Backpacking Northern Luzon in 9 Days for PHP10,000

My travel buddy and I realized that we can save a lot of money if we do a DIY trip instead of booking trips through package tours. After polishing the itinerary, we made a budget plan with the help of some friends. Well, no one is brave enough to go on an adventure with less than P10,000 estimated budget for 9 days, but we did it!

After our adventure across northern Luzon, everyone wants to know how we survived the trip with a minimal budget. Due to public demand, I’m sharing you how 2 brave girls were able to stretch the budget for 9 days in 5 destinations – Vigan (Ilocos Sur), Laoag (Ilocos Norte), Pagudpud (Ilocos Norte), Baguio and Banaue.

To lessen the cost of our transportation, we chose an accommodation that is accessible to the town proper. In doing so, we just have to walk/hike in getting around. We also brought some biscuits, coffee, and candies when we’re in Cebu so we didn’t spend much for these goods during the actual trip.

Also read: 10 Reasons to go Backpacking in the Philippines

Most of the restaurants (except for the fast food) offer big serving. So, we ordered those large serving meals and divided the cost. We are lucky that our drivers were friendly and gave us some tips. Now, I shall present to you the breakdown of our expenses and some budget travel tips.

Flight

Buy your tickets in advance. Our round trip ticket from Cebu to Clark airport was booked last September 2014 when Cebu Pacific had a seat sale. It only costs us PHP2,1131.76 each that includes 30 kilo baggage allowance.

Accommodation

Note: We canceled our reservation at Happy Homes as we prefer to stay at Hapao homestay, but we didn’t request a refund for the one night deposit we’ve paid.

Food

Transportation

In getting around Ifugao, your mode of transportation is either PUJ (top load is a must try!), tricycle or motorcycle. By the way, they don’t know what “habal-habal” means. So, we’ve suggested it to the local tourism officer in Hungduan to call their motorcycle drivers as “habal-habal drivers.”

Tour Fees

Other expenses

• Scarf and bonnet bought at the souvenir shop: PHP380
• 5 pcs mini windmill from Burgos: PHP100
• 1 pc ube jam from Good shepherd: PHP200
• 3 pcs Strawberry jam:  PHP100
• 5 pcs Peanut brittle: PHP100
• Ifugao skirt: PHP130

Also read: 5 Life-Changing Reasons to Visit the Banaue Rice Terraces

If I am to sum up everything, I spent PHP11,412.50 but without the souvenirs, the whole trip should only be around PHP10,000. We survived a 9-day backpacking trip to 5 destinations with that limited budget. Can you believe it?

Contributed by Laagan Na Cebuana