"Traveling is expensive", what can you say about these? For me traveling could be expensive depending to the traveler. If that person tends to buy everything he/she saw during the trip then yes, it could be expensive. However, if the person buys only the things that are necessary and/or important then it won't cost you much. Nevertheless, the money it'll cost you may greatly vary depending on the place where you are going.
Philippines is one of those country in Asia where you can travel cheap yet be mesmerized with the beauty of its nature. From the land up to the water, I'm sure it will leave you breathless. One of the many islands here in the Philippines is known as Palawan. From here, you can pick a variety of tourist spots located in Puerto Prinsesa (its main city), Balabac, Coron, El Nido and many more.
El Nido in Palawan, Philippines is known not only in the country but in the entire world. Just by looking at the pictures online, it would seem that going there would be expensive. However, it ONLY cost us 10,000 Pesos or roughly US$205 during our four (4) days and three (3) nights trip. These includes airfare, food, van transfer and our tour (two days island hopping). Yep, you read it right for only 10,000 Pesos you can enjoy the scenery in El Nido, Palawan for a low price. Below is the summary of our expenses:
Roundtrip Airfare - 2,253.04 Pesos
Van Transfer - 1,000 Pesos
Accomodation - 5,475 Pesos
Other expenses - 1,270 Pesos
Total - 9,998 Pesos
Roundtrip Airfare - 2,253.04 Pesos
Van Transfer - 1,000 Pesos
Accomodation - 5,475 Pesos
Other expenses - 1,270 Pesos
Total - 9,998 Pesos
Asking for the food? The accommodation we booked is inclusive of buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Furthermore, the tour is also included in the accommodation fee. However, the food on the way to El Nido is not covered since we booked the van transfer via klook so I put it on the other expenses. But rest assure that the food won't cost you much since there are many food stalls or carinderias on the way. Also the kayak rental in Big Lagoon is not that expensive which is about 500-700 pesos which are good for two so I put in some extra fee on 'other expenses' part. You asked how is this possible? The answer is simple:
1. Look For Seat Sale
If you really want to travel cheap then always look at the Facebook Pages of different airlines like Cebu Pacific, Air Asia and Philippine Airlines. They are constantly posting in their Facebook pages if there is an ongoing seat sale or if there'll be a seat sale. If you're lucky enough you can get a round trip airfare for less than 2,000 Pesos. It is advisable to use laptops or your PC desktop when booking your trip since it is faster than using your mobile phones.
2. Know/Get Your Travel Buddies Details and Ready Your Debit/Credit Card
When there is a seat sale, you must hurry since the seats are only limited and sometime in just a matter of second, the price will increase rapidly. As much as possible you should create an account and put them into your guest list so that you wouldn't have a hard time typing their individual details. Also, be sure to have a cc (credit card) or a debit card to be use for paying online. You also have the option of paying it on a payment center like 7 Eleven or Bayad Center but it could be unavailable since there are times that they don't accept payments from them.
3. Plan Your Trip
This should come first before you book your airline tickets. Me, I prefer to travel at least six months after the booking. During this planning period, you should bear in mind if it is peak or non-peak season to the place where you are going. If it is peak then expect a higher rate. Also, sometimes there’s what they called a travel expo where you can buy a number of discounted tour, accommodations, visa assistance and so on.
4. Expect The Unexpected, Try to Avoid Buying Unnecessary Things
Always expect that there could be some problem you might face during the trip. DO NOT forget to bring extra cash with you just to be sure. It is always better to have cash than your cc or debit card since not all the shops/restaurant accepts card. Also, try to avoid buying stuffs that isn't really that important. Even if it'll only cost you one peso try to avoid it because that 'one peso' can make a difference. Maybe not now but trust me, you will understand it soon. Besides, you can't get thousands of peso without a one peso.
5. Enjoy the Tour
1. Look For Seat Sale
If you really want to travel cheap then always look at the Facebook Pages of different airlines like Cebu Pacific, Air Asia and Philippine Airlines. They are constantly posting in their Facebook pages if there is an ongoing seat sale or if there'll be a seat sale. If you're lucky enough you can get a round trip airfare for less than 2,000 Pesos. It is advisable to use laptops or your PC desktop when booking your trip since it is faster than using your mobile phones.
2. Know/Get Your Travel Buddies Details and Ready Your Debit/Credit Card
When there is a seat sale, you must hurry since the seats are only limited and sometime in just a matter of second, the price will increase rapidly. As much as possible you should create an account and put them into your guest list so that you wouldn't have a hard time typing their individual details. Also, be sure to have a cc (credit card) or a debit card to be use for paying online. You also have the option of paying it on a payment center like 7 Eleven or Bayad Center but it could be unavailable since there are times that they don't accept payments from them.
3. Plan Your Trip
This should come first before you book your airline tickets. Me, I prefer to travel at least six months after the booking. During this planning period, you should bear in mind if it is peak or non-peak season to the place where you are going. If it is peak then expect a higher rate. Also, sometimes there’s what they called a travel expo where you can buy a number of discounted tour, accommodations, visa assistance and so on.
4. Expect The Unexpected, Try to Avoid Buying Unnecessary Things
Always expect that there could be some problem you might face during the trip. DO NOT forget to bring extra cash with you just to be sure. It is always better to have cash than your cc or debit card since not all the shops/restaurant accepts card. Also, try to avoid buying stuffs that isn't really that important. Even if it'll only cost you one peso try to avoid it because that 'one peso' can make a difference. Maybe not now but trust me, you will understand it soon. Besides, you can't get thousands of peso without a one peso.
5. Enjoy the Tour
Not everyone is given the privilege to roam around the world or even explore their own country. Enjoy your time of traveling. You don’t need to draw out lots of cash to enjoy your travel because just by looking at the beauty of our mother nature is enough for you to feel complete and be satisfied with your trip. And if ever you paid for such expensive trips, you can always get the money back by working hard but the memories you'll build during the trip is priceless. And remember to enjoy and make the most of it since we can never say until when are we going to live. Make the most of it and ENJOY BECAUSE YOU DESERVE IT!
You might want to read my other blog about on how to go to El Nido, Palawan. Also you can follow me on my Instagram Account. If you have any question or suggestion do not hesitate to comment it or dm me on my Instagram. Thank you and Bon Voyage!
You might want to read my other blog about on how to go to El Nido, Palawan. Also you can follow me on my Instagram Account. If you have any question or suggestion do not hesitate to comment it or dm me on my Instagram. Thank you and Bon Voyage!
