A Philippines Family Adventure

When you land in Cebu, you’ll be whisked away by private transfer to the port, where you’ll cross by airboat to Tagbilaran on the island of Bohol. For the next four nights, relax in your beautiful villa on a private sandy beach lined with coconut trees. Unwind after your trip with a dip in the infinity pool as you soak up the sea views.

Bohol is famous for its ‘Chocolate Hills’: limestone hills that have been eroded into perfect cones and listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. In the rainy season they’re lush and green, and when it’s dry they turn a chocolate brown. The coastline, meanwhile, is an enticing succession of beaches, fishing villages and charming limestone churches.

While you’re here, we’ll arrange for you to spend a day discovering the island. Set off to explore the Chocolate Hills, keeping your eyes peeled for tarsiers – the world’s smallest primates – which are endemic to this region. Between two hills, you’ll enjoy lunch as you cruise down the Loboc River. For any little adventurers in your family, there’s also the opportunity to cycle suspended on a 1804ft cable with a 360° view of the hills.

You’re free to spend the rest of your time on the island relaxing and exploring at your own pace, but if you like, we can also arrange a snorkelling daytrip. During this activity, you’ll board a canoe and head for the island of Balicasag. Armed with a mask and snorkel, explore this incredible marine sanctuary, spotting colourful fish and sea turtles in the turquoise water. We can also arrange an afternoon at Kawasan Falls: after a walk through the river surrounded by tropical forest, you’ll reach the beautiful cascading waterfalls and spend the afternoon cooling off in the vibrant waters of the natural pools.

From the port of Tagbilaran, you’ll take an airboat crossing to Dumaguete on the island of Negros. You’ll spend the next three nights in a hotel in the heart of an old plantation, surrounded by tropical gardens of bougainvillea and frangipani trees. You’re just a few steps from the beach here, so when you’re not splashing about in the swimming pool, head down to the water to explore the surrounding seabed or laze on the sand. Your hotel has its own diving centre, offering daily trips to the surrounding reefs, and introductions to diving for children as young as eight. Little ones will love all the child-friendly activities on offer, which include yoga for youngsters, a children’s pool or mini massages at the spa. There are also babysitters available in case you fancy an indulgent trip to the spa or a romantic dinner without the children in tow.

While there’s plenty to get stuck into at your hotel, we’ll also arrange for you to spend the day at the volcanic Apo Island, which you’ll reach by banca (traditional canoe). Covered with dense vegetation and surrounded by turquoise sea, Apo offers some of the most incredible snorkelling in the world – look out for clown fish, corals and crocodile fish. When you’ve had your fill of exploring the seabed, take a stroll around the peaceful island.

You might want to spend the rest of your time on Negros simply making the most of the incredible snorkelling, diving and relaxation opportunities available. If you’re up for some more exploring, however, we can plan a hike in Twin Lakes National Park around the two crater lakes, which are surrounded by lush forest.

The final stop on your Philippines family adventure is Zaragosa, which you’ll reach after a hydrofoil crossing to Cebu, and then a private transfer by car (which takes about three hours in total). A short crossing of just a few minutes then brings you to the idyllic islet of Zaragosa, where you’ll spend three nights in a spacious villa. This haven of peace is yours to enjoy as you please, whether that means trips to the spa followed by yoga and meditation classes, or underwater days exploring the exceptional seabed. If you find yourself craving more adventure, you can head back to Cebu for an exploration of the jungle, or spend some time swimming with whale sharks.