e7m
🏝 1. There are more than 7000 islands here — and most are empty
The Philippine archipelago consists of 7641 islands, of which fewer than 2000 are inhabited. This means you can find a deserted beach with white sand without much effort. The Bacuit Islands near El Nido are considered among the most beautiful in the world — and day tours there cost approximately 1800–2200 rubles.
💸 2. Daily budget — around 3500–4500 rubles
This is a realistic figure for comfortable travel: a hostel or simple guesthouse — from 890 rubles per night, lunch at a local café — 180–350 rubles, transport around the island — 90–270 rubles. There's no Bali-style price shock here — the Philippines remains one of the most affordable destinations in Southeast Asia.
🤿 3. Diving here is recognized as the best in the region
The Sulu Sea and Tubbataha Strait are on the UNESCO list. The dive sites of Apo Reef, Puerto Galera, and Dumaguete host tens of thousands of divers annually. One dive set with equipment costs 2200–3500 rubles — cheaper than in Thailand or the Maldives.
🦈 4. Whale sharks — and this is not a zoo
In Donsol (Sorsogon Province) and Oslob, whale sharks can be encountered right off the shore. Snorkeling with them costs around 800–1200 rubles — one of the most affordable ways to see the planet's largest fish in the wild.
Season in Donsol is from November to June, sharks come to feed in the morning. No cages, just a mask and fins.
🍜 5. Street food costs 90–180 rubles per portion
Chicken adobo, sinigang with tamarind, balut (boiled egg with embryo — local classic) — the food here is vibrant and cheap. At markets in Cebu or Manila, a full meal with a drink fits into 250–400 rubles. Fast food chains like Jollibee — the local McDonald's equivalent — feed you for 180–270 rubles.
🗣 6. Language barrier is practically nonexistent
English is the official language of the country, taught in schools from first grade. You can communicate everywhere: in villages, at markets, in jeepneys. This eliminates the main stress of Asian travel — communication.
🚤 7. Transportation — a separate adventure
Jeepney — converted army jeeps with painted designs — is the main city transport for 40–90 rubles per ride. Between islands, bancas operate — narrow boats with outrigger floats. The Cebu-Bohol ferry takes 2 hours and costs around 630 rubles.
📱 8. Communications and money: what you should know in advance
MIR cards don't work in the Philippines — bring cash dollars and exchange them on site (pesos). Exchange offices at Manila and Cebu airports offer worse rates — better to exchange in the city. For internet, it's most convenient to get an eSIM in advance through e7m.ru — from 243₽, activates before departure, works from the first minute after arrival.
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