11-Day Ultimate Family Travel Guides Route in Philippines
The Philippines is a dream destination for families, offering a unique blend of Spanish colonial history, vibrant modern cities, and some of the world's most beautiful beaches. This 11-day route is designed with the 'Classic Route' in mind but adjusted for families traveling with children, ensuring shorter travel legs, accessible attractions, and a relaxed pace that allows for nap times and spontaneous play.
From the cobblestone streets of Intramuros to the iconic Chocolate Hills of Bohol and the powder-soft sands of Boracay, your family will experience the diverse culture and natural beauty of the archipelago. We have prioritized stroller-friendly locations and comfortable transfers, making it easy to navigate the islands with little ones in tow.
Day 1: Manila, Philippines - Arrival & Heritage
Arrival at NAIA Terminal
Touch down at Ninoy Aquino International Airport. After clearing customs, take a pre-booked car to your hotel in the Manila Bay area, which is centrally located and offers great views.
Rizal Park (Luneta)
Enjoy a gentle stroll through this historic urban park. It is flat, paved, and perfect for strollers. Let the kids run around the open gardens near the national monument.
Intramuros Horse Carriage Ride
Instead of walking the old walled city, take a 'Kalesa' (horse-drawn carriage). It’s a magical experience for children and saves little legs from the heat while you view Fort Santiago.
Dinner at Manila Ocean Park
End the day with a meal at the complex, which features a world-class aquarium. The facilities are modern and offer excellent nursing and changing rooms for parents.
Day 2: Manila to Bohol - Island Transition
Morning Flight to Tagbilaran
Fly from Manila to the island of Bohol. The flight is short (about 1.5 hours), making it very manageable for families with young children.
Resort Check-in at Panglao Island
Cross the bridge from the airport to Panglao Island, where most family resorts are located. Enjoy a relaxed lunch by the pool to help the kids settle in.
Beach Play at Alona Beach
Spend the afternoon on the white sands. The water is relatively shallow and calm, perfect for toddlers. The main beachfront path is easy to navigate with a stroller.
Sunset Dinner
Choose from dozens of beachfront restaurants offering fresh seafood and international kid-friendly options like pasta and pizza.
Day 3: Bohol, Philippines - Countryside Wonders
Chocolate Hills Viewing Deck
Marvel at the 1,200+ symmetrical brown hills. While the main viewing deck has stairs, the lower areas still offer great photo opportunities and are accessible for families.
Tarsier Conservation Area
See the world's smallest primates. The paths are well-maintained. Remind the kids to be very quiet as these little creatures are sensitive to noise!
Loboc River Cruise Lunch
A highlight for families. Enjoy a buffet lunch on a floating raft while cruising down a scenic jungle river. There is live music on board that children usually love.
Bilar Man-Made Forest
A quick stop on the way back to take photos under the massive mahogany canopy. It is a cool, shaded break from the tropical sun.
Day 4: Bohol, Philippines - Caves & Culture
Hinagdanan Cave
A naturally lit limestone cave with a deep blue lagoon. It is easily accessible via a short flight of stairs and is a great way to show kids unique geological formations.
Bohol Bee Farm
Enjoy an organic lunch with a view. Their homemade ice cream (try the Ube or Coconut) is a massive hit with children and made from all-natural ingredients.
Nova Shell Museum
A quirky but fascinating stop for kids, featuring one of the largest shell collections in the world. It’s indoor and air-conditioned, providing a nice midday break.
Firefly Watching Tour
Take a relaxing boat ride in the evening to see thousands of fireflies lighting up the mangroves. It's a gentle, magical experience before bedtime.
Day 5: Bohol to Cebu - Ferry Journey
High-Speed Ferry to Cebu
Take the OceanJet ferry from Tagbilaran to Cebu City. The Business Class section is highly recommended for families as it offers more space and air conditioning.
Cebu City Arrival
Check into your hotel in the city center. Cebu is a bustling metropolis, so using ride-hailing apps like Grab is the easiest way to move with a stroller.
Magellan's Cross & Basilica
Visit the most famous historic sites in Cebu. The area around the cross and the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño is flat and easy to walk with a stroller.
Dinner at Sugbo Mercado
Visit this popular open-air food market. It’s a great way for kids to try different local snacks in a fun, festive atmosphere with plenty of seating.
Day 6: Cebu, Philippines - Marine Life & History
Cebu Ocean Park
Located right next to SM Seaside, this is the largest oceanarium in the Philippines. It is fully stroller-accessible and features an amazing underwater tunnel.
Fort San Pedro
A military defense structure built by the Spanish. It’s now a peaceful park. The inner courtyard is paved and safe for kids to explore while parents read the history plaques.
Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House
One of the oldest houses in the Philippines. While the second floor has stairs, the ground floor is filled with fascinating artifacts that older children will find interesting.
Family Feast at House of Cebu Lechon
You cannot leave Cebu without trying the world-famous roasted pig (Lechon). Most restaurants are very welcoming to families with high chairs available.
Day 7: Cebu, Philippines - Modern Comforts
SM Seaside City Shopping
This massive mall is perfect for a 'rest day'. It features a large indoor playground, an ice skating rink, and a rooftop Sky Park where kids can play for free.
Bowling or Movies
Enjoy some modern family entertainment. The mall’s facilities are top-notch and a great way to escape the midday heat.
Temple of Leah
Take a short drive to the hills. This Roman-style temple offers incredible views of the city. The main plaza is wide and great for kids to run around.
Upscale Dinner in IT Park
Cebu's IT Park is a modern, clean area with wide sidewalks and many international restaurants that are very stroller-friendly.
Day 8: Cebu to Boracay - The Ultimate Beach
Flight to Caticlan
A short hop takes you to the gateway of Boracay. Ensure you book a flight to Caticlan (not Kalibo) to minimize the land travel time with your kids.
Speedboat Transfer to Boracay
Most resorts offer a private boat transfer. It's much faster and more comfortable than the public ferry when traveling with luggage and children.
Sandcastle Building
Boracay's sand is famous for not getting hot. Spend the afternoon building sandcastles and wading in the shallow, turquoise waters of White Beach.
Paraw Sailing at Sunset
Board a traditional Filipino sailboat. It’s a smooth, quiet ride that is safe and exhilarating for children as they watch the sun dip below the horizon.
Day 9: Boracay, Philippines - Island Hopping
Private Glass-Bottom Boat Tour
Instead of a standard snorkeling tour, book a glass-bottom boat. It allows younger children who can't snorkel yet to see the colorful coral and fish comfortably.
Picnic at Puka Shell Beach
Visit the northern tip of the island. It’s more rugged and less crowded. Enjoy a quiet family picnic under the trees.
Ilig-Iligan Beach Visit
A hidden gem that is usually very calm. Great for a peaceful swim away from the main tourist hubs.
Buffet Dinner at D'Mall
D'Mall is the heart of Boracay's shopping and dining. It is a pedestrian-only zone, making it very safe for kids to walk around.
Day 10: Boracay, Philippines - Relax & Play
Willy's Rock
The most iconic landmark on the beach. At low tide, you can easily walk out to it. Kids will love looking for small crabs in the rock pools.
Lunch at a Beach Club
Many beach clubs offer pool access with a minimum spend on food. This is a great way to have a 'home base' for the day with clean bathrooms and shade.
Mermaid Swimming Lesson
For older kids, Boracay offers 'Mermaid classes' where they can learn to swim with a tail in the shallow water. It’s a unique and fun photo op!
Farewell Beach Dinner
Celebrate your last night with a dinner on the sand. Many restaurants have live acoustic music that isn't too loud for children.
Day 11: Boracay to Manila - Departure
Early Morning Beach Walk
Enjoy the calmest part of the day for one last swim or to collect some memories before heading to the airport.
Transfer to Caticlan Airport
Take the boat and van transfer back to the airport. Aim to arrive 2 hours early as the airport is small and can get crowded.
Flight to Manila
Return to the capital to connect with your international flight home.
Airport Lounge Rest
If you have a long layover, book into an airport lounge at NAIA. They offer snacks, comfortable seating, and often play areas for children.
Best Time to Visit Philippines
The best time to visit the Philippines is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. For families, the months of January and February are ideal as the weather is sunny but the temperatures are slightly cooler and more comfortable for children. Avoid the typhoon season from July to October, as travel plans can be frequently disrupted by weather-related flight and ferry cancellations.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Philippine Peso (PHP). While major hotels, malls, and restaurants in Manila, Cebu, and Boracay accept credit cards (Visa and Mastercard), the Philippines is still very much a cash-based society, especially in Bohol and for smaller vendors. ATMs are widely available in cities, but it is wise to carry enough cash for small purchases, tips (usually 10% if not included), and local transport. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory.
Getting Around Philippines
Intercity travel in the Philippines primarily relies on domestic flights and ferries. Airlines like Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific connect all major islands efficiently. For island-to-island travel like Bohol to Cebu, high-speed ferries are the standard. Within cities, the 'Grab' app is the safest and most reliable way for families to travel, as it provides fixed pricing and air-conditioned vehicles, which are far more comfortable than public jeepneys for those with children and strollers.
