The Philippines is a country of over 7000 islands and as complex as it is wildly beautiful, exotic and eccentric.
Famous for fabulous surfing, tiny primates, enormous and bewildering cities, paradise beaches, colourful festivals and several of the world’s natural wonders, it’s one of the top South East Asian destinations for family adventure.
Flights from London to over 30 destinations in the Philippines including Manila, Cebu, Puerto Princesa, Siargao and Davao.
Connecting flights from Manila to most holiday islands take between 45 minutes and two hours.
Palawan Island in the Philippines was voted world’s most beautiful by Conde Nast Traveller in both 2015 and 2016.
Cloud 9 in Siargao is one of the world’s top surf breaks.
The Philippines has 10 UNESCO World Heritage sites including Tubbataha Reef and Puerto Princesa Underground River, both in Palawan.
Bohol is home to the legendary Chocolate Mountains and the indigenous habitat of Tarsier, the world’s smallest primate.
Temperatures between 27˚C and 32˚C year round.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Hiring a car on the islands is a good way to explore with older kids. Try to avoid driving in cities, public transport or taxis are much less stressful and many resorts have their own transport services. Island tours are a good way to see major attractions. Domestic flights are available from Manila and Cebu to most islands. Fast ferry services run from Cebu to Bohol and there are longer sailings from Manila to many of the Philippines’ holiday islands.