I’d be happy to help you plan a 30-day trip to the Philippines on a budget! The Philippines is an archipelago made up of over 7,000 islands, each with its own unique culture, history, and attractions.
Day 1-3: Arrive in Manila and check into budget accommodation (cost: around $15-20 per night)
- Travel method: Fly into Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport, then take a taxi or shuttle to your hotel (cost: around $5-10 for a taxi or $1-2 for a shuttle)
- Activities: Visit Intramuros, the historic walled city, the Rizal Park and the National Museum of the Philippines
Day 4-6: Take a bus or ferry to Boracay Island
- Travel method: Take a bus from Manila to Kalibo (cost: around $10-15 per person) then take a ferry from Kalibo to Boracay (cost: around $5-10 per person)
- Activities: Visit the White Beach, the Bulabog Beach and the Puka Shell Beach.
Day 7-9: Take a ferry or flight to Palawan
- Travel method: Take a ferry from Boracay to Palawan (cost: around $10-15 per person) or fly from Manila to Palawan (cost: around $50-100 per person depending on flight)
- Activities: Visit the Underground River, the El Nido Bay and the Honda Bay.
Day 10-12: Take a bus or flight to Cebu
- Travel method: Take a bus from Palawan to Cebu (cost: around $10-15 per person) or fly from Palawan to Cebu (cost: around $50-100 per person depending on flight)
- Activities: Visit Magellan’s Cross, the Taoist Cemetery and the Casa Gorordo Museum
Day 13-15: Take a bus or flight to Siargao Island
- Travel method: Take a bus from Cebu to Siargao (cost: around $10-15 per person) or fly from Cebu to Siargao (cost: around $50-100 per person depending on flight)
- Activities: Visit the Cloud 9 Surfing, the Magpupungko Tidal Pool and the Sohoton Cove National Park
Day 16-18: Take a flight or bus to Bacolod
- Travel method: Take a flight from Siargao to Bacolod (cost: around $50-100 per person depending on flight) or take a bus from Siargao to Bacolod (cost: around $10-15 per person)
- Activities: Visit the Negros Museum, the Capitol Park and Lagoon and the Mambukal Mountain Resort
Day 19-21: Take a bus or flight to Davao
- Travel method: Take a bus from Bacolod to Davao (cost: around $10-15 per person) or fly from Bacolod to Davao (cost: around $50-100 per person depending on flight)
- Activities: Visit the People’s Park, the Mount Apo and the Philippine Eagle Center
Day 22-24: Take a flight or bus to Bicol
- Travel method: Take a flight from Davao to Bicol (cost: around $50-100 per person depending on flight) or take a bus from Davao to Bicol (cost: around $10-15 per person)
- Activities: Visit the Cagsawa Ruins, the Mayon Volcano and the Tiwi Hot Springs.
Day 25-27: Take a bus or flight to Legazpi
- Travel method: Take a bus from Bicol to Legazpi (cost: around $10-15 per person) or fly from Bicol to Legazpi (cost: around $50-100 per person depending on flight)
- Activities: Visit the Lignon Hill, the Cagsawa Ruins and the Daraga Church
Day 28-30: Take a flight back to Manila
- Travel method: Take a flight from Legazpi Airport to Manila (cost: around $50-100 per person depending on flight)
- Activities: Visit the Mall of Asia, the American Cemetery and Memorial and the Rizal Shrine.
The total cost for this itinerary would depend on your accommodation choices, transportation choices and activities you choose to do. However, you can expect to spend around $1000-1500 for the entire trip. This will cover the cost of transportation, accommodation, and entrance fees for activities. Keep in mind that this is just a rough estimate and prices can vary depending on the season and your specific choices. Additionally, food, personal expenses and travel insurance aren’t included in this budget.
It’s important to note that the Philippines is a developing country and infrastructure and transportation may not be as developed as other countries, so it’s important to plan accordingly. Also, the Philippines is a relatively inexpensive country, so it’s important to budget accordingly. It’s important to keep in mind that the Philippines has a rich culture and history, so it’s important to research and budget for these extra expenses before your trip. It’s also important to note that the Philippines has a diverse range of cultures and languages, so it’s important to research the local customs and language before your trip.