The Short Answer
The straight answer is below. Skip to the detail section for the full reasoning if you want context — otherwise the headline takes care of most travelers' needs.
The Detail
There's nuance behind the short answer that matters in some scenarios. Local conditions, season, and the specific city/island you're in change the calculation. Read this section if you're planning anything beyond a standard tourist visit.
Common Mistakes
The most frequent travel mistakes we see are: assuming all islands have the same weather, underbudgeting domestic flights, skipping insurance, and trying to see too many islands in too few days.
Practical Tips
Bring an unlocked phone for a local eSIM. Carry cash — many places don't accept cards. Learn 'salamat' (thank you) and 'magandang umaga' (good morning). Tip 10% in restaurants in cities; ₱20-50 elsewhere is generous.
FAQ
The questions most travelers have, answered briefly below in the FAQ section. If you have a question we haven't covered, email us — we update articles based on reader feedback.