In this post, you’ll discover the best digital nomad places in the Philippines that are ideal for a laptop lifestyle. I’ll also talk about the internet connectivity, affordability, and coworking spaces in these Filipino cities that are friendly for remote workers cum travelers.
The Philippines is a Southeast Asian country that has recently become a hub for digital nomads. With its natural beauty, affordable living, and friendly people, it’s easy to see why so many freelancers, remote workers, and entrepreneurs are flocking to the country.
But wait, the country of 7641 islands offers more than just that, from its stunning beaches and gorgeous scenery to vibrant culture.
Top 11 Best Digital Nomad Places in the Philippines
Whether you prefer city life or rural communities, this journey will definitely take your breath away. Sounds great? Let’s dive in!
1/ Cebu
Population: 1,009,000
Monthly Cost of Living: $750 to $1565
Avg Internet Speed: 25-29 Mbps
Cebu is an increasingly popular destination for digital nomads from all around the world. Located in the central Visaya region of the Philippines, this busy city offers everything you need to experience a productive yet laid-back lifestyle.
Cebu’s tropical climate and world-famous beaches attract visitors to its shores yearly.
You can enjoy exploring some of its most beautiful spots, such as the Bantayan Islands or Mactan Island, with its luxurious resorts and vibrant nightlife.
Cebu also boasts a wide range of modern amenities, making it the perfect destination for work and play with lightning-fast internet speeds, premier coworking spaces, and many great cafes and restaurants serving scrumptious local fare at budget prices.
The city is also home to several vibrant local technology startups. Established international companies have chosen to open offices here due to their lower costs than their US or European counterparts.
Cebu’s overall low cost of living encourages digital nomads to stay longer in this stunning corner of the Philippines.
Coworking spaces in Cebu
For the modern professional, Cebu is a haven of opportunity with its variety of coworking spaces, according to Coworker. These are the best ones
What I Like:
- Cebu’s tropical climate and world-famous beaches
- Cebu’s low cost of living
- A wide range of cafes, restaurants, and pubs.
What I Don’t:
- It can be crowded due to its popularity with tourists
2/ Manila
Population: 14,406,059
Monthly Cost of Living: $850 to $1650
Avg Internet Speed: 19-46 Mbps
Manila is one of the best places in the Philippines for digital nomads. Located in the country’s bustling capital city, Manila offers a unique mix of modern amenities and culture, making it an attractive place to live and work.
The city boasts world-class infrastructure, including reliable internet speeds and plenty of coworking spaces at affordable prices.
Furthermore, Manila’s central metropolitan area provides easy access to some of the country’s most famous landmarks, such as Intramuros and Rizal Park.
Manila also has several vibrant local technology startups and established international companies that have chosen to open offices here.
The city also has a dynamic cultural scene with many art galleries, theatres, clubs, and live music venues offering something for everyone.
Manila’s overall low cost of living encourages digital nomads worldwide to stay longer in this exciting corner of Southeast Asia. With its safe streets and friendly atmosphere, Manila is definitely one of the best places for digital nomads.
Coworking spaces in Manila
Manila is a haven for digital nomads, offering many coworking options.
Here are my top picks for you:
What I Like:
- Modern infrastructure with good internet speeds
- Easy access to landmarks and tourist attractions
- Dynamic cultural scene
- Low cost of living
What I Don’t:
- It can be overwhelming due to its size
- High traffic and congested streets in certain areas
3/ Siargao
Population: 171,107
Monthly Cost of Living: $926 to $1750
Avg Internet Speed: 10-50 Mbps
Siargao is famous as the surfing capital of the Philippines. But there are tons of other things to do there as well. But wait, there’s more! It’s one of the best digital nomad places in the Philippines because of its scenic beauty, friendly community, and fast connectivity.
Go for this Filipino city if you want to enjoy a laid-back way of life by the sea. It’s in the far-east corner of the country and is a stunning tropical paradise with pristine beaches and crystal blue waters.
The island offers plenty of exciting activities for adventurous digital nomads, from surfing and diving to exploring its lush jungles and cultural villages. It also boasts world-class infrastructure, good internet speeds and excellent coworking spaces.
Moreover, Siargao’s low cost of living makes it an attractive destination for people looking to stay in this part of the world long term. You won’t have to break your budget with restaurants serving delicious local cuisine at affordable prices.
Siargao’s close proximity to neighboring islands means that digital nomads can easily explore some of Southeast Asia’s most famous landmarks.
All things considered, Siargao is an ideal location for digital nomads looking for an unforgettable adventure in a place where Eastern culture meets modern convenience!
Coworking spaces in Siargao
Siargao offers several options for digital nomads looking for coworking spaces.
Let me share the top picks for you:
What I Like:
- Pristine beaches and crystal blue waters
- Excellent coworking spaces
- Close proximity to neighboring islands
What I Don’t:
- Limited options for entertainment
- Expensive transportation to and from the island
4/ Davao
Population: 3,600,000
Monthly Cost of Living: $715 to $1350
Avg Internet Speed: 15-20 Mbps
Davao is probably the best place in the Philippines for digital nomads and remote workers because of its infrastructure, beachy lifestyle, and fast connectivity. It’s an ideal island to stay on if you want to explore this corner of Southeast Asia.
This city is a paradise for entrepreneurs, boasting unparalleled infrastructure and internet speeds, as well as numerous coworking spaces and restaurants. Plus, you’ll find top-notch shopping areas around every corner.
Davao has plenty of tourist attractions, including Mount Apo – the highest peak in the Philippines, and its nearby hot springs.
The city’s low cost of living makes it an attractive option for digital nomads looking for an extended stay in this part of the world.
You won’t have to break your budget with top-notch restaurants serving delicious Filipino food at affordable prices.
Davao is a great destination for digital nomads looking for an unforgettable adventure in a place that blends Eastern culture with modern convenience!
Coworking spaces in Davao
Davao offers plenty of coworking options for digital nomads. My favorites:
- Meek Coworking Cafe.
- Spacelab.
- And Dev Hub.
5/ Makati
Population: 629,616
Monthly Cost of Living: $1350 to $2000
Avg Internet Speed: 18-35 Mbps
Makati is one of the top spots in the Philippines for digital nomads looking to experience all this vibrant city offers. Located just south of Manila, Makati offers all the amenities of a major metropolis with a lower cost of living than its northern counterpart.
The city also offers plenty of cultural attractions such as Intramuros – an old walled city within modern Manila – and a thriving nightlife scene.
Makati is also home to amazing beaches, such as La Union, where digital nomads can escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a day or two.
With plenty of cheap accommodation options, budget travelers will find their money goes much farther here than elsewhere in Southeast Asia.
Makati is an ideal destination for launching technology businesses or working remotely with international companies.
All things considered, Makati is an amazing place for digital nomads who are looking for something new and exciting!
Coworking spaces in Makati
Makati offers several options for digital nomads looking for coworking spaces.
- Hatch Hub.
- Startup HUB Asia.
- And Co.Lab.X Manila.
What I Like:
- Fantastic nightlife scene
- Affordable accommodation
- Plenty of coworking spaces
What I Don’t:
- Expensive transportation
- Unpredictable weather (especially during monsoon season)
6/ Palawan
Population: 3,228,558
Monthly Cost of Living: $600 to $1550
Avg Internet Speed: 20-45 Mbps
The Palawan paradise for sea nomads in the Philippines. This province is a paradise of pristine beaches, lush jungles, and crystal blue waters.
Palawan is an ideal spot for digital nomads looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Aside from its stunning scenery, Palawan is also home to vibrant nightlife, delicious restaurants, and plenty of activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, and diving.
And with its low cost of living, Palawan is an attractive option for digital nomads looking to stretch their budgets further. Overall, Palawan is an amazing place to live, work and explore.
Palawan digital nomad truly knows the beauty of nature!
Coworking spaces in Palawan
Palawan is a fantastic destination for digital nomads and offers some of the best coworking spaces. I highly recommend:
- Poliwag Hub.
- The Nook Coworking Space.
- And Uptown Tech Hub.
What I Like:
- Unrivaled natural beauty
- Affordable cost of living
- The exceptionally slow pace of life
What I Don’t:
- Slow internet connection in some areas
- Lack of international restaurants
7/ Zambales
Population: 649615
Monthly Cost of Living: $1050 to $1450
Avg Internet Speed: 10-25 Mbps
Zambales is a great destination for digital nomads looking to combine work and leisure in the Philippines. It is known for its stunning beaches and national parks.
The place filled with islands has many attractions, such as the Zambales Museum, which houses a collection of artifacts related to the area’s history.
Internet speed may be low compared to other digital nomad destinations, but it’s still good enough for most basic tasks. This coastal province also offers some of the most affordable accommodations in the Philippines, making it a great spot for budget travelers.
Coworking spaces in Zambales
Like any digital nomad destination in the Philippines, Zambales also has several coworking spaces. These are the most popular ones:
- T-HUB Coworking space.
- The White Pod.
- And iAcademy.
What I Like:
- Affordable accommodation
- Plenty of cultural attractions
- Several coworking spaces are available
What I Don’t:
- Slow internet speeds in some areas
8/ Baguio
Population: 366,358
Monthly Cost of Living: $650 to $1475
Avg Internet Speed: 18-30 Mbps
Imagine living in a city that offers beautiful scenery, reliable internet speeds, coworking spaces, and tourist attractions – all at a reasonable cost of living.
Welcome to Baguio, the perfect destination in the Philippines for digital nomads who are looking for something new and exciting. Baguio is a great place to work remotely in the northernmost part of the country.
It has plenty of tourist attractions – such as the stunningly beautiful Burnham Park or the selection of incredible restaurants and cafes.
Baguio’s affordability and thriving tech industry make it the perfect place for digital nomads looking to stay in this region long-term.
Whether you’re a digital nomad or an entrepreneur, Baguio is an excellent choice for launching tech businesses or working remotely with international companies.
All in all, Baguio is an idyllic haven for digital nomads seeking to explore the best of what the Philippines has to offer!
Coworking spaces in Baguio
Baguio also has a great selection of coworking spaces for digital nomads.
- Co-Work Cafe.
- Baguio Co-work Space.
- And The Hive.
What I Like:
- Affordable cost of living
- Plenty of tourist attractions to explore
What I Don’t:
- Air pollution can be a concern in some parts of the city
- Internet speed may be unreliable in some areas
9/ General Santos
Population: 697,315
Monthly Cost of Living: $900 to $1700
Avg Internet Speed: 19-32 Mbps
General Santos, or “GenSan” as it is commonly referred to, is one of the most popular cities for digital nomads visiting the Philippines. Located in the southernmost part of the country, GenSan has plenty of attractions and amenities to offer its visitors.
GenSan offers good internet speeds with plenty of coworking spaces and a low cost of living, with numerous restaurants serving delicious Filipino cuisine at pocket-friendly prices.
What’s more, it also has some amazing tourist spots, such as Sarangani Island – where you can go scuba diving and enjoy a day filled with activities in nature.
In addition to these features, GenSan is an ideal destination for digital nomads looking for a longer stay. The city has an international airport, making traveling to and from the country easy.
After weighing all options, GenSan emerges as the top selection for digital nomads seeking to immerse themselves in the utmost Philippine luxuries!
Coworking spaces in GenSan
GenSan also has an impressive selection of coworking spaces.
- Maker’s Hub.
- Mindanao Co-work Space.
- And 25Q Coworking Space.
What I Like:
- Low cost of living
- Plenty of tourist attractions
What I Don’t:
- Internet speed may be unreliable in some areas
10/ The Province of La Union
Population: 822352
Monthly Cost of Living: $1200 to $1958
Avg Internet Speed: 16-29 Mbps
The Province of La Union is one of the top digital nomad places to explore the Philippines’ northern region. It’s known for its beautiful beaches and laidback lifestyle.
The cost of living in this area is slightly high, but it’s still an affordable destination for digital nomads. Plus, the city also boasts plenty of coworking spaces available.
Aside from these amenities, La Union also offers breathtakingly beautiful beaches perfect for a day spent swimming or sunbathing. Plenty of tourist attractions exist, such as the captivating Bauang Beach or San Juan’s surf spot.
La Union is an excellent choice for digital nomads looking to experience all the beauty and culture the Philippines has to offer.
Coworking spaces in La Union
Coworking spaces in La Union offer excellent amenities and the perfect atmosphere to collaborate and work on your projects. You can’t go wrong with these:
- Cloud Address.
- La Union Coworking Space.
- And Creative Nest.
What I Like:
- Beautiful beaches Plenty of tourist attractions
- Plenty of tourist attractions to explore
What I Don’t:
- Higher cost of living than some other cities in the Philippines
11/ Boracay
Population: 12,000
Monthly Cost of Living:$1200 to $2350
Avg Internet Speed: 12-18 Mbps
Last but not least, Boracay is one of the top resort islands in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines. If you want something luxurious, you should definitely choose Boracay as your nomadic digital base!
The island offers various activities and attractions for digital nomads to explore. There’s something for everyone, from its stunning white sand beaches to its vibrant nightlife.
Boracay may be one of the most popular destinations for digital nomads visiting the Philippines, but it is also not without its issues. The main issues are the unreliable internet speed and the higher cost of living than in other cities in the Philippines.
However, suppose you’re looking for a unique experience and can spare the price. In that case, Boracay is an excellent choice for digital nomads looking to explore all that the Philippines has to offer.
Coworking spaces in Boracay
Boracay is home to some great coworking spaces, such as:
- Workspace.
- Freelancer’s Hub.
- And Nomads Coworking Space.
What I Like:
- Beautiful white sand beaches
- Plenty of tourist attractions
What I Don’t:
- Unreliable internet speed
- Higher cost of living than other cities in the Philippines
Philippines for Digital Nomads: My Thoughts
Are you looking for an adventure of a lifetime? Do you want to explore new places, learn about different cultures and make money? Then digital nomading in the Philippines might be a perfect choice.
Affordable Cost of Living in the Philippines
One of the major attractions of the Philippines is the low cost of living. Accommodation, food, and transportation are all relatively cheap, making it a budget-friendly destination.
Stable Internet Connectivity
Digital nomads and remote workers rely on the internet for their livelihood, so having a stable connection is crucial. Fortunately, the Philippines has an improving internet infrastructure, with a few areas already having high-speed networks.
Warm Weather All-Year-Round
The Philippines is known for its sunny days and tropical climate. Beaches, mountains, and waterfalls are just some natural wonders digital nomads can enjoy. The climate of the Philippines is ideal for digital nomads and general tourists.
Friendly Filipinos Speak English Speaking
The Philippines is known for its friendly people and hospitality. In fact, the BBC article designates them as the friendliest people in the world. Filipinos generally speak English fluently, which makes communication easy for digital nomads.
The locals are also known for their warm and welcoming attitude, which creates an inclusive and supportive community.
Growing Coworking Scene in the Philippines
The coworking scene in the Philippines is rapidly growing, offering digital nomads various options for workspace.
So which of these digital nomad places in the Philippines are you going to make your home? Let me know in the comments below because I always reply.
