'Our friends suggested Bali or Thailand - we went here on our family holiday instead'

When it comes to tropical travel destinations, Aussies are spoilt for choice. But while we have been busy booking the usual suspects, Australian families have been flying over a hidden gem with more than 7000 islands.

After hearing about all the fun on offer in places such as Bali or Thailand, my family wanted our share of the action.

But it wasn't until other close friends of ours convinced us of the awesome experiences on offer in Philippines that we made our decision.

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On the surface, a place like Boracay (one of those previously mentioned 7000 islands) appears to be a party spot meant for young people looking to let loose.

And although that is certainly an option, families should not be skipping it as a must-see family destination.

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From quad bike rides through the jungle to diving with tropical fish or zip-lining over gorgeous rivers, Boracay is jam-packed with kid-friendly experiences.

But the islands aren't where the adventure ends, with Manila offering up exploration, food and shopping in a very modern way compared to other major cities in the region.

Here are all the reasons the Philippines is the ultimate family destination for your 2026 holiday.

1. Your holiday dollar goes further

The Philippines remains one of the most accessible destinations for families looking to stretch their holiday dollar without compromising on experience.

In spots such as Boracay, you can head to the local wet markets to pick up fresh seafood and have it cooked to order for a fraction of the cost of a resort meal.

Overall, meals are cheaper than most destinations in South-East Asia. One night in Boracay we wandered into a Korean barbecue spot and spent less than $100 to feed a very hungry family of three.

And because of the broad base of tourists who visit these shores, there is something there for everyone.

Western staples can be found in the malls and mini-marts, and all the hotels feature the kind of fare suited to younger palates (thankfully our six-year-old was a bit more adventurous).

But some of our best times in Boracay were spent inside the resort. Our room had direct pool access from the back door, which meant breakfast was generally followed by a swim. This meant on days we were all tired from adventuring, there was still something easy to keep the family entertained.

Over in Siargao, the price of one-on-one surf tuition is reasonable enough that daily sessions for the kids are affordable.

These lower costs give parents the freedom to say "yes" to that room upgrade or for an extra island-hopping tour.

2. Island activities built for every age

This archipelago offers distinct vibes depending on your family's interests.

Boracay is for easy family fun. The island is known for its White Beach which features four kilometres of powder fine sand that is perfect for toddlers and younger children to play in safely.

If you can handle the steady stream of booking agents who line the beaches at Station 1 and Station 2, you'll quickly find a family activity to dive into.

Through these individual operators we booked a sunset sail for one evening, an island-hopping cruise on another, and then a day of quad bike riding, zip lines and river swimming which involved a short boat trip back to the mainland.

The agents generally work for one of the bigger tourism operators on the ground in Boracay, so once you're booked in, you're shuffled straight to the docks and taken to your destination.

Siargao is an easy destination for families travelling with teenagers.

While it's best known for its world-class surf breaks, the island also offers plenty of accessible adventures beyond surfing; from scenic motorbike trails and safe rock pools to vast palm-tree forests that are easy to explore together.

And for the older members of the touring party who love to shop, there is one place you must visit in Manila: Greenhills Mall.

Almost 40 acres of markets are located under one roof in San Juan in the city's west, making it a bargain hunter's paradise.

3. Nature's classroom

The Philippines offers unique, ethical wildlife experiences that also serve as powerful learning moments for children.

In Bohol, families can join a guided rainforest walk to encounter the tarsier,  one of the world's smallest primates, in its natural habitat. The Philippine Tarsier Foundation operates the country's leading tarsier sanctuary in Corella, Bohol, protecting 134 hectares of critical forest while offering educational visits that help fund conservation and community development programs.

For a true bucket-list experience, families can head to Oslob in Cebu for a regulated, eco-focused whale shark encounter, allowing visitors to swim alongside these majestic animals in the wild under controlled conditions.

Even away from nature, there was plenty to keep a young mind ticking over in the heart of bustling Manila.

The Mind Museum in the city's BGC district was an instant hit with our son, who enjoyed a bit of modern play after so much time in the great outdoors.

4. Interactive cultural immersions

Filipino culture is famously communal, with many experiences designed for families to share.

Wander the historic streets of Intramuros in Manila to discover the capital's rich history, or plan your visit around one of the country's lively local festivals.

How to get there

Philippine Airlines flies direct to Manila from Sydney and Brisbane daily, with five weekly flights from Melbourne.

Its domestic connections make hopping between these 7000 islands a breeze. The airline was also named Asia-Pacific's Most Punctual Airline for 2025 by Cirium.

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