Transport: Ferries and Flights: how it works in Philippines — first-hand

A trip from Manila to Cebu costs approximately 3400 PHP and takes about 12 hours (e.g., 20:30 to 09:30). Tickets can be purchased via their mobile app or at port ticket counters. Baggage allowance is generous (up to 50 kg per person with 2GO, often not strictly weighed). Simple dinner and breakfast are usually included in the fare. Other routes, such as Liloan (Cebu) to Siquijor, are also available with specific schedules. Ferries are a viable alternative to flights, especially for travelers with significant luggage or those seeking a different travel experience.

Boracay is also a favored destination. October is considered shoulder season, with potential for typhoons; late November is generally safer regarding weather. When traveling by ferry, expect potential delays or cancellations, especially on routes involving more exposed waters like Siquijor and Dumaguete. Ferries between Bohol and Cebu are generally more frequent (hourly departures) and less prone to severe weather disruptions compared to routes like Siquijor/Dumaguete via Tagbilaran to Cebu (which might only have 2 departures daily). Always allow significant buffer time (e.g., 24 hours) between ferry arrivals and flight departures.

For inter-island flights, Trip.com is a suggested platform, known for potentially accepting Russian payment cards. Regarding currency, it is generally better to use local currency (PHP), but USD can be useful for exchange.