Siargao with Kids: Top Activities and Tips for Families
Campfire Crates Family Holidays in the Philippines
Siargao has long been on my bucket list, and I’m so glad we were able to make it there this year. I’ve heard such great things about it, and a huge thanks to all my friends who sent their recommendations. Thinking of taking a trip to Siargao with kids? Read on!
Where is Siargao?
Siargao Island is located in the southern region of Mindanao in the Philippines. It is renowned for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and world-class surfing spots like Cloud 9. I describe it like Bali before it got too developed. This tropical paradise offers a laid-back atmosphere, perfect for relaxation and adventure.
How We Got There
Traveling to Siargao with young children might seem daunting, but it’s an adventure worth every effort.
We started our journey from Singapore, flying via Singapore Airlines to Cebu, and stayed for 2 nights at the Shangri-La Mactan. I’ve never been to Siargao before, and I wanted to give the kids (and my not-so-adventurous husband) a break somewhere familiar before we flew to Siargao. Breaking up the trip like this makes it easier and less stressful when you’re with younger kids.
From Cebu, we took a Cebu Pacific flight to Siargao. They offer several flights a day, so there are lots of options. The Mactan-Cebu International Airport was well-organized and comfortable, both the international and domestic terminals. It was the good reviews of this airport that convinced me to do a Philippines trip this summer.
Flights in the Philippines: Booking Tips
Domestic flights in the Philippines tend to be delayed, so it’s better to book flights earlier in the day to give you some breathing room, especially when you have kids with you! Also, keep in mind check-in and check-out times at the hotels when you book your flights. You don’t want to spend too much time waiting for your rooms or checking out hours before your flight. You can always ask for early check-in or late check-out.
I find it worth paying for premium seats so that we can ensure we are all sitting together and the kids are comfortable. It’s a short flight, but it’s one less thing to stress about. These small planes board from the back, so book the seats at the back, not the front. The flight was about an hour, which was perfect for our 5 and 7-year-olds. Make sure to pack some snacks (they don’t serve any on the plane) and activities to keep the little ones entertained. I recommend our Campfire Crates activity books, especially the "My Visit to the Philippines" edition, which my kids always love having around when we travel.
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Where to Stay
Choosing the right accommodation is crucial when traveling with kids, and Siargao offers many options for every budget, preference, and group size. We received many recommendations, but since I was looking for a very specific kind of ‘home away from home’ holiday, we ended up at Kalinaw Resort, and it was absolute heaven.
Our Stay at Kalinaw Resort
Kalinaw Resort in Siargao is a luxurious beachfront haven known for its elegant villas, serene ambiance, and stunning ocean views. This upscale resort offers a perfect blend of modern comforts and natural beauty, making it an ideal retreat for relaxation and indulgence.
Our party of 5 (3 adults, 2 kids) stayed in their 2-bedroom villa, which had its own pool, a huge lawn for the kids to play frisbee, and the beach. Who wouldn't want to wake up to this view every day?
Nestled on the pristine shores of Siargao, Kalinaw Resort offers a tranquil sanctuary for travelers seeking a peaceful retreat. With luxurious villas, fine dining options, and a range of water sports activities, guests can unwind in style while immersing themselves in the natural beauty of the island. Whether you're looking to relax on the beach, explore the vibrant coral reefs, or simply enjoy the stunning sunset views, Kalinaw Resort provides the perfect setting for a memorable vacation experience.
Food
They don’t have an in-house restaurant, so all your meals are delivered to your villa, which is wonderful. You can eat whenever it suits you, and it's really comfy for the kids. It felt like being in your own home (without having to cook or clean up). The staff was friendly and knowledgeable, and the food was delicious! The kids' menu had about six dish options, but the restaurant was open to accommodating requests. For the adults, there was plenty to choose from, and it was “the best hotel food I’ve had in a while,” according to my husband. Most of the menu is Western, with only one or two Filipino options. The staff allowed me to do “paluto” (ask them to do the marketing and cook the dishes I wanted), which scratched my Filipino food cravings. They also had a great wine list!
Rooms
Our two rooms were incredibly spacious and tastefully furnished. The master bedroom had a tub, and the other room had an open ceiling, so sound traveled between the rooms. There were indoor and outdoor dining areas and a living area with a TV, which was “not working” (unplugged) for the first few days. The front room bathroom had a large bathtub and shower, making it easy to deal with sandy, wet kids.
Other Places to Stay in Siargao
Many resorts in Siargao cater to families, offering amenities like swimming pools, playgrounds, and babysitting services. Some recommendations include:
Nay Palad
Inara Resort
Bravo
Siargao Island Villas
Siago Beach Resort
What to Do
Siargao offers many activities perfect for young adventurers and their parents. We had six days on the island, balancing sightseeing and relaxing at our villa. Here’s a breakdown of our stay:
Day 1 - Arrived in Siargao around 1 pm, took a 40-minute van ride to the resort, and enjoyed the pool and beach.
Day 2 - Tri-Island Hopping We booked our tour through our resort. Be prepared for a lot of forms and waiting. We visited Naked Island, Daku Island, and skipped Guyam Island. The trip was a bit challenging with kids, so be prepared and consider a bigger boat.
Day 3 - Relax in the resort, explore during low tide, build hermit crab hotels.
Day 4 - Maasin River & Magpupungko Rock Pools We arranged a private van from the resort. The Maasin River tour was serene and relaxing. The Magpupungko Rock Pools were a hit with the kids, offering a unique experience exploring the tidal pools.
Day 5 - Relax in the resort (it rained the whole day).
Day 6 - Shopping & Secret Beach Shopping in local markets and visiting Secret Beach, which had a strong current but was beautifully maintained and shaded.
Day 7 - Fly back to Cebu.
What to Eat
Siargao offers a variety of food options. Don’t miss out on the amazing Philippine mangoes and pineapples. The island is also well known for its fresh tuna and mahi-mahi fish so don’t pass up the chance to get those. I highly recommend seeking out Kinilaw, a traditional dish made with raw fish marinated in vinegar, calamansi juice, and spices, often served with onions, ginger, and chili peppers for a refreshing, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor. Grilled food is also an island and beach favorite of mine and there are several shops that offer this treat. Filipino BBQ is a popular street food featuring skewered and marinated meat, typically pork or chicken, grilled over charcoal and basted with a sweet and savory sauce for a flavorful and smoky taste. My kids love the sweet bbq pork with sinangag (garlic fried rice).
As for restaurants, we didn’t venture much out of the resort, but here are some spots we checked out:
Kermit Siargao: Famous for its delicious pizzas and pasta. We tried the mahi-mahi fish and chips, which were the best I’ve had in a while. They are known for their pizzas but the pizza chef took a break when we went!
Bravo Restaurant: Offers a mix of Filipino and Spanish cuisine with a nice beachfront view.
Recommended by Friends (but we didn’t visit):
Cev
Shaka Cafe
Mama’s Grill
L’Osteria
Bayani
Brunch Spot
Coco Frio
Siago
Sidargo
Kurvada
Big Belly Burgers
Kanin Baboy
Haole
Isla Turon
Jorene’s Homemade Ice Cream
Things to look out for (the not so good stuff)
When traveling with kids, it’s good to know the not so good parts, so here are some things to be prepared for:
Travel around town will be via tricycle so make sure you pack light. There are no sidewalks so strollers will not be a good option here.
The Tri-Island tour boat assignments are a bit chaotic so be prepared to wait. It took 45 minutes for us to get our boat and we had to wade to get to the boat so make sure you have water proof bags and water shoes at the ready. Small kids may need to be carried. The boats are also small and have a very loud motor. Some kids may be sensitive to this.
Toilets may not be super accessible so make sure you are ready for this.
The Siargao airport is very small and with delayed flights, there may not be a lot of space in the waiting areas. We had 4 flights backed up when we were there and had to sit the kids in a corner on the floor. The bathrooms did not have running water at the time of our visit. There are also no restaurants. Just 1 cafe and a small shop that sold snacks.
What to Pack
Alternative activities for kids. I discovered the brand Tiger Tribe that had great travel easy activity sets, travel games like Battle Ship, we also had playing cards, art supplies, and of course, Campfire Crates activity books!
Tips for Traveling with Kids:
Pack Tropical Smart: Bring essentials like sunscreen, hats, and insect repellent. Long-sleeved swimsuits and rash guards are good to have.
Stay Hydrated: The tropical climate can be quite hot, so make sure everyone drinks plenty of water.
Safety First: Always keep an eye on the kids, especially near water. Bring a basic first aid kit for minor injuries. There are no hospitals on the island, so pack all essentials and special medicines.
Plan Ahead: Check the weather and tide schedules in advance to make the most of your outdoor activities.
Be Flexible: Kids can get tired or cranky, so be prepared to adjust your plans as needed.
Final Thoughts
Our family trip to Siargao was an unforgettable adventure filled with fun, laughter, and new experiences. Traveling with young children requires extra planning, but the memories we made were worth every bit of effort. Siargao's natural beauty, friendly locals, and laid-back atmosphere make it an ideal destination for families exploring the Philippines.
If you’re planning a trip with your little ones, don’t forget to bring along our Campfire Crates activity books, including the "My Visit to the Philippines" edition. They’re a great way to keep kids engaged and help them learn more about the places they visit. Here’s to continuing to write my Filipino story together with my kids’ own Filipino stories and to more family travels in the Philippines!
Want more travel in the Philippines with kids content? Check out our other articles:
What Goodies to Pack when traveling from the Philippines
Tara, Biyahe Tayo! How We Get Around the Philippines Over Land