The Lowdown on Planning a Trip to Phillippines

As a family, we love to vacation in South-East Asia. What’s not to like? Most of the places are kid-friendly (yes, we found family friendly things to do even in notorious Pattaya), cheap, and easy to get to from Bangalore.

This year, as we again begin our travel planning for the annual holiday in December, my eyes wander off to the right-hand side of the map we have on hand, and for some reason Phillippines is beckoning to me.

Maybe it’s because I read this book Simple Plane Love, which was almost like a loving tour guide of Phillippines. Or maybe, it’s because my office colleague has been non-stop moaning to me about his much awaited trip to Phillippines, which he could unfortunately not go to because of personal issues.

Whatever the case, for now, Phillippines is the country I am eyeing for our family holiday, and I have been earnestly googling travel packages for Phillippines.

I have also been looking here to find out about accommodation in Phillippines.

Unlike our Malaysia – Singapore trip couple of years back (a mad rush), I am thinking this time we should take it slow n easy just enjoying our time exploring the sights to see in Phillippines.

I have heard that it is better not to spend too much time in the capital city Manila, instead head off to Cebu City for the culture, and Boracay for the beaches.

Cebu City

In Cebu City, the impressive Taoist temple seems worth a visit, as does the Basilica del Santo Nino, which is the oldest Roman Catholic church in the country.

I am also contemplating a historical tour of the city on a horse-drawn carriage. This is a little iffy. The kids may love the horse carriage ride, or they may get bored in the first 10-15 minutes. We shall see.

Boracay

Boracay is the real draw for us. We are all beach bunnies, and a few days in the sun and sand is our idea of heaven.

All the photos I have seen of Diniwid Beach make it seem like the most idyllic place to set down our bags and just chill with the kids. There does not seem to be any water sports though. For that, we would have to make our way to Yapak beach for some snorkeling. Snubnose really loved her tryst with snorkeling in Langkawi, and she would jump at the opportunity to do it again here.

Another activity that is calling out to me is the eco-adventure day-trip at Ariels Point where there is more snorkeling, as well as kayaking, and paddle boarding. I couldn’t find out too much more information about this on the wev, but the photos on the web are to die for. Definitely worth investigating further.

If we get too tired of the beaches (very unlikely), then we could try out ziplining, which is supposed to be more fun than scary. So hopefully, my kids would be interested in trying it out. I also googled a bit and find out about the Motag Living Museum, where one can experience a day in the life of a traditional Filipino farmer, learning farming methods, and trying various crafts. Might be a pleasant change for the kids, while at the same time being a good learning experience.

And that’s all I have planned, really. It seems like a good enough itinerary to me. What do you think? Have you been to Phillippines? Which are the must-see places you’d recommend to me?