Philippines Packing List: What to Pack for a Trip to the Philippines in 2026

Packing for the Philippines is both easier and trickier than packing for most destinations. Easier because it’s tropical and informal — you genuinely don’t need much. Trickier because the country’s 7,641 islands span beach resorts, mountain trails, urban sprawl, and rural villages, sometimes all in the same trip. This packing list covers everything you’ll actually need, and skips the things you won’t.

The Golden Rule: Pack Light

You will almost certainly overpack. The Philippines has abundant clothes washing services (laundry shops charge ₱35–60 per kg and return clothes the next day), and anything you forget can usually be bought in Manila, Cebu City, or any provincial capital for less than you’d pay at home. Prioritise a bag you can carry on the plane — checked luggage fees on domestic AirAsia and Cebu Pacific routes add up quickly, and oversize bags are a pain on tricycles, bangkas, and jeepneys.

Clothing

2–3 lightweight shirts — moisture-wicking synthetic or linen. Cotton holds sweat in 32°C heat. Fast-drying fabric is worth it.

1 pair of swim shorts / boardshorts that can double as casual shorts on land. Women: a sarong serves as a beach coverup, towel, and privacy screen in one.

1 lightweight long-sleeved shirt for air-conditioned buses (which are Arctic cold), mosquito protection in the evenings, and entry to churches, which require covered shoulders.

1 pair of lightweight trousers or leggings — for temple visits, cooler mountain areas like Baguio and Sagada, and evening dining.

Flip flops — the primary footwear of the Philippines. Buy a cheap local pair at any palengke (market) for ₱150 if yours die.

1 pair of closed-toe shoes or trail runners — essential if you’re hiking Mt. Pulag, Mt. Apo, or any forest trail. Sandals are not suitable for muddy Philippine trails.

Swimwear — bikinis are fine on resort beaches and dive sites. More conservative swimwear is appreciated at public beaches near towns and in Muslim-majority areas of Mindanao.

Toiletries and Health

DEET-based insect repellent: Non-negotiable. Dengue fever is endemic in the Philippines, and mosquitoes are active at dawn and dusk in particular. A 40% DEET product gives the best protection. Available locally but often sold in small, expensive packets.

Reef-safe sunscreen: Regular sunscreen with oxybenzone is damaging to coral reefs and is prohibited at many dive sites and protected marine areas. Mineral-based (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) sunscreen is the ethical and often mandatory choice. Bring a good supply — reef-safe sunscreen is hard to find outside major cities in the Philippines.

Oral rehydration salts: Pack several sachets. Heat and travellers’ diarrhoea (common in developing countries) can cause dehydration quickly. Dioralyte or WHO ORS sachets are light and invaluable.

Basic first aid: Plasters/bandaids (coral cuts get infected fast), antiseptic cream, antihistamine (for insect bites and minor allergic reactions), imodium, and paracetamol.

Prescription medications: Bring more than you need. Exact formulations can be hard to source outside Manila and Cebu. Keep medications in original packaging with labels for customs.

Water purification: A Steripen or LifeStraw is useful for areas with unreliable water. Most hotels provide filtered or bottled water, but plastic consumption in the Philippines is a serious environmental issue — bring a reusable bottle and a purification method.

Electronics

Power bank (10,000 mAh minimum): Island resorts often have limited or no electricity during the day. A substantial power bank keeps your phone and camera alive on long boat trips and overnight stays in basic accommodation.

Universal power adapter: The Philippines uses US-style two-flat-pin sockets (Type A). European plugs need an adapter. Voltage is 220V.

Waterproof phone case: Island hopping, bangka transfers, and waterfalls make a waterproof pouch essential. The ₱50 sealed bags sold at every beach town work fine for phones.

Underwater camera: The GoPro Hero is the standard option for diving and snorkelling. Budget option: a waterproof point-and-shoot (Olympus TG series) is excellent for underwater macro work in Anilao or Dumaguete.

Noise-cancelling earphones: For overnight ferries, long bus journeys, and Manila’s famously loud tricycle culture.

Documents and Money

Passport copies: Keep a scanned copy in your email and a physical photocopy stored separately from your passport. Some guesthouses and tour operators ask for a copy for registration.

Philippine pesos: The Philippines is still largely cash-based outside Manila and Cebu, especially on islands. Withdraw larger amounts when you’re in the city — ATMs are rare in small towns and non-existent on most islands. Carry a mix of ₱100, ₱200, and ₱500 notes. Many local vendors can’t break ₱1,000.

Travel insurance: Mandatory if you plan to dive, hike, or do any adventure activity. Check that your policy covers medical evacuation — the nearest decompression chamber to some island areas is hours away.

Island Hopping and Diving Extras

Rashguard / UV shirt: Protects from sunburn and jellyfish stings while snorkelling. More effective than sunscreen in the water.

Dry bag: A 10-litre dry bag keeps electronics, documents, and camera gear safe on bangka transfers and in open boats. Get one with a shoulder strap.

Sea-sickness medication: Even calm days on the Visayas can be choppy. Dramamine (dimenhydrinate) taken 30 minutes before boarding is effective. Available in Philippine pharmacies.

What to Leave at Home

Hair dryers (most guesthouses provide them, or the humidity means they’re useless anyway), heavy jeans (too hot and take too long to dry), expensive jewellery (unnecessary risk), and more than 5–6 days of clothing (laundry is cheap and plentiful).