Traveling Solo in the Philippines

The Philippine Archipelago is a less popular backpackers destination than other Southeast Asian (SEA) countries primarily because it is physically not connected with neighbors (Thailand,Vietnam,Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia and Singapore). But your SEA trip isn't complete without visiting us. I've mentioned before that many came to our country but never left due to 3 major reasons. Well it is because the Philippines is naturally beautiful, the Filipino people are warm and friendly and; it's really inexpensive here.

For those who are not so familiar with the Philippines and wonder if traveling solo is safe here?

I must it is. Yes! it is safe to travel solo in the Philippines provided you listen to travel (safety , health and weather) advisories and have an open mind (and common sense too). I've done solo backpacking to some of our beautiful spots and met other solo (guy or gal) backpackers, majority of them are Europeans especially Dutch for mountain trips while many of the German solo backpackers I've met prefer the beaches. Most leave their origin on their own but eventually meet and join other solo backpackers, making the trip more worthwhile.

Regarding accommodations, there are available hostels and guesthouses in popular destinations (Banaue, Sagada, Puerto Galera etc) that doesn't require advance booking (but advance booking may be necessary during peak season- Summer months and Yuletide breaks), for some destinations, your tent may be the only retreat. Western foods are also available but may be very limited or expensive in other less familiar destinations but feel free to explore our local cuisine, it may suit your taste bud too.

There are several means of transportation around the Philippine (but may be seasonal - wet season is off season for some sea route). We have; metro rail system in the National Capital Region; jeepneys for short distance travel; buses for longer distance travel , some serve long haul overland travel from Luzon to Mindanao; abundance of low cost air travel that service old and new destinations (ex. Busuanga, Baler, Siargao etc); our long-distance train is undergoing major repair and would eventually restore trips to the Bicol region and; we have the RORO (roll on- roll off ) system in place such that inter-island crossing is now possible.

Shopping is also ideal here, our malls are comparable (or even better) to the malls in the US and other developed countries. Communication is not hard at all, we understand (and speak) the universal language very well.

As always: Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints and kill nothing but time.

Originally Posted by smallbird

The Philippine Archipelago is a less popular backpackers destination than other Southeast Asian (SEA) countries primarily because it is physically not connected with neighbors (Thailand,Vietnam,Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia and Singapore). But your SEA trip isn't complete without visiting us. I've mentioned before that many came to our country but never left due to 3 major reasons. Well it is because the Philippines is naturally beautiful, the Filipino people are warm and friendly and; it's really inexpensive here.

For those who are not so familiar with the Philippines and wonder if traveling solo is safe here?

I must it is. Yes! it is safe to travel solo in the Philippines provided you listen to travel (safety , health and weather) advisories and have an open mind (and common sense too). I've done solo backpacking to some of our beautiful spots and met other solo (guy or gal) backpackers, majority of them are Europeans especially Dutch for mountain trips while many of the German solo backpackers I've met prefer the beaches. Most leave their origin on their own but eventually meet and join other solo backpackers, making the trip more worthwhile.

Regarding accommodations, there are available hostels and guesthouses in popular destinations (Banaue, Sagada, Puerto Galera etc) that doesn't require advance booking (but advance booking may be necessary during peak season- Summer months and Yuletide breaks), for some destinations, your tent may be the only retreat. Western foods are also available but may be very limited or expensive in other less familiar destinations but feel free to explore our local cuisine, it may suit your taste bud too.

There are several means of transportation around the Philippine (but may be seasonal - wet season is off season for some sea route). We have; metro rail system in the National Capital Region; jeepneys for short distance travel; buses for longer distance travel , some serve long haul overland travel from Luzon to Mindanao; Pakistan abundance of low cost air travel that service old and new destinations (ex. Busuanga, Baler, Siargao etc); our long-distance train is undergoing major repair and would eventually restore trips to the Bicol region and; we have the RORO (roll on- roll off ) system in place such that inter-island crossing is now possible.

Shopping is also ideal here, our malls are comparable (or even better) to the malls in the US and other developed countries. Communication is not hard at all, we understand (and speak) the universal language very well.

As always: Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints and kill nothing but time.

Nice information and is valuable to me. Thanks

you are most welcome SEOITC!........ & welcome to PB!