Practical issues
The Philippines is a popular destination for travelers who enjoy diving, surfing, snorkeling or beautiful beaches. It is a real tropical destination where you can experience plenty! If you are planning to visit the Philippines, there are some practical matters you should take into account. Think about the best time to travel or money matters!
Visa and passport
As a Dutch citizen, you do not need a visa to enter the Philippines, unless you want to stay longer than 30 days. Upon arrival you will need a valid passport (valid for at least six months upon departure) and a return ticket to the Netherlands or another outbound flight. I had a return ticket to Sinapore, because I didn't know yet what my next destination in Asia would be. Fortunately, this return ticket was affordable!
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Travel insurance
Good travel insurance is essential when backpacking in the Philippines! This actually applies to all destinations. I have been to a hospital in Coron twice for antibiotics for my infected mosquito bites. Fortunately, this was not a problem, but it is always highly advisable to take out travel insurance with worldwide coverage.
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Vaccinations
It is recommended by the GGD to vaccinate against DTP and Hepatitis A. Depending on your personal conditions, it is also advisable to vaccinate against MMR, typhoid fever, hepatitis B, TB or Rabies. Your local GGD can provide you with the best advice. Malaria occurs in the Philippines, just like in many other destinations in Asia. Some travelers take malaria pills as a preventive measure, but this also has many unpleasant side effects. Moreover, there are also other dangerous mosquitoes with diseases, such as Denque, that can also bite you. Because of this I decided to apply a good amount of mosquito spray. It's actually just bad luck if you contract malaria or denque. It is of course recommended that you take malaria medication with you that you can take as soon as a local doctor determines that you have malaria.
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Regarding the rules regarding COVID-19 vaccinations, I would google the most recent advice! In any case, the country is open to all tourists at the time of writing (June 2023). If you have not been vaccinated, you can take a test upon arrival.
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Budget and money
The Philippines is generally a more expensive destination compared to other countries in Southeast Asia. This is partly because you cannot avoid a number of domestic flights. Also, on some islands the accommodation and food costs are simply a bit higher. Count on a budget of 30 to 50 euros per day, depending on your spending habits while traveling. If you opt for more expensive accommodations and a lot of private transport with, for example, a TukTuk or taxi for long distances, the amount will be higher. It is advisable to have enough money with you because not all shops and restaurants accept credit cards. There are many ATMs in the Philippines, especially in major cities, but keep in mind that some ATMs may be out of service or there may be limits on the amount of money you can withdraw. It is always wise to withdraw as much money as possible and spread it over your luggage/bags. Every time you withdraw money, you pay a lot in transaction costs. This price varies per bank, but it would of course be a shame if you spent tens of euros on this.
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Accommodation
There are several options for accommodation in the Philippines, from cheap hostels to luxury hotels. I have selected a number of beautiful accommodations with a high rating for each destination. The most popular places among backpackers are El Nido and Coron. It may be wise to book accommodation here in advance, especially if you're traveling during peak season. In the low season you can easily find excellent accommodations the same day. This means you always remain very flexible during your trip! I strongly prefer this.
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Transportation
The Philippines has an extensive public transport network, including ferries, buses and tricycles (a type of tuk-tuk). If you want to travel longer distances, it is best to take the bus. Sometimes it is definitely worth considering taking a taxi (if your budget allows it). Tricycles are useful for short distances and exploring the city. It is advisable to obtain an international driver's license before renting a scooter. Always be careful! I have also rented a scooter a number of times and this was really ideal. This is highly recommended, especially in Bohol, Cebu and Siquijor! I already had experience with riding a scooter in Asia, but in general the traffic here is calm and the roads are easy to drive on.
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climate
The Philippines has a tropical climate with high temperatures all year round. The average temperature varies between 25Ā°C and 32Ā°C depending on the region and season. The country has two seasons: the dry season (November to April) and the rainy season (May to October). In the dry season there are higher temperatures and a lot less precipitation. This may make it busier at tourist destinations, especially Palawan and Boracay. The rainy season is characterized by regular heavy rain showers and typhoons. Although this period is less popular, there are also plenty of tourists who visit the Philippines during this period. I visited the Philippines in October, the end of the rainy season, and only had one day with significant rain. If you decide to visit the Philippines during the rainy season, keep a close eye on the weather forecast and news to avoid being affected by a typhoon.
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Safety
The Philippines is generally a safe destination for travelers, but it is wise to be vigilant. Stay alert for pickpockets and be careful when crossing the street. One place in the Philippines you should absolutely avoid: the western part of the island of Mindanao, in the south of the Philippines. Always check the ministry's travel advice before your departure!
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What you shouldn't forget to take with you!
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A good backpack: Because you will travel a lot with local buses, it is highly recommended to travel with a backpack. Even if you don't consider yourself a real backpacker. A suitcase is very inconvenient.
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Passport and visa:Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in the Philippines.
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Travel adapter:The Philippines has a different type of electrical outlet than most other countries, so bring a travel adapter to charge your electronic devices.
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Sunscreen:The Philippines is close to the equator and has a tropical climate, so the sun can be very strong. Bring sunscreen with a high SPF to protect yourself from the sun.
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Insect repellents:Mosquitoes and other insects are a common problem in the Philippines, especially during the rainy season. Bring insect repellent to protect yourself from bites and diseases.
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Money and payment cards:Bring enough cash and payment cards so you can easily pay for accommodation, meals and activities. It's useful to have a mix of cash and debit cards as not all places accept credit cards and some ATMs may be out of order.
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