People often ask me if Vins and I always travel together as a travel blogging duo. However, the answer is no. In the early years of our blog, we actually traveled separately – Vins with his officemates and me alone. Solo travel allowed me to experience places from a different perspective, gain confidence, make new friends, and change my outlook on the world. It was a great opportunity for personal growth and opened up a world of possibilities.

If you’re up for it, the author highly recommends trying solo travelers at least once in life and suggests the Philippines as an ideal destination. While it may require more time and effort to reach, the Philippines offers a memorable tropical experience with backpacking culture emerging in certain areas. The author consulted with both their Facebook community and team members to curate a list of the top ten places in the Philippines for solo travelers.

10. Coron

Coron is more expensive compared to other destinations in Palawan, but it’s still a perfect getaway for solo travelers. Those on a tight budget can opt for basic guest houses and inns, which are abundant in Coron. Solo travelers need not worry about getting around as everything in the town proper is accessible by tricycle. Even top attractions like Mt. Tapyas can be easily climbed without joining a packaged tour. To go island hopping, solo travelers can just join a group tour instead of booking an entire boat.

9. San Vicente, Palawan (including Port Barton)

San Vicente, situated between the famous towns of El Nido and Puerto Princesa, is often overlooked despite offering a variety of attractions for solo travelers. The town proper’s main attraction is Long Beach, which is a 14-kilometer stretch of soft sand that can be best explored by motorcycle. Visitors can choose to drive themselves or hire a driver. Port Barton, an idyllic seaside village, is also part of San Vicente and has been a popular destination for foreign backpackers for years. Although mostly unnoticed by mainstream tourists, San Vicente received around 8,500 visitors in 2012, with over half of them from Europe.

8. Baguio City

Baguio City used to be the go-to summer destination for people from Manila before the emergence of low-cost carriers. Despite being commercialized, Baguio still retains a familiar feel, even when the surrounding atmosphere and landscape offer a total contrast. While Baguio is a top choice for family and group trips, it is also an excellent option for solo travelers. Most tourist spots can be enjoyed alone, making it perfect for solo sightseeing. Moving around the city is also easy, as jeepney routes are easy to understand, and taxi drivers are honest and reliable.

7. Batanes

Batanes is a dream destination for solo backpackers. With cheap homestay accommodations that offer single rooms, it’s an ideal place to explore on your own. You can rent a bicycle to explore the capital town of Basco or a motorcycle or tricycle to visit Batan Island and Sabtang Island. Sightseeing is the main activity for tourists, so you don’t need company to appreciate the beauty of Batanes.

The appeal of Batanes is in its captivating visuals and fascinating culture, but what makes it special is its serene and peaceful environment. It has the power to make you reflect, get lost in thought, and find inner peace.

Getting to Batanes can be expensive, but Philippine Airlines occasionally offers seat sales that can significantly reduce airfare. Additionally, the new Clark-Basco route from PAL is often cheaper than flights from Manila.

6. Boracay

Boracay Island has received criticism over the years for being too crowded and developed, but it remains a popular destination due to its stunning white sand beaches, beautiful sunsets, and vibrant nightlife. Despite its commercialization, Boracay caters to solo travelers, families, and business travelers alike, with affordable accommodations, plenty of seaside restaurants and cheap eateries, and an easy-to-navigate layout. While it may not be the most peaceful destination, meeting fellow travelers is a breeze in Boracay.

5. Dumaguete + Siquijor

Dumaguete has been a popular destination for backpackers for many years, especially scuba divers. However, the city has much more to offer with its natural and cultural attractions, making it a go-to place for other types of travelers. You can easily explore the city on foot and enjoy the best restaurants, or join a group tour to swim with turtles or visit the nearby province of Siquijor. Moreover, finding single accommodations in Dumaguete is not a problem.

4. Siargao

Siargao is currently the most popular and rapidly growing destination in the country. While it has long been known as a surfing haven, it recently gained even more attention with Hollywood stars and international artists riding its waves and the launch of direct flights by Cebu Pacific Air from Manila and Cebu.

Siargao has a thriving backpacking community that is perfect for solo travelers. There are plenty of hostels and budget resorts available, most of which cater to independent travelers rather than travel-package tourists, allowing guests to connect with each other. Whether you’re here to immerse yourself in nature or mingle with other partygoers, Siargao promises unforgettable memories.

3. Cebu

No matter where you go in Cebu — whether you stay in the city, go diving in the northern islands, or trek the southern peaks — you’ll find plenty of adventure. The city center boasts numerous historic landmarks, all conveniently located near each other. While the city’s public transportation system, including jeepney routes, may be confusing at first, you’ll quickly get the hang of it. Cebu is generally very tourist-friendly, with hospitable and helpful locals.

One of the best things about Cebu is that it’s great for solo travelers. As one of the top destinations in the Philippines, Cebu has a variety of accommodations, including hostels, dorms, and guesthouses. If you can ride a motorcycle, renting one is recommended for exploring multiple towns. While activities can be cheaper when done with a group, it’s easy to find other travelers to join you as tourism is booming.

2. El Nido

El Nido has been a go-to destination for backpackers for decades, making it a pioneer in catering to DIY travelers and digital nomads in the Philippines. Even if you’re traveling solo, El Nido is a haven for fun and adventure. Most tours group strangers together on a boat for a day-long island excursion at regulated prices, eliminating any worries of being overcharged.

For those seeking nightlife, El Nido has a little bit of everything. Stay at a hostel or hit the bars to meet other travelers, or head to one of the many serene spots for peace and quiet. In fact, I was able to finish writing a full screenplay during my last visit, thanks to El Nido’s creative atmosphere. During the day, I worked on my script, and at night.

1. Sagada

In the romantic film That Thing Called Tadhana by Antoinette Jadaone, the lead characters’ love story fully bloomed in Sagada. Interestingly, Sagada is considered by many, myself included, as the top local destination for solo travelers.

And it’s not just for the heartbroken. Even those who relish traveling alone or seek a private moment with nature will find the mountains of Sagada perfect for some much-needed solitude. The town proper is small, and all the best restaurants and hotels are just a short walk away. Tours are all guided and reasonably priced, including private tours. Of course, joining a group tour is more affordable, but it’s effortless to do so. You can just inform the tour guide association, and they might be able to find a group for you, provided you haven’t already made friends with another traveler.

For those who don’t want to take tours, Sagada still has something for you. During off-peak seasons (December-May) and non-holiday weekends, Sagada is not crowded. If you time it right, you can still enjoy its tranquility and experience its cold embrace that can inspire, heal, and astound, allowing you to appreciate the beauty of being alone.

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