5 Beach Destinations In The Philippines Perfect For *Digital Nomads* In 2024

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Technology and the pandemic have changed the way people work. Local workers in the Philippines who are lucky to still have work-from-home arrangements—rather than being bound to an office—have the flexibility to work from anywhere. This can mean extended workations, where employees can travel for longer periods or live temporarily in other destinations while still working remotely.

With its stunning islands, the Philippines is a great destination for international travelers looking to escape cold weather conditions in their home countries. In case you missed the news, the Philippines is considering a new digital nomad visa bill, which would allow international travelers who earn from online means to stay in the country for 12 months at a time instead of just 30 days.

The bill is similar to those currently granted by over 50 other countries that have taken advantage of the remote working setups and online video meetings that peaked during the pandemic. This way, tourists can boost the country’s local economy while enjoying sunnier climates and tropical vibes.

What makes a great destination for digital nomads? Reliable and fast WiFi, availability of desks with sockets or coworking spaces to work, low cost of living, and access to communities for networking are just a few factors. Being able to work right by the beach is just icing on the cake.

Need a fresh start or break from your regular work-from-home routine? We’ve narrowed down a few of the best beach workation destinations in the Philippines for you to consider this 2024.

Here are 5 of the best destinations in the Philippines for digital nomads:

1. La Union

For those based in Manila who want to ease into the digital nomad lifestyle, the surf town of La Union is a popular choice. The surfing capital of San Juan is one of the go-to destinations for Millennials and Gen Zs who take their work from concrete jungles to the beach during weekends. Several cafes and beach resorts in the surf town provide guests with a good mix of picturesque surroundings and steady WiFi connectivity.

Kermit La Union, El Union Coffee, Kabsat, and Clean Beach (a solar-powered beachfront café) are good spots to get work done and enjoy good meals as well. Baybayin Hub, which has two branches in San Juan and Bacnotan, offers coworking spaces by the beach, with dedicated desks that are perfect for remote workers, digital nomads, startups, freelancers, creatives, and small teams. If you’re looking for an affordable place to stay with good WiFi and the chance to meet like-minded travelers, Charlie’s Hangar Surf Hostel, an aviation-themed hostel offers comfortable bed spaces in dorm rooms and an outdoor area with tables where you can get work done by the beach.

READ: Moving From Manila To La Union Was The Best Decision I Made For Myself

2. Zambales

Zambales is another popular spot for beach workations for those based in the metro. This region is located on the western coastline of Luzon, bordering the West Philippines Sea offers a few beach resort options for all types of travelers, including digital nomads. Some resorts that offer promos for long-staying guests include the vegan-friendly Kwentong Dagat, Sandy Toes Bachcamp, and Haven Campsite Liwliwa. Crystal Beach Resort Zambales in San Narciso also offers work-from-the-beach packages ideal for longer-staying guests.

READ: Here’s A Mini Itinerary For A Spontaneous Beach Trip To Zambales

3. Boracay

Boracay’s white sand beaches, vibrant nightlife, and friendly local community make it a popular destination for digital nomads who want easy access to the beach. Since Boracay is one of the country’s most popular beach destinations, the internet connectivity here is pretty decent compared to other beach towns in the country, which allows people to get their work done.

Many restaurants and cafes in Boracay like The Sunny Side Cafe, Cafe Maruja, and Gratitude Cafe offer free WiFi for customers, while spots like Musyon Coworking Boracay (beside Ferra Hotel) welcome beach-loving digital nomads. Boracay Newcoast’s beachfront also offers a fun place to work from paradise, with charging stations set up next to beach chairs. While staying and eating in the main tourist areas can be pretty expensive, there are hotspots like The Lazy Dog Bed & Breakfast, hostels, and apartments for rent that those staying longer can consider.

READ: Boracay Is Not Just For Beach Babes, It’s Also A ~*Foodie*~ Destination

4. El Nido, Palawan

El Nido, in Palawan (arguably one of the best islands in the Philippines) is a great place to stay for a few days or weeks as a digital nomad. This town has relatively good internet connectivity and coffee shops where you can work. You can find a range of vegetarian/vegan-friendly restaurants and affordable accommodations here relatively near the beach. Las Cabanas Beach and Lio Beach are only a 15-minute tricycle ride away offering clear water and long stretches of beaches that aren’t as overdeveloped.

Popular cafes among travelers like El Nido Boutique Art Cafe and Botanica Cafe can also double as a simple coworking space. In case you need extra features, you can also consider WRKSPCE xLEXIAS, a coworking space part of the Lexias hostel, that offers a strong Wi-Fi signal available in all rooms and social areas, as well as a bar and restaurant on the premises. The space itself offers hot desks, meeting rooms, a Skype booth, and event spaces. Another good option is Clock In at Hotel Covo in the Lio Estate, which offers coworking seats with high-speed internet, utilities, and access to common areas, for as little as P357 a day.

READ: Here’s How Much It Costs To Stay At Kathryn Bernardo And Piolo Pascual’s Boutique Resort In El Nido

5. Siargao Island

With its unique blend of work and play, affordable living, and vibrant community of like-minded travelers, Siargao Island has become a top choice for digital nomads from around the world. If you want a lively place to use as your base, General Luna, near the south of Siargao has the most tourist-friendly infrastructure and bars.

While internet connectivity was a problem in the past, as of 2023 Starlink has launched in the Philippines (including in Siargao), which has significantly increased internet speed and reliability on the island. Cafes like Green Waves Cafe, Las Palmas, Bravo, Harana Surf, and Zicatela offer good connection and a secure place to work, while new coworking spaces like Alter Space in Catangan, Lexias Hostel & Workspace Siargao and soon-to-open Coco Space offer intentionally designed spaces for remote workers. Renting a room or staying in hostels or dorm rooms in Siargao is affordable even for longer stays, making it an attractive destination for both local and international travelers.

READ: Here’s How Much It Costs To Stay At Maison Bukana, Christophe Bariou’s Luxury Resort In Siargao

For more travel guides and stories from the author, visit Kara’s website Traveling Up.

Links are updated regularly and as much as possible but note that products can run out of stock, discounts can expire, and listed prices can change without prior notice.

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