The Philippines with Kids: How To Plan Family Travel In The Philippines

Visiting the Philippines with kids offers a world of adventure that’s hard to beat. Filipinos are all about family, and there are few places in the world where traveling with kids offers such a welcoming experience.

Family travel in the Philippines has been one of my family’s absolute favorite experiences. We LOVE the Philippines.

After all, my wife Christina was born and raised in Manila, coming to Canada at 11 with her family. She never had an opportunity to go back until we visited the Philippines with the kids.

So, when Christina was invited to her cousin Jed’s wedding in Manila, we packed up and headed out the door. And what came of our first family trip to the Philippines led to a love affair that keeps on delivering.

Why Do We Love The Philippines So Much?

I’ll admit we might be a little biased in saying that Canada and the Philippines are two of our favorite places to travel with kids. After all, that’s where Christina and I were born, but when it comes to visiting the Philippines with kids, there’s a lot to love.

The Philippines is very inexpensive to travel through. Considering the country is a chain of thousands of islands, that’s surprising. Food, accommodations, and experiences offer modern comfort at a fraction of the cost of many other island destinations around the world.

The Philippines is a wonderfully welcoming place to travel with children. There are few places I’ve visited where kids are adored more than they are in the Pinoy nation. Family is the culture here, and if you travel with children, you’ll be met with hospitality, kindness, and support like nowhere else. (It’s still smart to travel prepared, and I’ve put together a full family safety rundown further down.)

The main languages in the Philippines are Tagalog and English. Most businesses can accommodate English-speaking visitors with ease, and unless you’re in a very remote region, you can usually find someone who speaks it.

The food. Oh. My. God. The food in the Philippines is unbelievable. Even on day trips to explore islands in El Nido or Coron, you’ll be treated to food that will put your packed lunch at home to shame, and it’s served at a very affordable price in most places.

But my favorite thing about traveling to the Philippines with kids is the adventure. Because the country is made up of thousands of islands, each one offers its own unique experience. The cultures vary, the languages change, and the food takes on unique flavors. A short walk from almost any town leads you to pristine beaches, unexplored caves, lush green rice fields, or thick jungle.

No matter your travel taste, the Philippines offers something for everyone, and our Philippines travel guide will help guide you there.

Best Time To Visit The Philippines

The Philippines has two broad seasons, and picking the right one is likely to affect your trip experience more than most other destinations.

The dry season runs roughly December through May, and it’s the sweet spot for a family trip: reliable sunshine, calm seas for island hopping, and the best conditions for the beaches and boat tours that make this country magic. The trade-off is that the popular months (December to April) are also the busiest and priciest, so book flights and resorts ahead.

The wet season, and with it typhoon season, runs June through November, peaking from August to October. Around 20 tropical cyclones enter Philippine waters each year, and while the storms mostly batter northern and eastern Luzon, Bicol, and the eastern Visayas, they can disrupt travel anywhere. The good news for beach lovers: Palawan and the western Visayas are comparatively sheltered, which is one more reason Palawan is such a reliable family pick. If you do travel in the wet season, the real risk is flight and ferry cancellations rather than danger, so build buffer days into your itinerary and never book a tight connection to your international flight home.

Guide To Family Travel in the Philippines

Visiting the Philippines with kids definitely takes some pre-planning. Because most of the islands are cut off from road travel, domestic flights and ferries tend to be how most people get from place to place.

These guides can give you an idea of some of the most popular places to visit in the Philippines, so you know where you want to travel.

Boracay

The island of Boracay is regularly ranked among the most beautiful beach destinations in the world, and it’s popular with international visitors and vacationing locals alike.

In 2018, the island went through a massive environmental overhaul, closing to tourism for six months. It came out the other side far better managed, and those protections are now a permanent part of visiting: single-use plastics are restricted, the beachfront has strict building setbacks, and there are rules against drinking, smoking, and parties directly on White Beach. It’s cleaner and calmer than in its party-island heyday, which honestly makes it better for families.

For a family base, the Mövenpick Resort & Spa Boracay on the quieter northern tip is a standout, with a huge multi-level pool, a private beach, and a kids’ club. You can read our full Mövenpick Boracay review here, and our guide to the best Boracay activities for families here.

El Nido

The small town of El Nido is among the most popular places to visit in the Philippines. Located on the northern tip of Palawan, it boasts some of the most spectacular karst cliffs, lagoons, and cave experiences in the Philippines.

You’ll find amazing tours, mouthwatering street food, and family-friendly accommodations to fit every budget. We made a big mistake staying at the El Nido Beach Hotel (I don’t recommend it), but the tours were pure magic, and El Nido truly lives up to its reputation as the jewel of the Philippines. Our boys’ favorite experience was a boat tour through the islands with a guide we loved so much that everyone shed tears when we had to leave.

If you have a little extra time, one of the most underrated tours is out to Linapacan Island, a great way to experience the area’s beauty without the crowds. You can find all our favorite things to do in El Nido here.

Coron

Coron is a small set of islands in the Palawan region, located just off the northern tip between Mindoro and Palawan. It’s popular for its gorgeous lagoons, magnificent scuba diving, and accessible but off-the-beaten-path feel. Coron offers similar experiences to El Nido but is far less busy, and it’s home to some of the most beautiful mountain views in the country.

We stayed on an island just off the mainland at the Sangat Island Dive Resort. It was one of the most incredible places we’ve ever stayed, with minimal electricity but a private beach, a cave shower, and jaw-dropping views. The kids didn’t want to leave.

If you’re heading to Coron, consider joining a Coron Tour: an island-hopping adventure, with visits to Kayangan Lake and the Twin Lagoon. You can find our complete guide to Coron here.

Puerto Princesa

Home to one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, Puerto Princesa is a very cool place to explore with kids. The town sits in central Palawan, where well-worn karst mountains hide gorgeous caves and rock formations, and the surrounding region is full of farms, beaches, and even a family amusement park.

One important update: the Underground River now requires an advance permit and a booked time slot, since daily visitor numbers are capped to protect the site. The easiest way to sort it is to join a guided tour from Puerto Princesa, which handles the permit, hotel pickup, and lunch. If you’d rather stay closer, we loved the eco-friendly Daluyon Beach and Mountain Resort in Sabang. You can find more things to do in Puerto Princesa here.

San Vicente

Honestly, if I moved to the Philippines, I’d likely end up in San Vicente. Picture the gorgeous beaches of Boracay sprinkled with tiny, quiet islands but without the crowds.

San Vicente is often described as “Boracay before the tourists came.” And it’s an accurate statement. We all loved our time here. It’s not as visually stunning as El Nido, but the tours are just as much fun without the crowds.

Getting Around In The Philippines With Kids

Getting around the Philippines as a family requires some logistics. You can find just about every form of transportation. And if you’re planning on exploring more than one island, you’ll probably have to juggle between a few.

Throughout the country, you’ll find everything from tuk-tuks to ferries to busses, planes, taxis, and of course, the famous Filipino Jeepneys.

Philippines by Plane

Getting around by plane is one of the easiest and fastest ways to explore the country. There are loads of tiny airports sprinkled throughout, and most major towns have an airfield close by, with plenty of budget-friendly domestic flights. The catch is that flying often means backtracking, since most routes run through the big hubs. Hopping from town to town can mean indirect flights through Manila or Cebu.

Some of the most common domestic airlines you’ll see include:

• Cebu Pacific and its regional arm CebGo
• Philippine Airlines and PAL Express
• AirAsia Philippines

Many airports still charge a small terminal fee on domestic flights that may need to be paid in cash, though at the bigger airports it’s increasingly bundled into your ticket. Keep a little cash on hand just in case.

Most of the airfields in the Philippines have a departure tax that needs to be paid directly at the airport. These apply to both international AND domestic flights. The rates are typically low (between 200-500 pesos per person). But many of them need to be paid in cash, so be prepared.

The Philippines by Boat

With thousands of islands making up the country, chances are that if you’re visiting the Philippines, you’ll end up on a boat at some point. Destinations like Boracay can only be reached by a boat transfer. Most boat terminals are busy places, and you’ll usually find porters to help with bags for a tip. It’s worth it, as loading and unloading luggage on wavy days is a pain.

Important note: insist on a life jacket for every child on the smaller bangka boats, and don’t be shy about insisting; they should be included, but are not always offered.

Philippines by Bus or Van

No matter where you visit, you’ll probably end up in a bus or van at some point. These are the most common ways to get between cities. Private van charters are much faster, and you can dictate stops along the way. We used a private charter between Puerto Princesa and Sabang, which let us stop and explore places like Elephant Rock. Buses tend to be the most economical but take the longest. Either way, we found them comfortable and well-maintained, and some even have WiFi.

Jeepneys and Tuk-Tuks in the Philippines

If you’re exploring locally, a tuk-tuk (tricycle) is often the best way to go. Many parents feel nervous putting their kids in one, but these nimble motorcycle cabs are one of the easiest ways to dart through congested streets, and they’re wildly fun. Just negotiate your price before you get in, or you might get taken for a ride.

Jeepneys are the colorful, loud, and gloriously over-the-top buses that serve as the local bus system in cities like Manila, Cebu, and Puerto Princesa. The older ones have a reputation for being loud, polluting, and in poor repair, and the government has been phasing them out in favor of cleaner, modern models, some of which are even electric. If you can, take a jeepney at least once. If nothing else, you’ll want the photo.

Is The Philippines Safe For Families?

Here’s the honest, balanced answer: the Philippines is a genuinely welcoming, family-friendly country, and the main tourist regions are safe to visit with the same common sense you’d use anywhere. Millions of families have wonderful, incident-free trips. That said, a few things are worth understanding before you go.

Where To Go, And Where Not To Go

Most of the Philippines, including everywhere in this guide (Palawan, Boracay, Cebu, Manila), sits at a routine “exercise increased caution” advisory, the same tier as many popular travel destinations that you’ll find on this website. Palawan in particular is consistently rated among the most secure regions in the country.

The exception is the far south. The Sulu Archipelago and much of Mindanao carry serious “do not travel” warnings from the US, UK, and other governments due to terrorism and kidnapping risk. This also means the remote southern tip of Palawan, including the Balabac islands, sits near sensitive waters, so check current advisories before planning anything down there. For the vast majority of family trips, none of this comes into play, but always check your government’s latest travel advisory before you book.

I will very rarely say “don’t go there” about any potential family travel destinations. I’ve been to some wild places, and adventurous travel with kids is my favorite kind of family travel. That being said, if you choose to head into the Philippines’ deep south, be careful. Plan ahead and have a trusted contact on the ground who can act as a guide and local connection.

Natural Hazards

The Philippines sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire and in the typhoon belt, so earthquakes, volcanic activity, and tropical storms are facts of life. Mayon Volcano erupted in January 2026, and Taal (near Manila) erupted in 2020, both disrupting flights. Typhoon season (June to November) can cancel flights and ferries at short notice.

None of this should scare you off, but it makes comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical evacuation and weather disruptions essential, and it’s a good reason to keep your itinerary flexible. I recommend using either SafetyWing or World Nomads for family travel insurance. They’ve always worked well for my family.

Health and Hygiene

The single biggest health consideration is dengue fever, a mosquito-borne illness present year-round with no vaccine for travelers. Pack and use a good repellent, dress kids in light long sleeves at dusk, and choose accommodations with screens or air conditioning.

Don’t drink the tap water; stick to bottled or filtered water bottles, and be a little cautious with street food and ice in remote areas. See a travel clinic before you go about routine vaccines plus hepatitis A and typhoid, and ask about malaria if you’re heading into rural Palawan. More in our Philippines family travel tips guide. You can also read more about how I keep my family healthy while traveling around the world here.

On The Water And The Road

Two everyday risks deserve more attention than the headline-grabbing ones. Water safety is important when you’re island hopping daily: life jackets for kids on every boat, respect for currents and drop-offs, and close supervision, since many beaches have no lifeguards.

Road safety is also a key consideration, as traffic in the Philippines can be chaotic. The Philippines requires car seats for young children by law, though most public transit and many shared-transit options are exempt, so plan ahead if you’ll be in private vehicles, and bring your own seat if you can.

Petty Crime And Emergencies

Violent crime rarely touches tourists in the Philippines, but petty theft and scams do happen in busy spots like Manila and Cebu, especially amid the chaos of markets, airports, and ferry terminals. Keep your belongings close, use hotel safes, and agree on fares before you ride. The nationwide emergency number is 911.

Tips For Family Travel To The Philippines

As I mentioned, the Philippines is one of the most amazing destinations for family travel. But it always helps to be prepared for a new country, especially with children in tow.

Food In The Philippines

Food is a massive part of Filipino culture. It seems every gathering revolves around the dining table, and guests are welcomed with a freshly cooked dish as quickly as a “Kamusta ka?” (How are you?) Filipino food is heavy on meat, soups, and seafood, and while it isn’t the healthiest (expect plenty of salt, pork, and rich sauces), it’s delicious. Fruit is plentiful, and most towns have stores to stock up on road snacks. If you want to try some before you go, I’ve shared my favorite easy Filipino recipes here.

Money, Connectivity & Entry

A few practical basics pulled from our Philippines travel tips:

• Money: The currency is the Philippine peso, and this is a cash-first country once you leave the cities and resorts. ATMs are common in towns but scarce on remote islands, so withdraw before you head out. The mobile wallet GCash is increasingly accepted.
• Connectivity: A local Globe or Smart SIM (or an eSIM) is cheap and easy to grab at the airport and keeps you connected for maps, bookings, and weather updates, which is genuinely useful in typhoon season. I highly recommend SIMLocal. If you use this link, you’ll get a 20% discount on your first eSIM.
• Visa: Most nationalities, including Canadians, Americans, Brits, Australians, and most Europeans, get visa-free entry for 30 days. You’ll typically need proof of onward travel. Always confirm the current rules for your passport before you fly.

Baby Supplies in The Philippines

Stores, markets, and malls are plentiful, so it’s usually easy to find diapers, formula, and popular baby foods, especially in larger cities. If you’re heading into smaller towns, stock up before you go to be safe.

Tours And Experiences In The Philippines

The tourism industry in the Philippines is incredibly organized, and nowhere shows it off better than El Nido, where standardized tour packages (split into half-day and full-day options) keep each site from getting swamped all at once. Tours and attractions are very child-friendly. Even on a wild one like our Ugong Rock adventure, the staff worked hard to make sure the experience was safe for little Dylan, who ended up being the youngest person to careen down the mammoth Ugong Rock zipline.

Child Tolerance and Breastfeeding In The Philippines

Filipinos tend to be incredibly warm toward children, often stepping in with support when parents are struggling. Friendly touching is commonplace, though I found it less invasive than in some other parts of Asia. Breastfeeding can be done openly without restriction; it’s common for locals, and many malls and businesses have designated spots. The one exception is the deep south of Palawan, where a larger Muslim population means breastfeeding is approached more conservatively.

Healthcare In The Philippines

The healthcare system is quite good in the cities, but the more remote you travel, the harder it is to access specialized care. Outside major centers like Manila, Puerto Princesa, or Cebu, bringing anything you might need, even sunscreen, can be hard to find in small towns like Sabang, which is why we always carry our own reef-safe sunscreen.

Check with a travel doctor before you go about vaccines, pack electrolytes and anti-diarrheals for the inevitable tummy troubles, and (I’ll say it again because it matters) make sure your travel insurance covers medical evacuation.

Philippines With Kids Frequently Asked Questions

Now You’re Ready For Family Travel To The Philippines!

As I mentioned, I absolutely adore the Philippines. It’s a country we will keep revisiting, not just to see family but to explore even more of the incredible things to do with kids here.

If you’re new to family travel, head over to our tips for international family travel to make sure you have everything you need to explore comfortably. And remember: outside the major cities, it’s not a stroller-friendly country, so a kid carrier will make your experience much easier. Feel free to drop any questions or comments below; I always answer them. And if you’re passionate about family travel, join our Family Travel Support Group on Facebook, a fantastic community of parents who love to travel.

Wandering Wagars is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates.

You May Also Like To Read:

Pin This Post For Later