Our Philippines packing list

Our route took in Siargao, Cebu, Bohol and El Nido over 29 days, with a lot of time spent on boats, in the sea and on small domestic flights. This list is what we'd pack for a trip like that. Most of it fits in a backpack or a small case, which helps when you're changing islands every few days.

Clothes

Pack light, quick-drying clothes for the heat, plus one warm layer such as a thin fleece. The air conditioning on flights and in some cafés can be surprisingly cold. A sun hat and polarised sunglasses help on long boat days like the El Nido island tours. If you plan to visit churches, take something that covers your shoulders and knees.

Shoes

Water shoes are worth packing if you're doing canyoneering at Kawasan Falls or scrambling over rocks on island tours, because the riverbeds are slippery and coral is sharp. Flip-flops will cover beaches, pools and most evenings. A pair of trainers or walking shoes is enough for short hikes such as the viewpoint above Nacpan Beach.

Tech and documents

A dry bag of about 20 litres is useful on island-hopping tours to keep your phone, power bank and camera away from spray. Take a travel adaptor (the Philippines mostly uses two-pin sockets) and keep digital and printed copies of your flight details and your eTravel registration.

For the water

Snorkelling gear can be hired on most tours, but your own mask and snorkel will fit better, and you'll use them a lot: the Moalboal sardine run, Guyam Island in Siargao and the lagoons around El Nido are all snorkelling trips. Pack reef-safe sun cream to protect the coral, and a quick-dry towel for your day bag.

Health

Take a refillable water bottle and drink bottled or purified water rather than tap water. A small first-aid kit with plasters, antiseptic wipes and hand sanitiser will cover scrapes from rocks and coral. Insect repellent helps in the evenings, especially near rivers such as the Loboc, and you'll want high-factor sun cream.

Useful extras

Packing cubes make it much quicker to repack when you move islands. A couple of small laundry bags keep wet swimwear away from everything else. Carry some cash in small peso notes, because smaller vendors and boat crews often don't take cards.