The Philippines is becoming a popular destination for digital nomads and remote workers. The country has a low cost of living, yet you get the taste of the modern city vibe and relaxing beaches. $1,000 a month is enough for you to live comfortably, including rent, food, and transportation.
Besides that, there are spectacular destinations to visit and many things to do in the Philippines. If you’re a partygoer, you can enjoy the vibrant nightlife in many cities. If you love to immerse yourself in the culture, many attractions show you what the Philippines is truly like. For adventure seekers, you can enjoy surfing, hiking, paragliding, or driving ATVs!
From the hustle and bustle of the city life down to the peace and quiet amid breathtaking beaches, the Philippines has a bit of everything a remote worker needs.
While there are a few setbacks (like Internet and traffic), you can hurl through those obstacles by selecting the perfect vacation rental with fast Internet and a strategic location.
Read on as we talk about where you can stay in the Philippines for the long-term, the visa situation, along what to expect in terms of Internet and transportation.
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10 Recommended Vacation Rentals for Remote Work in the Philippines in 2024
The Philippines is filled with different vacation rentals and luxury beach villas, many of which come at affordable prices.
Here are our top recommendations on vacation rentals in the top places around the Philippines.
Vacation Rentals in Palawan
Entire Glass Houseboat in Coron, Palawan
Did you know that the Glass Houseboat is one of the only accommodation options in Coron, Palawan? It also offers one of the most unique experiences!
You get to live in an all-glass houseboat surrounded by the clear blue waters of Coron. It’s situated in a private lagoon, so you have all the seclusion and peace you deserve, away from the crowds and noise. If you want to refresh yourself, jump in the waters and go for a swim. Or, you can snorkel, kayak, paddleboard, or simply relax by the deck.
You will be far from the city (5 kilometers from the nearest town), but you have staff to ask for any assistance and order food and drinks from the owner’s private Italian-Filipino restaurant. The place even has WiFi to conduct all your work by the waters!
If you’re done with work, you can schedule a tour done by private speedboats to visit Palawan’s tourist attractions in the morning when there aren’t many crowds. For those who want more privacy and to settle in one of the world’s best beach islands, this Airbnb is perfect for you.
Check out the entire Glass Houseboat
Karuna Joglo in El Nido, Palawan
Karuna Joglo is an Indonesian-inspired beach villa offering comfort and ethnic minimalist designs. You’ll feel like you’re in Bali, from the Tumpang Sari down to the Balinese-style outdoor bathroom!
This vacation rental offers the best features its stunning ocean views and infinity pool with a sunset deck. It’s truly a paradise, and you won’t want or need to leave with all the amenities. The vacation rental offers laundry services, housekeeping services, security, along with complimentary ala carte breakfast, concierge, and delivery food services as needed.
And, of course, they have fast WiFi for digital nomads. Each room has up to 20Mbps Internet so that you won’t miss out on work. Again, you won’t be too near towns and convenience stores, but you can always ask the concierge for assistance if you need anything.
While this is a vacation rental, the owners see that you feel like you’re in a high-end resort!
Check out Karuna Joglo Rooms
Vacation Rentals in Cebu
Blanco Beach Resort in Malapascua, Cebu
Among many vacation rentals in Cebu, Blanco Beach Resort is the ultimate paradise. You’ll be completely secluded from the city life, surrounded by nature and beaches. But that doesn’t mean you won’t be nearby convenience stores, restaurants, and the like. You have everything you’ll need in the resort as well, with the reception open 24/7, catering to your needs.
Remote workers will love how the resort offers the complete getaway but still take advantage of the consistent Internet to complete work before relaxing by the poolside or beach. There are also many other activities, such as meditation, scuba diving, massages, and island hopping. You can even set up your work by the beach for the view of the blue skies, white sand, and great food.
Check out Blanco Beach Resort Official Website
Vacation Rentals in Siargao
Nay Palad Hideaway, Siargao
Siargao is a beautiful island filled with nature and beautiful beaches. Nay Palad is one of the luxury resorts situated on the island, where you can get a taste of Bali with more privacy and seclusion. Once you’re inside Nay Palad, you’ll truly feel like you’re in a hideaway as you leave the world behind and focus on the spectacular surroundings.
The resort itself is nestled in the southeastern part of Siargao between marine ecosystems. The white sandy beach surrounds you and. Kilometers of natural waterways and mangrove forests, so you get to experience natural beauty wherever you go.
The place is a bit pricey but definitely a must-visit for digital nomads who have the budget and want to go all out on their ultimate beach vacation. You’ll feel like you’re in a whole other world and feel relaxed with the surroundings, even while you’re working.
Check out Nay Palad Hideaway Official Website
5. Luxury Oceanfront Surf Villa with Pool in Surigao
This Airbnb in Surigao is a beach bum’s dream. Known as the Punta Punta Surf Villa, this vacation rental offers the perfect balance between tropical style and modern architecture in one of Siargao’s famous surf spots. Furthermore, you will be near the famous Cloud 9 tower, where you’ll be near various restaurants, stores, and attractions to explore.
The villa also has its own pool, beach café, and beach access. You get to enjoy expansive ocean views open areas to enjoy the sea breeze, along with air conditioning, an open kitchen and living room, and a small private pool to cool off during a hot day.
When checked in here, you will feel the privacy and seclusion, where you can work in the comforts of the living area or on the beach with the cool summer breeze.
Check out Luxury Oceanfront Surf Villas Rooms
6. Levantin, Boracay
Levantine is in Boracay, a beach hotel, bar, and restaurant well-known among locals and tourists alike. There are many rooms to choose from, all well-designed with complete amenities, such as a living area, television, comfortable bed, and bathroom with a hot shower. Some rooms also have a balcony with ocean views.
Most importantly, digital nomads will be relieved to know that this vacation rental offers free WiFi. Once you’re done with work, you can go straight to the beach and partake in various water activities, whether it’s snorkeling, paragliding, or meeting new people in the bar.
You are smack dab on Bulabog Beach, a five-minute walk from the D’Mall and another five-minute walk from the White Beach Station 2 area. The hotel is also an easy commute via e-trike. The hotel also offers its own restaurant with delicious dishes and refreshing cocktails, as well as an open beach area where you can lay under the sun or take shade in one of their cabanas.
Check out Levantin Boracay Rooms
7. Dos Palmas, Palawan
Palawan is one of the top beach destinations in the Philippines, and if you’re looking for a relaxing resort that fits the budget for long-term stays, then Dos Palmas is the way to go. The resort is located in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, a secluded sanctuary where you’re surrounded by crystal-clear waters, amazing white sand beaches, and a sense of serenity you can’t find in the busy cities.
Los Palmas has numerous activities, such as marine sports, spas, island adventures, or exploring the mangrove trails. Digital nomads will also get to take advantage of the free WiFi and extra facilities for work, such as fax, photocopying, and printing services when needed.
With all the different facilities and amenities offered, digital nomads can efficiently work in the common areas with the fast WiFi, jump into the cold pool, or head to the beach or spa for some R&R.
Check out Dos Palmas Island Official Website
8. Discovery Shores, Boracay
Discovery Shores is one of the most popular resorts in Boracay, well-known for its luxurious amenities and glamorous suites! As a hotel resort, you can expect fast and consistent Internet connection around the hotel premises, along with other notable amenities people can enjoy, including beautiful pools, a children’s room, recreation room, library, fitness center, meeting rooms, and a host of delicious restaurants.
You won’t need to go anywhere when checked into the resort, as the staff and hotel itself offer what digital nomads need for their work and relaxation. Experience the lap of luxury in one of the country’s most popular beaches here. They provide long-term stays, and while it isn’t the cheapest, it’s definitely worth trying for solo digital nomads and couples.
Check out Discovery Shores Official Website
9. @ZipCodePHL’s Stunning Makati Wood House
For those who want the hustle and bustle of city life without actually facing the stress and traffic, then this Airbnb is best for you. It’s situated in the heart of Makati, where the central business district is. You will have easy access to shops, grocery stores, bars, cafes, restaurants, and public transportation.
The condominium unit itself is filled with refreshing greens and wooden elements to feel relaxed in the city. Furthermore, you get an unobstructed view of the Metro Manila skyline with 180-degree floor-to-glass window panels.
The Airbnb host offers a free 10Mbps Internet connection, along with a smart television with Netflix access! Enjoy your stay as a digital nomad as you work in your cozy space all day, then go out to explore the wonders of Metro Manila whenever you’re free.
Check out @ZipCodePHL’s Stunning Makati Wood House Rooms
10. MichaManila, Ortigas Extension
For the digital nomad who plans to stay with family in the Philippines and wants a more quiet, provincial life, yet the perks of the city life, then this Airbnb is a good bet. It’s a spacious villa designed for families with a suite room and complete entertainment set up for movie nights. There is also a private pool, Balinese loungers, family patio, grilling station, outdoor bar, and fully equipped kitchen!
While solo digital nomads can go here, this is strictly for family use only and not for groups of friends. This is in line with the COVID-19 restrictions set in the country. Also, note that you will still need to drive for a few minutes to get to different grocery stores, restaurants, and malls. Fortunately, all the attractions aren’t far from the area, and you can also look into using public transport.
Check out MichaManila Rooms
Visa to the Philippines as a Remote Worker
Compared to other countries, it’s actually easier traveling to the Philippines. However, it’s still vital to meet all entry requirements the country’s government established to experience a smooth arrival and departure.
Citizens from numerous countries won’t need to apply for a visa when they arrive in the Philippines. In most Western countries, citizens will have a 30-day visa waiver. However, if you want to stay for a longer time, you need to have an onward ticket, along with the following:
- Valid passport not expiring within six months of your stay
- Roundtrip flight ticket
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of income
- Travel documents and IDs
You can get a 6-month visa extension, also known as the non-immigrant temporary visa. This costs around US$200 and is comparable to a digital nomad visa.
If you are from a country that requires a visa when entering the Philippines, you can apply for one online or in the embassy. Here are the visa requirements you’ll need to prepare:
- Valid passport or equivalent travel document not expiring within six months of your stay
- Accomplished visa application
- Passport photo
- Roundtrip flight tickets
- Proof of visa fee payment
- Proof that you are a businessman or tourist visiting the Philippines
It isn’t that difficult to acquire a visa. You may also opt to get a special resident retiree’s visa, a special non-immigrant visa for those who would like to make the country an investment destination or second home. It’s extremely easy to obtain this retirement visa, though as of early 2021, this visa is still on hold.
Transportation and Internet Connection in the Philippines
As mentioned, expect a lot of traffic when you’re in the Philippines, especially in busy regions like Metro Manila. Public transportation includes the bus, trains, jeepneys, tricycles, taxicabs, and other ride-sharing apps like Grab.
Even if there are numerous modes of public transportation, it may be hard to commute given the many people also commuting at the same time. You will need to wait long before you get to hop on a train, bus, or jeepney. That’s why it’s highly recommended to either rent a car or use taxicabs as your mode of transportation, though it can be a bit expensive, especially during traffic jams.
The best mode of transportation is the MRTs, though we recommend traveling during the early afternoons, as morning and early evening get crowded with people going to and from work.
As for the Internet service, the Philippines loses out compared to other Southeast Asian countries. The country has a spotty Internet connection, which is a massive factor for digital nomads! Don’t expect crazy fast Internet everywhere, especially when you’re outside the big cities.
Furthermore, the Internet may end up either getting slower or shutting down from time to time, depending on where you’re from and your Internet provider. It’s crucial to conduct research and select vacation rentals and coworking spaces with stable WiFi, at least. If you need to put up your own WiFi connection, the plans start at $20 a month for 5Mbps, up to $180 for 1Gbps.
As a backup, you can invest in a 4G/5G sim and load up for mobile data, which is reasonably cheap to get in the Philippines. You can expect to spend less than $20 a month and receive fast mobile data and unlimited calls and texts.
Wrapping It Up
The Philippines is a stunning place with incredible sceneries, whether it’s the city lights from high-rise buildings or sandy white beaches with picturesque sunsets. Everything is so cheap, the weather is always warm, and you’re surrounded by many coworking spaces, shopping malls, and fun things to do.
Sure, the Internet may be a bit of a hassle, and you’ll have to deal with traffic if you travel during peak hours, but if you choose a good vacation rental, you can still have an incredible experience! There are numerous places to stay in the country for the long-term, whether in the middle of the city, in quiet beach islands, or even in the breezy provinces surrounded by mountains.
Did you find the best vacation rental suitable for your trip to the Philippines? That’s great! The next step is booking a place and planning your itinerary, finding suitable coworking places, and things to do once you’re there. Enjoy!