Budget travel in the Philippines beyond Boracay and the generic beach circuit.

The standard circuit (Boracay, El Nido, Coron) is genuinely beautiful but increasingly expensive and crowded. Let me describe the alternatives.

Siargao: the surf island that became popular after being relatively unknown. Prices are rising but it's still more affordable than Boracay. Daily budget of $35-45 is achievable with guesthouse accommodation. The cloud forest and cave pool in the interior are extraordinary free activities.

Siquijor: the island with a slightly mysterious reputation (known historically for folk healing). Small, quiet, beautiful beaches. Much less visited than the Visayas circuit. Guesthouse accommodation $15-25/night. Rent a scooter ($7/day) and circumnavigate the island in a day.

Batanes: the northern islands that are technically in the Pacific but feel like a completely different country. Very expensive to reach (small aircraft from Manila, $100+ each way) but the landscape — rolling hills, stone houses, dramatic cliffs — is unlike anywhere else in Asia. Budget $60-80/day once there.

Dumaguete: the city used as a base for Apo Island (world-class diving), Oslob (whale shark watching, controversial from an animal welfare perspective), and the surrounding region. Budget $25-35/day. The local university town atmosphere makes it more livable than pure beach resort towns.