Guide to Philippines travel with kids

In the Philippines, there are more than 7,107 islands, making it an ideal destination for family vacations! The countless islands of this country offer a variety of options for travelers, including volcanoes, jungles, and many stunning beaches. In the Philippines, you can find a variety of accommodations (including luxurious resorts), and there is a convenient approach from Hong Kong, which is the shortest and most comfortable route with children.

In December, around the Christmas holiday, hotels fill up quickly. After that, New Year’s celebrations arrive, and hordes of young travelers flock to Boracay and popular beaches. So, if you’re looking for affordable accommodation, it’s advisable to book as early as possible.

Another busy period is during the Passover holiday and the Chinese New Year. During these times, prices skyrocket and hotels can be fully booked months in advance.

These months are the most popular for a trip to the Philippines mainly because of the relatively comfortable weather, less rain and most of the time is dry. This is the safest season to travel if you want to avoid volatile weather as much as possible in a tropical country.

This is the ideal time for family trips to the Philippines, mainly due to lower prices and a relatively smaller number of tourists. Although it’s the rainy season, and storms can approach from the east, many regions are still dry. You can expect significantly fewer foreign tourists, and prices will be more budget-friendly. However, it’s essential to keep an eye on the weather updates as we write this below…

In the Philippines, there are two seasons – the dry season and the rainy season. Since the islands are surrounded by water, travelers can take advantage of the cool ocean breezes, and temperatures hover around 26 degrees Celsius for most of the year.

The months of March, April, and May are the hottest in the Philippines, with temperatures reaching up to 37 degrees Celsius, and in some places, even slightly higher, with relatively high humidity. The rainy season mainly occurs from June to October, with more pleasant temperatures. Rainfall is more frequent during this season, and it is the reason for flooding in major cities (due to poor drainage).

It’s important to remember that during the wet months, from June to October (mid-season), there may be rainfall and even typhoons with relatively short notice, as they are formed in the ocean and can enter the country’s borders quite quickly. When planning a trip during the rainy season, you should consider the possibility of rain, typhoons, and flight cancellations, as well as ferry and hotel disruptions, as not all hotels are always willing to refund your money due to weather-related issues.

Travelers to the Philippines usually arrive through Manila, as the capital city houses the country’s largest airport. If you don’t plan to explore the historical sites or commercial districts of Manila, a better option may be to check flight options via Cebu. Cebu is the second-largest city in the Philippines and serves as a destination for numerous international flights to places like Japan, Hong Kong, Korea, and even through the UAE. While Manila is a major flight hub, Cebu is also a noteworthy gateway due to its beautiful beaches and numerous family-friendly resorts. Another entry point is Clark International Airport, an increasingly popular international airport in recent years.

Traveling from island to island in the Philippines is not expensive. There are several regular flights offered by local airlines. The flights typically last between one to one and a half hours, and the price for a one-way flight usually ranges from $30 to $200 per person (depending on whether you book early or closer to the flight date). Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific usually offer the most flights and cover most destinations, but other airlines are also suitable for the task. Smaller and less accessible islands may only be reached by small planes, which tend to be more expensive.

In addition to flights, you can also travel between islands by using regular ferry routes, some of which operate overnight. When traveling as a family, you may want to book a cabin for yourselves, allowing you the opportunity to enjoy the journey and potentially catch glimpses of other islands along the way. It’s worth noting that ferry travel requires different planning as it can take more time and may not always be as reliable. Flying within the Philippines is highly recommended.

There are many family-friendly destinations in the Philippines, but here are the top five:

Boracay

Boracay Island is one of the hottest vacation spots in the Philippines, known for its pristine and beautiful beaches. It’s a highly popular tourist destination and a major attraction for visitors to the Philippines.Among the beautiful beaches in Boracay, you can find White Beach, Diniwad Beach, Puka Beach, and Bulabog Beach. Puka Beach is a secluded and serene beach, perfect for family relaxation. Alternatively, you can rent a comfortable beach chair and watch your kids while they enjoy various water sports activities offered in Boracay. You might also want to rent a boat and explore the island, go snorkeling, or take hiking trails.Boracay offers numerous restaurants, bars, discos, stalls, and boutique shops to explore, making it a well-rounded destination for families.

• You can see the selection of recommended hotels below for Boracay and other destinations:

Cebu

Siargao Island

Siargao is a relatively small island compared to others. Its popularity has been rapidly growing thanks to its fantastic surfing opportunities. Since the place is not yet overcrowded with tourists, it remains pleasant, beautiful, and peaceful. For those who want to explore the island further, there are lakes, caves, and hiking trails available. Additionally, you can find small, uninhabited islands with lovely beaches ideal for day trips. The island is suitable for families looking for unspoiled places and especially for teenagers who love surfing.

Accommodation: A great option for staying in Siargao is Nay Palad, formerly known as “Dedon Island” (although it is expensive and not everyone can afford it, it is one of the most luxurious places in the Philippines). It’s a place of pure magic and offers activities for kids of all ages, such as surfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling. Furthermore, there’s a children’s village at the resort designed especially for kids to jump, run, shout, and have fun. In Siargao, you can also find other hotels for lower prices that are equally comfortable. The level of accommodation on Siargao isn’t particularly luxurious apart from the very upscale options, but if you’re there for surfing or to feel younger, it’s definitely doable.

Bohol Island

Bohol Island is the smaller and quieter sister of the larger Cebu Island. It is famous for its unique chocolate hills, making it an ideal destination for a nice day trip for those who want a break from lying on the beach all day without much activity. According to legend, these massive mounds of earth were formed from the tears of an old, broken-hearted giant, making it a story meant for kids, of course. Hiking trails are a popular activity on the island, and like many other islands in the Philippines, you can also enjoy water activities such as diving and snorkeling at the beach.

Accommodation: Amorita Resort or Henann Alona, along with several other hotels mentioned at the bottom of the page, are recommended places for a family vacation. The surroundings and atmosphere are particularly calming. The rooms are well-designed and comfortable, and there are also family units with a sea view, ideal for larger groups.

Palawan

Palawan Island is a true paradise for island-hopping enthusiasts and is considered one of the most beautiful places in the Philippines. Its crystal-clear waters and remote location make it stand out, especially compared to other islands. The best way to experience this wonderful aquatic world is through island-hopping tours. Among the islands to explore are Starfish Island, Snake Island, and Pandan Island. One activity you will undoubtedly enjoy is kayaking in the marvelous underground river located in the Sabang area of Puerto Princesa. Coron, which has become popular among travelers in recent years, is also part of Palawan and offers stunning tours in amazing turquoise lagoons.

Accommodation options: While there are many great places to stay, Pangulasian Island Resort stands out as the best choice with wonderful villas suitable for a family of 4. The added benefit is the resort’s private service and privacy. In this resort group, you can also find more budget-friendly options like Lagen Island, Miniloc Island, and Apulit Island.

Other luxurious resorts include Cauayan Resort and Matinloc Resort, all located on secluded islands, providing an incredible sense of isolation with indulgent pampering.

For those interested in staying in town, it’s worth noting that the hotels and resorts in town may not be as high in quality as those on the islands, and they may have lower standards in terms of maintenance, service, and facilities.

An article published in Forbes magazine in 2012 reported that the Philippines is one of the friendliest countries in the world. The country welcomes young travelers with open arms and offers numerous activities suitable for children, including museums, amusement parks, and zoos.

Amusement Parks:

Enchanted Kingdom is the Philippine equivalent of Disneyland and is located about an hour and a half drive from Manila. It is divided into different zones that offer various activities for a range of ages.

Another amusement park is Star City, located within the CCPC complex in Manila. The park is suitable for the whole family. Children can ride bumper cars and even take a stroll on various types of trains. Older kids can choose the roller coaster rides.

Zoos

The largest and best zoo in the Philippines is Avilon Zoo, located in San Isidro. The zoo boasts the largest variety of Philippine wildlife, with over 500 different species. The zoo offers hands-on interactions with various animals, allowing children to feed giant ponies, turtles, camels, and zebras.

Another zoo is the Manila Zoo, a compact zoo with around 100 different species of animals. It is particularly popular for animals like tigers, lions, elephants, crocodiles, and monkeys. The zoo also features playgrounds for young children and paddle boating.

Water Activities

Splash Island, located in Binan City, is a large water amusement park with a river, water slides, and massive inflatable structures in a pool that make it easy for children to play and move around in the water. The park also has many dry rides suitable for older kids, such as riding on tractors and playing paintball.

Another enjoyable park is Ocean Adventure, located outside Subic Bay. It is essentially an aquarium with marine life like sharks, sea lions, and sea turtles. The main attraction is the dolphin interaction, where children can swim in a lagoon and play with the dolphins.

Ocean Adventure – Dolphins interctions

Museums

In the Philippines, you can find a wide variety of interactive museums that are suitable for children looking to have fun while learning. For instance, the Mind Museum in Bonifacio Global City boasts 250 exhibits designed to educate children about science. The exhibits are categorized into five sections: Atom, Life, Earth, Technology, and the Universe. Additionally, the museum offers two outdoor parks where children can explore nature on their own.

In Manila, you’ll discover another museum called Museo Pambata, which focuses on natural and social sciences. The exhibition also features a sort of neighborhood store where children can engage in trading products, and a global village where kids can play with toys and musical instruments from around the world.

If you are looking for a destination for a vacation with your loved ones, the Philippines is a place worth considering. This Southeast Asian country offers a variety of attractions for people of all ages. It is composed of a vast number of islands that require a lifetime to explore. The stunning beaches, activities like snorkeling and scuba diving, and friendly, welcoming people make the Philippines one of the best places to spend your vacation with your loved ones. Moreover, it is a much more budget-friendly option compared to a vacation in Europe.