Hi Nina, in order to get the most accurate information, I would definitely get in touch with the hotel directly. All our information is correct at the time of publishing, however, I would speak to the hotel to address your concerns. Thanks, Katja

I am traveling with my family in 7 weeks and going to boracay Station 1.
I woke with some of my relatives from the Philippines and was told that they do not allow kids under 7 to get on the boat and stay in the resort we booked. I just want to know if it is true or not because now I am worried that we have already booked everything and the hotel is non-refundable.

can someone please confirm if this is true or not so I can make arrangements.

thank you.

Hi Mae, thanks for your message. They are 3 very different places so it depends on what you are looking for. In terms of safety, Boracay probably tops the list as there is alot of security present on the island. However it is also the busiest and more commercial of the 3 places.
The remote beaches of Palawan are the most beautiful and awe inspiring within the country. It is secluded and a good place to find peace and tranquility. Bohol is a good middle ground, since it has some great resorts (with security), gorgeous beaches, fantastic snorkeling (balicasag island) and some brilliant inland adventures (tarsier sanctuary).
Personally if i was travelling with 3 kids under 3 i would chose Bohol (Amorita Resort) or Boracay (Anywhere on station 1 or Diniwind beach), since you will be on the beach with access to babycare needs, medical facilities, and babysitting services.

Thanks for the info. I have twins 1.5yrs, son 2.5yrs.

Where would you recommend more, palawan, Boracay or Bohol? Safest and also budget wise would be great. We’re travelling with my parents, so hopefully it’ll be a good trip.

Looking forward to your reply.

Omg Philippa THANK YOU , Thank you do so much my mind is more at ease a little now with the information you have shared with me .
We are staying at the Boracay Island Resort , I am going to for sure going to heck out all the places you said and the sail boat I was intending on taking a small swim vest ( jacket ) for the 2.5 year old .
My 2 girls are very very excited as we leave in 42 days I think this is why I’m a tad nervous too as they weren’t coming with us at all but things changed and the decisions was make 6 days ago . I will keep in contact and tell you how we went , I’m not sure ? how I can do this as I just come across your info just out of the blue and haven’t closed it off on my phone as of yet in case I can’t find it again .
Also MERRY CHRISTMAS ? i hope you had a beautiful time with your family thanks so much again
Kylie x

Dear Kylie,

Boracay is a great place to take the children. It is the most well known island in the Philippines and is very ‘developed’ with international Hotels such as the Shangrila and famous eateries such as EPIC and Yellow Cab Pizza. Finding activities with the kids depends on where you stay. The high end hotels have their own kids activities such as the Shangrila and Discovery Shores. If you are staying in a hotel with no kids activities then the beach is filled with sandcastles and there are plenty of places to buy buckets and spades. There beach is perfect for children as the tide is so low the waters remain very shallow for several meters.

My 2 year old loves to run on the beach, play in the water and make sand castles. While older children can enjoy snorkeling around Willy’s Rock. There are lots of water sports on offer, but my top pick for families is definitely a sunset sail up and down the beach. I took both my kids on this activity (2 and 5) and they loved lying in the catamaran nets while the boats sailed through the wind. I always pack infant life vests as the standard issue are usually a bit ill fitting.

Your 11 year old may like to get her hair braided, enjoy a massage or have some funky nail art. They are really into pampering in the Philippines, I occasionally take my daughter for a 30minute massage on the beach or a little pedicure. She loves it and for 500php it great value!

My kids love taking a tricycle tour around the island. Especially the 2 year old as he is obsessed with motor bikes. You can visit the smaller beaches such as Diniwind and Pukka Beach.

Epic is a good place to eat with the kids. I also recommend Nami on Diniwind Beach as it has a cool bamboo elevator, great views and yummy healthy food. The children also love the many juice bars on the beach who make different kinds of fresh fruit smoothies,

There are many westerners who live on the island and run businesses. They have set up a few Facebook groups like “Boracay Kids Club” for locals and visitors. They host events such as mural painting and festive celebrations.

I hope this helps.

Bon Voyage!

Philippa

Hi Kylie, thanks so much for getting in touch. Philippa, who wrote the post, is travelling at the moment but will respond personally soon. In the meantime I just wanted to say that you will have an amazing time on Boracay! Philippa went when her kids were very young and they found lots of things to do. I know she will give you more advice! Thanks again for commenting.

Hi Ally, Yes December is one of the busier months to go, but it is also a great time to go as the weather is favourable which means more time on the beach. Your kids will have a great time playing in the sand and the sea. Make sure you remind the hotel if you need a baby cot. You can even take a simple stroller to Boracay as the pathway behind the main beach is stroller friendly. Have a great time. – Philippa.