Family holidays to the Philippines

The tiny paradise island of Borocay is just 45 minutes by air from Manila and couldn’t be more different from the relentless Philippines’ capital. If you’ve heard the name before, it’s probably because of the number of times the island beaches sneak on to world top five lists or it might be its reputation for water sports (it’s the country’s windsurfing capital). For outdoor adventuring, tropical shores, blue seas and just enough restaurants, shops and gorgeous resorts for comfort, Borocay is an excellent introduction to the Philippine’s with kids.

• The west coast of Borocay has a wide range of beach hotels. Best for families are at the quieter Puka Shell Beach end of the island.
• Don’t miss: Mount Luho trekking, Ariel’s Point cliff jumping, mermaid swimming, helmet diving, Borocay bat cave, Indiana Jones eco tours and the longest underwater tunnel walk in the Philippines.
• Average temperatures of 27 – 30˚C year round. Best time to visit is between October and June for dry weather and low chance of rainfall or tropical storms.

Is this the most beautiful island in the world? According to Conde Nast and Travel + Leisure readers, who voted it number one loveliest in 2016. It’s also home to the world’s most beautiful beach, El Nido, and the world’s longest underground river which also happens to be a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the 7 New Wonders of the World.

• Palawan’s hotels are on the north east and west coasts. The four El Nido eco-resorts each have their own islands. El Nido on Miniloc Island is designed for families with an excellent kid’s activity programme, spacious villas and beach suites.
• Don’t miss: Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, El Nido Beach, Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park, snorkelling in Honda Bay, Puerto Princesa Butterfly Garden, Tagkuriring Falls, Ingawan Rice Fields and Tagabinet Caves.
• The island capital, Puerto Princesa, is the cleanest and greenest city in the Philippines and the least densely populated.
• Average temperature of 30˚C all year round. Climate is hot and humid with dry weather from December to April and highest rainfall from May to November.

A fast ferry crossing from Cebu, home to the oldest city in the Philippines, Bohol is the land of the famous Chocolate Hills and one of the country’s loveliest and most bio-diverse islands.

• You can visit Bohol for the day from Cebu City or stay in one of the island resorts near Alona Beach on the south west coast.
• Undeveloped and traditional, Bohol’s known for its magnificent waterfalls, gorgeous rivers and outlying paradise islands. Touring the island by car is a great adventure with older kids.
• Don’t miss: the Chocolate Mountain Adventure Park, Mag-Aso-Falls, Loboc River cruises, Dolphin watching at Balicasag Island, Virgin Island and the Tarsier Foundation.
• Direct flights from Manila to Bohol take one hour and 25 minutes.

Best known as the Philippine’s top surf spot, gorgeous Siargao Island is just as idyllic if you don’t intend to ride a single wave for your entire stay. It has stunning white beaches, lagoon like sea pools, lush forests, dramatic waterfalls, glorious seafood restaurants and a laid back friendliness kids will love.

• Barefoot and beachy in every sense, Siargao offers friendly local hotels and charming family resorts.
• Don’t miss: Naked, Daku and Guyam Islands, sailing in Sugba Lagoon, Sohoton Caves, Magpupungko Pool, General Luna Beach and, if you surf, Cloud 9 Break.
• There are domestic flights from Cebu City to Siargao all year round.