ElizabethEmbark on a thrilling family adventure through the Philippines, where pristine beaches, rich marine life, and vibrant local culture await. Join us as we detail our journey from Bohol’s underwater wonders to Coron’s tropical paradise. This itinerary offers a blend of relaxation, exploration, and unique educational experiences that are perfect for a family looking to immerse themselves in nature and local traditions. Here’s how we organized our trip, packed with activities that cater to both kids and adults alike, ensuring safety and comfort without compromising on the authentic local experience.
I have an Instagram Story about this trip. It’s a great way to see photos from our time there and get a feeling for the trip’s vibe.
Philippines Beach Trip Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Bohol
- Morning: Flight from Tokyo to Manila, followed by a connecting flight to Panglao.
- Manila Airport Transfer: Navigating Manila Airport can be confusing. To reach the local terminal, you’ll need to take a shuttle. Although there may be attempts to charge for this service, it’s included in your transfer fare, so insist on your free ride. The local terminal itself is quite basic and a bit rough around the edges. For a more comfortable wait, we opted to pay for lounge access, providing a relaxed space with food and drinks for the family.
- Woobles Kit. I love these for travel. I finished one on our layover in Manila.
- Evening: Check-in at Ocean Suites Bohol.
- Enjoy the family-friendly amenities, including a great pool and a central location, at the hotel. They assisted in arranging our driver and offered a room that comfortably fit our family. Although we encountered some bugs and an issue with hot water that couldn’t be resolved during our stay, the security was excellent with 24-hour service, making us feel safe. The included breakfast was delightful, complemented by an attached coffee bar, adding to our overall enjoyable experience.
Day 2: Exploring Bohol
- Morning: Rest and recovery from travel.
- Afternoon: Snorkeling at Napaling Reef
- Sardine Run Experience: Witnessing the sardine run at Napaling Reef is a breathtaking natural spectacle. Thousands of sardines move in unison, creating dynamic, shifting shapes in the crystal-clear waters—a truly mesmerizing underwater ballet that captivates snorkelers and divers alike.
- Choosing Napaling Adventure Center: For a seamless experience, we opted for Napaling Adventure Center as our tour operator. Required local guides are available at the national park entrance, but this operator offers a comprehensive package that enhances the adventure. They not only provide a secure facility for personal belongings but also include guides who are excellent with children, making the experience more enjoyable for the whole family. Additionally, they ensure memorable moments are captured by accompanying photographers with GoPros. The guides were attentive, managing our equipment and even coordinating with our driver post-tour, truly worth the extra cost for a worry-free day.
- We travel with our own snorkel gear so that we know it fits the kids but Napaling Adventure Center and other providers on the island also rent gear.
- Evening: Experience the magic of Bohol with an evening firefly kayak tour, including dinner.
- Kayak Firefly Tour with Kayakasia Philippines: The firefly watching tour in Bohol is a magical experience, especially via kayak. Gliding quietly along the river, you witness entire trees illuminated intermittently by clusters of fireflies, synchronizing their light patterns in a mesmerizing display. This eco-friendly approach not only minimizes noise pollution but also allows deeper down the river, enhancing the encounter with nature. Kayakasia Philippines offers a comprehensive package that includes delicious dinner and convenient round-trip transportation from your lodging, making it a perfect, though late-night, adventure.
Day 3: Adventure Continues with All Day Private Tour with Amazing Bohol
- Morning: Early start for a Whale Shark
- Whale Shark Tour Experience: The whale shark tour with Amazing Bohol provides a unique opportunity to swim close to these gentle giants right off the coast. While the experience is magical, seeing these magnificent creatures up close, the practice of chumming the water to attract them, and the crowded conditions raise ethical and safety concerns. The tour contributes significantly to the local economy, yet the moral implications may leave some visitors feeling conflicted. It’s advisable to consider these aspects carefully before booking.
- Handling Accidents: During our tour, we faced a minor mishap when our middle child slipped in the changing rooms, necessitating a visit to the hospital. Thanks to our driver’s quick response and efficient transport, along with the superb support from our international travel insurance, we received prompt medical attention. Within two hours, we were safely back on our tour, grateful for the swift and effective care provided, ensuring minimal disruption to our adventure.
- Afternoon: Island tour: visit to the Tarsier Sanctuary, a river lunch cruise & Chocolate Hills
- Loboc River Cruise Lunch Stop: The Loboc River Cruise offers a picturesque voyage down the tranquil river, complemented by a buffet lunch aboard. Guests enjoy a variety of local dishes suitable for all ages, along with a cultural performance stop where traditional Filipino dances are showcased. This leisurely cruise provides a unique dining experience with scenic views of the lush riverside.
- Tarsier Sanctuary Visit: A visit to the Tarsier Sanctuary allows a glimpse into the world of one of the smallest primates. While efforts are made to maintain a natural setting for these nocturnal creatures, the sanctuary organizes viewing in a way that minimizes human impact yet maximizes visitor experience. Observing tarsiers in their native environment offers a rare opportunity to learn about their behaviors and the conservation efforts dedicated to their survival.
- Exploring Chocolate Hills: The Chocolate Hills are an iconic geological formation in Bohol, consisting of at least 1,268 individual mounds spread over an area of more than 50 square kilometers. These grass-covered hills resemble giant molehills and get their name from the brown color they turn during the dry season, resembling heaps of chocolate. A short walking trail leads to a viewpoint offering panoramic views of this extraordinary landscape, providing a perfect photo opportunity and a chance to appreciate the natural beauty of the Philippines.
- Visit to Baclayon Church: Baclayon Church, one of the oldest stone churches in the Philippines, was the final stop on our tour. This historic site, with its impressive colonial architecture and religious artifacts, offers a glimpse into the Philippines’ Spanish colonial past. However, visitors should be aware of the dress code, as I was unable to enter due to wearing shorts, despite the boys, also in shorts, being allowed inside. They managed to capture some photos, which showcase the church’s beautifully preserved interior and intricate details.
- Evening: The plan was to have Dinner at Bohol Bee Farm Restaurant, known for its organic and locally sourced cuisine. However, we didn’t want to track across the island after our epic day. Instead, we ate at a little restaurant next door to the hotel.
Day 4: Water Sports and Island Views
- Stand-Up Paddleboarding on the Loboc River: Returning to the Loboc River, we embraced the serene beauty of the surroundings through stand-up paddleboarding, one of our favorite activities of the trip. With three paddleboards for our family of five, we had a delightful time gliding along the calm waters. The highlight for the kids was learning to use the rope swing to plunge into the river, adding an adventurous twist to our outing. The morning was capped off with a delightful lunch at the Firefly Cottages, making it a truly perfect excursion.
- Afternoon: Sunset tour around Virgin Island.
- Sunset Tour to Virgin Island: On a spontaneous decision to avoid a dull evening at the hotel, we embarked on a sunset tour to Virgin Island. Our journey began with a ride from our driver to the tour’s departure hotel, followed by a quick tuk-tuk transfer to our boat. The snorkeling here was spectacular, though tinged with the excitement of a few jellyfish stings. The tour culminated at a picturesque sandbar, where we played and watched the sun dip below the horizon. It was a simple yet profoundly beautiful experience, perfectly concluding our Bohol adventure.
- Evening: Relaxation back at the hotel.
Day 5: Transition to Coron
- Morning: Departure to Cebu by ferry followed by a flight to Coron.
- Travel Day to Coron via Cebu: Our journey to Coron was an adventure in itself, starting with a ferry ride to Cebu. Post-ferry, a quick 30-minute taxi ride whisked us to the airport for our flight to Coron. The day was not without its hitches; a mix-up on the ferry resulted in someone mistakenly taking Jeff’s luggage. Fortunately, we managed to retrieve it just in time to catch our flight, adding a dose of unexpected excitement to our travel day. Upon arrival, a private transfer took us directly to our resort (van to boat), easing the day’s earlier chaos.
- Evening: Check-in at Sangat Island Dive Resort. Begin the all-inclusive experience.
Days 6 to 8: Sangat Island Dive Resort
- All-Inclusive Dining: Meals at the resort were included and served buffet-style, featuring a delightful variety of delicious dishes. Dining came with the added adventure of monkeys occasionally attempting to swipe some food!
- Accommodations: We stayed in stilted houses with mild air conditioning, which was somewhat helpful during the hotter days. Opting for the air-conditioned units had the added benefit of proximity to the main resort area, making for convenient access to facilities.
- Private Beach and House Reef: The resort boasts a private beach and an accessible house reef, perfect for snorkeling right off the shore. It’s easy to spend entire days just enjoying the water and sand.
- Boat and Snorkeling Excursions: One day, we took a boat trip to snorkel near a shipwreck and visit a pristine beach, providing a memorable underwater adventure. These trips can be booked with the front desk upon arrival. You can choose if you want a private tour or want to join a tour already in progress. The resort provides a lunch while you are out.
- Kayaking and Guided Tours: We rented kayaks and hired a guide to explore local hot springs and additional reefs. Having a guide was invaluable, especially when navigating stronger currents with the kids.
- Bar and Evening Relaxation: The resort’s bar offered great happy hour specials. In the evenings, we enjoyed drinks while the kids played on the beach, creating a relaxing end to our days. (They have smoothies for kids so they don’t have to miss out on the happy hour fun.) This was a great time to do some watercolor, reading, or play somegames.
- Scuba Diving Opportunities: Jeff and Henry tried discovery scuba diving sessions, and there’s also the opportunity to become dive-certified. Teddy even participated in a Jr. Scuba class. While many guests dive daily, there’s no pressure to participate if it’s not your thing.
- Beachfront Bliss: The beach itself was spectacular, providing endless fun and relaxation. It was perfect for days spent playing and lounging by the sea. We checked out a paddleboard one day just to play around on the house reef. We were glad to have a few sand toys with us.
- Travel Tip – Silicone Sand Toys: Don’t forget to pack smart for beach play; our favorite travel sand toys are silicone stacking shovels, which are durable, easy to pack, and always a hit with the kids. We also love these pack flat buckets.
- Resort Canine Companion: The island is home to a friendly dog who’s not only great at keeping monkeys away from the guests but also absolutely adores children. Our kids loved spending time with her, adding a sweet touch to our stay.
- Sunscreen Favorite: Since moving to Japan. I’ve discovered a Korean sunscreen that has quickly become my favorite. It’s incredibly effective, gentle on the skin, and perfect for our sunny adventures. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for reliable sun protection!
Day 9: Departure
- Morning: Leisurely breakfast and last-minute beach time.
- We did not want to say goodbye to this special place.
- Midday: Transfer to the airport for the flight back to Manila, followed by the return trip to Tokyo.
Travel Tips and Considerations:
- Accommodations: Our stay focused on family-friendly resorts that offer spacious accommodations for families of five. While these may not always meet the ‘five-star’ standard internationally, they provide a comfortable, safe, and authentic local experience.
- Health and Safety: In the Philippines, it’s advised not to drink tap water. We travel with a Sawyer squeeze water purifier and always purchase bottled water to ensure safety.
- Local Interaction: Embrace local experiences by trying out activities that let you engage with the natural environment and local communities.
Our Philippines beach trip was more than just a vacation; it was a journey packed with incredible sights, sounds, and tastes that brought us closer as a family. Each activity was chosen to enhance our understanding of the Philippine culture and environment.
We’re already planning our next adventure and can’t wait to share more stories.
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You can also tune in to Care & Feeding: The Podcast where Elizabeth gives parenting advice and often talks about traveling as a family of five.
