{"id":1523,"date":"2017-10-31T08:05:53","date_gmt":"2017-10-31T08:05:53","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/family-world-travel.com\/english\/?p=1523"},"modified":"2019-01-20T07:39:25","modified_gmt":"2019-01-20T07:39:25","slug":"philippines-with-kids-30-fun-filled-days-for-nature-loving-families-in-the-philippines","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/family-world-travel.com\/english\/philippines-with-kids-30-fun-filled-days-for-nature-loving-families-in-the-philippines\/","title":{"rendered":"Philippines with kids- 30 Fun-Filled Days for Nature-Loving Families"},"content":{"rendered":"

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.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Day 1-5 Cebu and surrounds<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Many international visitors heading to the Philippines with kids fly straight to the capital, Manila. It\u2019s not the best place to touch down though, and here\u2019s why: Manila\u2019s 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<\/a>, it\u2019s worth spending a day or so in the Philippines\u2019 laid-back second city (it\u2019s 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<\/strong> and Oslob<\/strong> (whale watching is an option here, but does raise a few ethical issues and families may want to think twice before signing up).<\/p>\n

here is our favorite, family feindly hotel in cebu<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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?Boxout: Surfing in Siargao<\/strong><\/p>\n

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\u2019t want to return from their break to the Philippines boasting that they\u2019ve 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.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Day 7-12 Bohol<\/strong><\/p>\n

Boats leave Cebu\u2019s port for the gorgeous island of Bohol, and it\u2019s 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<\/a>) for at least five or six days in order to make the most of the magnificent natural attractions. Landing at Tagbilaran<\/strong>, the island\u2019s colorful capital, you\u2019ll be well placed for treks through the Chocolate Hills<\/strong> (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<\/strong>, as well as zip-lining through the jungle canopy and other high-energy kid-pleasing pursuits.<\/p>\n

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? 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\u2019re nocturnal animals, so don\u2019t expect to catch them up and about).<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Day 13-16 Boracay<\/strong><\/p>\n

You\u2019ll 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\u2019s airport at Caticlan and the journey takes less than an hour. Once here, families can check out the famous (and aptly-named) White Beach<\/strong>, try windsurfing or kite surfing at the Bulabog Beach<\/strong>, or goggle at colorful sea creatures on a snorkeling (or scuba diving, there are several PADI schools here) adventure around the coral reefs.<\/p>\n