Dreaming of turquoise waters, palm-fringed beaches, and island-hopping adventures? The Philippines is a tropical paradise, but packing for it can feel a little overwhelming. With over 7,000 islands, the weather is hot and humid year-round, sudden tropical showers are common, and you’ll likely be hopping on boats, buses, and planes to get around. That means packing light, smart, and versatile is key.
Whether you’re a backpacker sticking to the basics or you like to travel with a few extra comforts, this guide covers everything you need to know about what to pack for the Philippines.
Choosing the Right Luggage for your Philippines Trip
When packing for your trip, choosing the right type of luggage is just as important as what you put inside it. Suitcase or Backpack – which is best? Both options work well, but your travel style will usually decide what’s best for you:
Suitcase (recommended for most travellers)
- Ideal for city stays, resorts, and shorter transfers
- Easier to organise and access
- Best if you prefer wheels and structured packing
- Works perfectly for hotels in Manila, Cebu, Boracay, El Nido, etc.
Backpack
- Great for travellers moving frequently or visiting more remote islands
- Easier to carry on boats, uneven paths, and sandy areas
- Best if you pack light and don’t mind living out of packing cubes
- We recommend a travel backpack with good back support, rather than a hiking pack
Top tip: If you’re island-hopping, doing boat transfers, or staying somewhere rustic, a medium-sized suitcase or soft-shell bag is often the sweet spot.
Luggage Allowances for flights in the Philippines
To help keep things simple and stress-free, our itineraries include the following standard luggage allowances:
- Checked luggage: 20kg per person
- Personal item/carry-on: 1 personal backpack per person (up to 7kg)
Your personal backpack is perfect for items like:
- Travel documents
- Valuables
- Camera or drone
- Medication
- A change of clothes for transit days
⚠️ Please note: some domestic flights and small aircraft in the Philippines have strict weight limits, so packing within these allowances is important to avoid delays or excess fees.
Philippines Packing List:
At Do You Travel, we’ve spent years exploring the Philippines, so we know exactly what makes a trip run smoothly (and what ends up sitting unused at the bottom of your bag!). That’s why we’ve put together this ultimate Philippines packing list to help you feel confident and prepared.
Clothing
- Lightweight t-shirts or singlets (quick-dry if possible)
- Shorts (cotton or quick-dry for comfort in the humidity)
- Swimwear (you’ll use it often!)
- Lightweight rain jacket or poncho (for sudden tropical downpours)
- Sarong or light scarf (doubles as beach cover-up, towel, or blanket)
- Flip flops/thongs (perfect for the beach)
- Comfortable walking shoes/trainers
- Light hoodie or jumper (for air-conditioned buses or flights)
- Underwear & socks (quick-dry fabrics are best)
Toiletries & Health
- Reef-safe sunscreen (protects your skin and the coral reefs)
- Insect repellent (mosquitoes can be pesky)
- Hand sanitiser & wet wipes
- Reusable water bottle
- Personal toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, soap)
- Small first aid kit (plasters, antiseptic cream, pain relief tablets)
Electronics
- Unlocked smartphone (with local SIM or eSIM for data)
- Portable power bank (power outages and long travel days are common)
- Universal travel adapter (Philippines uses 220V, Type A/B/C plugs)
- Lightweight camera or GoPro (waterproof if possible)
- Charging cables
Travel Documents & Essentials
- Passport (with at least 6 months validity)
- Printed/digital copies of travel insurance
- Debit/credit cards + some Philippine pesos in cash
- Dry bag (for boat trips and island hopping)
- Small backpack or day bag
- Travel towel (quick-dry)
- Lightweight lock for hostel lockers
For the Plane & Long Journeys
- Neck pillow (for overnight buses and flights)
- Headphones/earbuds
- Snacks (local airports and ferries don’t always have great options)
- Refillable water bottle (empty before security, refill after)
Luxury Extras – Nice-to-Haves
Not essential, but these can make your trip more comfortable and stylish:
- E-reader or Kindle (saves space compared to carrying books)
- High-quality snorkel set (better than renting sometimes)
- Drone (to capture those island-hopping adventures)
- Travel yoga mat (for stretching or workouts by the beach)
- Waterproof phone case (peace of mind for island trips)
- Lightweight travel hammock (perfect for beach naps)
- Noise-cancelling headphones (great for flights and busy ferries)
- Portable speaker (for beach vibes)
- Extra outfits for nights out (dress, polo shirt, or casual evening wear)
Final Tips
When thinking about what to pack for the Philippines, the key is to keep it light and versatile. Laundry services are cheap and easy to find, so you don’t need to overpack. Essentials like sunscreen, bug spray, and toiletries are widely available in larger towns and cities, so don’t stress if you forget something.
With this Philippines packing list, you’ll be well-prepared for an unforgettable trip—whether you prefer to travel light with the essentials or pack a little extra for added comfort.
