And it's not just the flights. High-end hotels in this island nation are relatively affordable, too.
Any armchair traveller knows international airfares are sky-high and unlikely to come down soon. But some flights to Manila are - relatively - dirt cheap. Philippines' budget carrier Cebu Pacific is advertising return Sydney-Manila airfares for $355 in late January and early February. By way of contrast, both Bangkok and Tokyo in the same period are about $1500 return.
"Airfares to the Philippines are highly competitive compared to other popular destinations," says Eleanor Palima, Philippine Department of Tourism's officer-in-charge. She attributes its affordability to being serviced by three airlines from Australia, including low-cost and full-service options, backed by a robust domestic flight network.
The Philippines' relatively close proximity to Australia - about eight hours - is another factor keeping flight prices low, says Pierre Araman, co-founder of travel company One Life Adventures.
"We also know that the Philippines government and board of tourism have worked with airlines to try and keep costs as manageable as possible. The Philippines government has a big focus on tourism moving forward and is doing whatever it can to keep prices affordable for visitors."
If you see a great deal that lines up with what you are looking for, then jump on it.
Cebu Pacific says its low-cost airfares won't be going away anytime soon: "We continue to hold seat sales regularly for near or far out travel dates," says Carmina Romero, the airline's corporate communications director.
But Araman's advice is simple: "Grab cheap flights when you see them. With such fluctuating prices in flights, if you see a great deal that lines up with what you are looking for, then jump on it."
It pays to know that affordability doesn't end once you touch down. "High-quality resorts are available all over the country for much less than other top travel hotspots," says Palima. "And then there's the food - restaurant meals are often comparable in price to fast-food outlets while delicious street food can be found around almost every corner for one or two dollars per serve."
So when you go, what should you see?
Araman recommends Palawan: "It's the reason we started our first tour over there. It's the most idyllic, untouched, tropical paradise."
Island hopping around the azure waters of El Nido is another highlight.
"And if you feel like stepping back in time and visiting a tiny beach town with just a few bars, restaurants and accommodation options then Port Barton is my recommendation," says Araman.
"It's a little off the tourist trail and you can do incredible beach camping experiences, waterfall visits and interact with some of the most welcoming and warm people you'll ever meet."
