Philippines on a budget

Cheapest months to go

Peak is January, February, March, April, May. The weeks either side of that window usually carry most of the weather with much less of the price.

Getting around for less

Realistic options in Philippines:

• Domestic flights are the backbone of any multi-island trip and are cheap if booked early
• Ferries and fast craft link the Visayan islands; schedules are weather-dependent
• Bangka outrigger boats run the island-hopping tours in Palawan, Coron and El Nido
• Vans, buses and jeepneys handle overland legs; journeys are slower than distances suggest
• Tricycles and ride-hailing cover short local trips

Where to base yourself

Fewer bases means fewer paid transfers. Palawan — El Nido & Coron, Siargao, Cebu & Bohol cover a lot between them.