Jungle hikes, stunning waterfalls, white sand beaches, and some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving, are just a few of the incredible experiences the Philippines offers. It’s the perfect destination for any type of traveler, whether you are an adventure seeker, beach lover, looking for some luxury or on a budget.
So when it comes to deciding what to pack for the Philippines, we’ve got you covered no matter what kind of travel experience you are looking for! We have a section on what to wear in the Philippines, what NOT to bring and other frequently asked questions.
1) Philippines Power Adaptor – Electricity in the Philippines uses 220 volts so if you want to plug anything into the wall, you will need a power adaptor. It’s great to get a universal adaptor since you can use it in many countries with different voltages. This one pictured is ideal because it comes with a built-in safety fuse in case of power surges. It also has a lifetime replacement guarantee!
2) Microfiber towel – This towel only takes up a small bit of space and is great to have for the beach or any impromptu cave dips or standing in waterfalls. Also, many places with budget accommodation will not provide towels so it’s good to take a towel with you. The best part of the microfiber towel is that it dries super quick so you can pack it back in your bag after a short time.
3) Waterproof dry bag sack – With all the island hopping and water activities you’ll be doing, it’s great to have a waterproof bag to protect all your personal belongings. Alternatively, it’s great for storing your wet clothes while on a day trip. The bag is collapsible so easy pack and lightweight to take along with you.
4) Packing Cubes – This is a game changer when it comes to packing. Coming in a 4-piece set, you can easily organize all your clothes for travel. The set can fit in a carry-on suitcase which ensures you aren’t overpacking. It’s also great when you are backpacking since it’s easy to find what you need. This set also comes with a laundry bag to separate your dirty clothes.
5) Osprey Farpoint 40L Travel Backpack – The best way to travel around the Philippines is a travel backpack. If you are planning to fly to different destinations it’s easiest with a bag that you can take as a carry-on so that you aren’t wasting your time at every airport waiting for your luggage to arrive and the guarantee of avoiding lost luggage. The Osprey Farpoint is very popular amongst backpackers in South East Asia. You can avoid digging through the bag to find your things by unzipping the side for easy access. There’s also a lot of compartments to stay organized and a lockable main compartment to keep your things safe. If you are looking for something a bit bigger, they also have 55L-80L Farpoint Backpacks with a bonus daypack attached. The price is a bit expensive when you compare to other brands but it does come with a lifetime guarantee.
6) Outlander Packable Daypack – In the Philippines, you’ll most likely go on day trips and island hopping tours so it’s great to have a daypack. The Outlander daypack is lightweight, water-resistant, with multiple compartments and best of all it’s compact. There are even pockets on the side to put a water bottle and umbrella and also comes with a lifetime warranty.
7) Lonely Planet Philippines Travel Guide – This is a great resource for trip planning and insider tips while you are in the Philippines. This guidebook has everything you need to know including places to stay, what to eat and things to do. Best of all, there’s plenty of suggestions for off beaten activities and guidelines to cultural norms that you should be aware of while visiting. Also, if you are planning to visit a few countries on a South East Asian trip, you may want to consider Lonely Planet’s South East Asia on a shoestring guidebook. Books are offered in paperback as well as kindle.
8) Travel Insurance for the Philippines – It’s important, no matter where you go and for how long, to always have travel insurance because you never know what might happen. World Nomads is very popular amongst travelers for a number of reasons. Some of the benefits include being able to purchase the insurance before leaving and during a trip. Coverage also includes over 150+ activities such as scuba diving, bungee jumping, and surfing. Lastly, there’s trip cancellation, emergency medical, dental and evacuation expenses, and covers protection against your travel gear like laptops, cameras and lost bags.
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9) NordVPN – Many countries in Asia will censor and have surveillance on your internet activities restricting the use of websites such as Facebook and Netflix. With NordVPN, you can simultaneously connect on six different devices with security protection and access to any website in the world.
10) Underwater Camera and Video – Nothings better to show off your experience than to have it all on camera and video. If you plan on snorkeling or scuba diving you’ll want to capture all the sea life like whale sharks, sea turtles, and giant mantas. With the GoPro you can capture all underwater activities in photos and video. It’s also great for filming your island hopping boat rides, learning to surf, zip lining, hikes, exploring caves and scootering around.
11) Mosquito Repellent – In the Philippines mosquitoes pose the threat of malaria and dengue fever so it’s important to protect yourself and wear mosquito spray.
12) Flipflops – an essential to traveling the Philippines! Crocs unisex sandals are great because they are super comfy, lightweight for packing, and good grip on the bottom.
13) Sunscreen – It’s hot and sunny in the Philippines yet often difficult to find sunscreen unless you are in heavily touristy areas like Boracay where foreigners are the only ones using it and getting overcharged.
14) Snorkel & Mask – The Philippines is renowned for their diversity of marine life which you won’t want to miss. While there are many places that you can rent a snorkel and mask from, I’ve seen them clean the gear by dunking it in a bucket of soapy water and then handing it to the next tourist so bring your own!
15) Melatonin – Getting to the Philippines can be a tiring, long-haul flight. Melatonin is a natural nighttime sleep aid that will help quickly adjust and reset your sleep cycle so you aren’t feeling jet lagged for long.
16) Wet Wipes – Whether you want to refresh yourself during a flight or too tired after a day of exploring for a shower, wet wipes are a handy item to have while traveling.
17) Water Bottle – You can’t drink tap water in the Philippines so it’s important to have a water bottle to keep hydrated throughout your trip. Get one that’s collapsible for easy packing.
Credits: https://www.asherfergusson.com/must-have-philippines-packing-list-items/ h
