The Philippines is one of the warmest places in Asia to travel with children, in every sense. Filipinos adore kids, beaches are often shallow and calm, and English is widely spoken. The secret is to keep transfers short, choose the right islands for the season and plan the days around the heat.
The easiest islands for families
- Bohol and Panglao: calm beaches, the Chocolate Hills, the tarsier sanctuary and a river trip. Short distances and comfortable resorts.
- Cebu and Mactan: direct international flights, big family resorts and easy day trips. A good first or last stop.
- Boracay: soft sand and gentle water on White Beach from roughly November to May, with plenty of food choices.
- Palawan: El Nido and Coron are spectacular for older children who can swim and enjoy boat days. The transfers are longer, so we plan them carefully.
- Siargao: great for teenagers who want to learn to surf.
Transfers and pacing
Keep the number of flights low and the transfers short. Two or three bases are plenty for two weeks. We use private vehicles so you stop when you need to, and we avoid early-morning flights after late arrivals. Child seats are not standard in Philippine cars; tell us ages and we will arrange what is available or suggest bringing a travel seat.
Beaches and the sea
Many of the best beaches are shallow and calm in the dry season, ideal for small children. On boat days, every passenger wears a life jacket and we choose boats with shade. Rash guards and reef-safe sunscreen protect against the strong sun. Some beaches have sea urchins or sharp coral, so water shoes help.
Health and comfort
- The sun is strong all year: hats, shade and water, and quieter time in the middle of the day.
- Drink bottled or filtered water. Mosquitoes carry dengue, so use repellent, especially at dawn and dusk.
- Cities like Manila, Cebu and Davao have good private hospitals. Small islands have basic clinics, which is one reason we keep young children close to the main hubs.
- Every trip includes travel insurance; check the cover for children with us when you book.
What children love
Tarsiers in Bohol, snorkelling with turtles, a day on a bangka with lunch on a beach, kayaking in a lagoon, mango shakes and a sandcastle on a white beach. Tell us your children's ages and interests and we will build the trip around them.
