Since arriving in the Philippines, I’ve been on a quest to find a place with exceptionally fast WiFi. Not just “fast enough” to stream YouTube or Netflix, but truly high-speed internet capable of transferring gigabytes of data across the globe to our home NAS server in Canada. This niche need may resonate with those doing long-term travel or remote work that demands upload speeds reaching 500 Mbps or more.
Let me walk you through the places I’ve searched, the speed tests I ran, and the hidden gem I discovered.
The Search for Speed: WiFi Tests Across Locations
Below are the results of speed tests I ran at various spots. Keep in mind that these speeds were measured using a speed-testing app, which can sometimes present higher-than-realistic results. For practical use, I assume I’ll get just 1% of the reported speed due to shared bandwidth, network traffic, and other factors. Here’s what I found:
- Babu Backpackers Hotel (Moalboal): 19.7 Mbps
- Bawud (Restaurant, Moalboal): 25 Mbps
- Amigo Dive Center (Moalboal): 59 Mbps
- Greenfield Tourist Inn (Panglao): 1 Mbps
- Common Crew Coffee Roasters (Coworking Space, Panglao): 93 Mbps
- Overgrown Cafe (Panglao): 377 Mbps
- Alona Cafe (Panglao): 422 Mbps
Understanding Speed in the Real World
The raw numbers might look impressive, but real-world performance often paints a different picture. Factors like how many people are using the network and what they’re doing (streaming, downloading, etc.) significantly impact speed. On average, I find myself working with just 50-150 kbps, which can mean hours of upload time for a single video clip. It’s not ideal when trying to transfer hundreds of gigabytes, but they motivated me to focus on finding the most reliable places to work.
Noteworthy Locations
Common Crew Coffee Roasters (Coworking Space, Panglao)
This coworking space is located on Panglao Island, just south of Bohol. The rates are reasonable at 250 PHP per person for 3 hours, including a free drink of your choice. You can also opt for 400 PHP for full-day access, which presumably includes a drink as well. They’ve equipped the space with Starlink internet, a promising setup for remote workers.
During my visit, I managed to upload one video successfully over three hours. The internet was consistent, though not groundbreaking. For moderate internet use like browsing or light work, it performed well, but for extremely heavy use like transferring large amounts of data, it fell short. If you’re looking for a professional environment with decent speeds, this is a solid choice.
Overgrown Cafe (Panglao)
Overgrown Cafe became our go-to breakfast spot for three days straight. The food was delicious, with prices that, while not cheap, were fair given the quality. What surprised me was their blazing-fast WiFi, clocking in at 377 Mbps on my speed test.
However, this spot has one downside: it’s incredibly busy. Finding a seat, especially indoors, is challenging, and the tables best suited for laptop work (with outlets) are often occupied. If you’re lucky enough to snag a spot, this seems like it would be a great place to work for a few hours, though I didn’t personally test it for long-term use.
The Hidden Gem: Alona Cafe (Panglao)
If you’re searching for the ultimate work spot on Panglao Island, Alona Cafe is the place. This hidden gem exceeded my expectations and ticked every box on my checklist for a perfect remote work environment. Here’s why:
- Unmatched Internet Speed: Their WiFi is the fastest I’ve encountered in the Philippines, comparable to speeds in Japan or South Korea. My speed test showed a staggering 422 Mbps.
- Quiet and Spacious: Despite its modern facilities and excellent amenities, the cafe is almost always empty. On most days, I’ve only seen 2-3 other customers. It’s incredibly quiet, making it perfect for focused work.
- Modern Facilities: The space is pristine and thoughtfully designed, with plenty of tables, chairs, and outlets. The air conditioning is strong, and even the bathrooms are reminiscent of those in high-end Japanese establishments (oddly equipped with desks and chairs, which I still can’t quite explain).
- Great Staff: The cafe is fully staffed, but the team mostly keeps to themselves. They’re always available if you need anything but never intrusive.
We’ve worked here for 5-6 hours at a time without interruption. It’s so quiet and underutilized that you might wonder if the cafe’s operations serve some secret illegal purpose—a suspicion I joked about with Jess.
If you’re in the Philippines and need a reliable spot with fast WiFi, Panglao Island is the best bet. Among the locations I visited, Alona Cafe stood out as the top choice for remote work. Whether you’re uploading large files, hosting virtual meetings, or simply want a quiet place to work, this hidden gem has it all.
For those with less demanding internet needs, Overgrown Cafe offers a vibrant atmosphere and excellent food—just be prepared to compete for seating. And if you want a structured coworking environment, Common Crew Coffee Roasters is a great option.
Finding fast WiFi in the Philippines may feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, but with persistence and a bit of luck, you might just stumble across your own hidden gem. Happy hunting!
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