Why is Traveling the Philippines Getting Harder (and More Expensive)?

It hurts to say it, but the data doesn't lie: Philippine tourism is struggling to keep pace with our Southeast Asian neighbors. While we have arguably the world's best islands, many of us feel like we're being priced out of our own country, or that traveling abroad is often an easier, more affordable choice.

This is a crisis of value for money, and based on my own recent trips to our top destinations, I want to talk about the huge hurdle the industry must fix.

The Hard Facts: We Are Falling Behind

According to statistics from Q1 2025, the Philippines saw a minor dip in international tourist arrivals (a 0.5% drop), primarily due to fewer visitors from major markets like South Korea and China.

But the real alarm bell is the bigger picture: Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia have seen stronger post-pandemic recovery. Why? Because experts point to two major challenges impacting global tourism right now: high transport and accommodation costs.

And this is exactly where my personal experience comes in.

💸 The Local Luxury Problem: El Nido & Siargao Flights

I've been to Siargao and El Nido, Palawan—my absolute favorite destinations in the Philippines. The lagoons, the waves, the sheer natural beauty? Unbeatable.

But let's be real about the cost of getting there:

• Round-trip flights from Manila to El Nido (via ENI) often start around ₱14,000 to ₱16,000+ per person.

• Round-trip flights from Manila to Siargao (via IAO) can easily cost ₱7,000 to ₱14,000+ per person, especially if you need a weekend slot.

When you can sometimes find a round-trip ticket to destinations like Hong Kong, Vietnam, or Taiwan for a similar price (or even less!), why would we choose the domestic route that still requires additional fees, land transfers, and time? The high cost of domestic air travel is essentially a barrier to entry for many travelers, both local and foreign.

🏨 The Batangas Dilemma: Overpriced Road Trips

It’s not just the flights. Even nearby, convenient getaways like Batangas suffer from the "overpriced for the quality" issue.

• Average Resort Prices in Batangas: While there are budget options (starting around ₱2,000–₱3,500 per night), mid-range beach resorts and dive spots often price rooms between ₱5,500 and ₱10,000+ per night for standard rooms, especially on weekends.

For that price point, travelers expect top-notch facilities, excellent service, and pristine beaches. Too often, we end up paying a premium for simple rooms, poor WiFi, and crowded beaches that don't match the price of a mid-tier hotel in a major city abroad.

🎯 A Call for Value and Improvement

The Philippines is world-class, but our tourism infrastructure and pricing are not always competitive. We need to:

1. Lower Domestic Flight Costs: The government and airlines must work together to make flying to our key islands more affordable and competitive with regional international destinations.

2. Ensure Quality Matches Price: Resort owners need to benchmark their services and amenities against their prices. A ₱7,000-per-night room near Manila needs to feel worth ₱7,000.

3. Invest in Infrastructure: Less expensive travel and better facilities mean visitors stay longer and spend more, which ultimately helps local communities.

We love our country, and we want to see it thrive. But for the tourism sector to truly lead, we need to focus on delivering world-class value, not just world-class views.

What has been your experience? Have you traveled abroad instead of domestically because of the cost? Share your thoughts below! 👇