Dreaming of white sand beaches and turquoise waters but put off by the high prices of popular island getaways? Good news – you can still afford a tropical vacation in 2024! The resorts in the Philippines offer some of Southeast Asia’s most stunning vacation options without the lavish price tag.
In this article, we’ll share our top 5 picks for budget-friendly resorts in the Philippines. From boutique beachfront bungalows to family-sized apartments, these hotels and resorts in the Philippines offer both convenience and affordability. And with a little help from WowFare, you can score great flight deals to get you there for less.
So leave the Maldives to the celebrities for now, and let us show you how to plan an incredible island vacation that will be cost-effective! Keep reading for our favorite resorts in the Philippines under $100/night.
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Things to know before visiting the Philippines
Heading to resorts in the Philippines? Here’s your go-to guide for a seamless adventure in this island paradise!
The Philippines, a breathtaking archipelago, comprises over 7,000 islands, which means your adventure could include hopping from one stunning location to another. With such diversity in destinations, you’re in for an exhilarating trip.
When it comes to language, you’re all set. English and Tagalog are the official languages, and you’ll find that everyone speaks English, making it super easy to communicate, ask for directions, or get to know the locals.
The local currency is the Philippine Peso, and to give you an idea, $1 is roughly equivalent to 56 pesos (as of late 2024), so you can plan your expenses accordingly.When it comes to language, you’re all set.
Heading for resorts in the Philippines is a breeze with its 11 international and 260 local airports. For budget-friendly travel around the islands, Cebu Pacific and Air Asia are the go-to airlines, offering numerous flights to help you design your perfect itinerary.
For city travel, immerse yourself in the local vibe by hopping on tricycles, motorcycle cabs, or jeepneys—the Philippines’ unique take on public transport. Jeepneys, colorful and kitschy vehicles originally made from old military jeeps, are not just a way to get around but also a must-experience cultural icon, all for just a few pesos.
Taxi rides are surprisingly affordable and are the most convenient way to travel from the airport to the ferry docks or bus stations. Most taxis are metered, ensuring that you pay a fair price for short distances.
Exploring the islands is part of the fun, with speedboats, ferries, and quaint boats ready to take you across the crystal-clear waters.
The climate here is mostly tropical and humid, with a rainy season from April to December. However, the weather can be quite unpredictable, so don’t be surprised if you encounter a sudden tropical downpour even outside these months. It’s all part of the adventure!
For US travelers, here’s some good news: if your stay is 30 days or less, you don’t need a visa to enter the Philippines! Just ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your stay, and you’re all set for an unforgettable journey.
How to book cheap flight deals to the Philippines
- Avoid booking directly with the airline if possible. Online travel agencies like WowFare usually have lower fares;
- The Philippines is a beautiful country year-round, but shoulder seasons (think April-May and September-October) often boast the best deals on airfare. Escape the peak travel rush and enjoy a more relaxed, budget-friendly vacation.
- Be flexible with your travel dates if you can. Flying mid-week is typically cheaper;
- Book at least a few months in advance for the lowest fares to popular destinations like the Philippines;
- Take advantage of WowFare’s current discount promo on Philippines Airlines for travel from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to the Philippines from 16 Aug 2024 to 30 Nov 2024. Get up to $650 off economy class tickets when booking between now and 17 Mar 2024. Call us or fill out the contact details on your right to the offer.
- Direct flights can be more expensive. Don’t be afraid to consider flights with layovers. You might even score a bonus city exploration on your way to paradise!
Top 5 beach resorts in the Philippines
1. The Funny Lion – Coron
How to get there: Busuanga Airport is near The Funny Lion – Coron. Use van transfer (pre-arranged: $10-14, shared: $2-4) or tricycle ($4-6). Travel time is approximately 27-35 minutes.
14-day stay budget: $1,800-2,500 (hotel room included)
Facilities and services: outdoor swimming pool, airport shuttle, free WiFi, 2 restaurants, free parking, breakfast included.
Travel Sustainable Level: 💚🤍🤍
About the Resort: Nestled on Coron Bay, this stylish island resort blends modern luxuries with natural tranquility. Laze by the shimmering outdoor pool or soak in bay views from an open-air tub. Savor international cuisine at The Hunt or local dishes on the Pride Rock Deck. Retreat to serene quarters with flat screens and minibars. Wake up to continental breakfasts and Filipino specialties. With spa treatments, tour assistance, and 4-star amenities amid tropical landscapes, The Funny Lion lets you experience Palawan’s beauty in comfort.
Activities in Coron:
- Island Hopping Tours: Coron is known for its stunning islands and pristine beaches. Guests can take a day trip to explore these islands, go snorkeling, and scuba diving among colorful coral reefs and marine life.
- Kayaking and Paddleboarding: Explore Coron’s hidden coves and lagoons at your own pace with a kayak or paddleboard rental.
- Wrecks Diving: Coron is a world-renowned diving destination famous for its numerous World War II shipwrecks that have become havens for marine life.
- Visit Kayangan Lake: Often referred to as the cleanest lake in the Philippines, Kayangan Lake is a must-visit for its crystal-clear waters and stunning scenery.
- Hike Mount Tapyas: Hike up the 700-step stairway to the top of Mount Tapyas for panoramic views of Coron Island. At the summit, you’ll find a giant white cross, a popular landmark for tourists.
- Maquinit Hot Spring: Relax in the natural geothermal hot springs located just a short distance from The Funny Lion.
2. Fairways and Bluewater Boracay
How to get there: The closest airport to Boracay Island is Caticlan Airport (MPH). There is no direct connection from the airport to the resort, but you can take a tricycle or taxi to Caticlan Jetty Port (around $5) and then a ferry to Cagban Jetty Port (around $2). From Cagban Jetty Port, you can take a taxi to the resort (around $10). The total cost should be around $17.
14-day stay budget: $1,300-2,000 (hotel room included)
Facilities and services: 6 swimming pools, family rooms, fitness center, 8 restaurants, private beach area, breakfast included
Travel Sustainable Level: 💚💚💚
About the Resort: Elevate your getaway at Fairways and Bluewater Boracay, an eco-friendly resort teeming with luxury and nature’s beauty. Delight in an 18-hole golf course, a private beach, and 8 refreshing pools amidst lush surroundings. Indulge in 20 culinary spots, from Italian morsels at Kudetah Trattoria to sea-view cocktails at Skydeck Bar.
Activities in Boracay:
- Island Hopping Tours: Boracay is known for its stunning islands and pristine beaches. Guests can take a day trip to explore these islands, go snorkeling, and scuba diving among colorful coral reefs and marine life.
- Helmet Diving: If you’re not a certified diver but still want to experience the underwater world, try helmet diving. This unique activity allows you to walk on the seabed and see the amazing marine life without getting wet.
- Scuba Diving: For certified divers, Boracay offers some of the best diving spots in the Philippines. Explore World War II shipwrecks, coral reefs teeming with colorful fish, and underwater caves.
- Explore Boracay’s Main Beach: Take a tricycle or walk to the famous White Beach, the crown jewel of Boracay. Here, you can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, shopping at the beachside vendors, and dining at various restaurants and bars.
- Mount Luho Viewing Deck: Hike up to the viewing deck at Mount Luho for panoramic views of Boracay Island and the surrounding islands.
3. Cabanas de Nacpan Camping Resort – El-Nido
How to get there: The nearest airport to Cabanas de Nacpan Camping Resort is El Nido Airport (ENI). Luckily, the resort is quite close by! The easiest way to get there is by taxi. A taxi ride should take about 20 minutes and cost around $10.
14-day stay budget: $1,000-1,400 (hotel room included)
Facilities and services: airport shuttle, family rooms, restaurant, free parking, breakfast included
Travel Sustainable Level: 💚💚💚
About the Resort: Nestled on a farm near stunning Nacpan Beach, this peaceful eco-glamping resort offers a luxury camping experience minus the hassle. Sleep soundly in well-appointed tents and huts amid nature. Cruise to nearby lagoons or just relax poolside. Savor home-cooked meals under the stars, then cozy up by the crackling firepit. With complimentary bikes and shuttle service, charming hosts, and beach access just minutes away, Cabanas lets you easily immerse in El Nido’s natural beauty and local culture.
Activities in El-Nido:
- Nacpan Beach: Relax and sunbathe on the beautiful Nacpan Beach. You can also try surfing, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding.
- Nagkalit-Kalit Waterfalls: Take a short hike to discover these picturesque waterfalls surrounded by lush greenery.
- El Nido Town: Explore El Nido Town, where you can find restaurants, shops, and bars. You can also arrange tours for island hopping, diving, and other activities.
- Ziplining: Head to Zipline El Nido for a thrilling zipline adventure through the jungle canopy.
- Island hopping: Explore the many beautiful islands around El Nido, such as Secret Lagoon, Big Lagoon, and Small Lagoon. These islands are known for their stunning limestone cliffs, hidden beaches, and crystal-clear waters.
- Scuba diving and snorkeling: Discover the rich marine life around El Nido by scuba diving or snorkeling. The area is home to coral reefs, colorful fish, and sea turtles.
4. Bohol Island Homestay
How to get there: There is no public transport from Bohol-Panglao International Airport (TAG), the nearest airport to Bohol Island Homestay, to the homestay itself. The most convenient option is to take a taxi. This will cost around $25-35 USD.
14-day stay budget: $800-1,300 (hotel room included)
Facilities and services: indoor swimming pool, airport shuttle, family rooms, free WiFi, breakfast included
Travel Sustainable Level: 💚💚💚
About the Resort: Nestled amid tropical gardens, this Dauis B&B tempts with an outdoor pool, open-air bar, and breezy terrace lounges. Stroll to Libaong Beach’s white sands or quickly drive to the famed Hinagdanan Cave. Stylish rooms boast free WiFi and AC. Fuel up on complimentary breakfasts before heading out on area tours. As night falls, gather around the barbecue pit for fresh-grilled local fare. With family-friendly service and proximity to Bohol’s top sites, this tranquil inn makes an idyllic island escape.
Activities in Bohol Island:
- Explore the surrounding area: Most homestays are located in rural areas, surrounded by beautiful landscapes. Go for walks or bike rides in the countryside, explore nearby farms or villages, and soak up the fresh air and scenery.
- Visit the Chocolate Hills: The Chocolate Hills are one of Bohol’s most famous attractions. These unique geological formations look like Hershey’s Kisses chocolates when the grass turns brown during the dry season. You can climb the observation deck for a panoramic view of the hills.
- See the Tarsiers: Bohol is home to the world’s smallest primates, the tarsiers. You can visit a tarsier sanctuary to see these adorable creatures up close. Be aware that responsible sanctuaries will not allow you to touch the tarsiers.
- Go spelunking at the Hinagdanan Cave: Hinagdanan Cave is a beautiful limestone cave with a series of chambers and natural pools. You can ride a boat through the cave and admire the stalactites and stalagmites.
- Take a Loboc River Cruise: Enjoy a relaxing cruise down the Loboc River, surrounded by lush greenery and towering limestone cliffs. You can also try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking on the river.
- Go island hopping: Bohol is surrounded by beautiful islands, perfect for a day trip. You can visit Virgin Island, a sandbar that appears and disappears with the tide; Balicasag Island, famous for its dolphin watching; and Panglao Island, known for its stunning beaches and resorts in the Philippines.
5. Blue Corals Beach Resort – Malapascua Island
How to get there: Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB) is the closest airport. There is no public transport directly from the airport to the island. However, the resort offers private transfers, which are the most convenient option. These cost around Php 3,000 (around $60 USD) for a car (1-3 people) and take roughly 3 hours, including the boat ride.
14-day stay budget: $600-1,300 (hotel room included)
Facilities and services: airport shuttle, free WiFi, beachfront, family rooms, restaurant, private beach area, breakfast included
Travel Sustainable Level: 💚🤍🤍
About the Resort: Nestled on sandy Malapascua shores, this breezy beachfront resort tempts with snorkeling, fishing, and ocean views. Airy rooms open onto the private beach area while the rustic restaurant serves sandwiches and room service. With complimentary WiFi, bike rentals, and tour assistance, Blue Corals makes an idyllic base for exploring Malapascua’s natural and cultural treasures at your own pace.
Activities in Malapascua Island:
- Snorkeling and Diving: Malapascua Island is world-renowned for its rich marine biodiversity and is particularly famous for thresher shark sightings. The resort itself sits on a private beach with good access to snorkeling spots.
- Beach lounging: The resort boasts a private beach area with lounge chairs to relax and soak up the sun.
- Japanese Shipwreck – WWII Relic: A fascinating relic for history buffs, the Japanese Shipwreck lies just off the coast of Malapascua Island. You can arrange a dive trip to explore the wreck.
- Bicycle Rental: The resort offers bicycle rentals, a great way to explore the island at your own pace.
Cheap air travel to the Philippines
With convenient airports servicing most major islands, resorts in the Philippines are more accessible than ever for budget travelers. Partnering with leading carriers, WowFare offers some of the best rates on flights to the Philippines you’ll find. Our easy online booking platform lets you quickly search for dates and destinations.
So whether you’re headed to beautiful resorts in the Philippines, the beaches of Boracay, the natural wonders of Palawan, or the historic streets of Manila, WowFare can help get you there affordably. Plus, our top-rated customer service is available 24/7 if any questions come up along the way. Simply put, WowFare takes the stress out of finding cheap flights to the Philippines.
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