So I'm guessing there are a few ppl that are after similar info after we all booked our Cebu air flights to the Philippines. I've never been and I'm wondering where we should go boracay, Palawan etc or are there nice islands closer to Manila? Should I stay in Manila etc. I have 2 kids 5&11 and looking for nice resorts with kids club, beach etc. it's doing my head in reading all these reviews on trip advisor and trying to work out where to visit!
Anywhere but Manila
I have never been there, but Puerto Galera 'White Beach' is a place popular with Philippino families. However Puerto Galera 'Sabang Beach' has a lot of bars, and not a family destination. Both beaches are well separated. Lots of diving snorkling etc in the area. Bus/Ferry service from Manila by Sikat looks good. http://www.sikatferrybus.com/
I have never been to Puerto Galera, but have been told its the Philippines mini version of Pattaya in Thailand, (Must be because of the girlie bars) might have to go check it out when i go back in December
That must be Sabang. About 8 bars. other than that, and from looking at youtube clips, the place is very different to Pattaya. Note, Sabang no sandy beach. White Beach sandy beach but no bars. From the number of dive shops etc in the area I expect the diving/snorkling to be brilliant!
Thanks guys I don't want to do 2 many destinations I've only booked for 9days I would like to relax for a few days and sight see and shop! Btw I loved pattaya in Thailand stayed at the centara grand mirage and thought it was amazing so I will look into it :)
I recommend Boracay then, perfect for what you would like to do, aswell as plenty of activities around the island to entertain your children. Spend a day shopping in Manila in the giant malls there aswell if you want to break up the trip flying between Sydney > Manila > Caticlan or Kalibo (Boracay)
In Manila, I really enjoyed a visit to the old walled city Intramuros, Manila Hotel for a drink (research - Ex HQ of Gen. Macarthur) and Manila American Cemetery & Memorial. I don't know if the children will enjoy them though.
IMO - Palawan is beautiful (El Nido particularly), but I dont know how you'd go with kids keeping them entertained for a week, or feed your need to shop.
I got cheap tickets too for November and am wondering where to go. I'm a big city person so am looking forward to Manila, despite all the usual cons I've heard. Make sure you check out this deal and get the SEA on a budget ebook: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/155298
Lists Palawan and Ifugao Rice Terraces in the top 20.
My number one tip for Manila. Plan your town taxi travel around avoiding peak hour (AKA rush hour) traffic.
Personally having visited all the places you have mentioned this year, and also have booked the Cebu Pacific fares to go back in December.
I would definitely recommend Boracay(Staying on White Beach) & Palawan, also Cebu has great resorts out of town as well as swimming with whale sharks in Oslob, and trips to Bohol with the chocolate hills etc.
I also visited Legazpi City which has some resorts about an hour away (Zac Efron has stayed there) and the most amazing volcano called Mayon Volcano (In my profile picture) just along side the city.
In regards to Manila many people might disagree with me, but i would suggest you do not spend a lot of time there, i found it really intimidating even in Makati or the green belt… Sure maybe a day to do some shopping at mall of Asia and see some sights etc but it is most defiantly not a kid friendly safe place compared to some other cities in Asia.
You could go to the Philippines and just visit one destination or you could just as easily visit all those you have mentioned.
I booked domestic flights with Cebu Pacific & Air Asia Philippines/Zest and basically flew a circle.
Manila > Legazpi > Cebu > Boracay > Manila. Then Manila > Palawan > Manila
I travel a lot and visit at-least 10 countries a year and The Philippines is defiantly one of my favorites.
It is an amazing place with some very friendly people and absolutely beautiful islands, just please don't judge the country on Manila.
Enjoy!