Take your family to the Philippines

With beautiful scenery, loads to do and helpful locals who generally adore kids, the Philippines should definitely be on your family’s wish list. Picture island hopping adventures where every beach is more beautiful than the last; fascinating creatures to spot on land and under the waves; plenty of family-friendly accommodation options and adventures by the bucket load. That’s the Philippines in a nutshell. All that remains is to explore the key factors that help you to choose which of the 7,000 or so islands are perfect for your family’s next trip. If you’re planning a trip to the Philippines with kids, here are a few ideas to get you started.

Visiting the Philippines with kids: top family-friendly places

Bohol

This is one of the best family-friendly destinations as there is a broad range of things to do with children of all ages whilst immersed in tropical nature brimful of lush vegetation and photogenic waterfalls. Beaches are one of the major attractions, but most children will happily put down their bucket and spade when you tell them it’s time to visit the Tarsier Sanctuary, home to a small but growing population of the world’s smallest primate, which is critically endangered.

Snoozy by day and active at night, these pint-sized creatures are reminiscent of Star Wars’ ewoks with their giant eyes, cute ears and long fingers. Don’t miss a trip to the Chocolate Hills, where a landscape consisting of over 1,000 distinct lumps is said to have been formed by the tears of a giant.

Manila

Yes – Manila is a huge and hectic city which at first glance may not seem like a great place to visit with children in tow, but there are some interesting cultural sights and places to visit, especially worthwhile with slightly older children. Firstly, there is the historic walled district of Intramuros with its Spanish influence and fortress.

This is the original town built by the Spanish, and its old stone streets make for a great bike tour. Then there are all the great Manila museums to explore, notably the Ayala and the National Museum. Take advantage of good day trips from Manila such as Taal Volcano and its crater lake, known as the lake within an island within a lake within an island (get your head around that); and Pagsanjan gorge for boat trips to the waterfalls.

Palawan

Some of the world’s most beautiful beaches grace the islands of family-friendly Philippines, and the best are arguably found on the paradise island of Palawan. If your idea of a great family holiday is spending time in and around various staggeringly beautiful coves while your offspring paddle about in the warm clear water and dig in the sugary white sand, you’ve found your holiday heaven.

It is an island quite new to tourism and there are still plenty of undiscovered spots to explore if you are feeling adventurous, but bear in mind this is a backpacker destination and luxury lodgings are still fairly thin on the ground. If you need a break from all that tropical beauty on the beaches, there is an incredible underground river to explore, and mangroves to visit by boat where you can see all sorts of wildlife both on land and in the water.

Cebu

Cebu is an excellent destination to explore when touring the Philippines with kids, as it offers the perfect blend of culture and relaxation. Start your journey in Cebu City, where you can tour historic sites like Magellan’s Cross and Fort San Pedro. Stroll through Terrazas de Flores to admire the colorful flower garden, then visit Tabo sa Banay for a taste of Cebu’s local delicacies, including the famous Cebu lechon. For adventure, Kawasan Falls makes for a popular day trip with its stunning turquoise pools that are perfect for swimming.

Cebu also has some of the best beaches in the Philippines. You can snorkel at Pescador Island, spend an entire day relaxing on the shores of Lambug Beach near Kawasan Falls, and spot diverse marine life at White Beach. It’s worth the trek to Paradise Beach on Bantayan Island, known for its white sandy shoreline and turquoise waters.

Siquijor

Siquijor is a laid-back island in the Philippines, and perfect for families who love nature. Cambugahay Falls is a popular natural attraction with three tiers of turquoise pools, bamboo rafts, and rope swings, while Lugnason Falls offers a quieter setting with natural pools to explore. For beach time, Paliton Beach is loved by locals for its soft white sand, calm waters, and incredible sunset views, in addition to rope swings for kids. If you’re looking for a serene day of relaxation, head to Salagdoong Beach for a chilled out day of swimming and sunbathing.

You can also take a day trip to Apo Island to snorkel with sea turtles and explore colorful coral reefs, as it’s considered one of the best marine experiences in the Philippines. If your little ones enjoy snorkeling, Tubod Marine Sanctuary is known for its calm, clear waters filled with vibrant fish and coral.

Camiguin

Camiguin is one of the smallest provinces in the Philippines, but don’t let its tiny size fool you – it’s packed with natural wonders. Nicknamed the Island Born of Fire due to its volcanic origins, it has everything from hot springs to waterfalls. Kids will love splashing and cooling off in the Santo Niño Cold Spring, a natural pool with refreshing waters. If you’re looking for a peaceful beach getaway, White Island is a stunning sandbar with white sands just offshore, and is wonderfully kid-friendly.

Mantigue Island Nature Park is another popular destination in Camiguin with white sandy beaches, where kids can enjoy swimming and snorkeling in search of vibrant marine wildlife. For families who are interested in the region’s history, visit the Sunken Cemetery: at this unique destination, you can snorkel over the remnants of an old town submerged after a volcanic eruption.

Olango

The fascinating island of Olango is more or less flat, making it a wonderful place to tour by bike as you’re exploring the Philippines with kids in tow. There are various shoreline ecosystems to discover as you pedal your way alongside coral reefs, mangroves, beds of seagrass, and sand flats.

It’s a car-free island – perfect for young cyclists – and there are endless opportunities to cool off with a swim at the numerous beaches and bays you will see along the route. It’s a brilliant destination for anyone who enjoys looking out for interesting birds, so make sure your budding ornithologists pack their binoculars – the bird sanctuary here is home to almost 100 species of birds, half of which are migratory.

Make it happen

Family adventures are easy to come by in the stunning islands of the Philippines. Send a few details to our trusted local experts and they will design a bespoke itinerary shaped by your requirements, which you are free to tweak to your heart’s desire.