the ultimate philippines packing list for solo gals (honest 2026 guide) <3
if paradise had a name, it would genuinely be the philippines!! We loveeeee it so much! with over 7,000 islands, sparkling turquoise lagoons in el nido, world-class diving in coron, and incredible island vibes, it's an absolute dream trip and there’s so many reasons it’s been one of our most popular trips every single year!!
packing for the philippines is a little different from other southeast asian spots because your trip is going to spent mostly island hopping. You’ll need lots of beach clothes, and swimwear!! you'll spend days out on boat trips, swimming through hidden lagoons, and exploring remote islands by kayak. The philippines is one of the best places in the world for solo female travellers and is one of the best group trip destinations!!
here is our honest packing guide to make sure you're 100% prepared for island life!
3 things you MUST know before packing for the philippines
reef-safe sunscreen ONLY: the marine life here is unbelievable, and many local governments (like el nido and coron) strictly enforce rules on ocean protection. bring certified reef-safe sunscreen from home!
you WILL get wet on boat days: getting on and off bangka boats often means wading through knee-waist deep water. everything in your day bag needs to be protected in a dry bag.
power cuts & limited Wi-Fi happen: pack a reliable power bank and an e-SIM or local SIM card we recommend airalo before heading to smaller islands.
clothing: pure island life vibes
the vibe in the philippines is laid-back, sun-kissed island life so whatever you’re most comfortable in… throw it on!! We love tropical prints, bright colours and flowy clothes with the humidity, heat and rain.
- 4–5x swimsuits & bikinis: you'll basically live in swimwear! pack a couple of secure bikinis or one-pieces for snorkeling, kayaking or swimming.
- 1 rash vest /long-sleeve swim tops: the tropical sun reflecting off the water is super strong while on full-day boat tours. wearing a rash vest saves your shoulders from burning! We’ve all done it but with lots of days out in the sunshine make sure you’ve got something to cover you if you do happen to get burnt.
- 3x lightweight shorts: linen shorts or baggy jorts are perfect for the philippines.
- 4x casual tops / tank tops: breathable, light cotton or linen are perfect to through on in the evening to show of your tan or after a day on the beach.
- 2–3x beach dresses / cover-ups: easy throw-ons for walking to local beachfront cafes or dinner
- 1x lightweight sweater / hoodie: ferries and domestic flights across islands can have freezing air conditioning. There’s nothing better than being wrapped up warm on a flight or ferry to relax when travelling to your next destination!!
footwear & island gear
- 1x water shoes (ESSENTIAL!!): sharp limestone rocks in el nido lagoons and sea urchins mean water shoes are a life saver.
- 1x comfortable flip-flops like haviannas / rubber slides: for beach days and walking around island towns.
- 1x light trainers: for walking to viewpoints (like the chocolate hills in bohol) or exploring towns
- 15L–20L heavy-duty dry bag: your absolute most important purchase for the philippines! A dry bag for your days out ensure all your things dont get wet including your phone, room keys and money! They’re ideal for travelling the philippines.
- Reusable water bottle & tote bag: single-use plastics are banned on many island tours to protect marine life. So bring a good reusable water bottle and tote bag to reduce your plastic usage!!
health, toiletries & eco-essentials
- reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+): look for formulas without oxybenzone and octinoxate.
- leave-in conditioner / hair oil: salt water and sun can dry out your hair fast after days of snorkeling!
- motion sickness tablets: if you get seasick easily, boats on choppy open water can be a challenge. take a tablet 30 minutes before boarding!
- waterproof phone case / go-pro: the underwater visibility here is insane, you'll want to capture the sea turtles and coral reefs!
Electronics & adaptors
- Power bank: As mentioned before the philippines can sometimes have power outages make sure you’ve got a power bank with you so you can charge your phone, kindle or laptop!!
- Type a adaptor: The philippines uses type a, type b and type c power plug socket but the type a is the most common which is the two flat parallel pins.
philippines packing FAQs
do I really need water shoes for the philippines?
yes, 100%!! when kayaking or swimming into hidden lagoons in el nido and coron, you'll often have to step onto hidden limestone rocks or shallow coral reefs. water shoes protect your feet from cuts and sea urchins.
can I buy toiletries easily on the smaller islands?
in main places like manila or cebu city, yes. but once you get out to siargao, el nido, or coron, small local shops have limited stock. bring your favourite toiletries, reef-safe sunscreen, and period products from home!
how strictly do domestic airlines enforce baggage limits?
very strictly!! domestic airlines (like cebgo or philippine airlines) operating small propeller planes to island airstrips enforce strict 10kg or 20kg checked baggage allowances. weigh your bag before heading to the airport to avoid heavy excess baggage fees!
there you have it everything you need to know before you to go the philippines and if you're looking for the best group tour in the philippines join a gals who travel trip!! with 90% of our gals coming solo and hundreds of 5* reviews we'd love to have you join us!!
