Major city · Philippines
Boston
Go only if you want a quiet east-coast base for Cateel and the Davao Oriental coast: 1–2 nights, not a destination on its own.
Boston is a small coastal town on Davao Oriental's east coast, best used as a low-key base between Mati and Cateel rather than a place with its own sightseeing list. It has a handful of resorts, a long grey-sand shoreline and a road that runs north toward Cateel's waterfalls and south toward Mati. Most travellers pass through in a few hours; those who stay come for the quiet and the coast.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- PHP
- Best months
- Mar–May (driest, calmest seas)
- avoid Jun–Nov (rain and typhoon season; Dec–Feb wet but cooler)
- Airports
- DVO · BXU
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 5Drug trafficking can carry the death penalty in Singapore…
- Southeast Asia ↗Drug trafficking can carry the death penalty in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Brunei and Myanmar; never carry a bag or parcel for anyone.
- Southeast Asia ↗Carry a passport valid for at least six months from entry with two blank pages; airlines refuse boarding on less.
- Philippines ↗Complete the free eTravel registration on the official government site within 72 hours before arrival; ignore lookalike sites that charge.
- Philippines ↗Typhoon season runs roughly June to November: flights and boats are cancelled at short notice; buy flexible tickets and keep a spare day.
- Philippines ↗Carry pesos in small notes; many stalls, jeepneys and taxis are cash-only.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Boston911 ▾
- National emergency911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Boston, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Philippine pesos (₱) in small notes for jeepneys, market stalls, tips and taxis; malls and hotels take cards.Philippines-wide
- SIM or eSIMGlobe and Smart sell SIMs at airports; SIM registration with passport is required by law.Philippines-wide
- Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap; refill stations cheap.Philippines-wide
- TippingRestaurants: 10% if no service charge.Philippines-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B/C. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 220 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Philippines-wide
- SafetyBoston is a small, low-crime town and generally safe for visitors who use normal caution.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsCalled 'CR' (comfort room); bring tissue; many lack toilet seats.Philippines-wide
- Emergency numbers911 National emergency
- Sundays & holidaysHoly Week shuts much; malls open daily; banks closed weekends.Philippines-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportDVO Francisco Bangoy International (Davao City) (About 4–5 h by road to Boston; no direct public transfer, arrange a van or private car.).
- Getting aroundTricycles and habal-habal (motorbike taxis) cover short hops in town; jeepneys and buses run along the coastal highway to Mati and Cateel.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee₱50–120 (≈ US$1–3)
- Street or quick mealNoodle or rice meal at a local eatery₱80–180 (≈ US$2–4)
- Beerbottle at a store / in a bar₱60–90 (≈ US$2)₱100–150 (≈ US$2–3)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week₱300–700 (≈ US$6–13)
- Budget bedFamily room (up to 4), a night, per room₱1,800 (≈ US$35)
- Mid-range bedBasic double room, a night, per room₱1,800 (≈ US$35)
- High-end bedBasic double room, a night, per room₱3,500 (≈ US$65)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget ₱1,200 (≈ US$25) · Mid ₱2,200 (≈ US$40) · High ₱4,000 (≈ US$75)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- DVO Francisco Bangoy International (Davao City) (About 4–5 h by road to Boston; no direct public transfer, arrange a van or private car.) · BXU Bancasi (Butuan) (Alternative northern approach; long road transfer, check current services.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Feb
not flagged
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Mar
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Apr
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
May
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Jun
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Jul
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Aug
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Sep
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Oct
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Nov
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Dec
not flagged
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Best: Mar–May. Avoid: Jun–Nov. Month by month →
Warmest Apr (31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)), coolest Jan (23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C) low), wettest Jul (21 rain days), driest Feb (15). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Boston: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
18 rd
Feb
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
15 rd
Mar
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
16 rd
Apr
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
17 rd
May
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
18 rd
Jun
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
20 rd
Jul
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
21 rd
Aug
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
20 rd
Sep
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
19 rd
Oct
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
19 rd
Nov
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
18 rd
Dec
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
18 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Tricycles and habal-habal (motorbike taxis) cover short hops in town; jeepneys and buses run along the coastal highway to Mati and Cateel. For beaches and waterfalls outside town, hire a tricycle by the hour or a van for the day. Distances are short but roads are slow.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Cateel
goDoor to door: About 1–1.5 h
Bus or van north along the coastal highway
Waterfalls, beaches and a quieter coast; check road conditions in the wet season.
Mati
goDoor to door: About 2–3 h
Bus or van south along the coastal highway
Bigger town with more food, banks and access to Dahican Beach.
Door to door: About 4–5 h
Bus or van via the coastal and inland roads
Too far for a comfortable return day; use it as an arrival or departure leg.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Boston town centre / Poblacion
Basic guesthouses and eateries; walkable, close to the shore and the market.
Coastal resorts north and south of town
Beachfront cottages and small resorts along the highway; quieter, need a vehicle or tricycle.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- ₱1,200–2,000 (≈ US$25–40) excl. bed
- Mid
- ₱2,000–3,500 (≈ US$40–65) excl. bed
- High
- ₱3,500 (≈ US$65)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Basic double room1 × 1 night × ₱1,800 | ₱1,800 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × ₱2,200 | ₱4,400 |
| Van or bus from Davao City, one way2 × ₱400 · check | ₱800 |
| Tricycle hire by the hour1 × ₱300 · check | ₱300 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × ₱500 | ₱1,000 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | ₱830 |
| Trip total≈ ₱4,570 per person per day, bed included | ₱9,130≈ US$170 |
2026 estimate in pesos; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | ₱50–120 (≈ US$1–3) |
| Noodle or rice meal at a local eatery | ₱80–180 (≈ US$2–4) |
| Beer: bottle at a store / in a bar | ₱60–90 (≈ US$2) / ₱100–150 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Tricycle ride in townAgree the fare first. | ₱20–50 (≈ under US$1) |
| Van or bus Davao City → Boston | ₱350–500 (≈ US$7–9) (check) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | ₱300–700 (≈ US$6–13) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Typhoon season Jun–Nov can close roads and cancel boats; check forecasts before travelling.
- Public transport thins out in the late afternoon; don't plan to arrive after dark without a booked ride.
- Bring cash: ATMs are scarce and card acceptance is limited outside resorts.
- Mobile signal and Wi-Fi can be weak outside the town centre.
Emergency numbers
- National emergency
- 911
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
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BostonBoston
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Dito po, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- National emergency911
Embassy
No embassies in Boston; the US, UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand have embassies in Manila, with consular services in Davao City (check).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Tricycle in town: ₱20–50 (≈ under US$1), agree first
- Van Davao City → Boston: ₱350–500 (≈ US$7–9), about 4–5 h (check)
- Bus Boston → Mati: ₱150–250 (≈ US$3–5), about 2–3 h (check)
Say or show
- Pasensya na — Excuse me / Sorry (pa-sen-sha na)
- Salamat — Thank you (sa-la-mat)
- Magkano? — How much is it? (mag-ka-no)
- Nasaan ang CR? — Where is the toilet? (na-sa-an ang CR)
- Pwede ba card? — Can I pay by card? (pwe-de ba card)
- Ito, please — This one, please (i-to, please)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Boston. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Mar–May (driest, calmest seas) · avoid Jun–Nov (rain and typhoon season; Dec–Feb wet but cooler) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 3 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for DVO: last van departures, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: Poblacion, the market, the shoreline resorts.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Cateel waterfalls, Dahican, coastal viewpoints) and eat pages with last orders.
- Wet-season and hostile-arrival fixtures so gates A–D can go green.