As a public high school teacher, I’ve mastered the art of stretching a budget. Whether it’s planning classroom activities or packing baon for the week, I know how to make every peso count. But even teachers need a break—and I had my heart set on Palawan. The good news? I managed to turn that dream into reality without spending a fortune. Here’s how I did it—and how you can too.
Step 1: Google Flights is Your Best Friend
I started the planning with Google Flights. I searched with flexible dates, avoided weekends, and waited for the best price.
Eventually, I landed a roundtrip flight from Manila to Puerto Princesa for about $70. I booked it during an off-peak weekday (Tuesday afternoon, to be exact), when the prices tend to dip.
Tip: Use the calendar view on Google Flights and track prices with alerts. Timing your booking makes a huge difference.
Step 2: Travel Off-Season and Win Big
I went in early July, which is considered off-season in Palawan. That means fewer tourists, cheaper rates, and surprisingly nice weather. Sure, I had some light rain showers, but the sun showed up more often than not—and honestly, the cloudy days made hiking and touring more comfortable.
I found a cozy guesthouse in Puerto Princesa for just $25 per night, totaling $125 for 5 nights. It wasn’t fancy—fan room, clean bathroom, decent Wi-Fi—but it felt homey and was walking distance to the baywalk.
Step 3: Mix DIY and Budget Tours
Palawan is known for expensive tour packages, but you don’t have to splurge. I picked local group tours and even did some DIY adventures. Here’s where my money went:
- Honda Bay island hopping tour (shared boat): $20
- Underground River Tour (including permits and guide): $40
- Firefly watching tour at Iwahig River: $15
- Motorbike rental for 2 days to explore beaches like Nagtabon: $14/day = $28
- Park and entrance fees: around $30 total
These experiences cost me about $133 total, and every single one was worth it.
Step 4: Eat Like a Local
Food in Palawan is super affordable if you skip the touristy restaurants. I often ate at local carinderias, street food stalls, and seaside eateries. Daily food budget? Around $10–$15/day, which came to $60–$75 for the trip.
Best bites:
- Local breakfast (silog meals): $2
- Grilled seafood by the bay: $4–5
- Afternoon halo-halo: $1
- Beer or iced coffee with a sea view: $1.50
Affordable and delicious Filipino food—exactly how I like it.
The Verdict: Budget Trip, First-Class Memories
For $700 USD, I got to snorkel in tropical reefs, explore underground rivers, ride motorbikes through jungle roads, and chill on white-sand beaches. I met friendly locals, ate fresh seafood, and took naps in hammocks between adventures. And I didn’t once feel like I was missing out.
This trip reminded me that travel doesn’t have to be expensive to be meaningful. With smart tools like Google Flights, off-season planning, and local know-how, even a teacher with a modest salary can experience the a great destination with a beach on a budget.
So if you’ve been holding off on that vacation because of your budget, don’t. Palawan is waiting—and you might just come home with more than just sun-kissed skin and souvenirs. You’ll come home refreshed, inspired, and proud you made it happen your way.
Guest post written by Hiro Taka
Chef Hiroshi Tanaka isn’t just a master of Japanese cuisine—he’s a globetrotter with a passion for discovering new flavors.
