Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
Hepatitis A and B vaccines are recommended for all travelers to the Philippines. Typhoid vaccine is advised if you plan to visit rural areas or eat street food. Consider a rabies vaccine if you’ll be in remote areas or interacting with animals. Japanese encephalitis is suggested if you’re staying over a month, especially in rural areas. Routine vaccinations like MMR, varicella, polio, and your yearly flu shot should be up to date. Always check the latest health advisories before you go.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Philippines, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for PhilippinesCulture & Customs
Respect elders by using ”po” and ”opo” when speaking. A smile and a nod go a long way. Dress modestly, especially in rural areas and religious sites. Public displays of affection should be minimal; this applies to all couples. It’s generally safe for LGBTQ+ travelers, but discretion is wise outside major cities. Avoid discussing politics and religion unless you’re invited to share. Always remove shoes when entering homes. If invited to a meal, try a bit of everything offered. Remember, personal space is less of a thing, so don’t be surprised if it feels crowded.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Philippines.
- Adobo: Often considered the unofficial national dish, Adobo is meat (usually chicken or pork) marinated in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and spices, then simmered to perfection. It’s a staple in Filipino households, celebrated for its savory and slightly tangy flavor.
- Sinigang: A sour tamarind-based soup, typically cooked with pork, shrimp, or fish, alongside a medley of vegetables. Its tangy and refreshing taste makes it a comforting dish that reflects the Filipino love for bold and balanced flavors.
- Lechon: Whole roasted pig, famed for its crispy skin and juicy meat. Often the centerpiece at celebrations and gatherings, Lechon is a symbol of Filipino hospitality and festivity.
- Pancit: Noodle dishes that vary by region, but commonly include stir-fried noodles with vegetables, meat, and a squeeze of calamansi. It’s a go-to dish for birthdays and celebrations, symbolizing long life and prosperity.
- Kare-Kare: A rich, peanut-based oxtail stew, often served with a side of shrimp paste. It’s a comfort food that showcases Filipino culinary creativity in combining different textures and flavors.
- Halo-Halo: A colorful dessert made of shaved ice, evaporated milk, and a variety of sweet ingredients like fruits, beans, and jellies. Perfect for cooling down in the tropical heat, it’s a sweet representation of the country’s diverse culinary influences.
- Balut: A fertilized duck egg with a developing embryo inside, boiled and eaten from the shell. Often seen as a daring food adventure, it’s a traditional street food that offers a unique taste of local culture.
Tap water in the Philippines isn’t recommended for tourists; locals often avoid it too. Stick to bottled or filtered water to be safe. You can easily find bottled water everywhere, and many hotels or hostels offer filtered water stations.
The main language in Philippines is
Filipino. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Filipino skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Philippines includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
Get your local basic phrases 👉
Get the Travel Guide - is widely spoken in the Philippines and serves as one of the official languages alongside Filipino. The country has a high English proficiency rate, with many Filipinos being fluent or conversational in the language. English is the medium of instruction in schools and is commonly used in government, media, and business, making it accessible to both locals and tourists.
In urban areas and tourist destinations, such as Manila, Cebu, and Boracay, you’ll find that most people, especially in hospitality and service sectors, can communicate effectively in English. Even in rural regions, while proficiency may vary, many locals can understand basic English, particularly younger generations who have received formal education.
However, it’s always appreciated if visitors learn a few basic Filipino phrases, as this can enhance interactions and show respect for the local culture. Overall, travelers can expect minimal language barriers when navigating the Philippines, making it a relatively easy destination for English-speaking tourists.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Philippines is PHP (₱).
When backpacking in the Philippines, it’s smart to have a mix of cash and cards. ATMs are widely available in urban areas, but they can be scarce in rural spots and small islands. Always carry some cash, especially in pesos, since smaller vendors and transport options often don’t accept cards.
For better exchange rates, bring U.S. dollars rather than euros. Dollars are more commonly accepted for exchange and typically get a better rate. You can exchange money at banks or official currency exchange outlets in cities. Avoid airports if you can, as they usually offer worse rates.
Credit and debit card acceptance is increasing, but don’t count on it in local eateries or shops outside major cities. Always check if there’s an extra charge for card transactions, as some places add a fee. Lastly, let your bank know about your travel plans to prevent any card usage issues while you’re abroad.
Tipping in the Philippines isn’t mandatory but is appreciated, especially in touristy areas. In restaurants, a 10% tip is customary if service charge isn’t included. For taxis and small services, rounding up the fare or leaving small change is common.
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Best Backpacking
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.