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Philippines Family Travel Blog

Discover the over 7,000 islands in the Philippines with our Philippines Family Travel Blog.

The best things to do in Palawan for families stretch from El Nido to Balabac. Prepare for days filled with island hopping, caves, and white sand beaches!

Explore Our Family Travel Philippines Guide

The Philippines is home to over 7,000 islands. This South Asian nation boasts some of the world’s best beaches, stunning caves, incredible landscapes, and some of the most delectable food you can imagine!

Read on and learn about why the Philippines is the perfect spot for a South Asia family vacation! 

The Filipino focus is heavy on family, as such, family travel to the Philippines is unquestionably one of our favorite experiences. From the epic food to the incredible culture and landscapes, traveling to the Philippines with kids can be one of the greatest experiences of your life. Whether you want to lounge on one of the best beaches in the world in Boracay or go island hopping among the UNESCO marine parks of El Nido, the Philippines will leave you begging for more.

Some Of Our Most Popular Philippines Family Travel Blog Posts

Boy looking at an island from a white sand beach in the Philippines with kids
How To Plan A Trip to the Philippines with Kids

Family travel in the Philippines is one of the most incredible adventures you can give to children. Here’s how to plan your Philippines family vacation.

The Philippine Islands are full of beautiful destinations, but there are still a few undiscovered treasured scattered throughout this paradise. San Vicente, located between El Nido and Coron is one of our favorites. Discover all the incredible things to do in San Vicente Palawan for the whole family!
The Most Incredible Places in Palawan for Families

While Boracay is the destination of choice for most families in the Philippines, the locals consider Palawan to be the most beautiful. Here’s why.

A boy plays in the ocean while Paraw boats float in the distance
The Best Things To Do In Boracay For Families

Boracay is more than just beautiful beaches! Discover some of the best family activities in Boracay to keep your whole family busy.

Tips For Family Travel in the Philippines

The Philippines is a complex county with one of the most diverse language systems in the world. Spread out among the 7,000 + islands of the Philippines is a range of cultures to immerse yourself into. From the thriving metropolis of Manila to the  quiet shores of Coron, the Philippines offers something different around every corner.

Our Philippines guide will help you sort out what you need to know before traveling to the Philippines with kids. From the landscapes to the food that inspired me to write about my favorite Filipino recipes, here is what you need to know before traveling to the Philippines.

  • Currency
    • Philippine currency is the Philippine Peso. The average value of the Philippine Peso is approximately $0.020 USD. You can check out the current value here.
  • Capital
    • The Capital of the Philippine Islands is Manila. Manila and the surrounding area is home to over 22 million people and is one of the most densely populated cities on Earth.
  • Electricity
    • The Philippines uses 220V, standard sockets. You may need a voltage converter depending on your electronics.
  • Cellular Phone Service
    • Cell phone service is readily available throughout Urban areas of the Philippines. Sim chips are cheap and can be added to unlocked phones. Access in rural areas or smaller islands can be spotty, and wifi is often unreliable.
  • Roads, Driving and Public Transit
    • Mass transit is not readily available in most Philippine cities. Transit is normally done by car, tricycle (motorcycle with a sidecar), or Jeepney (a large jeep with an open back used like a bus).
    • International drivers licenses (IDP’s) are accepted in the Philippines.
    • Driving in the Philippines is safe, however, traffic rules can be difficult to decipher and traffic, especially in metro areas is nothing short of mind-blowing.
    • Roads in the rural Philippines can often be in poor repair and prone to floods. The terrain is mountainous, and although towns may seem close together, it can require long driving times to commute between them.
  • The Philippines with Kids
    • Family travel in the Philippines is incredible. With so many beaches and the incredible island life, the Philippines is an incredible family destination. Filipinos are known for their love of children, and young children especially will often be doted on here. Don’t be surprised if they are offered treats and small toys.

Important Words And Phrases To Know For Family Travel In the Philippines

There are nearly as many dialects in the Philippines as there are languages throughout the rest of the world. And we aren’t talking small local slang changes. Some Filipino dialects are completely unrecognizable from others. Around my wifes family, this makes for pretty funny chatter. Whenever my mother-in-law wants to say something that her husband won’t understand, she just switches from Tagalog to Ebanog and it’s completely different.

But for the sake of ease, I’ll focus here on the main Philippine language of Tagalog. Most Filipinos speak Tagalog, so will understand what these Filipino words and phrases mean. It’s good to remember that Tagalog is a phonetic language. So each letter is pronounced rather than that combined sounds.

Important Filipino Words To Know:

Yes: oo (pronounced oh oh)

No: Hindi

Thank You: Salamat or Salamat Po when showing respect to an elder.

Thank You Very Much: Maraming salamat

You’re Welcome: Walang anuman

Please: Mangyaring

Excuse Me: Pasensya na sa akin

Hello: Kamusta

Goodbye: Paalam

Bathroom: Banyo

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