51 BEST Travel Apps For The Philippines 2024 (Useful Apps)

Best Travel Apps For The Philippines Introduction

Best Travel Apps For The Philippines

Welcome Friends to your essential guide for the Best Travel Apps For The Philippines! Explore the curated selection of travel apps for a smooth and seamless experience when navigating the Philippines.

Because trust me, we wish we knew about these apps before we came to the Philippines! So we will provide everything you need to know and include helpful videos in this guide. You will have a great foundation of knowledge before traveling to the Philippines!

  • You will master transportation with apps like Grab, Sakay PH, and more – optimizing rides and transit.
  • You Will Be Able To craft tailored itineraries using Philippines Tourism, Airbnb, Agoda, Traveloka and local rental websites you can book monthly. This ensures personalized recommendations.
  • You Will Be Able to navigate the Philippines’ amazing food scene with confidence using GrabFood, Foodpanda, and Eatigo. Immerse yourself in the culture with the Philippines Travel App and more.
  • Prioritize safety, savings and connectivity with Maps.Me, WiFi Map, StaySafePH and more online and offline options.

This professional guide is tailored for an efficient, enriching journey through Manila, Cebu, Boracay, and beyond. With these digital tools, your exploration of the Philippines is poised to be smooth, stress-free and thoroughly enjoyable.

So Let’s Get Started!


Table Of Contents


Why Travel Apps Matter in The Philippines

  1. Efficiency Boost and Save Money: Navigate the Philippines’ complex transportation networks smoothly. Access real-time schedules for buses, ferries, and more.
  2. Confidence on the Go: Empower yourself with instant decision-making at your fingertips. Travel apps eliminate uncertainties in real-time and assist with safety and connectivity issues. Offline maps like Maps.me provide navigation even without data.
  3. Cultural Immersion: Immerse yourself in the Philippines’ rich culture with translation tools and hidden gem finders. Apps transform every moment into an opportunity for genuine cultural exploration.
  4. Safety: As a full-time traveler, offline maps like Maps.me are invaluable if you have data issues, especially in remote areas. This saves hassle and provides navigation even without an internet connection.

Best Transit and Travel Navigation Apps in the Philippines

Transportation and Navigation Apps in the PhilippinesKey Features
Google Maps– Transit directions and route planning
– Offline access via downloaded maps
– Location sharing, real-time ETAs
Waze– Crowdsourced traffic and hazard reports
– Alerts for road closures, accidents
– Faster alternative routes
Angkas– Book motorcycle taxi rides
– Drivers provide helmets for safety
– Faster option compared to cars
JoyRide– Book car or motorcycle rides
– View fare estimates before booking
– Track drivers en route to pickup
Maps.me– City guide downloads for robust offline info
– Bookmark locations for quick access
– Global search and voice navigation

Grab

Grab is the most popular ride-hailing and transportation app in the Philippines. It allows you to easily book rides from cars, taxis, and motorcycles in major cities.

Key features:

  • Request rides from cars, taxis, motorcycles
  • Get estimated fare before booking
  • Track driver’s location to pickup
  • Pay through app, cashless option

What you need to know:

  • Pros: Widely used, links to other services
  • Cons: Can surge pricing during busy times
  • Offline Capability: No
  • Download: iOSAndroid
  • Website: grab.com
  • Price: Free

Sakay.ph

Sakay.ph is an app focused on navigating Manila’s complex public transportation system of buses, jeepneys and trains. It provides schedules, directions and trip planning.

Key features:

  • Routes and schedules for jeepneys, LRT, MRT
  • Step-by-step directions
  • Covers Metro Manila transit

What you need to know:

  • Pros: Comprehensive Manila transit info
  • Cons: Doesn’t include detours, changes
  • Offline Capability: No
  • Website: sakay.ph
  • Price: Free

Google Maps

Google Maps provides navigation and directions for transit, driving, biking and walking in the Philippines. It can be used online or offline.

Key features:

  • Transit directions and route planning
  • Offline access via downloaded maps
  • Location sharing, real-time ETAs

What you need to know:

  • Pros: Offline access, AR navigation
  • Cons: Limited Philippines transit data
  • Offline Capability: Yes
  • Download: iOSAndroid
  • Website: google.com/maps
  • Price: Free

Waze

Waze provides crowdsourced traffic updates and navigation assistance to help drivers avoid congestion.

Key features:

  • Crowdsourced traffic and hazard reports
  • Alerts for road closures, accidents
  • Faster alternative routes

What you need to know:

  • Pros: Real-time traffic updates
  • Cons: Dependent on user reports
  • Offline Capability: No
  • Download: iOSAndroid
  • Website: waze.com
  • Price: Free

Angkas

Angkas is a motorcycle ride-hailing app that provides an efficient way to navigate through traffic in the Philippines.

Key Features:

  • Book motorcycle taxi rides
  • Drivers provide helmets for safety
  • Faster option compared to cars

What You Need to Know:

  • Pros: Quick, affordable rides by motorbike
  • Cons: Less safe than cars, only 1 passenger
  • Offline Capability: No
  • Website: angkas.com
  • Price: Varies by distance

JoyRide

JoyRide offers ride-hailing services through cars and motorcycles in the Philippines. It is an alternative to Grab.

Key Features:

  • Book car or motorcycle rides
  • View fare estimates before booking
  • Track drivers en route to pickup

What You Need to Know:

  • Pros: Alternative to Grab with similar service
  • Cons: Smaller coverage area than Grab
  • Offline Capability: No
  • Website: joyride.com
  • Price: Varies by distance

Maps.me – Best Offline Maps and My Favorite

Maps.me is my personal Favorite and has saved me from alot of headache all over the world. seriously it has saved me from some sketchy areas when i didn’t have Data. Maps.Me shines with its ability to access detailed Philippines maps completely offline. It’s one of my personal favorites that has saved me countless headaches.

It enables navigation without cell service or roaming data for:

  • Metro, transit, taxi, walking, driving
  • City guide downloads for robust offline info
  • Bookmark locations for quick access
  • Global search and voice navigation

For avoiding international data charges while still navigating smoothly, Maps.me is a stellar choice.

What You Need to Know about Maps.Me in The Philippines:

  • Pros: Detailed offline maps/navigation; avoids roaming charges
  • Cons: Not Much just ads if you have the free version
  • Offline Capability: Yes, fully offline
  • Download: iOSAndroid
  • Website: Maps.me
  • Price: Free with ads, Free on iOS with ads but can pay $2.99 for premium, Android free with ads but can pay $2.99 for Premium

Travel Planning and accommodation Apps in The Philippines

Best Travel Planning Apps in The PhilippinesKey Features
Philippines Tourism BoardOffline guide for maps and phrases. Craft personalized itineraries.
TripadvisorReviews and recommendations for hotels and restaurants. Easy activity and tour bookings.
AirbnbImmerse in local life with unique rentals. Ideal for extended stays and cultural exploration.
Google Translate online and OfflineBreak language barriers with instant camera translation and offline features.
XE Currency rate CheckerStay on budget with real-time exchange rates and budgeting tools.
Booking.comGreat stays and can stay for a month as well
Local rental Websites in The Philippines for monthly RentalsLaumudi.ph, Property24.com.ph
My Property.ph, rentpad.com.ph
SafetyWing Travel Medical InsuranceBest Travel Medical Health Insurance for travelers and digital nomads it works just like your insurance like back home but cheaper
Google FlightsFor booking Flights to and around The Philippines
SkyscannerFor booking Cheap Flights to and around The Philippines
AgodaPopular hotel booking platform in Asia
TravelokaPopular Philippines Booking Platform
GcashPopular Money Transfer in The Philippines

Philippines Tourism Board App

The official app from the Department of Tourism provides offline guides, maps, phrases and custom itinerary planning for exploring the Philippines.

Key Features:

  • Offline guide with maps, phrases, translations
  • Build custom itineraries and trip plans
  • Info on attractions, hotels, restaurants

Philippines Tourism Site

Tripadvisor

Tripadvisor makes travel planning easier with reviews, ratings and easy booking for hotels, tours, activities and restaurants.

Key Features:

  • Reviews & ratings for hotels, tours, restaurants
  • Easy booking for tours, dining, activities
  • Destination forums and traveler advice

iOS | Android | TripAdvisor website

Airbnb

Airbnb allows you to book unique accommodations and experience local life for your Philippines trip. It’s great for extended stays.

Key Features:

  • Entire homes, rooms and unique stays
  • Local neighborhoods and cultural immersion
  • More space and amenities than hotels

iOS | Android | Airbnb Website

Google Translate

Google Translate enables instant translation of 100+ languages including Filipino and Tagalog via text, voice and camera.

Key Features:

  • Camera translation of text
  • 100+ languages translated
  • Save languages for offline use

iOS | Android | Google translate Website

XE Currency

XE Currency makes budgeting easier with live exchange rates, currency conversion and international money transfers.

Key Features:

  • Live currency exchange rates and charts
  • Budgeting and expense tracking
  • International money transfers

iOS | Android | XE website

Booking.com

Booking.com provides a huge selection of accommodations in the Philippines that you can easily compare, review and reserve.

Key Features:

  • 600K+ hotels, apartments globally
  • Reviews, photos and amenity filters
  • Free cancellation on most bookings

iOS | Android | Booking Website

Local Rental Websites in the Philippines for Monthly Rentals

These Philippine websites allow you to search for and book longer-term apartment and home rentals.

Key options:

Agoda

Agoda provides a price comparison platform for hotels, vacation rentals and flights in Asia and around the world.

Key Features:

  • Over 2M properties worldwide
  • Promotions and deals for hotels
  • Review scores and photos

iOS | Android | Agoda Website

Traveloka

Traveloka is a leading travel site in Southeast Asia for booking flights, hotels, activities, attractions and more.

Key Features:

  • Localized app for Philippines travel
  • Promo fares for flights and hotels
  • Easy booking and ETA calculations

iOS | Android | Traveloka Website

Let me know if you need any other details or have additional apps to outline!

SafetyWing

Having comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended when visiting The Philippines to protect against any unexpected incidents. SafetyWing is an excellent option tailored to global travelers and digital nomads.

Why Choose SafetyWing?

SafetyWing makes travel insurance easy and affordable at just $45 – $250/month. Here are some key reasons to consider it:

  • Global coverage including exotic destinations
  • Flexible policies fit nomadic lifestyles
  • Easy sign-up and claims from phone/computer
  • Covers medical, evacuations, disruptions, baggage, etc.
  • 24/7 customer support anywhere
  • Customizable coverage amounts and add-ons

Other Travel Insurance Options

While SafetyWing is a top choice, companies like WorldNomads, Cigna Global, and IMG also offer comprehensive travel insurance for The Philippines. Typical policies range from $45 – $500 for 2 weeks to a month of coverage. Compare coverage and premium costs.

Some key considerations for finding a good insurance policy:

  • Emergency medical and evacuation
  • Trip cancellation/interruption
  • Lost/delayed baggage
  • Adventure sports coverage
  • Altitude sickness coverage
  • 24/7 emergency assistance

Travel Health Insurance Cost Estimates

Insurance PlanTrip DurationEstimated Cost
SafetyWing1 month$45 – $250
WorldNomads2 weeks$100-$200
Cigna Global1 month$150-$300
IMG2 weeks$150-$250

Google Flights and Skyscanner

Google Flights, and Skyscanner make finding affordable airfare quick and easy.

Key features:

  • Easily compare flight options across airlines
  • Flexible date search to find the best deals
  • Price tracking and alerts for chosen routes
  • Book flights directly or route to booking sites

Great tools for getting budget airline tickets to and within The Philippines.

GCash

GCash allows for easy mobile payments and money transfers in the Philippines.

Key Features:

  • Mobile payments at shops, restaurants
  • Send and receive money domestically
  • Pay bills, top up load, shop online

What You Need to Know:

  • Website: Gcash
  • iOS App: GCash
  • Android App: GCash
  • Price: Free

Best Food Delivery and Dining Apps in the Philippines

Best Food and Dining Apps For PhilippinesKey Features
GrabFoodHuge restaurant selection, order tracking, cash/card payment
FoodpandaFast delivery, order tracking, promos/discounts
EatigoDiscounted dining with reservations, rewards
BookyFood deals, discounts, reservations

GrabFood

GrabFood allows you to order delivery from thousands of restaurants via the Grab app.

Key Features:

  • Huge selection of restaurant partners
  • Track orders in real-time
  • Pay with card or cash

iOS | Android | Website

Foodpanda

Foodpanda provides on-demand food delivery from popular chains and local restaurants.

Key Features:

  • Fast delivery with live tracking
  • Promos and discounts available
  • Takeaway pickup also available

iOS | Android | Website

Eatigo

Eatigo provides discounts up to 50% off if you reserve meals in advance at partner restaurants.

Key Features:

  • Book discounted dining in advance
  • Fixed time slots ensure table ready
  • Points earned can redeem rewards

Website

Booky

Booky helps you discover the best food deals, promos and restaurants nearby in the Philippines.

Key Features:

  • Browse food deals and promos
  • Restaurant discounts and vouchers
  • Make reservations through the app

Website

Best Communication & Messaging Apps in the Philippines

Communication And Messaging Apps For The PhilippinesKey Features
FacebookMost Popular Messaging App in The Philippines
LINEText, voice, and video calls.
WhatsAppMessaging and voice and video calls.
Google VoiceVoice calls and messaging.
ViberMessaging App

Facebook Messenger

Facebook Messenger is the most widely used messaging app in the Philippines for free calls, texts, photos and group chats.

Key Features:

  • Free messaging, voice and video calls
  • Group chats with up to 250 people
  • HD photo and file sharing
  • Messaging businesses and payments

iOS | Android | Website

LINE

LINE is a popular chatting app in the Philippines and Asia for instant messaging with fun stickers, photos and videos.

Key Features:

  • Free messaging to any LINE user
  • Fun stickers, videos, photos
  • Group chats up to 200 people
  • Free voice & video calls

iOS | Android | Website

WhatsApp

WhatsApp offers secure messaging and calling for communicating with friends and family in the Philippines.

Key Features:

  • Encrypted messaging and calls
  • Media sharing and group chats
  • Low-cost international calling
  • Cross-platform on mobile & desktop

iOS | Android | Website

Viber

Viber provides free calls, messaging, video chats and group chats for communicating internationally and people in the Philippines use it as well.

Key Features:

  • Free international calls
  • End-to-end encrypted chats
  • Fun stickers and emoji
  • Supports up to 200 participants

iOS | Android | Website

Best Activities & Tours Apps in the Philippines

Best Activities & Tours Apps in the PhilippinesKey Features
Klook– Book popular tours and activities
– Exclusive deals and mobile vouchers
– Flexible booking with free cancellations
Viator– 50,000+ bookable tours & activities
– Trip planning articles and guides
– Fast online booking and vouchers
GetYourGuide– Book tickets for top attractions
– Jump the line with mobile vouchers
– Cancel most bookings for full refund
Tripadvisor– Reviews and ratings help choose activities
– Easy pricing and availability comparison
– Book directly through the app
We Wander PH– Browse and book tours with locals
– Travel guides and sample itineraries
– Share reviews and connect with travelers

Klook

Klook provides easy booking for attractions, tours, shows, transportation and more in the Philippines.

Key Features:

  • Book popular tours and activities
  • Exclusive deals and mobile vouchers
  • Flexible booking with free cancellations

Website

Viator

Viator offers a marketplace to book tours and activities with local guides around the world.

Key Features:

  • 50,000+ bookable tours & activities
  • Trip planning articles and guides
  • Fast online booking and vouchers

Website

GetYourGuide

GetYourGuide provides easy access to book popular tours and attractions around the world.

Key Features:

  • Book tickets for top attractions
  • Jump the line with mobile vouchers
  • Cancel most bookings for full refund

Website

Tripadvisor

Tripadvisor offers reviews and an easy booking platform for tours, activities and attractions.

Key Features:

  • Reviews and ratings help choose activities
  • Easy pricing and availability comparison
  • Book directly through the app

Website

We Wander PH

We Wander PH helps you discover and book tours plus share travel experiences in the Philippines.

Key Features:

  • Browse and book tours with locals
  • Travel guides and sample itineraries
  • Share reviews and connect with travelers

Website

Shopping & Services Apps and Websites: Lazada, Shopee

Lazada

Lazada is one of the most popular online shopping platforms in the Philippines. It offers a wide selection of products at discounted prices.

Key Features:

  • Huge range of categories like electronics, fashion, home & living
  • Daily deals and flash sales
  • Easy returns and refunds

What You Need to Know:

  • Pros: Large selection, affordable prices
  • Cons: Shipping costs for smaller orders, have to sign up with the local number
  • Website: Lazada
  • Price: Free

Shopee

Shopee is another top online marketplace used in the Philippines. It’s known for deals on fashion, health products and mobile accessories.

Key Features:

  • Big category for fashion and beauty items
  • Free shipping vouchers and discounts
  • Seamless payment options like ShopeePay

What You Need to Know:

  • Pros: Low prices, good promotions
  • Cons: Longer delivery times, have to sign up with the local number
  • Website: Shoppee
  • Price: Free

Safety Apps in The Philippines

Safety AppsKey Features
Maps.MeOffline maps for navigation.
WiFi MapWiFi hotspot locator.
Stay Safe PHGreat app for staying safe in The Philippines

Maps.Me

Maps.me provides offline maps and navigation for the Philippines. It’s helpful for getting around with spotty data coverage.

Key Features:

  • Download detailed country/city maps
  • Turn-by-turn voice navigation
  • Bookmark favorite places

What You Need to Know:

  • Pros: Works offline, free
  • Cons: not much just sometimes the locations doesnt show up correctly sometimes
  • Website: Maps.me
  • iOS App: Maps.me iOS
  • Android App: Maps.me Android
  • Price: Free

WiFi Map

WiFi Map helps you locate free WiFi hotspots in the Philippines. This saves on hefty data roaming charges.

Key Features:

  • Shows millions of WiFi networks
  • Filters for fast, free and secure connections
  • Works offline after download

What You Need to Know:

  • Pros: Avoid roaming fees
  • Cons: Spotty accuracy
  • Website: Wifi Map
  • Price: Free

StaySafePH

StaySafePH provides real-time alerts about crimes, traffic, weather emergencies and more in the Philippines.

Key Features:

  • Get alerts for your area
  • Report incidents and dangers
  • Safety tips for travel

What You Need to Know:

Tourism and Philippines Official Sites and apps

Philippines Official Sites and Apps For TravelPurposeWebsite/App
It’s More Fun in the PhilippinesTourism campaign and informationIt’s More Fun in the Philippines
Philippine AirlinesNational carrier for travelPhilippine Airlines
Cebu PacificAffordable airline for travelCebu Pacific
Air AsiaLow-cost airline for travelAir Asia
Tourism Promotions Board PhilippinesPromotion of tourism activitiesTPB Philippines
Philippines Travel Tourism BoardTourism and travel informationMy Philippines

Tagalog Language Learning Apps in The Philippines

Tagalog Filipino Learning AppsKey Features
PimsleurThe Best Language Learning App
DuoLingoGreat language learning app
BusuuAwesome language learning app
Innovative Language Tagalog 101Incredible language learning

Pimsleur

Pimsleur offers audio-based Tagalog lessons focused on conversation. And I Personally Use it as well!

Key Features:

  • 30-minute audio lessons
  • Focus on spoken language
  • Gradual progression in difficulty

What You Need to Know:

  • Pros: Effective conversational focus
  • Cons: Less reading/writing practice
  • Website: Pimsleur
  • Price: Premium subscription required

Duolingo

Duolingo offers bite-sized Tagalog lessons focused on reading, writing, speaking and listening.

Key Features:

  • Short, gamified lessons
  • Reading, writing, speaking practice
  • Motivational reminders and tracking

What You Need to Know:

  • Pros: Fun, effective learning in small doses
  • Cons: Less focused on conversational skills
  • Website: Duolingo
  • Price: Free

Busuu

Busuu provides interactive Tagalog lessons with speech recognition and AI features.

Key Features:

  • Lessons based on CEFR levels
  • Speech recognition for pronunciation
  • Review by native speakers

What You Need to Know:

  • Pros: Interactive lessons with speech practice
  • Cons: Less content than some competitors
  • Website: Busuu
  • iOS App: Busuu iOS
  • Android App: Busuu Android
  • Price: Premium subscription required

Innovative Language Tagalog 101

Overview: For a more localized touch, consider Innovative Language Tagalog 101.

Key Features:

  • Tailored for Tagalog speakers
  • Diverse language learning experiences

What You Need to Know:

Conclusion on The Best Travel Apps For The Philippines

This guide has covered a diverse range of apps to enhance travel experiences in the Philippines across key categories like transit, navigation, planning, dining, culture, and more. The top apps provide the tools to optimize transportation, discovering hidden gems, saving money and more.

  • Transit apps like Grab, Sakay PH and Google Maps, Maps.me enable you to navigate the Philippines complex transportation networks with ease. Food apps like GrabFood and Foodpanda unlock the vibrant culinary scene. And the Philippines Tourism app provides insider tips.
  • Apps for translation, budgeting, booking, communication and more combine to streamline logistics. Specialized apps for diving, island-hopping, hiking and vegan dining help craft unique experiences.
  • While the Philippines presents challenges like sporadic infrastructure, language barriers and navigation, technology can minimize friction. Travel apps enable efficient planning, instant communication, budget management, cultural immersion and personalized experiences.

With the essential Philippines apps outlined in this guide, travelers can tap into local expertise, connect spontaneously, and craft their ideal trip. Apps empower you to unlock the Philippines your way – navigating its stunning landscape stress-free. With preparation and the right tools, the Philippines becomes easily accessible and primed for exploration.

Thanks for reading! We hope you found many helpful tips and apps for an incredible Philippines trip.

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