The Philippines records the lowest tourism return in Southeast Asia

 

My honest opinion after 11 years connected to the Philippines, with about 8 years spent traveling around the country.

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Main problem: accommodation is bad and overpriced.

I’m planning a motorcycle route in Vietnam from South to North. Almost everywhere there, you can sleep for $3–$4. $10 already feels like luxury.

In the Philippines, it’s hard to find anything under $10. The average is $25–$30, and the quality is usually terrible.

I remember sitting at White Beach in Puerto Galera with a resort owner. He showed me rooms priced at almost $100 per night. Inside, everything was broken — doors, toilet flush, fittings.

I told him, “Don’t be offended, but who is paying 5,000 pesos for that crap?”

His answer: “They come 15 people, so it’s cheap.” (sleeping on the floor and everywhere)

I asked why he doesn’t fix the rooms. He said, “It will be broken again in two weeks.”

That mindset explains a lot.

If I ride from Pagudpud to General Santos (north to south), the trip will cost me at least 30 times more than Vietnam, with more hassle and less comfort.

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Another big issue: transportation.

If you don’t have your own transport (motorcycle), roaming around the Philippines can be a horror — slow connections, overpriced tricycles, limited public transport, and wasted time. Mobility here often feels like a struggle, not freedom.

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Second issue: domestic flights are insanely expensive.

Not long ago, Manila–Siargao was close to $400.

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Third issue: too many restrictions, no real freedom.

Hiking? Register at the barangay.

Simple trail? Mandatory guide.

Then come the fees: “local support” fee, environmental fee, parking fee, toilet fee, shower fee...

That’s why some foreigners call it Feelippines.

I love the Philippines. That’s why I’m still here.

But if tourism wants to improve, these problems need to be called out — not ignored.

The Lazy Traveler