My family traveled to the Philippines over the holiday break, and bold statement: it may have been the best family vacation we’ve ever taken. Logistics were easy and adjustment was quick, the country was incredibly welcoming, and it offered so much for our family. While this was a vacation, it was also an opportunity for my siblings, our spouses, and our kids to see where my parents grew up.
We flew nonstop from San Francisco on United (about 15 hours). Love any destination that has a nonstop flight from my home airport. We landed at night (vs. morning/midday like Europe), went to bed and woke up pretty much adjusted to local time. We’re usually struggling day 1 in Europe, so this was nice!
Manila: Not what I expected
Our first stop was Manila, where the main international airport is, and this is where I realized how different the Philippines is from what most people imagine. You see the busy city side, but there’s also a very polished, modern side with beautiful hotels and great restaurants. I think it’s important to see both, but it’s also a reminder that if you prefer to stay in your comfort zone, you can! We stayed in BGC (Bonifacio Global City), which is privately managed and has police on nearly every block. It felt very safe - safe enough that I was comfortable walking around alone at night without thinking twice about it. I feel safer here than many places!
Another thing I noticed immediately: your money goes far here. Luxury doesn’t feel over-the-top expensive in the same way it can in other destinations. I’m embarrassed to say that one of our first food stops was Jamba Juice, but we were traveling with 2 kids who thought it would be such a treat, and it was HOT. Anyway, we got three smoothies for $10. I’m pretty sure three at my local Jamba Juice in Marin would be over 3x that cost. That was our first real “wow, our money goes far here” moment.
Boracay: Lush, calm, and not overdeveloped
From Manila, we took a one-hour flight to Boracay. There are lots of flights every day, and the whole transfer process was easy. A private van takes you from the airport to the port (about 10–15 minutes), then a speedboat takes you to your resort (another 15 minutes). Starting this part of the trip was already a fun adventure. Boracay is beautiful in a very natural way. It’s green and lush, and you don’t see development everywhere you look. Even though we stayed at the Shangri-La (a well-known hotel), it still felt authentic and a bit off the beaten path because the resort is tucked away from town in its own private area.
The resort has two beaches - one fully private and one called Punta Bunga Beach - and honestly, both felt private. We mostly saw other hotel guests and never, ever felt crowded - even during peak holiday season. Never waited for a chair. I really don’t love when you feel you have to reserve chairs at a resort. Not my thing 🙂 The water was one of my favorite parts. It’s clear, warm, and calm enough that kids can walk pretty far out safely. One thing I didn’t expect was how comfortable the temperature always felt. The air and the water are almost the same temperature, so getting in and out of the ocean is easy. The sand doesn’t burn your feet, and in December, it was never too hot or humid. Just perfect, comfortable days.
The food was incredible - a mix of Filipino dishes, other Asian cuisine, and familiar American favorites. Breakfast deserves its own mention. There was a full fresh juice and tropical fruit station, a donut wall, and even a dessert station. Yes, dessert at breakfast. Obviously, the kids were excited about that, and while it’s not something we’d allow at home….anything goes on vacation! Our room was huge - a king bed, two rollaways, a massive bathroom with both a bathtub and shower, and a large patio where my husband I would drink our coffee/tea listening to the ocean. It was the most peaceful way to start the day.
My sister’s family of five stayed in the same type of suite and were very comfortable. Families of five don’t always have easy options at luxury resorts, and this one really works. The resort is also incredibly set up for kids:
-An entertainment center with Pop-A-Shot, air hockey, foosball, ping pong, pool tables, board games, and so much more.
-A kids’ activity center with toys for toddlers and slides. There was a drop slide that the big kids loved.
-A weekly activity schedule: slime making, cookie making, and even candle making (which my parents joined and loved)
One big tip: Kids ages 5–12 get totally free childcare. Under 5 needs a parent or nanny to stay, but the on-site nannies are wonderful - fully engaged and clearly forming real bonds with the kids. I saw so many hugs by the end of the week.
Final thoughts
If you’ve ever been around Filipinos, you know how kind and warm they are. The service at each hotel (and truly, in every shop, restaurant, etc.) reflected that constantly. Our host at Shangri-La Boracay, Robert, always seemed to know where we were and would constantly check in to see if we needed anything. One small moment stood out: my son ordered pizza without bell peppers, and when it came with bell peppers, three different servers came by to apologize and ask if he wanted a new one. He just picked them off, but it showed how much they genuinely care about your experience.
The Philippines feels far away in a good way - but it’s not complicated to get to. It offers warm water, beautiful landscapes, the kindest people, and incredible value. While I have personal ties to the country, it’s now a destination I’ll absolutely be recommending more often. If you’ve ever been curious about the Philippines, this might be your sign to look a little closer. And now I’m deep into researching which island we should visit next…
