How I Lived with the T’boli Tribe for 3 Days Under PHP 3,000

Contributed by Kareen Satorre

As a budget traveller, the first thing that I’m going to worry about after I booked my plane ticket is the budget. From airport to my destination and my accommodation, including full board meals, and tour fees – I list them down on a spreadsheet.

Surprisingly, it didn’t cost much to share a cup of coffee with the T’boli tribe in South Cotabato and even live together with them for 3 days.

Also read: An Open Letter to Filipinos: Travel the Philippines First

Accommodation

Though the town is very small and undeveloped, but looking for a place to stay won’t be a problem. For as low as PHP 100/night, you’ll have a standard room with bed and private CR.

If you want to splurge and would prefer to stay in a resort, there are lots to choose from. Room rates would vary from PHP 1,500 to PHP 3,000 per night.

Since I prefer a cultural immersion, I stayed at a T’boli House in School of Living Tradition. For only PHP 250/day, I have a home –cooked breakfast and a chance to stay up close and personal with the natives. It was actually a homestay where I shared the entire house with the other guest.

Transportation

Habal-habal or motorcycle is the easiest way to go around the town. Minimum fare is PHP 10. But, they offer whole day tour package for only PHP 500.

Food

Carenderias (eateries), restaurants, or cafés are everywhere. There’s one at the public market, a couple of restaurants can be found on the highway (along the road), and of course, the restaurants inside the private resorts.

However, the cost is not budget-friendly for a solo traveller. They have big servings that could feed 2 to 4 persons. My host warned me about this when I arrived and started looking for a place where I can grab a late lunch.

I ate at one of the nearby restaurants and paid PHP 250 for 1 cup of rice and a plate full of Pancit Guisado. Their options are limited to Tilapia cooked in many ways. The cheapest in their menu is the grilled Tilapia that costs around PHP 300 for 1 kilo. No, they don’t sell Tilapia fish by piece. It’s per kilo.

So, I asked my host to cook my meals during my entire stay and paid PHP 150/meal.

Also read: 18 Philippine Provinces for the Absolute Foodie

To give you an idea how much I spent, here’s my detailed list of expenses.

I didn’t get the chance to tour around the lake because the tours were fully booked. I went to Punta Isla Lake Resort, but they prioritised their guests. I inquired at the Mountain Lake Eco Resort, but group tours were fully booked as well. Estimated cost for 30 minutes – 1 hour boating tour is PHP 600 good for 3 persons at Punta Isla Lake Resort. PHP 250/head for the lake cruise inclusive of buffet lunch at Mountain Lake Eco Resort.