WanderMapped

Ship or Plane? Choosing the Best Way to Travel Around the Philippines on a Two-Week Vacation

Written by

Antonio Padua

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✈️ Flying Around the Philippines: Fast and Convenient

Pros:

  • Speed: Domestic flights are short and ideal for maximizing limited vacation time.
  • Good Connectivity: Most tourist spots—like Cebu, Palawan, and Siargao—have airports.
  • Frequent Departures: Budget airlines offer multiple daily flights on popular routes.

Cons:

  • Delays & Weather Risks: Especially during rainy season (June–October).
  • Extra Fees: Baggage, seats, and meals are often not included in base fares.
  • Transfers Needed: Some airports still require land or boat travel to your final destination.

💡 WanderMapped Tip: Book flights early with Aviasales to lock in low fares and compare multiple airlines at once.

🚢 Traveling by Ship: Scenic and Budget-Friendly

Pros:

  • Lower Cost: Ferry tickets are often cheaper than flights.
  • More Luggage Flexibility: Fewer baggage restrictions than airlines.
  • Scenic Travel: Enjoy ocean views and sunsets, especially on overnight routes.

Cons:

  • Time-Consuming: Long travel times, e.g., Manila to Cebu takes ~22 hours.
  • Limited Schedules: Not as frequent as flights—some routes run only a few times weekly.
  • Weather-Dependent: Sailing can be delayed or canceled in rough sea conditions.

💡 WanderMapped Tip: Use 2Go Travel and OceanJet to book ferries. Reserve in advance for better cabin options!

🏝️ Best of Both Worlds: A Mixed Travel Itinerary

Want flexibility and adventure? Combine both modes of transport:

  • Fly from Manila to Cebu.
  • Ferry to nearby islands like Bohol or Siquijor.
  • Fly back to Manila from your final destination.

This combo saves time on long legs while letting you enjoy slower scenic routes between neighboring islands.

🌊 Final Thoughts

Choosing between ships and planes in the Philippines depends on your:

  • Budget
  • Schedule
  • Preferred pace of travel

With only two weeks, flying helps cover more ground, but ferries give you a richer, more immersive experience. A hybrid plan is often the smartest choice.

✅ Related Posts You Might Like:

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Have questions or want help planning your itinerary? Drop them in the comments below!

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