Best Places to Visit in the Philippines on a Budget

If you’ve been bitten by the travel bug but don’t have the big bucks to travel to the destination of your dreams, that can definitely put a damper on things. However, this does not mean that you should just forego your dreams to travel and wait around until you can finally afford it. You don’t even have to max out your credit card just to have an unforgettable trip. There are thousands of places in the Philippines that you can visit on a budget, and the new experiences and personal satisfaction that you will get are just the same kind of wonderful.

1) Tagaytay

Whether you want a day trip or a short weekend getaway, Tagaytay will not disappoint. You can head for the Sky Ranch amusement park and spend a whole day there. You can also spend the day at the Picnic Grove, enjoy the view and the weather, while having a picnic with your friends or family. Tagaytay also has a lot of great restaurants, coffee shops, and bed and breakfasts that you can stay in for a day or the whole weekend.

2) San Antonio, Zambales

If you head to San Antonio, Zambales, you can experience Anawangin Cove, Nagsasa Cove, and Capones Island in one weekend for just ₱2,000. Be one with nature and sleep under the stars. Bring your own tent, food, and supplies. Remember that these are not party beaches, and it can get pretty dark and quiet at night. But if this is exactly what you’re looking for, you will not be disappointed. And if you bring the whole gang with you, you can spend even less than ₱2,000!

3) Bolinao, Pangasinan

Head to Bolinao if you want beautiful beaches without breaking the bank. Just a five-hour bus ride and you can be right in the middle of white sand beaches and breathtaking sunsets. If you wish to save more money, you can take a non-aircon bus for just ₱350, or take an aircon bus for around ₱460. There are many affordable hotels in Bolinao, so you can definitely save more if you’ll share a room with a friend. You can also bring your own food so you don’t have to eat out all the time. Although food in Bolinao is pretty cheap, especially the seafood!

4) Potipot Island

If you want a beach getaway but don’t want to charge it on your credit card, consider the beautiful island of Potipot in Zambales. It’s a beautiful beach paradise that’s only hours away by bus. Seven hours, to be exact. But the long ride is definitely worth it. Just take the Victory Liner bus heading for Sta. Cruz and get off at Uacon Barangay Hall. From there, it’s a short tricycle and boat ride to Potipot. Transportation will cost around ₱1,500, and then you can just bring your own food and tent if you want to spend the night on the island.

5) Intramuros, Manila

You can enjoy the sights of the Walled City of Intramuros for free. Save for the jeep, bus, or taxi fare going there, and the snacks and drinks that you’ll buy as you complete your tour around this historic place. You not only get to see a different side of busy and crowded Manila, but you can also immerse yourself with history. Watch out for flying golf balls, though.

6) Puerto Galera

Affordable rooms abound in this little island getaway, and it’s really possible to enjoy a full weekend in Puerto Galera with just 1,500 as your budget. The bus and boat ride will cost around ₱500 one way. Food and drinks are cheap, and you can just simply unwind in and out of the water and bask in the sun. To get the most out of your money, travel with a big group to cut costs.

7) Nuvali Evoliving

Located in Santa Rosa, Laguna, Nuvali Evoliving is the top destination for outdoor adventurers who are looking for a place to relax and unwind that’s still close to the city. In Nuvali, you can take a road trip with your friends and enjoy a picnic under the sun. You can take a boat ride, have a food trip at the many restaurants located there, or enjoy a free concert or a movie under the stars. You can even bring your mountain bike and explore the scenic but challenging bike trails that this place is famous for. Simply take a bus to Balibago, Santa Rosa, and then take a tricycle or jeep to Nuvali.

8) Baguio City

You can literally just pack a bag, take a bus, and then spend a whole weekend in Baguio. There are many transient inns and hostels that can suit your budget and other requirements, and most of the tourist spots in the city are free! You can walk around the city or take the jeep. Some places are hard to get to by tricycle or jeep, so you may have to take a taxi. Still, there are so many other scenic spots for that perfect selfie or groufie. Affordable food is also available practically everywhere. If you skip the shopping, even for just ₱3,000, you’ve already got yourself a perfectly good but quick holiday.

9) Burot Beach

In the mood for some sun and sand, and maybe some quiet and solitude? For just ₱1,000, you can enjoy all of that in Burot Beach, Batangas. It’s so beautiful and remote that you can truly feel like you’re the last person on earth. To get there, take a bus to Calatagan. And then from Calatagan Market, take a tricycle to Burot Beach. This beach is privately owned but still open to the public. If you wish to bring your own tent, go ahead. Renting one will cost about ₱400. No hotels and no electricity. No ATMs and credit card facilities nearby, either. Just you, the beach, and the beautiful open sky.

10) Bataan

With just ₱1,000 in your pocket, you can be in beautiful Bataan and make a day of it with your friends or family. You can take the Bataan Transit Bus to Balanga, Bataan, for ₱200 per head. From Balanga, you can take a walk to the majestic Balanga Church. You can also ride a tricycle for ₱100 per person and visit the historic Mount Samat. There you can visit the museum and the Dambana ng Kagitingan for a minimum fee. Of course, a visit to Bataan will not be complete without dropping by the Las Casas Filipinas De Acuzar in Bagac. It’s just a jeep or bus ride away.

If the trips you’re planning is a bit more expensive, having a credit card can be quite convenient. If you don’t have one yet, you can apply for a credit card once you have checked the benefits of each and compare which one best suits your lifestyle.

image from www.takevacationnow.com

http://www.imoney.ph/articles/best-places-to-visit-in-the-philippines-on-a-budget/

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