Philippines Family Holidays: A Parent's Guide

The Philippines is a natural family destination — warm people, wildlife encounters kids never forget, and beaches with water so shallow and calm it's practically a supervised pool. Here's how we build family trips there.

Why the Philippines is great for families

Filipino culture is famously warm and child-friendly, English is widely spoken, and the natural attractions — tarsiers, whale sharks, chocolate-shaped hills — are the kind of thing that lights up a child's face. It's a longer flight than Thailand, but the payoff is a less crowded, more wild-feeling holiday.

Best places for kids

Bohol

The star of family Philippines. Tiny big-eyed tarsiers, the surreal Chocolate Hills, a river lunch cruise and calm Panglao beaches. It's gentle, safe and endlessly photographable — the centrepiece of our Cebu & Bohol family package.

Cebu

The gateway island, with resorts on Mactan, easy island-hopping and the (very famous) optional whale-shark swim at Oslob. A bucket-list morning for older kids.

Palawan

For families with slightly older children who love the water, El Nido's lagoons are remarkable. It's a touch more adventurous than Bohol, but the island-hopping is world-class.

Pacing, food and safety

Fewer islands beat more. We keep it to two bases across twelve nights so the travel days never dominate. Food is rice-and-seafood heavy, with plenty of familiar options for picky eaters; ask for mild and you'll be fine. Safety-wise, the Philippines is welcoming, with good hospitals in Cebu and Manila — just take the usual sun, water and heat precautions.

Quick questions, answered

What's the best age for a Philippines family trip?

Most ages work, but kids around six and up get the most from the wildlife and island days. The calm, shallow water suits younger ones too.

Is the flight too long for kids?

It's 16–18 hours with a stopover, so it suits kids who can manage a long journey. We plan a gentle first day to shake off the flight.

Can you help with ages and dates?

Yes — call 020 7946 0958 to talk it through with a parent who's done it.