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In Routs For Nature Loving Families

Philippines with kids- 30 Fun-Filled Days for Nature-Loving Families

October 31, 2017 No Comments

An extended trip to the Philippines is never going to be your traditional family vacation. The topography–islands, islands, islands as far as the eye can see–means that any itinerary will involve a different type of planning than most family trips. Those who get their head around the logistics of family nature breaks in the Philippines will be richly rewarded for their efforts, though: As well as gorgeous beaches and uninhabited islands, the archipelago offers everything from mysterious mountain towns to some of the most spectacular beaches on the planet.

There’s a lot to pack in, but our 30-day itinerary for a nature-packed trip to the Philippines with kids allows plenty of time for R&R as well as action-packed adventures, and can be adapted to suit everybody from toddlers to teens.

Day 1-5 Cebu and surrounds

Many international visitors heading to the Philippines with kids fly straight to the capital, Manila. It’s not the best place to touch down though, and here’s why: Manila’s a traffic-choked, noisy and cramped city, and can be too much too soon for younger family members. For a gentler introduction to the Filipino pace of life, fly into Cebu, and use it as a base for exploring the islands. With some good value places to stay, eat and drink, it’s worth spending a day or so in the Philippines’ laid-back second city (it’s also the oldest, and as such has plenty of historic attractions), but the real draws for nature-loving families in Cebu lie outside the city proper, in the coral reefs and white sand beaches of nearby Mactan and Oslob (whale watching is an option here, but does raise a few ethical issues and families may want to think twice before signing up).

here is our favorite, family feindly hotel in cebu.

?Boxout: Surfing in Siargao

The Philippines rarely gets a mention as a top surfing destination, but the island of Siargao, some 400km from Cebu (one daily flight, with Cebu Pacific prices from around $100 pp if booked in advance) is beginning to make headlines for its world class waves. There are lessons for everybody from experienced surfers to absolute beginners, and what kid wouldn’t want to return from their break to the Philippines boasting that they’ve learned to ride the waves? If you want to see some stellar surfers at play in this still under-the-radar destination (for now) this is your chance.

Day 7-12 Bohol

Boats leave Cebu’s port for the gorgeous island of Bohol, and it’s well worth setting up camp here (possibly literally–should you feel like sleeping under the stars, there are some good family campsites here as well as guest houses and hotels) for at least five or six days in order to make the most of the magnificent natural attractions. Landing at Tagbilaran, the island’s colorful capital, you’ll be well placed for treks through the Chocolate Hills (maybe pre-warn younger kids that these perfectly-round humps are named for their brown hue, and are not actually edible hills!) and boat trips (or kayaking) along the Abatan River, as well as zip-lining through the jungle canopy and other high-energy kid-pleasing pursuits.

? Box Out: Tiny Tarsiers: No nature-based family trip to Bohol is complete without checking out the teeny Tarsier monkeys at the dedicated sanctuary here (Tarsier Sanctuary Rd, Corella). These titchy, tree-inhabiting primates are endemic to the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia, and for a few dollars entry visitors can watch them napping in their natural habitat (they’re nocturnal animals, so don’t expect to catch them up and about).

Day 13-16 Boracay

You’ll need to head back to Cebu for the next leg of your trip, up to the northern islands around Boracay. Inexpensive flights (from around $40 pp) leave Cebu for Boracay’s airport at Caticlan and the journey takes less than an hour. Once here, families can check out the famous (and aptly-named) White Beach, try windsurfing or kite surfing at the Bulabog Beach, or goggle at colorful sea creatures on a snorkeling (or scuba diving, there are several PADI schools here) adventure around the coral reefs.

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Day 17-22 El Nido, Palawan

While there’s plenty to do on Boracay it’s a little too popular with partiers for some families’ tastes, so nature-loving families are likely to appreciate the more under-the-radar vibe at El Nido.

As of 2017 there are direct 45-minute flights between Boracay and Palawan islands, and while El Nido town itself is a little underwhelming, there is enormous joy to be had in exploring the 40-plus small islands that surround it. Here are pristine dive spots, mangrove rivers, caverns and caves, and an awful lot more elbow room on the picture-perfect beaches than you’ll find at more celebrated spots.

? Box out: A Giant Adventure Playground

The island of Palawan has been the subject of something of a buzz in the international travel press of late, but El Nido remains largely off the beaten tourist trail. It’s unspoilt beaches are like a giant adventure playground for kids, and prices are still among the cheapest in the area. From a base at Coron Coron or Orange Pearl beach (interconnected and dazzlingly beautiful strands) visitors can take to the waters on paddle board or kayak, or for more leisurely days, jump aboard a beach hopping cruise. Backed by enormous rocky mountains and with monkey-filled jungle spilling right down to the town it’s a wild adventure that will linger long in the memory.

Day 23-25: Manilla

Ok, after some serious chilling on the beaches, families in the Philippines should be ready for the sensory assault that is Manilla. There are direct flights to the capital from El Nido, with AirSwift making the 70-minute journey (prices from $100 pp) around five times per day.

This smog-filled city isn’t the ideal spot for families looking to explore wild nature, so spend just a day or two exploring the scenic Old Town, with a side trip to the wonderful volcanic hot springs Hidden Valley Springs Resort. The naturally heated pools sit amid tropical jungle, and are an easy day trip from Manila (around one hour’s drive) at idden Valley Springs Resort. Take in the natural beauty and lush vegetation of this tropical region. Explore the resort’s massive crater, believed to have been formed by a violent volcanic upheaval thousands of years ago. Take a refreshing dip in one of the naturally heated, volcanic water pools. Visitors can stay overnight at the resort, or head back to the big city.

Day 26-30 North of Manilla

North of the capital, Luzon Island (the Philippines’ largest) the big city gives way to pristine nature, and families can board overnight buses up to the beautiful Mountain Province of Benguet, where treks through centuries’ old rice terraces at Banaue offer magnificent views and the freshest of fresh air, as well as the impressive Tapia Falls where the mighty rush of water feeds into freshwater pools that make for incredibly refreshing dips – bring your swimwear.. Sagada, a beautiful mountain town, is a kid-pleaser thanks to its famous hanging coffins, creepy caves, natural swimming pools and the chance to mingle with the Igarot tribes people that inhabit the region.

? Boxout: The Hanging Coffins of Sagada

For some 2,000 years, the Igarot people have been burying their dead in coffins that are tied or nailed to the sides of cliffs. The bodies are placed in the foetal position, wrapped in blankets and carried in a procession to the burial place, resulting in an unusual tourist attraction that will thrill kids with a taste for the macabre.

Day 30-Manila, and home

Take another overnight bus back to Manila, where you might want to overnight, take a direct flight home, or take a connection back to the starting point at Cebu.

Here is another route for families going to the Philippines.

In Foodie Family Adventures

Philippines vacation with kids- recomended route for food-loving families

October 20, 2017 No Comments

Food-loving families, get set for an island-hopping culinary adventure like no other. The islands’ eclectic, zingy cuisine is currently being spoken of in reverential tones among foodie movers and shakers–Bizarre Foods presenter has been citing it as the next big foodie trend for years, and others are starting to cotton on. But while Zimmerman famously chowed down on all manner of gag-worthy grubs during his televised trip around the island, families on a foodie trip to the Philippines can rest safe in the knowledge that there’s much more to local dishes than the bird embryos of foodie legend.

A nation made up of over 7,000 impossibly scenic islands, visitors will find enormous variations in the style and substance of dishes as they travel around the Philippines, but one constant theme is the warm welcome extended to families–the local culture firmly embraces family dining, and children will be enthusiastically catered for, rather than stiffly tolerated, at the overwhelming majority of restaurants and cafes.

A relatively safe place for family travel, the Philippines offers such family-pleasing treats as endless soft sandy beaches, plentiful snorkeling opportunities, colorful theme parks, bright and beautiful flora and fauna, and an endless supply of delicious fresh fruits and vegetables (Parents may be interested to know that many of these are whizzed up into delicious and dangerously affordable cocktails).

The nature of the terrain means that a family trip to the Philippines will involved a fair bit of air travel, and visitors should brace themselves for a few bumpy prop plane rides, but puddle-jumping plane rides are neither expensive nor difficult to arrange. Follow our 30-day itinerary for a month-long break that will linger long in the memory as well as on the taste buds.

Tip: The December-April dry season is the best time of year for family travel to the Philippines. Visitors should note, however, that rates soar and rooms get booked up fast around the Christmas and Easter holidays.

Day 1-2 Manila

The busy, bustling capital of the Philippines, Manila is the starting point for adventures on the archipelago. With a skyline dominated by high rise malls and apartment blocks, the noisy, chaotic city sprawls across Luzon, the largest island on the archipelago. It’s no peaceful island paradise, and families will find more enticing adventures elsewhere. However, it’s worth taking a day or so to explore the Spanish-accented historic center, and to try some kid-pleasing treats from the many sidewalk stands (often manned by kids and their parents). For the equivalent of less than a dollar a pop, you can try all manner of weird and wonderful delights. Dodge the Balut, and the chicken feet and intestines on a stick (unless you’re feeling brave), and head for the banana-q (skewered banana covered in sugar and deep fried) or icecream stands. KwekKwek (quial eggs in a bright orange batter) is a good bet for a quick protein fix. You’ll find street stands on literally every corner, but there’s currently a bit of a buzz about those on the Kapitolyo food strip, in Pasig.

Tip: Watch kids’ eyes light up at the sight of Halo Halo – this legendary Manila street snack is a hot (well, actually cool…) mess of purple yam ice cream and shaved ice, topped with any number of sweet treats such as jelly beans, coconut, condensed milk, fresh or jellied fruit, and sometimes sago (tapioca balls). No two Halo Halo stands are alike, and families can have great fun hunting out their favorite. On average, you can expect to pay a little over $0.50 for a Halo Halo on the street.

Day 3-8 Boracay

After a couple of days in the city, it’s time to relax on the beach. And beaches don’t get much better than those of Boracay, so plan to stay at least five days here. There are no direct flights, so plan to fly to either Caticlan (the closest option) or Kalibo (60 km farther from the port but served by cheaper flights), followed by a taxi to the jetty port at Caticlan and a 20-minute boat ride across to Boracay. Expect to pay upwards of around $40 for a one-way trip.
Once on the island, get set for a few days of swimming, snorkeling and surf lessons, while tucking into super-fresh seafood at restaurants where you can dine with your feet (sometimes literally) in the sea. Mangoes, bananas and other kid-pleasing fruits grow in abundance here, and crop up in many street snacks (and are also used to make amazing cocktails at the many many Happy Hours… Juice shacks abound, and picky kids looking for something more familiar will find international fare such as tacos and pasta at Boracay’s modern Food Market at Station 2, where you’ll pay around $2-3 for a plate of food. The fish and seafood market at D’Talipapa, is a feast for the eyes, too, and kids will enjoy goggling at things even if they don’t want to eat them.

Day 9-15 Palawan

Just when you thought your family foodie break in the Philippines couldn’t get any more idyllic, you get to Palawan. Often cited among the best beach islands in the world, this ridiculously picturesque spot offers dolphin-watching, safari parks and other kid-pleasing attractions, but the real appeal will be the pristine waters, boat trips and beach adventures. Fly into Puerto Princesa (2 hr 50, flights from around $100 one way) and spend a day or two tucking into tropical fruit and fresh fish and seafood at simple waterfront restaurants (a main meal can be had for less than $5) (most hotels also serve pasta, pizza and other family favorites) before taking the bus to El Nido, where boat tours lead to hidden beaches, each of which is more beautiful than the next. Most trip operators include food-from fresh fruit to full BBQs-and drinkin the price.

Tip: Don’t miss Baker’s Hill in Puerto Princesa. Visitors can cycle (bikes are big in Palawan) up to the top of a hill where, you guessed it, several bakers sell their delicious wares. There’s a mini theme park, playground and strutting peacocks to up the fun factor even more.

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Day 16-19: Cebu

It’s a flight of around 70 minutes (from around $60 one way pp) from Puerto Princesa, where waterfalls, tiny islands and excellent diving abound, and families visiting Cebu can find crowd-free beaches where coconut palms and fruit trees frame picture-perfect sands. Try trips to Bantayan or Malapascua islands for a true taste of paradise on your family trip to the Philippines. Cebu City itself has lots of international restaurants, some of which are on the pricey side, but for more authentic eats at better prices, check out local spots such as Kusina Uno, which specialises in giant portions of pochero (spicy, meaty stews with a big hunk of beef and bone marrow), where a $2-3 serving satisfies up to 4 hungry tummies.

? Box out: Not for the faint hearted, Cebu speciality Tuslob Buwa (rough translation ‘dip’ and ‘froth’ sees pork brain, liver, garlic and seasonings and served with rice wrapped in palm leaves. It’s surprisingly tasty, and very cheap at less than $1 a go from most street sellers.

Day 20-24 Bohol

Regular speedy ferries make the crossing from Cebu to similarly gorgeous Bohol, where the jungle-covered hills make a dramatic backdrop to the beaches, and a trip to Bohol with kids offers a chance to zipline through the trees, and marvel at tiny tarsier monkeys at a hugely popular sanctuary. The famous ‘Chocolate Hills’ are named for their brownish color at certain times of year rather than for anything edible, but a visit to the famous Bee Farm in Panglao (actually a separate island, accessible via bridge) should sugar the pill. This working honey farm sells dishes made from local organic fruit and vegetables, and visitors can see the bees doing their magic. The ice-creams, made with unusual tropical fruits and herbs such as malunggay (a medicinal tea leaf) are unforgettable.

Here is a more in-depth article about Bohol

Day 25-20 The Cordilleros

Time to bid the beaches bye bye and head for the mountains and rice terraces of the Cordilleros.Take a flight to Manilla (regular flights with local airlines make the 80-minute flight), then onwards by plane or car to the north of Luzon island. Families with kids in the Cordilleros won’t be doing too much climbing in the spiny peaks, but there are many foodie adventures to be had in this magnificent part of the Philippines. The rice terraces are often cited as the 8th Wonder of the World, and are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As one might expect, rice features in various forms, including kiddie-pleasing sweet ones such as Sinuman and Patupat rice cakes. Snails harvested from local creeks are among the more adventurous eats.

? Box out: If you happen to be here during the summer season, you’ll see ant eggs cropping up on the menu. Abuos are the eggs of large red ants, collected by poking holes in their treetop nests. They’re they fried with garlic, tomatoes and onions to make a famous local speciality much loved by the local Igarot tribespeople, and increasingly enjoyed by out of towners too.

Day 30 Back to Manila –

if you have a long wait for a flight, it’s worth checking out the impressive food courts at many shopping malls – and home to start dreaming of all those delicious foods you’ve just eaten.

For recommended family friendly hotels click here.