How much does a trip to Siargao & Palawan cost from South Africa?
About R30 000 for 7 days, solo
Or R25 800 each for two people sharing a room. Saving for a trip a year from now means about R2 500 a month.
Estimates from Johannesburg, booked 3 to 6 months ahead, including a 20% buffer and the visa fee. Prices checked Sep 2026.
Join the waitlistSeven thousand islands of limestone lagoons, surf breaks and palm-lined roads. Island-hopping is the whole point.
Cost by trip length and style (solo)
| Length | Tourist | Blend | Niche |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 days | R26 400 | R27 990 | R28 800 |
| 7 days | R30 000 | R31 362 | R31 920 |
| 14 days | R42 600 | R43 164 | R42 840 |
Tourist covers the famous sights. Niche swaps them for places locals love, usually with cheaper stays but more travel between them. Blend mixes both. Two people sharing pay less each, because the room is split.
Where the money goes (7 days, Tourist, solo)
| Return flight from Johannesburg | R14 500 |
|---|---|
| Accommodation, 7 nights | R7 000 |
| Food, local transport and activities | R3 500 |
| 20% buffer for surprises | R5 000 |
| Visa and entry fees | None |
| Total | R30 000 |
Visa for South Africans
No visa needed No. South African passport holders don't need a visa for the Philippines.
Register on eTravel within 72 hours before you land.
When to go
| Best time | Dec–May |
|---|---|
| Cheapest time | Jun–Nov (wet season) |
| Currency | Peso (₱) |
Book 3–4 months out; domestic island flights sell out in dry season.
Know before you go
| Getting there | About 16 to 20 hours with one stop via Singapore, Hong Kong or a Gulf hub to Manila or Cebu, then domestic flights to the islands. |
|---|---|
| Health | Dengue is common; malaria is limited to remote parts of Palawan. |
| Money | Carry cash for small islands, where ATMs are scarce. |
A 7-day plan that mixes both
- Day 1 Arrive, check in and find dinner nearby
- Day 2 Intramuros in Manila
- Day 3 Surf Cloud 9 on Siargao
- Day 4 Fly to El Nido
- Day 5 Siargao's Naked, Daku and Guyam islands
- Day 6 El Nido island-hopping
- Day 7 Final morning, then fly home
The classics
- Intramuros in Manila
- Fly to El Nido
- El Nido island-hopping
- Kayak the Big Lagoon
- Kayangan Lake in Coron
- Shipwreck snorkelling in Coron
- Puerto Princesa underground river
- Sunset at Nacpan beach
Where locals go
- Surf Cloud 9 on Siargao
- Siargao's Naked, Daku and Guyam islands
- Paddleboard Sugba Lagoon
- Magpupungko rock pools at low tide
- Port Barton's quiet beaches
- Bohol's Chocolate Hills and tarsiers
- Siquijor's waterfalls
- Balabac sandbars (remote)
Ready to book?
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Quick answers
How much does a trip to Siargao & Palawan cost from South Africa?
About R30 000 per person for 7 days travelling solo, or R25 800 each for two people sharing a room, booked 3 to 6 months ahead. That includes return flights from Johannesburg, mid-range accommodation, daily spending, the visa fee and a 20% buffer. These are estimates checked in Sep 2026.
Do South Africans need a visa for the Philippines?
No. South African passport holders don't need a visa for the Philippines. Register on eTravel within 72 hours before you land.
When is the best time to visit Siargao & Palawan?
The best time is Dec–May. The cheapest time is usually Jun–Nov (wet season).
How long is the flight from Johannesburg?
About 16 to 20 hours with one stop via Singapore, Hong Kong or a Gulf hub to Manila or Cebu, then domestic flights to the islands.
Sources
Checked Sep 2026.