(C): Unsplash
The morning rush fades once the van leaves Manila. After two hours, concrete turns into palm lines, and the air smells faintly of salt. At the pier, there’s chatter, coolers clinking, and a few sleepy faces waiting for the boat. This is how most cheap island hopping tours begin — simple and noisy in the best way.
Those planning short trips often trace routes mentioned in the longest bridges in the Philippines or the longest rivers in the Philippines. These links connect regions where sea, road, and habit meet. Every journey feels stitched by small ports, smoky roadside stalls, and water that always finds its way back to Manila Bay.
| Destination / Region | Starting Price (₱) | Duration | Tour Type | Best Season |
| Batangas (Fortune Island) | 1,200 | Day Tour | Shared Boat | November–April |
| Puerto Galera | 1,500 | 2 Days | Group Tour | December–May |
| Hundred Islands | 800 | Day Tour | Joiner | October–March |
| Subic Bay | 1,500 | Half Day | Cruise | Year-Round |
| Zambales (Magalawa, Potipot) | 2,000 | 2 Days | Joiner | December–May |
| Cavite–Corregidor | 2,000 | Day Tour | Historical | November–March |
| Calaguas (CamNorte) | 3,000 | 2D1N | Camping | February–May |
| Palawan (Coron Shared) | 1,800 | 1 Day | Shared Boat | November–May |
| Anawangin–Nagsasa Cove | 2,500 | 2 Days | Joiner | December–April |
| Bohol (Combo Tour) | 5,000 | 2 Days | Flight + Joiner | December–May |
Locals say the best trips are the ones packed with strangers and cheap lunch boxes. Boats clatter, kids shout, and someone always brings a karaoke speaker. Nothing fancy — just laughter, grilled fish, and salt sticking to the skin. These tours are popular because they skip the fuss. One ticket covers transport, a meal, and the sea.
Greek-style ruins face calm blue water. Shared boats leave Nasugbu early, reaching Fortune Island before noon and Sepoc Beach by afternoon.
A short ferry ride connects to White Beach and Coral Garden. Groups stay overnight or return the same day.
A local favorite. For under ₱1,000, travelers hop across Quezon, Governor’s, and Children’s Islands.
Calm seas and steady boats make this trip easy. Half-day routes stop at Grande and Snake Islands.
Tents on sand, grilled tilapia, and morning light over calm water. That’s the draw here.
Old bunkers and cannon sites recall a different time. Boats leave from Manila Bay early morning.
The long road ends in white sand and no signal. Shared camping trips include tents and simple meals.
Flights to Busuanga link directly to Coron’s shared boat tours. The famous Kayangan Lake remains every traveler’s postcard shot.
This route surprises visitors with pine trees by the shore. Locals guide small groups through camping spots.
Budget packages include Panglao, Balicasag, and Virgin Island. The trip mixes short flights with easy island rides.
Travelers chasing low prices usually skip private charters. Shared tours split the cost and keep things simple. Always check if transport from Manila is included — sometimes it’s not, and that changes the math. Packing light helps too. One dry bag, a towel, and slippers are enough for a weekend trip.
June to October brings the best discounts, though expect a few cloudy afternoons. Locals say rain adds its own rhythm; waves sound heavier, but the sea still welcomes.
Traffic out of the city steals time, so leaving before dawn is smart. Bring cash — some islands don’t take cards, and a ₱20 fee here and there adds up. Ask locals where to eat instead of following signs. The small food stalls near ports serve fresh fish for half the price of beach cafés.
The best tours don’t always come with big ads. Sometimes, it’s just a handwritten sign near a pier or a neighbor’s cousin running boats on weekends. These trips run on trust, word of mouth, and timing. That’s what keeps them human.
1. What’s the cheapest island hopping trip from Manila?
Hundred Islands joiner tours often start around ₱800, making them the most affordable.
2. Which is easiest for beginners?
Batangas and Puerto Galera are closest and best for first-time travelers.
3. Are meals part of the tour cost?
Most include simple dishes — fish, rice, and fruit. Some allow bringing your own food.
4. When do rates drop the most?
Rainy season months like June and September usually bring lower prices.
5. Are shared tours safe for solo guests?
Yes, most are guided and filled with mixed travelers, both local and foreign.
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