12° 52' N 121° 46' E
The Philippines
The Philippines – A Paradise with over 7,000+ Islands
Why The Philippines?
The Philippines are all about knowing where to go. With more than 7,000 islands scattered across the western Pacific, this is not a destination to approach with a standard itinerary – the right island depends on what you are looking for, and when you travel. Palawan is hard to beat for dramatic limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons and extraordinary island-hopping; Siargao combines surfing with a wonderfully laid-back island scene; Bohol brings together beautiful beaches, jungle, waterfalls and wildlife; while more remote islands such as Siquijor reward travellers looking for somewhere quieter and less discovered. And then there are exceptional private-island escapes where the journey itself becomes part of the adventure. Seasonality matters: broadly speaking, the drier months from around November to April are ideal for many parts of the country, while regional weather patterns mean that the right island can change depending on the time of year. The reward for choosing well is extraordinary: pristine beaches, warm turquoise seas, world-class diving and snorkelling, surfing, jungle, waterfalls and some of Southeast Asia’s most spectacular island landscapes. And the cities? Unless you actively want to explore them, they can largely remain transit points. The Philippines are about the islands. The art is knowing which ones are worth the journey.
Why is The Philippines perfect for families?
The Philippines can be magical with children – particularly for families who love nature, water and a sense of adventure. Days revolve around the outdoors: snorkelling in warm, clear seas, kayaking through lagoons, learning to surf, spotting turtles and tropical fish, exploring waterfalls or simply moving between tiny islands by boat. English is widely spoken, Filipinos are famously warm and welcoming towards children, and some of the country’s best resorts make travelling here surprisingly easy, with private villas, beautiful beaches and activities for different ages. But choosing well matters. Travel between islands can involve domestic flights, boats and transfers, so an ambitious itinerary quickly becomes exhausting with younger children. We prefer fewer stops, longer stays and islands that genuinely suit the family – perhaps an easy beach retreat for small children, Bohol for nature and adventure, Siargao for active families and surfers, or Palawan for older children ready for a little more exploring. With the right routing, even the big cities can largely be avoided. This is not necessarily the easiest Asian family holiday – but for families looking beyond the obvious, it can be one of the most rewarding.
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Where to stay in The Philippines?
We´ve personally visited every one of our sustainable and stylish properties, finding the very best family hotels and villas.
