The Philippines: What Digital Nomads Need to Know

First, let’s start with the basics. The Philippines is a chain of thousands of islands, and about 2,000 of them are inhabited. While places like Manila (the capital) are big, bustling cities, many parts of the Philippines are quiet, uncrowded, and lush. When it comes to the weather and climate, the Philippines is generally what you would picture an island paradise to be. Temperatures are generally high, and while skies are often sunny, a high level of humidity leads to vibrant forests. The country is also generally well-connected by transportation (particularly in the metro areas), and you can reach more remote parts of the country by flight and by ferry. 

Filipinos are known for their warmth, friendliness, and genuine sense of community. Many digital nomads find that locals in the Philippines are kind, helpful, and that they have a constant invitation to join in the fun. And digital nomads can often have an excellent work-life balance in the Philippines, where you can seamlessly integrate your workday and leisure time. For example, you can explore hidden waterfalls on the weekend, go island hopping after work, or work on your surf skills in the mornings. 

In general, the Philippines is an excellent destination for digital nomads, solo travelers, backpackers, and any traveler looking for wonderful beaches, island hopping, lush forests, and interesting cuisine. 

Top Digital Nomad Destinations in the Philippines

While there are many places that are excellent for digital nomads in the Philippines, there are some top destinations that you can consider for your homebase. Here are some of the best destinations for digital nomads in the Philippines:

Manila

If you’re eager for big city life in the Philippines, look no further than Manila. From museums to malls, Manila is everything you’d picture a bustling urban metropolis in the Philippines to be. Wondering what some of the top attractions are? Manila is home to the very first Chinatown in the world (called Binondo), as well as Divisoria, which is a sprawling marketplace. Manila also has a thriving nightlife scene, and you can even join in on free pub crawls in hotspot neighborhoods like Makati. 

If you’re seeking your next digital nomad hub in Manila, be sure to visit Abraham Manila. This vibrant hostel is close to Poblacion’s nightlife, and located right in the heart of Makati. Plus, you can easily get work done thanks to the reliable wifi, enjoy the tasty restaurant with local Filipino food, and take advantage of the exciting hostel activities (like the tours around the city). 

Cebu City

Cebu City is the second most populous city in the Philippines, and it’s located on Cebu island. Cebu City is another bustling city, and it’s home to many significant landmarks from the Philippines’ 16th-century Spanish colonial history, including notable churches. In general, Cebu City is a cultural and educational hub in the Philippines, and it’s home to five major universities.

In Cebu City you can usually find solid technological infrastructure (as opposed to what you might find in more remote locations), making it suitable for remote workers. Cebu City is also well-connected: it’s a major transportation hub within the Philippines, making it easy to explore other parts of the country, by both flight and by ferry. For example, you can take ferries to nearby islands like Bohol.

Bohol

Bohol Island is one of the top destinations for digital nomads in the Philippines for good reasons: it’s an island paradise that has unique wildlife and other interesting attractions (like caves and waterfalls). For example, Bohol is home to the Chocolate Hills, perhaps one of the most iconic landscapes in all of the Philippines. These rolling grassy hills have nothing to do with chocolate, but they’re a unique geological formation made of limestone. 

If you’re interested in unique wildlife, be sure to visit the Tarsier Conservation area during your stay. Tarsiers are tiny, alien-like primates with huge eyes, and they’re native to parts of the Philippines. Other attractions on Bohol Island include the Loboc River, the stunning Virgin Island, and the historic Baclayon Church. 

If you’re looking for a new digital nomad homebase in Bohol, Abraham Bohol is waiting to host you. Located on the smaller island of Panglao, the hostel is a 10-minute drive from the Bohol Airport, and a 15-minute walk from the famous Alona beach, known for its pearl-white sand, crystal clear water, energetic bar scene, and delicious restaurants. Plus, Abraham Bohol is equipped with strong, fast internet, to make sure you’re able to get your work done before exploring. 

El Nido, Palawan

El Nido, which is a municipality in picturesque Palawan, is a haven for secluded beaches and water activities like diving, snorkeling, and kayaking. El Nido is an excellent choice for digital nomads who want a quiet, more secluded place to live, and a day-to-day that involves natural beauty. You can choose to work from quaint beachside cafes, and after work, explore the towering limestone cliffs, hidden coves, and crystal-clear turquoise waters. 

Siargao

Known as a hub for surfers, Siargao is another island gem in the Philippines. Another quiet, natural location (similar to El Nido), Siargao is perfect for digital nomads who really want to feel “off-grid,” and who want to take advantage of the stunning sand, sun, and surf that the Philippines has to offer. Named as the Best Island in the World in 2019, Siargao has waters perfect for diving and snorkeling, tasty restaurants to dine at, and a vibrant digital nomad community.  

Resources

Here are some essential resources for digital nomads in the Philippines:

• Bookaway: For booking transportation across the Philippines.
• Philippines Travel Blog: Tips, guides, and personal experiences for traveling in the Philippines.
• Best Restaurants in Panglao: Discover the best places to eat in Panglao.
• Transportation in the Philippines: Comprehensive guide to navigating the country’s transport systems.
• Solo Travel in the Philippines: Tips and advice for solo travelers.
• Nomad List: User-generated insights on the best cities in the Philippines for digital nomads, including cost of living, internet speed, and community​ (Nomad List)​​ (Nomad List)​.
• Workfrom: Find and share the best places to work remotely in the Philippines, including cafes, coworking spaces, and more​ (workfrom)​.
• We Work Remotely: A job board with listings for remote jobs available worldwide​ (We Work Remotely)​.
• Remote.co: Offers remote job listings and resources

These resources will help you navigate, explore, and make the most out of your digital nomad experience in the Philippines.

Is the Philippines Safe?

You might be wondering if the Philippines is safe for digital nomads and travelers, and the answer is generally yes. While all travelers should exercise caution when they’re on the road, most of the Philippines is safe, peaceful, and has minimal crime. As with any country, be mindful when you’re in certain areas, and know if there are any areas you should be avoiding. Please also check with the recommendations of your local government when it comes to safety considerations