The practical stuff every Aussie needs to know
Who can stay, how long can you stay, and how do you get to stay?
Good news — the Philippines is one of the easiest countries in Asia for Australians to enter and stay in. The visa system is generous and extensions are straightforward, making it ideal for those wanting to spend serious time getting to know the country and its people.
Australian passport holders receive a free 30-day visa stamp on arrival at any international airport. No application needed, no fee — just show your passport with at least 6 months validity and a return or onward ticket. Immigration may also ask for proof of accommodation, though this is rarely enforced.
You can extend your visa at any Bureau of Immigration (BI) office. The first extension gives you another 29 days and costs around ₱3,030. Subsequent extensions can be done month by month or in 2-month or 6-month blocks. Total maximum stay is 36 months. Many expats live in the Philippines long-term on rolling tourist visa extensions.
If you stay longer than 59 days, you'll need an ACR I-Card. This is issued at the Bureau of Immigration and costs around ₱3,600 plus ₱500 for an Express Lane fee. It acts as your ID within the Philippines and is required for things like opening bank accounts, buying SIMs on contract, and some hotel check-ins.
If you've stayed longer than 6 months, you'll need an ECC before you leave the country. This is obtained from the Bureau of Immigration and takes about a day to process. Cost is around ₱1,400. Don't leave this until the last minute — get it a few days before your flight.
If you're married to a Filipino citizen, you qualify for the Balikbayan privilege — a free 1-year visa on arrival. You need to travel with your spouse and present your marriage certificate at immigration. This is a huge benefit and one of the best spousal visa arrangements in Asia.
Married to a Filipina? You can apply for a 13(a) visa which gives you permanent residency. It's a two-step process: you get a 1-year probationary visa first, then convert to permanent after a year. This lets you work, invest and live in the Philippines indefinitely without worrying about extensions.
If you're 35 or older, you can apply for the SRRV through the Philippine Retirement Authority. Requires a deposit of USD $1,500–$50,000 depending on your age and the variant. Gives you permanent residency, multiple entry privileges and exemption from some taxes. Popular with Aussie retirees.
Overstaying your visa results in daily fines that add up quickly. If you overstay by months, you could face detention, deportation and a ban from re-entering. The Bureau of Immigration has gotten stricter in recent years. Keep track of your visa dates and extend on time — it's cheap and easy, so there's no excuse.
Travel agencies and fixers can handle your visa extensions for a small fee (typically ₱500–1,000 on top of the official cost). Worth it if you hate queuing at the BI office, which can take hours. Your hotel or Airbnb host can usually recommend someone reliable.
Passport with 6+ months validity, return or onward ticket (they do check), sufficient funds (rarely asked for but technically required — around USD $500 equivalent), completed eTravel form (online before arrival — replaced the old arrival card). No COVID vaccination requirements as of 2025.
What to eat (and what to eat with caution)
Filipino food is hearty, generous and meat-heavy. It's not as well-known internationally as Thai or Vietnamese cuisine, but once you get stuck in you'll find a lot to love. Street food is everywhere and incredibly cheap. The secret to Filipino cooking? Vinegar, soy sauce, garlic and a LOT of rice.
Chicken or pork (sometimes both) braised in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, bay leaves and peppercorns. Every family has their own recipe and will argue that theirs is the best. It's cheap, it's everywhere, and it's almost impossible to get wrong. Served with white rice — always with white rice.
Whole roasted pig, slow-cooked over charcoal until the skin is impossibly crispy and the meat falls apart. Lechon from Cebu is considered the best in the country. You'll find it at every celebration, and you can buy it by the kilo at lechon stalls. The skin is the best part — don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
A sour soup made with tamarind (or sometimes guava, calamansi or green mango) with pork, prawns or fish, plus vegetables. It's the Filipino equivalent of chicken soup — what you eat when you need comfort. The sourness takes some getting used to but once you love it, you'll crave it.
Chopped pig face and ears, seasoned with calamansi, chilli and onions, served on a sizzling plate with a raw egg cracked on top. Sounds confronting but tastes incredible. Invented in Pampanga (the culinary capital of the Philippines) and best enjoyed with an ice-cold San Miguel.
Isaw (grilled chicken intestines), betamax (grilled blood cubes), kwek-kwek (deep-fried quail eggs in orange batter), fish balls with sweet or spicy sauce. All on sticks, all from street carts, all under ₱50. Adventurous? Try adidas (chicken feet) or helmet (chicken heads). Named with dark Filipino humour.
Shaved ice with sweet beans, jellies, coconut strips, leche flan, ube (purple yam) ice cream and evaporated milk. Mix it all together (halo-halo means "mix-mix") and eat it on a hot afternoon. Looks chaotic, tastes amazing. Every Filipino swears by their favourite halo-halo spot.
A fertilised duck egg with a partially developed embryo inside, boiled and eaten from the shell. It's a street food staple and a rite of passage for visitors. Sprinkle with salt and vinegar, sip the broth first, then eat the rest. Or don't — nobody will judge you (much).
Tap water is NOT safe to drink — stick to bottled or filtered water. Ice in restaurants and chains is usually fine (made from purified water) but avoid ice from street vendors. Seafood at the wet market should be cooked fresh — don't eat raw shellfish from street stalls. If a carinderia (local eatery) has high turnover and locals eating there, it's probably fine.
Filipinos eat with a fork and spoon (fork in left hand to push food onto the spoon in the right). Kamayan (eating with your hands) is also common, especially at boodle fights where food is spread on banana leaves. Don't be shy — dig in with your hands. It genuinely tastes better.
Carinderias (turo-turo — point-point) are the cheapest option at ₱60-120 for rice and a viand. Jollibee, Mang Inasal and Chowking are the beloved local fast food chains — try Jollibee's Chickenjoy, it's a national institution. Mid-range restaurants run ₱300-600 per head. Fine dining in Manila's BGC or Makati will set you back ₱1,500-3,000+ but is still cheap by Australian standards.
Local beers
The Philippines is a beer-drinking country and San Miguel Corporation dominates the market with around 90% share. Beer is cheap, widely available and a central part of social life. Whether you're in a Manila rooftop bar or a sari-sari store in the provinces, there's always a cold one within reach.
The classic Filipino beer since 1890. A clean, crisp lager — nothing fancy but perfectly drinkable and goes with everything. Around ₱50-80 from a store, ₱100-150 in bars. Available literally everywhere from high-end restaurants to the tiniest sari-sari store in the provinces. This is what the locals drink.
The lighter, lower-calorie version. 5% ABV versus Pale Pilsen's 5%. Smoother and easier to drink in the heat. More popular in Manila's bars and restaurants. If you're planning a long session (and in the Philippines, sessions are LONG), this is the smarter choice.
6.9% ABV and the best-selling beer in the Philippines by volume. Comes in big 500ml bottles (litro) and 330ml stubbies. Cheap and powerful — a favourite in the provinces and among working-class Filipinos. Two or three Red Horses and you'll know about it. Nicknamed "The Stallion" for good reason.
Sweet, fruity beers that are popular with Filipino women and younger drinkers. 3% ABV and basically alcoholic soft drinks. Not for everyone, but your Filipina partner might love them. Don't judge — just order her one and get yourself a Pale Pilsen.
Manila and Cebu have a growing craft beer scene. Pedro Brewcrafts, Joe's Brew, Nipa Brew and Engkanto are the leading local craft brands. Expect to pay ₱200-350 per glass — expensive by Filipino standards but still cheaper than a schooner back home. BGC and Poblacion in Makati have the best craft bar concentration.
The ultimate Filipino drinking experience. A sari-sari store is a tiny neighbourhood shop — basically someone's front window selling everything. Buy your beers there (cheapest prices anywhere), pull up a plastic chair and drink on the street with the locals. This is where real Filipino social life happens. Tagay (communal drinking from one glass) may occur — it's rude to refuse.
Tagay is the Filipino tradition of sharing one glass — someone pours, everyone takes turns drinking from the same glass. It's a bonding ritual. Pulutan is the Filipino word for drinking food (like tapas) — sisig, chicharon (pork crackling), grilled squid, peanuts. You don't drink without pulutan. Ever.
Heineken, Corona, Tiger, Asahi and other imports are available in supermarkets and bars but cost 2-3x more than local brands. No real reason to drink them when San Miguel is solid and a fraction of the price. Save your money for the pulutan.
Legal drinking age is 18. No real restrictions on where or when you can buy alcohol — 24/7 from most stores. Some barangays (local districts) have dry days or curfews, especially during elections (48 hours before and 24 hours after). Holy Week (Easter) is traditionally dry in many areas. Don't drink and drive — penalties are serious and checkpoints are common, especially at night.
Filipinos are incredibly generous with rounds. If someone buys you a beer, you WILL be expected to reciprocate. Drinking sessions can go for hours with everyone taking turns buying. Budget accordingly or politely set limits early. The phrase "last na 'to" (this is my last one) is universally understood but rarely obeyed.
Transport options
Getting around the Philippines can be an adventure. Manila traffic is legendary (and not in a good way). But outside the capital, things are more manageable. The country is an archipelago of 7,641 islands, so you'll be mixing land, sea and air transport. Here's what you need to know.
The Asian Uber. Download Grab before you arrive. Available in Manila, Cebu, Davao and other major cities. Safe, air-conditioned, metered and no haggling. GrabCar for taxis, GrabBike for motorbike taxis (called "angkas" locally). Pay by cash or card. Peak hours and rain will surge the prices, but it's still your safest and most convenient option.
Originally made from leftover US military jeeps, these colourful workhorses are the backbone of Filipino public transport. Fixed routes, dirt cheap (₱12-15 base fare). Pass your money forward to the driver, other passengers will relay it. Shout "para!" when you want to stop. Confusing for newcomers but an experience you should try at least once. Newer e-jeepneys are slowly replacing the classics.
A motorbike with a sidecar. Used for short trips within towns and barangays. Standard fare is ₱10-50 depending on distance. Agree on the price before getting in (or ask a local what the standard fare should be). Special trip (just for you) costs more than a regular trip (shared with others). Your main transport outside of major cities.
Manila has three rail lines (LRT-1, LRT-2 and MRT-3). Cheap (₱15-30) and faster than road traffic, but overcrowded during rush hours — we're talking sardine-can level. Avoid 7-9am and 5-7pm if possible. The MRT-3 (EDSA line) is the most useful for tourists as it runs along the main commercial strip. Beep cards (tap-and-go) are being rolled out to replace single-journey tokens.
With 7,641 islands, flying is often the only practical option. Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines (PAL) are the main carriers. AirAsia Philippines also operates some routes. Book online for the best deals — flights can be as cheap as ₱1,500-3,000 one way if you book early. Manila's NAIA airport is chaotic — arrive early and be patient.
2GO Travel runs large ferries between major islands (Manila to Cebu, Mindoro, etc.). Slower but cheaper than flying and a good experience. For shorter trips, bancas (outrigger boats) connect smaller islands. FastCraft services run between Cebu and Bohol, Iloilo and Bacolod. Check weather forecasts — services get cancelled in rough seas and during typhoon season.
Provincial buses connect cities across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Companies like Victory Liner, Philtranco and Ceres run regular services. Air-conditioned buses are comfortable enough for long trips. Manila has multiple bus terminals depending on your destination. Deluxe buses with individual seats and WiFi are available on popular routes for a small premium.
In areas where roads are too narrow or rough for cars, habal-habal (motorbike taxis) are the way. Common in the Visayas and Mindanao. No helmets usually provided (bring your own if you're serious about safety). Agree on the fare before you get on. Not the safest option but sometimes the only option. Hold on tight.
Manila traffic is genuinely some of the worst in the world. A trip that should take 20 minutes can take 2 hours. Avoid travelling during rush hours (7-9am, 5-8pm). EDSA (the main highway) is a car park most of the day. Use the MRT/LRT where possible, or schedule meetings and activities in the same area to avoid crossing the city. Waze and Google Maps are essential.
Angkas and JoyRide are motorbike taxi apps — like Grab but on a motorbike. Faster than cars in Manila traffic (they weave between lanes) but not for the faint-hearted. Helmets provided. Great for short trips when you're running late. Cheaper than GrabCar and often twice as fast in heavy traffic. Your Filipina partner will probably be totally fine with it — Filipinos ride motorbikes from birth.
Currency and ATMs etc
The Philippine Peso (PHP/₱) is your currency here. As of 2025, AUD $1 gets you roughly ₱35-38. Cash is still king outside Metro Manila, so make sure you always have pesos on hand. Credit cards work in malls and mid-to-high-end restaurants but don't count on them for everyday purchases.
ATMs are plentiful in cities and towns. BDO, BPI, Metrobank and Security Bank are the most reliable for foreign cards. Most ATMs dispense a maximum of ₱10,000-20,000 per transaction with a fee of ₱250 per withdrawal. That fee adds up — withdraw larger amounts less frequently. ATMs in malls are more reliable than standalone ones on the street.
GCash is used everywhere — from paying bills to buying from street vendors. You can sign up with a local phone number and load it at 7-Eleven, GCash outlets or through a bank transfer. Many Filipinos prefer GCash to cash. If you're staying long-term, getting a GCash account makes life significantly easier. Your partner probably already uses it constantly.
Airport exchange rates are poor — change just enough to get to your hotel. Better rates at licensed money changers in malls (SM, Ayala). Sanry's and Czarina are reputable chains. Always count your money before leaving the counter. AUD, USD and EUR are easily exchanged; other currencies may be harder outside Manila.
If you're sending money to the Philippines regularly (supporting your partner, paying bills), Wise gives the best exchange rates by far — much better than Western Union or bank transfers. Your partner can receive money directly to her GCash, bank account or collect at a payout centre. Palawan Express and Cebuana Lhuillier are the main local payout networks if she doesn't have a bank account.
Visa and Mastercard are accepted in malls, hotels, chain restaurants and mid-range establishments. Amex is less widely accepted. Many places add a 2-3% surcharge for card payments. Small restaurants, sari-sari stores, markets and street food vendors are cash only. Always carry ₱500-₱1,000 notes and smaller denominations.
A local meal at a carinderia: ₱60-120. A meal at a mid-range restaurant: ₱300-600. A beer at a store: ₱50-80. A beer at a bar: ₱100-200. A 30-minute Grab ride: ₱150-300. A night in a decent hotel: ₱1,500-4,000. A month's rent for a furnished condo in Manila: ₱15,000-35,000. The Philippines is very affordable by Australian standards.
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. 10% at restaurants is standard if service charge isn't already included (check the bill). Round up for Grab drivers. ₱20-50 for hotel porters. ₱100+ for tour guides and drivers at the end of a day trip. Filipinos are not pushy about tips but they remember generosity.
Don't use money changers in the street — only licensed ones in malls. Count your bills carefully. Be cautious of "sob stories" asking for money from people you've just met. Some taxi drivers will claim the meter is broken — use Grab instead. If you're withdrawing large amounts, be aware of your surroundings. Don't flash cash in public areas.
Always carry small bills (₱20, ₱50, ₱100). Breaking a ₱1,000 note at a sari-sari store or tricycle is often impossible — they simply don't have change. Get change at malls, fast food restaurants or when paying for Grab rides. Nothing is more frustrating than having money but not being able to spend it because nobody can break your note.
If you're staying long-term, a local bank account is useful. BDO and BPI are the largest banks. Requirements: passport, ACR I-Card (if on extended tourist visa), proof of address (utility bill or lease), and sometimes a minimum balance of ₱5,000-25,000. Some banks are more foreigner-friendly than others — BPI tends to be easier. Having a local account makes GCash, bill payments and transfers much simpler.
Traps and dangers — How to stay safe!
The Philippines is generally a safe and friendly country for Australians. Violent crime against tourists is rare. The bigger risks are petty crime, scams, traffic accidents and natural disasters. Use common sense, don't be flashy with your money, and you'll be fine. That said, here are the things you need to know.
The number one risk for tourists. Motorcycle-riding thieves snatch phones from pedestrians' hands — it's quick and professional. Don't walk along busy roads with your phone out. Keep it in your front pocket. Use it inside shops or restaurants, not on the street. This is especially common in Manila, Cebu City and other urban areas.
Crowded areas like Divisoria market, Quiapo and jeepney terminals are hotspots. Wear a crossbody bag with the flap against your body. Don't keep your wallet in your back pocket. Be extra vigilant in crowded public transport. A money belt under your shirt for passport and large amounts of cash is never a bad idea.
Some taxi drivers will "forget" to turn on the meter, take the long way around, or claim huge airport surcharges. Solution: use Grab. If you must take a regular taxi, insist on the meter ("meter po"). Airport taxis have fixed rates — only use the official coupon taxis from the designated counter inside the terminal, not the touts outside.
A confidence scam where strangers approach you with a story (they found money, they need help, there's a business opportunity) and through charm and distraction, you end up handing over cash or valuables. Common in malls and public spaces. The rule is simple: if a stranger approaches you with any kind of story involving money, walk away. Every time.
The Philippines sits in the Pacific typhoon belt and on the Ring of Fire. Typhoon season runs June to November, with the most powerful storms typically August to October. Check PAGASA (Philippine weather bureau) forecasts. Download emergency alert apps. If a typhoon is coming, stock up on water, food and cash. Earthquakes are less predictable — know the drop-cover-hold drill. Volcanic eruptions (Taal, Mayon, Pinatubo) are also a periodic risk.
The Philippines has some of the harshest drug enforcement in the world. Don't buy, use, carry or be associated with drugs. Period. The penalties include long prison sentences and the anti-drug campaign has been aggressive. This is not a casual or relaxed environment regarding drugs. If someone offers you anything, decline firmly and walk away.
Western Mindanao (Zamboanga, Sulu, Basilan, Tawi-Tawi) has an active insurgency and kidnapping risk — the Australian Government advises against travel there. Parts of Manila (Tondo, some of Quezon City at night) have higher crime rates. Generally, if locals tell you not to go somewhere, listen. The rest of the country — Cebu, Palawan, Bohol, Siargao, Ilocos — is safe and welcoming.
Philippine police have a mixed reputation. Most interactions will be fine, but corruption exists. If stopped, be polite and cooperative. Never argue aggressively. If asked for a "fine" on the spot (especially for traffic offenses), this is often a bribe request. You can insist on an official ticket and going to the station — the "problem" often disappears when you do. Keep your embassy's number saved in your phone.
If a very friendly stranger invites you to a card game, a party, or to meet their family at a private location — especially if alcohol is involved — be very cautious. Drugging and robbery scams exist, particularly targeting lone male tourists. Real friendships develop naturally over time; instant best friends who want to take you somewhere private should raise red flags.
Register with the Australian Embassy (smartraveller.gov.au). Share your itinerary with someone back home. Keep digital copies of your passport and visa in your email. Have a local SIM card with data at all times. Don't walk alone drunk at night in unfamiliar areas. Trust your gut — if something feels wrong, leave. And remember: the vast majority of Filipinos are genuinely warm, kind and honest people. Don't let caution turn into paranoia.
Getting connected on arrival
Getting a local SIM is one of the first things you should do when you land. Data is cheap, you'll need it for Grab, maps and messaging, and having a local number makes communicating with locals and your partner much easier. Buy one at the airport before you even leave the terminal.
One of the two major carriers. Best coverage in Metro Manila and major cities. Their GoSURF and GoSAKTO packages offer flexible data options. A tourist SIM with 16GB of data valid for 30 days costs around ₱500. Globe's 5G network is expanding in Manila. Customer service is available through the GlobeOne app. Best choice if you're spending most of your time in urban areas.
The other major carrier, part of the PLDT group. Generally has better coverage in the provinces and rural areas compared to Globe. TNT (Talk 'N Text) is Smart's budget brand — same network, cheaper packages. If you're heading to Visayas, Mindanao or rural Luzon, Smart/TNT is often the better choice. GigaLife app to manage your account.
The new third carrier, backed by China Telecom. Still building out its network but offers aggressive data packages to win market share. Coverage is spottier than Globe or Smart but improving rapidly. Worth considering as a second SIM if you want cheap data in areas where they have coverage. Dual-SIM phones are common in the Philippines for this reason.
Airport arrivals hall — both Globe and Smart have counters at Manila (NAIA), Cebu and Clark airports. Staff will install the SIM and activate it for you. Also available at any 7-Eleven, Ministop, or sari-sari store for ₱40-50 (SIM only, load separately). Malls have dedicated Globe and Smart stores for more complex setups or if you need help.
Most foreigners use prepaid SIMs. Load (credits) can be added at any sari-sari store, convenience store, or through the Globe/Smart apps with a debit card. Minimum load is usually ₱10-20. Data promos are activated by texting a code — your SIM card will come with a cheat sheet of promo codes. AutoLoad Max outlets are everywhere for over-the-counter loading.
Globe: GoSURF999 — 24GB data + unlimited calls/texts for 30 days. Smart: GIGA999 — 18GB data + unli calls/texts for 30 days. For shorter stays: Globe Go90 — 2GB for 7 days at ₱90. These are the standard tourist packages but there are dozens of options — check the apps for current promos, which change frequently.
Free WiFi is available in most malls, restaurants, hotels and cafes — but speeds vary wildly. Starbucks and McDonald's generally have the most reliable free WiFi. Don't rely on public WiFi for important stuff (banking, sensitive messages). Your mobile data will be more reliable. Globe's GoWiFi hotspots are scattered around Manila — free limited data if you have a Globe SIM.
As of 2023, all SIM cards must be registered with a valid ID. Tourists can register with their passport. This is done at the point of purchase (the staff at the airport will handle it) or online via the carrier's website. Unregistered SIMs will be deactivated. This was introduced to combat scam calls and texts — which were previously relentless in the Philippines.
If your phone supports eSIM, you can buy and activate a Philippine eSIM before you even leave Australia. Airalo, Nomad and Holafly offer Philippines data eSIMs from AUD $5-15 for 1-30 days. No physical SIM needed, activated instantly. Great for having data as soon as you land while you sort out a physical SIM with a local number for calls and texts.
Filipinos predominantly use Facebook Messenger for messaging — not SMS, not WhatsApp, not Line. If your partner is Filipina, you'll be using Messenger. Viber is the second most popular. Regular calls and texts are cheap with the right promo — unli (unlimited) call and text packages start from ₱20/day. Video calls over data are the standard for long-distance couples.
Where to go to relax, have a few beers and a feed, and meet other Aussies
Sometimes you just want a cold beer, a pie, and someone who understands the word "arvo." The Philippines has a solid Aussie expat community, and there are places where you'll find familiar faces, familiar accents and screens showing the footy. Here's where your tribe hangs out.
The unofficial Australian embassy of Manila. NRL, AFL, cricket and rugby on the big screens. Aussie pub grub including meat pies, fish and chips and parmas. Located in the La Fuerza Plaza area of Makati. Regular events for Anzac Day, State of Origin and Melbourne Cup. If you're feeling homesick, this is where you go. Cold beers, familiar accents, sorted.
The main Aussie/Kiwi social organisation in the Philippines. Regular events including Christmas parties, Anzac Day services, social meetups and charity events. Good way to connect with long-term expats who can give you advice on everything from visa issues to where to find Vegemite. Worth joining if you're staying more than a few weeks. Active Facebook group.
Cebu has a growing Australian community. Mango Avenue and the IT Park area have multiple expat-friendly bars. The Pig & Whistle (British pub but plenty of Aussies) and several sports bars show Australian sport. The Cebu Expats Group on Facebook is active and organises regular meetups. Cebu is more laid-back than Manila and many Aussies prefer it for that reason.
Large long-term expat community, particularly older Australians. Numerous restaurants serving Western food along Fields Avenue and surrounding streets. Angeles has a well-known nightlife strip, but the area also has legitimate restaurants, sports bars and social clubs. The Swagman group has been operating for decades and is a landmark for Australian expats.
A university town in Negros Oriental with a growing expat community. Dubbed "The City of Gentle People." Much quieter and cheaper than Manila or Cebu. Several Aussie retirees have settled here. Rizal Boulevard along the waterfront has a string of restaurants and bars. Good seafood, cheap beer, friendly locals. If you want the provincial Philippines experience without the big city chaos, Dumaguete is your spot.
Former US Naval Base turned Freeport Zone. Popular with expats who want a more orderly, cleaner environment (the Freeport is well-maintained with enforced traffic rules — a rarity in the Philippines). Several Aussie-run restaurants and bars along Barrio Barretto and inside the Freeport Zone. Good beaches nearby. A 3-4 hour drive from Manila or a short flight to Clark then a drive.
Mindanao's largest city and considered one of the safest in the Philippines. Growing expat community with several Western restaurants and bars. The durian capital of the Philippines — you'll either love it or hate it. Good jumping-off point for Mount Apo (the highest peak in the Philippines) and the beautiful beaches of Samal Island. Smaller Aussie community but they're there and welcoming.
If you're a surfer, Siargao is where it's at. Cloud 9 is world-famous. Growing number of Aussie surfers spending extended periods here. General Luna has a lively bar scene with a young, international crowd. Not a traditional expat hangout but increasingly popular with younger Australians. Rum Bar and Harana are popular spots. The vibe is very chilled — board shorts and thongs territory.
The most beautiful part of the Philippines, hands down. El Nido is a tourist hotspot with a growing number of bars and restaurants along the beach. Puerto Princesa is more local but has some expat-friendly establishments. Not a big Aussie expat community per se, but you'll meet plenty of Australian tourists. The Underground River and island-hopping tours are bucket-list experiences.
The best way to connect with Aussies in the Philippines is through Facebook groups. "Australians in the Philippines," "Aussie Expats Philippines," "Cebu Expats," "Angeles City Expats" — there's a group for every area. Ask questions, attend meetups, get advice from people who've been there. Just be wary of the inevitable trolls and keyboard warriors.