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4 accommodations with the best views under $40/night in Manila, Philippines

So you want a getaway with breathtaking views in Manila, Philippines, but don’t want to spend so much?

Look no further!

We’ve rounded up four accommodations that offer the vistas you want without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a budget traveler or want to make the most of your hard-earned money, these options under $40/night will give you quite the experience.

Let’s dive in and discover the best views that won’t burn a hole in your pocket.

Clean & bright compact studio with an unobstructed view

Price: $28/night (for 2 persons)

Secure your piece of paradise from this compact studio, located at the back of Ever Gotesco Mall for uninterrupted views of Sierra Madre.

Whether solo or sharing with a friend, this bright unit offers two single beds (one a pull-out) and a dedicated workspace. Free amenities like high-speed WiFi, hot water, pool, gym, playground, and jogging paths make this the ideal home base for urban explorers, while the kitchenette allows for quick meals to fuel your adventures. There’s also a washer in-unit so you can get fresh, clean laundry always.

High-floor residential one-bedroom condominium with a city skyline view

Price: $32/night (for 2 persons)

Perched on the 38th floor with city skyline views, this high-rise condominium offers city living connected to the conveniences of SM North EDSA (a large shopping mall in Quezon City).

Spacious enough for up to four guests, the fully furnished unit features everything you need for comfort during your stay. Enjoy easy access to the mall’s selection of shops, dining options, and entertainment venues, while the MRT station provides quick transit around Metro Manila. The balcony lets you take in the twinkling night lights of Quezon City from above, and day parking is available on a first-come basis with reservations possible.

Fully furnished studio deluxe unit where you can view the sunrise

Price: $36/night (for 2 persons)

Wake up to the sunrise from this cozy studio deluxe unit located in New Manila near Gilmore Station and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church.

Situated on a high floor, this apartment features cable TV, speedy WiFi, and skyline views to energize your day. The compact yet well-organized layout includes a fully equipped kitchenette ideal for light meals, a double lock door for security, and complimentary tea, coffee, and distilled water. Great for a solo traveler seeking a home base for business or pleasure, or a couple looking for an affordable getaway. This furnished studio promises a comfortable and convenient stay close to the city’s bustle.

Minimalist studio unit with floor-to-ceiling windows

Price: $39/night (for 2 persons)

This minimalist studio unit is your ticket to day-to-night city views. Nestled close to Eastwood Ferry Station and in the heart of Eastwood City, this 24-square-meter condo offers all the comforts of home in a modern package.

Wake up to floor-to-ceiling windows framing the metropolis, then cook up your favorite meals in the equipped kitchenette. After a refreshing shower, slip into the plush queen-size bed that pulls out to sleep four (with extra fees). When you’re ready to venture out, stroll to nearby restaurants, shops, and cafes. Then after that, come home to your retreat with private, paid parking on-site.

If you’re planning a trip to Manila on a budget, there’s no need to fret with our abovementioned accommodations. From skyline views to beautiful sunsets, you can enjoy Manila without spending much on your stay. So pack your bags, grab a buko juice, and explore Manila with a view that you won’t believe you paid under $40/night for.

5 top-rated hotels in Cebu, Philippines under $40/night for your National Day getaway

Time is ticking and there’s no more time to waste.

If you’ve yet to plan for your National Day holiday getaway, now’s the time to do so before prices rise further. Catch my last two posts here:

In this post, we’re still eyeing the National Day break since we’ve got a month left.

So you better hurry and submit that leave request ya.

Anyway, at the time of writing, I searched and saw a 2-way flight at less than $250 to the Philippines and hence this post.

Let’s look at some top-rated hotels in Cebu, Philippines under $40/night. Shall we?

Hotel prices reflected are based on dates selected from 9 to 12 August 2023.

OYO 187 The Maxwell Hotel

Price: $24/night

OYO 187 The Maxwell Hotel is sited right along N Escario Street. The distance from Mactan-Cebu International Airport is approximately 45 minutes. It was awarded as a top choice for Agoda travelers in 2021 so you should be in good hands. At the time of writing, there are various rooms priced at just $24/night but I would suggest going for the deluxe double room, the biggest available room with a queen-size bed.

Cebu Hotel Plus

Price: $31/night

Cebu Hotel Plus situated along Don Mariano Cui Street is about a 40-minute drive from Mactan-Cebu International Airport. You will be right in the heart of Cebu City and a 10-minute ride away from the iconic Minor Basilica of the Holy Child of Cebu. The deluxe queen room is priced at just $31/night and offers city views.

Red Planet Cebu

Price: $33/night

If you book a stay here, you will find yourself at 36 Archbishop Reyes Avenue and a 40-minute ride from the international airport. The famous Temple of Leah is a 20-minute drive away. Both the twin room and double room at Red Planet Cebu are priced at $33/night. So whether you’re traveling with a friend or your partner, there are options for you.

18 Suites Cebu

Price: $34/night

You will find 18 Suites Cebu at 18 Sanson Road, a short walk to JY Square Mall. It’s about a 40-minute drive from Mactan-Cebu International Airport. It was awarded a top choice for Agoda travelers last year with an excellent rating of 8.9 with over 1,000 reviews at the time of writing. The deluxe twin room with 2 single beds will cost you $34/night. You can also opt for the deluxe double room with a queen bed for $37/night.

Cebu R Hotel – Mabolo

Price: $39/night

Cebu R Hotel – Mabolo is located along Tres Borces Padres Street and is approximately a 30-minute ride from the airport. Fort San Pedro is a 10-minute drive away. The standard room will cost you $39/night and it even includes free breakfast for 2 and access to their humble fitness center.

If you’re planning a National Day getaway in Cebu, Philippines, and want to find top-rated hotels without breaking the bank, these 5 hotels provide exceptional value, comfort, and quality service, all for under $40/night. So book your accommodation right away before they get snapped up and have fun on your getaway on a budget!

4 Philippines Best Beaches

Are you planning a vacation to the Philippines this summer? Well, this country has a lot to offer; it’s like a small paradise on earth.

The country is like no other place on the planet. It has more than 7,500 islands with 2000 of them being inhabited. The area is full of beautiful sceneries and world-class beaches from Coron to El Nido.

The country offers one of the longest white sand coastlines in the world. Be sure to visit one of these beaches, and you’ll love the experience.

El Nido, Palawan

El Nido Island has one of the best beaches in Palawan. Its extraordinary splendor and ecosystem make it your ideal destination this summer.

The place is commonly known as the Philippines’ last frontier. It features as the 14^th beach among CNN’s top 100 beaches in the globe.

The island has over 50 white sand beaches, three marine habitats and five types of forests. It also a home to different bird species. Its waters are rich in marine life including dugongs, dolphins and over 100 species of fish.

You can visit this island and its fabulous beaches from December through March. At this time, the weather is dry and beautiful, plus the visitors are few translating to fewer rates.

Coron Island, Palawan

Coron Island is a gem of natural beauty in the world. It boasts of steep limestone cliffs, seven mountain lakes, and white sand beaches. It’s also a popular scuba diving site with Forbes travel magazine listing it among the ten best locations around the globe.

Even better, behind the majestic rock formations, there’s a secret lagoon with crystal-green waters and white-sand shores. This hidden beach is a paradise. You must get here either by swimming through the sea tunnel or climbing over the cliffs.

Panglao Island, Bohol

The island boasts of crystal clear blue waters and white sand beaches. The diving sites are among the best in the world. You’ll also find different species of marine life here.

Statistics from Panglao Biodiversity Project claim that the island has more marine life than Japan and the Mediterranean Sea combined.

Some of the famous beaches on this island are Alona, Doljo, and Dumaluan. Be sure to visit the area during the dry and cool season from December through to March.

Palaui Island, Cagayan

According to CNN, Palaui Island is at number 10 of their top 100 best beaches in the world. It describes the beach as a raw beauty where nature unfolds with fauna and flora, white sands, volcanic rocks, and abundant marine life.

When visiting this island, don’t expect to get any hotel or luxury item here. If you have to stay, look for a homestay or go camping at the beach. Don’t forget, camping near the lighthouse is illegal.

Conclusion

Philippines is among the leading vacation locations in the world. It has thousands of inhabited and uninhabited islands. Each of these islands has a lot to offer, including white sand beaches and the best scuba diving sites in the world. Plan a visit today, and you’ll not regret it.

Stay At Asia’s Most Beautiful Beaches For Less Than S$81 A Night

Whether you are having the an indulging weekend off or having an intimate beach wedding, the surest way to ensure that you get the most stunning moments on print is to have it taken at the beach! Not only will you get gorgeous pictures of the event but also the photographer will follow you along the romantic sandy shore aisle.

If your only concern now is to get the most breathtaking beach resorts at affordable prices, stay as long as you desire at Asia’s Most Beautiful Beaches For Less Than S$81 A Night (airfare not included)…

1. BORACAY, PHILIPPINES

Boracay at Dusk (Image credit: Chewy Chua, via Flickr)

Dubbed as the tropical paradise in Asia, Boracay has something for everyone, from luxurious spas to exhilarating water sports. Here in one of the most popular go-to island in the Philippines, you shall enjoy meals for less than S$10! Watch the sun set over the white sandy beach and sleep at its decent resorts costing as low as S$34 a night!

Here are the recommended places to stay at, courtesy of Agoda – a renowned online global hotel platform:

a. Boracay Holiday Resort

Rooms from S$66.70

Online Rating: 7.4/10

b. Levantin Boracay Resort

Rooms from S$33.88

Online Rating: 7.9/10

c. Hey Jude South Beach Resort

Rooms from S$56.55

Online Rating: 8.2/10

d. Shore Time Hotel

Rooms from S$77.71

Online Rating: 8.4/10

2. KOH PHANGAN, THAILAND

Koh Phangan (Image credit, soma-samui.com)

Thailand is a country full of amazing beaches. Nestled in its southeast region is Koh Phangan. Due to its monthly “full moon parties”, Koh Phangan is place mostly clamored by young travelers. Full moon parties are infamous for its night-long music, cheap drinks, and affordable food. Rest assured the crowd will go mad at this once in a blue moon experience!

Start the party at these recommended places:

a. Buri Beach Resort

Rooms from S$51.56

Online Rating: 7.4/10

b. Da Kanda Villa Beach Resor

Rooms from S$27.14

Online Rating: 7.4/10

c. Cookies Salad Hotel

Rooms from S$32.05

Online Rating: 8/10

d. Beyond The Blue Horizon Resort

Rooms from S$42.91

Online Rating: 9/10

3. BAC MY AN BEACH, DA NANG, VIETNAM

Da Nang Beach (Image Credit: http://danangbeaches.visitwonders.com)

One of the most impressive beaches in Da Nang city that tourists will enjoy is the Bac My An beach. It is a place filled with white sands, clear blue water, and quality resorts. Surprisingly, rooms at Da Nang are available for as low as S$13 a night! What’s more? The street vendors offer can satisfy your hunger for less than a dollar!

Rest after long demanding days at work in these recommended places:

a. Gold Coast Hotel

Rooms from S$73.74

Online Rating: 7.1/10

b. Fansipan Hotel Danang

Rooms from S$80.44

Online Rating: 7.8/10

c. Grand Mango Hotel Danang

Rooms from S$48.40

Online Rating: 8/10

Have an unforgettable trip! 🙂

Sources: 1 , 2, & 3

Retire In The World’s Cheapest And Most Beautiful Countries

In 2013, Live and Invest Overseas and International Living examined the best countries worldwide where you can retire for S$1,760/month or less.

Live and Invest Overseas is a trusted online publication dedicated to giving information on retiring, living, and investing overseas. With a similar goal, International Living, established in 1979, had surveyed experts and contributors to get the cost of living information of countries around the world. These are the latest large-scale data available to date:

1. NICARAGUA, CENTRAL AMERICA

Nicaragua, a multiethnic country of approximately 6 million people, is one of the most beautiful countries in America as it boasts its Pacific coastline, Caribbean beaches, and freshwater lakes. You can live for about S$1,350 a month inclusive of utility bills (no air-conditioning), groceries, entertainment, rent, maid (3 times a week), and health insurance. Not a bad way to retire!

2. PHILIPPINES, ASIA

Philippines, a picturesque country consisting of 7,107 islands, ensures that you can enjoy a low-cost island life once you retire. For about S$1,410 a month, you can avail services such as electricity, water, gas, cable TV, Internet, grocery shopping, rent, and entertainment costs. Relax in the beach and reminisce the old times while sipping a fresh coconut juice that will cost you lest than a dollar!

Image Credits: Brian Evans via Flickr

3. MALAYSIA, ASIA

How about retiring close to home? In Malaysia, you can retire for a cost of approximately S$1,450 a month. This is inclusive of utility bills, handphone bills, Internet services, maid (4 hours/week), transportation, health insurance, and entertainment. Keep your healthy physique by buying a bagful of fruits that will cost you only S$5.

Image Credits: Tatiana Vdb via Flickr

4. ECUADOR, SOUTH AMERICA

Aside from English, if you are fluent in Spanish then, you may consider living in Ecuador. With mostly Spanish-speaking citizens, Ecuador known for its rich ecosystem that hosts many species of plants and animals. For approximately S$1,760 a month, you can indulge on utilities, grocery shopping, health insurance, maid (2 times a week), Internet services, cable TV, handphone services, entertainment, and transportation. The top choice of most American retirees is the wonderful city of Cuenca due to its glorious weather and affordable real estate.

Image Credits: andresmbernal via Flickr

Age gracefully by retiring in a comfortable place where you are at peace with your finances! The world is your oyster. 🙂

Sources: 1 , 2, and 3

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