Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Baguio

Accommodation

$8-25 per night

Dorm beds in backpacker hostels, basic guesthouses, budget inns with shared facilities

Food & Dining

$5-15 per day

Street food vendors, local markets, carinderia-style eateries, convenience store meals

Transportation

$2-8 per day

Public jeepneys, local buses, walking, occasional tricycle rides for short distances

Activities

$0-15 per day

Free parks and viewpoints, self-guided walking tours, occasional museum entries, hiking trails

Eat at local markets and carinderias instead of tourist restaurant areas (typically 60-80% cheaper)

Use jeepneys and public buses instead of taxis for most transportation (saves 70-85% on transport costs)

Book accommodation directly with smaller guesthouses to avoid booking platform fees (typically 10-20% savings)

Visit free attractions like Burnham Park, Wright Park, and various viewpoints instead of paid tours

Shop at public markets like City Market for souvenirs rather than tourist shops (usually 50-70% less expensive)

Travel during weekdays when possible as weekend rates for accommodation can be 30-50% higher

Pack layers and rain gear to avoid buying overpriced clothing in tourist areas

Taking taxis everywhere instead of learning the jeepney routes (can triple your transportation costs)

Eating only in Session Road tourist restaurants instead of exploring local neighborhoods (typically 100-200% markup)

Booking accommodation last-minute during peak season without comparing options (can pay 50-100% more than advance bookings)

Buying souvenirs at the first shop you see rather than comparing prices at different markets (tourist shops often charge 2-3x more)