20-Day Epic Philippines Family Adventure: Kid-Friendly & Relaxed
The Philippines is a breathtaking archipelago that offers much more than just rugged backpacking; it is a treasure trove for families seeking an 'Epic Journey' without the stress. This 20-day itinerary focuses on the most accessible and family-friendly regions, ensuring that travel between islands is handled via comfortable flights and fast ferries, and daily activities are paced to accommodate little ones and grandparents alike.
From the interactive museums of Manila to the gentle tarsiers of Bohol and the calm lagoons of Palawan, we have curated a route that blends education, relaxation, and adventure. You will find that the Filipino 'culture of care' makes traveling with children a joy, with locals always ready to lend a helping hand or a smile.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Manila, Philippines - Arrival and Settling In
Arrival at NAIA Terminal
Touch down at Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Take a pre-booked airport car service to your hotel in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) to avoid the chaotic airport taxi lines.
BGC Greenway Park Walk
Enjoy a gentle stroll along the longest linear park in Metro Manila. It is paved and perfectly stroller-accessible, offering a quiet escape from the city bustle.
Dinner at Bonifacio High Street
This open-air mall is entirely pedestrianized. Kids can run around the green patches while you choose from dozens of international and local dining options.
Check-in at Shangri-La The Fort
Retire to a family suite in one of the most child-friendly hotels in the city, featuring an expansive indoor playground called Adventure Zone.
Day 2: Manila, Philippines - Interactive Learning
The Mind Museum
Explore five main galleries in this world-class science museum. It is fully air-conditioned and features hands-on exhibits that are perfect for toddlers and older children.
Lunch at Early Bird Breakfast Club
Enjoy 'breakfast for lunch' in a bright, whimsical setting that kids will love. Their pancakes and lemon butter bangus are local favorites.
Venice Grand Canal Mall Ride
Take a Gondola ride in McKinley Hill. While a bit touristy, children find the boat ride through the man-made canal enchanting.
Sunset at Manila Bay
Drive to the bay area to witness the famous golden sunset. The SM Mall of Asia complex nearby offers plenty of indoor cooling if the heat gets too much.
Day 3: Manila, Philippines - Old World Charm
Intramuros Bamboo Bike or Calesa Tour
Explore the historic walled city. For families, a 'Calesa' (horse-drawn carriage) tour is a magical way to see Fort Santiago without tiring little legs.
Casa Manila Museum
Step back in time to see how Filipino families lived during the Spanish colonial era. The courtyard is a great spot for family photos.
Lunch at Barbara's Heritage Restaurant
Feast on a traditional Filipino buffet accompanied by live musicians performing folk songs in a beautiful stone building.
Ocean Park Manila
Located behind the Quirino Grandstand, this marine theme park features an underwater tunnel and a sea lion show that is a hit with kids.
Day 4: Manila to Bohol - Island Transition
Flight to Panglao (Bohol)
Take a domestic flight to Bohol-Panglao International Airport. The flight is short (approx. 1.5 hours) and the new airport is very modern and easy to navigate.
Resort Transfer
Most resorts on Panglao Island offer private van transfers. The drive is scenic and takes about 15-20 minutes to reach the Alona Beach area.
Beachside Lunch
Enjoy fresh fruit shakes and grilled fish at one of the many relaxed eateries along Alona Beach.
Resort Pool Time
After a travel morning, let the kids burn off energy in the resort pool while you enjoy the ocean view.
Day 5: Bohol, Philippines - Hills and Tarsiers
Chocolate Hills Viewpoint
See the 1,268 cone-shaped hills. There is a paved staircase to the view deck; however, if with a stroller, the base area still provides a wonderful view.
Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary
Visit the world's smallest primates in Corella. This sanctuary is quieter and more ethical than others, focusing on conservation and silence—which kids find fascinating.
Loboc River Cruise
Enjoy a buffet lunch on a floating platform that cruises down the emerald river. It's gentle, shaded, and features local cultural performances.
Man-made Forest
A quick stop under the canopy of towering mahogany trees for a breath of fresh air and a beautiful family photo.
Day 6: Bohol, Philippines - Marine Wonders
Dolphin Watching
Board a private 'Bangka' (outrigger boat). Early morning is the best time to see wild dolphins jumping near Pamilacan Island.
Balicasag Island Snorkeling
The waters here are shallow and crystal clear, making it safe for kids to see sea turtles even from the boat if they aren't ready to swim.
Island Picnic Lunch
Enjoy a simple lunch of grilled meat and rice served on the beach at Balicasag.
Virgin Island Sandbar
Walk on a stunning white sandbar that appears during low tide. It’s perfect for kids to splash in very shallow water.
Day 7: Bohol, Philippines - Sustainable Fun
Bohol Bee Farm
Take an educational farm tour. Kids can learn about bees, organic farming, and try the famous Malunggay (moringa) ice cream.
Farm-to-Table Lunch
Dine on the deck overlooking the sea. The food is organic, colorful, and very healthy for growing kids.
Hinagdanan Cave
Explore this naturally lit limestone cave. It’s easily accessible via a short flight of stairs and features a beautiful lagoon.
Dinner in Panglao Town
Explore the local town center for a variety of pizza and pasta places that are always a safe bet for picky eaters.
Day 8: Bohol to Cebu - The Fast Ferry
Travel to Tagbilaran Pier
A short 20-minute drive from the beach brings you to the ferry terminal for your journey to Cebu City.
OceanJet Fast Ferry
Travel in Business Class for extra legroom and air conditioning. The journey to Cebu takes exactly 2 hours across calm waters.
Arrival in Cebu City
Transfer to your hotel in the city center. Cebu is the 'Queen City of the South' and offers a mix of history and modern malls.
Sirao Garden (Little Amsterdam)
Drive up the hills to see vibrant flower gardens and giant hand structures. It's a colorful, fun place for children to run around.
Day 9: Cebu, Philippines - History and Heights
Magellan's Cross & Santo Niño
Visit the most iconic historical sites in Cebu. They are located right next to each other and are easily accessible by stroller.
Fort San Pedro
A small, manageable triangular fort that kids will enjoy exploring. The garden inside is well-maintained and peaceful.
Lechon Lunch at House of Lechon
You cannot visit Cebu without trying the famous roasted pig. This restaurant offers a comfortable, air-conditioned environment for families.
Temple of Leah
Known as Cebu's Taj Mahal, this grand marble structure offers sweeping views of the city and plenty of space for kids to walk around.
Day 10: Cebu, Philippines - Mactan Island Relax
Transfer to Mactan
Cross the bridge to Mactan Island, home to the region's best luxury family resorts.
Mactan Shrine
A small park dedicated to the local hero Lapu-Lapu. It's stroller-friendly and features interesting statues and local souvenir stalls.
Check-in at JPark Island Resort
This resort is a child’s dream, featuring its own waterpark with multiple slides and themed pools.
Seafood Dinner at Lantaw Floating Restaurant
Enjoy a meal on a pier over the water with a beautiful view of the Cebu City skyline across the channel.
Day 11: Cebu, Philippines - Day of Leisure
Resort Water Park Fun
Spend the morning enjoying the lazy river and kid-safe pools at your resort.
Lunch at The Abaca Group Restaurants
Try Maya Mexican or Phat Pho for high-quality, family-friendly food within the Mactan area.
Cultural Guitar Factory Tour
Visit Alegre Guitars. It’s a short, fascinating tour showing how world-class instruments are made. Very quiet and stroller-accessible.
Family Movie Night
Many Mactan resorts offer outdoor movie screenings for kids on the lawn in the evenings.
Day 12: Cebu to El Nido - Flight to Paradise
Flight to El Nido (Lio Airport)
Board a boutique flight with AirSwift. This is the only airline that flies directly into El Nido, saving you a 6-hour van ride from Puerto Princesa.
Lio Beach Arrival
The airport is located within the Lio Tourism Estate, which is designed with sustainability and accessibility in mind—rare for Palawan!
Lunch at Lio Estate
The entire beachfront has a wooden boardwalk that is 100% stroller-friendly, lined with great restaurants like Shaka Bowls.
Sunset Walk
Lio Beach faces west, providing some of the best and easiest-to-access sunsets in the Philippines.
Day 13: El Nido, Philippines - The Big Lagoon
Private Premium Boat Tour
For families, a private boat is essential. You can set the pace and return early if the kids get tired. Visit the Big Lagoon where you can kayak together.
Secret Lagoon Exploration
A small crawl-through entrance leads to a hidden world. Older kids will find this adventure-movie-style exploration thrilling.
Beach BBQ Lunch
Your boat crew will grill fresh fish, chicken, and fruit on a remote island beach. It's the ultimate tropical family picnic.
Seven Commandos Beach
The final stop has a beach bar and swings, perfect for relaxing while the kids play in the sand.
Day 14: El Nido, Philippines - Relaxation Day
Nacpan Beach Trip
Rent a private van to this 4km stretch of golden sand. The waves are generally calm enough for supervised swimming.
Lunch at Sunmai
A trendy beach club at Nacpan that serves great pizza and has comfortable lounge chairs for a family afternoon nap.
Inland Exploration
On the way back, stop at local villages to see the carabao (water buffalo) in the rice fields.
Dinner at El Nido Town
Explore the bustling town center. While not very stroller-friendly due to narrow streets, it is very walkable and full of energy.
Day 15: El Nido, Philippines - Small Lagoon & Snorkel
Tour B: Caves and Coves
Visit Cudugnon Cave and Entalula Island. These spots are less crowded and offer very calm waters for snorkeling.
Snake Island
Not named for snakes, but for its winding sandbar that connects two islands. It's a very shallow and safe place for kids to walk in the ocean.
Lunch on the Boat
Another fantastic spread prepared by your local guides.
Massage at the Resort
Many resorts in El Nido offer in-room massages. A great way to unwind while the kids watch a movie.
Day 16: El Nido, Philippines - Canopy and Culture
Canopy Walk (Ferrata)
For families with older children (7+), the harnessed walk over the limestone cliffs offers incredible views of the bay with high safety standards.
El Nido Public Market
Visit the local market to see the variety of tropical fruits. It's a great educational experience for kids to see where local food comes from.
Cooking Class
Join a simplified Filipino cooking class where kids can help make 'Lumpia' (spring rolls).
Free Time at the Beach
A final afternoon of sandcastle building and swimming in the calm Lio Beach waters.
Day 17: El Nido to Puerto Princesa - The Scenic Drive
Private Van Transfer
While long (5-6 hours), a private van allows you to stop whenever the kids need a break. The road is now fully paved and much smoother than in years past.
Lunch in Roxas
Stop at a midway point for a simple, local lunch. There are several 'Kainan' (eateries) that cater to travelers.
Arrival in Puerto Princesa
Check into your hotel. Puerto Princesa is a much greener, wider city than Manila or Cebu.
Iwahig Firefly Watching
Take a paddleboat tour through the mangroves at night to see thousands of fireflies. It’s a quiet, magical experience that enchants all ages.
Day 18: Puerto Princesa, Philippines - Underground River
Sabang Beach Drive
Travel to the town of Sabang, the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Underground River.
Underground River Tour
Board a small boat with an audio guide. The cave is filled with stunning stalactites and thousands of bats. (Note: Life vests and helmets are mandatory).
Buffet Lunch in Sabang
Enjoy a large spread of local dishes at one of the resorts along the beautiful Sabang Beach.
Sabang Mangrove Forest
A quiet paddleboat tour where you can see snakes (in trees!), monkeys, and various bird species in their natural habitat.
Day 19: Puerto Princesa, Philippines - Wildlife and Farewell
Palawan Wildlife Rescue Center
Formerly known as the Crocodile Farm. It’s well-laid out and safe for strollers, featuring everything from tiny hatchlings to massive saltwater crocodiles.
Lunch at Kalui Restaurant
A famous artistic restaurant where you leave your shoes at the door. The floor is polished wood (great for crawling babies!) and the food is incredibly fresh.
Baker's Hill
A whimsical park/bakery with life-sized statues, gardens, and a playground. It’s a favorite for local families and great for a relaxed afternoon.
Farewell Dinner
Enjoy a final feast of Palawan 'Sari-sari' (variety) seafood as you toast to an epic 20-day journey.
Day 20: Puerto Princesa to Manila - Departure
Last Minute Souvenir Shopping
Visit the MCA Market Mall for authentic Palawan pearls and woven handicrafts to take home.
Flight to Manila
Take your domestic connection back to Manila. The flight is about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Transit to International Terminal
Allow ample time (3-4 hours) for your transfer between terminals in Manila due to traffic.
International Departure
Board your flight home, bringing back memories of an epic, family-bonded Filipino adventure.
Best Time to Visit Philippines
The best time for a family trip to the Philippines is during the dry season, from December to April. During these months, you’ll enjoy blue skies and calm seas, which are essential for boat tours and island hopping. March and April can be quite hot, so plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon. The shoulder months of May and November can also be good, though there is a slightly higher risk of rain.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Philippine Peso (PHP). While major hotels, malls, and restaurants in Manila and Cebu accept credit cards (Visa and Mastercard), the islands like Bohol and Palawan are still very much cash-dependent. Always carry enough cash for small meals, boat tips, and local markets. ATMs are available in major towns, but they can occasionally run out of cash or reject international cards, so it's wise to withdraw in the cities before heading to more remote areas.
Getting Around Philippines
Intercity travel in the Philippines is best done via domestic flights for long distances—airlines like Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and AirSwift are reliable. For travel between Bohol and Cebu, the fast ferry (OceanJet) is the most efficient method. Within cities, the Grab app is a lifesaver for families, providing safe, fixed-price car transport. For day tours in Bohol or Palawan, hiring a private air-conditioned van is highly recommended over local tricycles for safety, comfort, and stroller storage.
