhP2,424
3. If you’re a beach bum, this first summer destination in the Philippines, the Quezon Province, might already be on your radar.
Quezon Province can be the perfect getaway that you need this summer.
Image: @resilient_gege
The place is just a few hours from Manila and won’t cost you much for a quick getaway. If you want a quick overnight at the beach with your friends, you can visit Borawan Beach, Dampalitan Island, and Kwebang Lampas in Padre Burgos. The beaches are still undeveloped, so you won’t see fancy or expensive hotels here; a perfect affordable weekend getaway with your friends, and you can also bring your food. There are also tour agencies in Quezon if you want to take a hassle-free island tour along these three islands for your affordable travel destinations in the Philippines.
Budget Breakdown:
Bus ride going to Lucena from Metro Manila: PhP290 per way
Minibus to Unisan: PhP200 via van per way
Boat ride going to the islands: PhP1,700 per head for 2 days 1 night
Food: PhP500, or you can also bring your food
Total:* PhP2,690
4. Like some of the summer destinations in the Philippines on the list, Baler requires a long trip, but the place can be explored even with a limited budget.
Baler might be quite far, but it’s still worth the travel.
Image: @the.sweet.maple
Aside from being a great place for surfers, Baler is also filled with attractions that will keep your summer interesting. Some of the summer destinations in the Philippines you can visit include the famous century-old Balete Tree, the Mother Falls or Diguisit Falls, and Dicasalarin Cove. For accommodations, there are plenty of affordable hostels and resorts in the province, such as Old Parola Seaside Cottages.
Budget Breakdown:
Bus ride going to Cabanatuan from Metro Manila: PhP250+ per way
Van going to Baler: PhP270 per way
Accommodation: PhP1,440 per head at Old Parola Seaside Cottages
Food: PhP1,000
Total:* PhP2,960+
5. You might have been to Tagaytay one too many times as your summer destination in the Philippines.
Tagaytay may be an oldie, but it’s always a goodie!
Image: @iamann218
Still, the windy city provides a great escape whenever Metro Manila’s heat becomes unbearable. If you’ve already visited the usual tourist attractions or have finished checking out the new popular spots in the city, you can have your fill of Tagaytay. The place is becoming a food haven with new restaurants popping up left and right, and some of the restaurants you can visit our Charito by Bag of Beans, Café Voi La, or The Purple Owl. Budget accommodations, such as Mountain Breeze Hostel, also abound in Tagaytay, so you are sure to save a couple of bucks, perfect for your affordable travel destination in the Philippines.
Budget Breakdown:
Bus ride going to Tagaytay from Metro Manila: PhP180 per way
Accommodation: PhP2,700 for 4 pax at Tagaytay Country Hotel
Transportation allowance to various tourist spots: PhP200
Food: PhP1,000
Total:* PhP4,080
6. Zambales can be your destination if you prefer solitude but still an affordable weekend getaway when you travel.
Go on a silent retreat this summer at Nagsasa Cove.
Image: @cedrickberos
The summer destination in the Philippines is yet to be developed and is well-loved by campers and adventurous at heart. One particular place to visit in Zambales is Nagsasa Cove. Aside from enjoying some quiet time at Nagsasa, you can also enjoy an island hopping adventure and visit nearby islands, including Anawangin, Capones, and Camara, for around PhP4,000.
Budget Breakdown:
Bus ride going to Zambales from Metro Manila: PhP835 per way
Tricycle ride to Pundaquit: PhP40 per head per way
Boat ride to Nagsasa Cove: PhP1,800 for 4 pax per way
Accommodation: PhP500 for a cottage where you can pitch tents
Food: PhP1,000, but you can also bring your food
Total:* PhP4,175
7. La Union, a famous surfing spot up north, is an attractive place to visit this summer for first-timers and familiar visitors alike.
Realize your surfing dreams this summer in La Union.
Image: @mimiiaaaa
Staying overnight won’t empty your purse, as there are plenty of cheap accommodations in La Union, such as hostels. Now, for your summer destination in the Philippines this year, the Circle Hostel, in particular, can go as cheap as PhP711 per head—perfect for people on a budget! Even if it is just a short and affordable weekend getaway, you can still spend an overnight stay in the province and surf all day or visit other attractions like Tangadan Falls, Ma-Cho Temple, or Pebble Beach in Luna.
Budget Breakdown:
Bus ride going to San Juan, La Union from Metro Manila: PhP790 per way
Accommodation: PhP711 per head
Entrance Fee: PhP30 per head
Guide to Tangadan Falls: PhP500
Surfing lesson in Urbiztondo: PhP949
Transportation allowance to various tourist spots: PhP200
Food: PhP1,000
Total:* PhP4,180
You don’t have to splurge to have a great time this summer! Let us know which places you will visit when the heat strikes!
Make sure to visit Yoorekka Magazine to learn and find out more about the best summer destinations in the Philippines!
Stay safe as you travel! Make sure to follow social distancing protocols and observe health precautions. For now, keep safe!
* Includes transportation, accommodation, and allowance for food; may change without notice.
This article was initially published in Yoorekka on April 18, 2018.
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About Patricia Marie Prado
Patricia came from the field of business and accounting but is now pursuing her dreams of being a writer. She is a self-confessed introvert and is passionate about reading, travelling, writing, movies, coffee and God. When she's not writing, she loves discovering new coffee shops/cafe and doing TV-series marathons.
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