If you’re heading to the Philippines, this packing guide covers everything you need for a Philippines holiday. No doubt you’ll be swimming, snorkelling and chasing waterfalls, so we’ve created this guide to what to bring to the Philippines to make your trip simple and fun.

Since the Philippines is hot and you’ll be swimming and needing to wear light clothes, definitely consider traveling carry on only – it’s so easy and I have written this guide to how to travel with carry on, plus what I packed for my last trip to Malaysia.

If you’re just starting to plan your trip to the Phillipines I have to recommend Moalboal in Cebu – here’s everything you need to know – it is a fabulous location for waterfalls, swimming and spotting turtles. We adore the amazing island of Siquijor, and Coco Grove Resort there. Here’s everything you need to know about traveling to Siquijor.

A few tips before you go:

Travel insurance

Make sure you get it. You just can’t afford not to. We use and recommend Cover-More.

VPN

Protect your data and avoid regional restrictions with a VPN for only $13 a month. We recommend Express VPN – read more about why you need one here.

Travel safe

I’ve travelled Asia for years and have all the info about how to plan, travel and stay safe. You can download my detailed guide (more than 80 pages) for only $16AUD.

1. Daypack

   You’ll be hiking and climbing and exploring so a good quality daypack is essential for carrying water, money, snacks and cameras. We love the Cotinga 25L daypack from Kathmandu – it’s outer layer is made from recycled plastic bottles. Our packs – we are using carry-on only – are the Lite Haul 38L from Kathmandu. We love this brand.  We also use their packing cubes.

   

            Take a daypack to the Philippines

2. Waterproof dry bag

   Totally essential for keeping your gear dry – in rain, when you’re on boat trips or hiking near and up waterfalls. We use one from Kathmandu – check out the different sizes here.

   

              Keep your gear safe and dry

3. Water shoes

   We wear Tevas – I’ve been wearing them for 20 years and I just love how they go from land to water with ease, have a great grip, are comfortable and durable. You’re going to need them for hiking, climbing waterfalls and jumping. Some beaches also have sea urchins and you need your teas to walk out safely – no one wants an urchin spike in their foot, it’s incredibly painful. We wear ours in the water and at waterfalls.These are the ones I have – you can get them from Anaconda Australia and Amazon.

   

   Love my Tevas

   …and these are Emmie’s, the kids Teva Tirra. You can find them at Anaconda Australia or on Amazon US.

   

   Emmie’s Tevas

   When I’m not wearing my Tevas I’m in my Oofus thongs/Flip Flops.

   If you’re not into sandals, these watershoes are also really popular for girls, boys and adults.

   

   Girls watershoes

5. Earplugs

   Every time I come to the Philippines I get an ear infection or ear ache (although there is a certain resort where I seem to get it – not out and about). I suggest bringing Aqua Ear and earplugs just in case. I like these ones from Speedo. I’ve tried the ear putty and while it worked at first, I found that it got hard after multiple uses and leaked a little – for occasional or one-off use this would be good for kids as it feels less invasive and is nice and soft.

6. Snorkel and mask

   Our snorkels and masks are our luxury items. We use them all the time and it takes the hassle out of having to borrow or hire, and using crappy equipment. Mine is from TUSA Sport and I’ve been carrying it with me since 2016 and I have never had a problem with it. I love it. You can check prices on Amazon here and they have a kids set too which I would recommend.

   

   My snorkel and mask have never let me down

7. GoPro Hero 8

   I came here without a GoPro (it was stolen) and I’ve enjoyed being camera-free for a while. But mum and dad are bringing me a new GoPro Hero 8 and I can’t wait – now I can scramble up waterfalls and take photos on the level above, snap pics of the beautiful corals and sea life and turtles! I like the Hero 7 and 8 because of the stability of the camera – and I’ve promised myself I’ll learn all about its features this time – and take more video.

   Check out prices for the:

   Hero 8 Bundle (extra battery, head strap, 32GB SD card and a shortly grip – handle + tripod) 
   Hero 8 camera only + 32GB SD card 

   

   Love my GoPro

8. Selfie Stick/extension/tripod and floating handle for your GoPro

   These are the two most important accessories I reckon. This selfie stick lets you extend to take long range shots and has a built in tripod. It’s unreal.

   You must have a floating handle for your GoPro too. You don’t want to drop it and lose it or have it drop to the bottom of the ocean – which has happened to mine when I bought a non-GoPro floating handle that didn’t actually float.

   

   If you have a GoPro, you need a floating handle

9. Camera

   I love my little camera. It’s an Olympus OMD E-M10 Mk II and it’s small and lightweight and reasonably priced. There’s now a newer version, the MkIII and you can get good deals with two lenses, extra batteries and SD cards. My favourite camera on our travels was also an Olympus – I had it on my first trip and I just loved it so much. One day I’ll get another one, but it’s a huge investment – Olympus OM-D E-M1…my dream camera.

   

   The best cameras IMO

10. Waterbottle

    When you’re packing for the Philippines you need a water bottle that will keep your cold water cold in the heat is super important. This hydro flask is perfect. Remember not to drink the tap water – the Aussie next door to us ad been drinking for days before he mentioned it to the guesthouse staff who were horrified! Check out Hydroflask Australia or Hydroflask US – both ship 🙂 You can also buy them on Amazon. They also have really awesome kids water bottles too. 

    

    The best water bottles for the Philippines

11. Powerbank

    Since you’ll be out and about a lot you’ll need a power bank. I’d be lost without mine. They’re is easy to use, you just charge it up and then when your phone or GoPro is low on battery, plug it in for a boost of power. I have two! This one by Anker has been rated the best for the charge speed and battery life.

    

    Charge up anywhere

12. Reef safe sunscreen

    We discovered Sun Bum sunscreen when we were in Kauai and we love it. It goes on smooth, is long lasting and most importantly is reef safe, paragon free and even vegan!

    This travel sized kit is perfect for carry on only.

    

    Reef safe sunscreen is the best

13. Kindle

    Oh I miss my Kindle. I miss being able to download whatever I wanted to read whenever I wanted. I’ve been finding enough books to read along the way but I will definitely be getting a new Kindle as soon as I can. It’s so much lighter and easier than hunting down books! This Kindle is waterproof and has two x the storage. I can’t wait to get a new one (mine was stolen).

    

    Can’t wait to get my new Kindle!

14. Universal adapter

    I’m finding that more and more hotels and guesthouses are having universal adapters built into their sockets, but it’s still important to have your own so you can always charge your gear. Having a universal adapter means you can bring it anywhere and it will be able to plug in.

    

    You need one of these

15. Mosquito spray

    Get a DEET one I reckon, at the moment I have nature spray from Cambodia and I’m not sure how effective it is. Better safe than sorry I reckon, although I hate using DEET. We’ve used Bushmans in the past but not constantly, its good to have it on hand for when you need it. No one wants dengue.

16. If you’re a foodie make sure to read this post all about the best dishes to eat in the Philippines before you go.