19-Day Ultimate Family Epic Journey through the Philippines
Embark on a breathtaking 19-day epic journey through the Philippines, specifically designed for families who want to balance adventure with relaxation. This itinerary moves at a kid-friendly pace, prioritizing comfort, safety, and accessible locations while ensuring you witness the archipelago's most iconic landscapes.
From the historic cobblestones of Manila and the magical Chocolate Hills of Bohol to the crystal-clear lagoons of El Nido, your family will enjoy seamless intercity travel via domestic flights and ferries. We focus on spacious accommodations and activities that cater to all ages, ensuring every member of the family has the trip of a lifetime.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Manila - Arrival and City Lights
Arrival at NAIA Terminal
Touch down at Ninoy Aquino International Airport. After clearing customs, meet your driver for a comfortable transfer to your hotel in Makati or BGC.
Settling into Bonifacio Global City (BGC)
BGC is the most stroller-friendly area in Manila. Take a light stroll through High Street, a pedestrianized shopping and dining strip.
Dinner at Mind Museum Cafe
Enjoy an early dinner near the science museum, offering plenty of open space for kids to stretch their legs after a long flight.
Rest and Hydration
Early nights are essential to combat jet lag for the little ones. Stock up on bottled water and snacks at a local 7-Eleven.
Day 2: Manila - Historic Intramuros
Intramuros Bambike Tour
Explore the 'Walled City' on bamboo bikes. For families, child seats and sidecars are available, making it a fun, low-impact way to see Fort Santiago.
Lunch at Barbara's Heritage Restaurant
Experience traditional Filipino cuisine in a beautiful colonial setting. The buffet is great for kids to try small portions of different dishes.
Casa Manila Visit
Walk through this reconstructed Spanish colonial house. It's a great history lesson for children without being overwhelming.
Manila Ocean Park
Located just outside the walls, this world-class aquarium features an underwater tunnel and a sea lion show that kids love.
Day 3: Manila - Science and Play
The Mind Museum
A world-class science museum in BGC with five main galleries. It is fully air-conditioned and highly interactive for toddlers and school-age children.
Picnic at Terra 28th Park
A small, clean urban park with innovative playground equipment and plenty of shade.
Venice Grand Canal Mall
Take a gondola ride in this Italian-themed mall in Taguig. It’s colorful, musical, and very photogenic for family portraits.
Early Packing
Prepare your bags for tomorrow’s flight to the islands.
Day 4: Manila to Bohol - Island Transition
Domestic Flight to Panglao
A short 1.5-hour flight takes you from the capital to the eco-adventure capital of the Visayas.
Check-in at Panglao Resort
Drop your bags at a beachfront resort. Many resorts in Panglao offer family suites with direct pool access.
Alona Beach Relaxation
The sand is fine and white, perfect for building sandcastles. The water is generally shallow and calm during the day.
Seafood Dinner
Pick fresh fish from the stalls along the beach and have them grilled to your liking.
Day 5: Bohol - Chocolate Hills & Tarsiers
Chocolate Hills Viewpoint
See the 1,268 conical hills. There are stairs, but the view from the top is worth the effort for older kids.
Loboc River Cruise
A floating restaurant lunch. The slow-moving boat and live music are very soothing for children.
Tarsier Sanctuary (Corella)
Visit the world’s smallest primates. Quiet is required, making it a good lesson in respecting wildlife.
Bilar Man-Made Forest
A quick photo stop under the dense canopy of mahogany trees.
Day 6: Bohol - Marine Life Exploration
Dolphin Watching
An early start to see wild dolphins jumping near Pamilacan Island. Boats are equipped with life vests for children.
Balicasag Island Snorkeling
The sanctuary is home to giant sea turtles. Shallow areas allow even young kids to see fish through the clear water.
Virgin Island Sandbar
A beautiful white sandbar where kids can run freely in knee-deep water.
Nap Time
Return to the resort for a well-deserved afternoon rest.
Day 7: Bohol - Farm to Table
Bohol Bee Farm
A sustainable farm offering tours. Kids can see how honey is made and enjoy organic cassava ice cream.
Farm Fresh Lunch
Eat at the farm’s restaurant overlooking the ocean, featuring edible flower salads.
Hinagdanan Cave
A small, naturally lit cave with a lagoon. It's easily accessible and provides a cool break from the heat.
Panglao Night Market
A smaller, manageable market perfect for buying local crafts and souvenirs.
Day 8: Bohol to Cebu - Sea Journey
Fast Ferry to Cebu City
Take the OceanJet ferry. The Business Class cabin is recommended for families as it provides more space and air conditioning.
Check-in at Cebu Hotel
Choose a hotel near Ayala Center for easy access to international food and kid-friendly facilities.
Magellan’s Cross and Basilica
Visit the historical heart of Cebu. The open plaza is a good place for kids to walk around.
Dinner at Ayala Center
The terraces area offers outdoor seating and a safe environment for kids to play nearby while you wait for food.
Day 9: Cebu - Animal Encounters
Cebu Safari and Adventure Park
Located in Carmen, this is the largest safari park in the country. It’s a bit of a drive, but the tram system makes it easy to navigate with a stroller.
White Lion Safari
A highlight of the park where you can see rare white lions from a protected vehicle.
Return to Cebu City
Relax in the van as you head back to the city after an active day.
Lechon Dinner
Try the famous Cebu Lechon (roast pig) at House of Lechon or Rico’s.
Day 10: Cebu - Highland Views
Temple of Leah
A massive Roman-style shrine with great views of the city. The flat courtyard is easy for kids to roam.
Sirao Garden
Known as the 'Little Amsterdam' of Cebu, these flower gardens are vibrant and perfect for family photos.
Tops Lookout
The highest point in Cebu City. Enjoy the breeze and the panoramic view of Mactan Island.
Afternoon Tea
Stop at a cafe in the Busay area for hot chocolate and local snacks.
Day 11: Cebu - Mactan Island Fun
Mactan Shrine
Visit the monument of Lapu-Lapu. It’s a small park with local vendors selling shell jewelry.
Jpark Island Resort Waterpark
Even if you aren't staying here, day passes allow kids to enjoy the slides and themed pools.
10,000 Roses Cafe
A field of white LED roses that light up at dusk, located right on the water.
Final Cebu Dinner
Enjoy a meal at a Mactan yacht club for a quiet, breezy atmosphere.
Day 12: Cebu to Puerto Princesa - Palawan Bound
Fly to Palawan
A direct flight connects Cebu to Puerto Princesa, the gateway to the world's most beautiful islands.
Check-in at Princesa Garden Island
This resort is very kid-friendly with a massive pool and shallow beach area.
Palawan Heritage Center
An interactive museum that introduces the history and ecology of the province.
Firefly Watching Tour
A magical evening boat ride through the mangroves to see thousands of fireflies. It’s a quiet and mesmerizing experience for kids.
Day 13: Puerto Princesa - Underground River
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River
A UNESCO World Heritage site. The boat ride through the cave is fascinating, and audio guides are provided.
Sabang Beach Lunch
A buffet lunch served under the coconut trees on the beach.
Ugong Rock Spelunking (Optional)
If you have older kids, this cave trek and zipline is a great thrill. For younger kids, playing on Sabang beach is better.
Dinner at Kalui Restaurant
A famous artistic restaurant where you walk barefoot. The food is fresh and the decor is mesmerizing.
Day 14: Puerto Princesa - Honda Bay
Honda Bay Island Hopping
Visit Cowrie Island and Starfish Island. These are very accessible and have facilities like toilets and picnic huts.
Snorkeling at Luli Island
The name comes from 'Lulubog - Lilitaw' (sink and rise), as the island disappears at high tide.
Baker’s Hill
A theme park-like bakery with statues, playgrounds, and famous 'Hopia' pastries.
Relaxed Evening
Enjoy the resort facilities and prepare for the van trip to El Nido tomorrow.
Day 15: Puerto Princesa to El Nido - The Scenic Drive
Private Van Transfer
The drive takes 5-6 hours. A private van allows you to stop for bathroom breaks and snacks whenever the kids need it.
Check-in at El Nido Hotel
Select a hotel in the town or nearby Corong-Corong for easy access to boat docks.
Las Cabanas Beach
The best place for sunset. It has a flat walking path and several family-friendly cafes.
Dinner in El Nido Town
Explore the pedestrian streets and enjoy a wood-fired pizza.
Day 16: El Nido - Big Lagoon Adventure
Tour A: Lagoons and Beaches
The most famous tour. The Big Lagoon is accessed by kayak, which kids usually find very exciting.
Shimizu Island BBQ
Boat crews prepare a fresh lunch on the boat or beach, often including fruit carvings that delight children.
Secret Lagoon
Enter through a small hole in the limestone to find a hidden pool inside the cliffs.
Seven Commandos Beach
A wide beach with a swing and plenty of space for kids to play.
Day 17: El Nido - Hidden Beaches
Tour C: Hidden Beach and Matinloc
This tour visits more remote spots. Hidden Beach is like a natural swimming pool, very safe for kids once you enter.
Picnic at Star Beach
Crystal clear waters and excellent snorkeling right off the shore.
Matinloc Shrine
Climb the stairs for a stunning view of the archipelago. Keep a firm hand on the little ones here.
Return to Town
Enjoy some gelato at an artisanal shop in the town center.
Day 18: El Nido - Inland Exploration
Nacpan Beach
A massive 4km twin beach. It’s a 45-minute tricycle or van ride, but the sheer size means kids have plenty of room to run.
Lunch at Sunmai
A beachfront restaurant at Nacpan with clean toilets and good food.
Lio Beach Visit
Lio is an eco-estate with a very wide, stroller-friendly boardwalk and sustainable shops.
Farewell Dinner
A final feast of Palawan delicacies to celebrate your journey.
Day 19: El Nido to Manila - Journey Home
Souvenir Shopping
Pick up some South Sea pearls or local woven baskets in the town boutiques.
Direct Flight to Manila
Take an AirSwift flight from Lio Airport directly to Manila to avoid the long van ride back to Puerto Princesa.
Lounge at NAIA
Wait for your international flight in one of the airport lounges for maximum family comfort.
Departure
Board your flight home with a lifetime of family memories from the Philippines.
Best Time to Visit Philippines
The best time to visit the Philippines is during the dry season, from December to May. For families, the months of January and February are ideal as the weather is cooler and less humid. March to May is the 'summer' season, which is perfect for beach activities but can be quite hot for young children. Avoid the typhoon season from July to October, as travel disruptions are common.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Philippine Peso (PHP). While major hotels, malls, and restaurants in Manila and Cebu accept credit cards (Visa/Mastercard), the islands like El Nido and Bohol are still very much cash-dependent. It is highly recommended to withdraw sufficient cash in Manila or Cebu before heading to smaller towns. Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated; 10% of the bill or rounding up the change is standard.
Getting Around Philippines
Intercity travel in the Philippines is best done via domestic flights for long distances (Manila to Bohol or Cebu to Palawan). Carriers like Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific are reliable. For shorter hops between islands, like Bohol to Cebu, fast ferries (OceanJet) are the best option. Within cities, the Grab app is the safest and most convenient way for families to travel, while private van rentals are best for day tours in Palawan and Bohol.
