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Bohol is one of the best family travel destinations in the Philippines. With its safe environment, kid-friendly beaches, nature attractions, and welcoming culture, it offers the perfect balance of relaxation and fun for travelers with children. Whether you’re traveling with toddlers, school-aged kids, or teenagers, Bohol has an ideal area and accommodation that suits your family’s needs.
In this guide, we’ll help you choose where to stay in Bohol for a comfortable, memorable, and family-friendly experience. We’ll look at the best areas, types of accommodations, and hotel recommendations tailored for families with kids.
Safe and laid-back island vibe
Family-friendly beaches with gentle waves
Educational and fun activities like wildlife centers, river cruises, and Chocolate Hills
Convenient access via Tagbilaran Port or Panglao International Airport
Wide variety of accommodations that welcome kids of all ages
Panglao is the top choice for families. It’s home to Bohol’s best beaches and close to both the international airport and popular attractions.
Beach time with kids
Island hopping and dolphin watching
Easy access to restaurants and shops
Sandy beaches with shallow water (especially Dumaluan Beach)
Kid-friendly resorts with pools and play areas
Easy to hire vans or tricycles for sightseeing
South Palms Resort Panglao
Beachfront resort with spacious rooms, wide beach area, and hammocks perfect for kids to play. Great food and shaded areas.
Bohol Beach Club
Known for clean facilities, calm beachfront, and a family-friendly atmosphere. Offers paddleboards, bikes, and shallow waters.
Henann Resort Alona Beach
Larger, more active resort with multiple pools, big family rooms, and direct beach access. Better for older kids.
Donatela Resort & Sanctuary
Boutique option with villas, nature trails, and horse stables—great for curious kids and relaxed families.
Anda is a peaceful coastal town located 2.5–3 hours from Tagbilaran or Panglao. Its quiet beaches and laid-back environment make it excellent for families seeking relaxation and bonding time.
Unplugging from the city
Exploring tide pools, caves, and waterfalls
Long-stay families or return visitors
Very little traffic and crowds
Long stretches of beach with minimal waves
Local food and nature-based experiences
Anda White Beach Resort
Relaxing and private, this resort has a calm shoreline, family-sized rooms, and friendly staff who love kids.
Island View Beachfront Resort
Comfortable and peaceful, with clean accommodations and direct beach access.
1Peace Beach Resort
Eco-friendly resort with hammocks, gardens, and plenty of space for kids to explore safely.
Loboc is located inland and is perfect for families who love nature, rivers, and local culture. It’s also a great base for countryside tours including the Chocolate Hills.
Families who love nature and slow travel
Educational activities (tarsiers, forest tours, cultural shows)
Active kids who enjoy adventure
Safe riverside paths and activities
River cruises with lunch and local performances
Firefly watching at night—magical for kids
Loboc River Resort
Large riverside property with a restaurant on stilts, small boat rides, and safe spaces for walking and exploring.
Fox & Firefly Cottages
Rustic eco-resort with SUP tours and forest ambiance, great for slightly older kids and nature-loving parents.
Stefanie Grace Paradise Inn
Budget option right by the river with a pool and family-friendly service.
If your family is on a tighter budget or arriving by ferry, staying in Tagbilaran City is a practical choice. While it doesn’t have beaches, it’s close to malls, ports, and transport terminals.
Overnight stays or transfers
Budget-conscious families
Families with infants or toddlers needing city services
Easy access to supermarkets and clinics
Near ferry terminal and transport hubs
Lots of local eateries and public parks
Kew Hotel Tagbilaran
Clean and modern with connecting rooms and good accessibility.
Bohol Tropics Resort
Classic local-style resort with pools and family amenities.
Arabelle Suites
Budget-friendly, clean rooms with good service and nearby food options.
Tarsier Sanctuary – Learn about the world’s smallest primates
Chocolate Hills ATV Ride – Safe and thrilling ride for older kids
Loboc River Cruise – Cultural performance + lunch on a boat
Firefly Watching in Abatan or Loboc
Dolphin Watching near Panglao
Island Hopping – Balicasag Island and Virgin Island
Snorkeling – Safe shallow reef spots near Panglao
Waterfalls – Visit Pangas and Camugao Falls (age-appropriate hikes)
Beach | Area | Highlights |
---|---|---|
Dumaluan Beach | Panglao | Shallow waters, shade, resorts with child-safe zones |
Alona Beach | Panglao | Great for teens, more crowded, watersports |
Anda Beach | Anda | Long, quiet stretches of sand, safe waves |
White Beach | Panglao | Less busy than Alona, great for young children |
✅ Check for family rooms or connecting units
✅ Look for pools with shallow ends or lifeguards
✅ Confirm child policies (some resorts are adult-only)
✅ Consider proximity to food options
✅ Prioritize safety and cleanliness
✅ Read reviews from other families with kids
Day 1 – Arrive in Panglao
• Check in to resort, beach play
• Dinner at a family-friendly restaurant
Day 2 – Countryside Tour
• Visit Tarsier Sanctuary
• Chocolate Hills ATV ride
• Hanging bridge and butterfly garden
Day 3 – Island Hopping Tour
• Balicasag + Virgin Island
• Snorkeling and picnic lunch
• Back to resort for pool time
Day 4 – Loboc Adventure
• River cruise lunch
• Zipline (for older kids)
• Firefly watching at night
Day 5 – Relax and Departure
• Morning swim, buy souvenirs
• Transfer to airport or ferry
Bohol is one of the best destinations in the Philippines for a family vacation. Whether you stay in vibrant Panglao, quiet Anda, adventurous Loboc, or central Tagbilaran, you’ll find warm hospitality and a variety of activities that appeal to all ages.
For convenience and all-around family fun, Panglao remains the top pick. If you want tranquility, Anda is unmatched. For cultural immersion, Loboc is ideal. And for practicality on a budget, Tagbilaran gets the job done.
Whichever you choose, Bohol promises quality time, nature, smiles, and memories your family will treasure for years.
Panglao Island is the top choice for families. It offers safe, swimmable beaches, plenty of resorts with kid-friendly amenities, and easy access to restaurants, grocery stores, and tours. The Dumaluan Beach area is especially calm and suited for younger children.
Yes! Resorts like South Palms Panglao and Bohol Beach Club have pools with shallow areas suitable for toddlers and young kids. Larger resorts such as Henann Alona also have multiple pools, including ones designed for families with older children.
Absolutely. Bohol is one of the safest islands in the Philippines. Locals are friendly, healthcare is accessible in Tagbilaran, and popular tourist areas like Panglao and Loboc have excellent safety records. As always, supervise children during activities and near water.
The most convenient way is by hiring a private van or using a hotel shuttle. These are safe, air-conditioned, and child-friendly. Some families also rent cars with car seats. Tricycles and multicabs are available but are less comfortable for longer distances with children.
Yes. The main hospitals are located in Tagbilaran City, including Governor Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital and several private clinics. Pharmacies are also widely available in tourist hubs like Panglao and Tagbilaran.
Popular kid-friendly activities include:
Most of these can be done with toddlers, school-aged children, or teenagers.
Yes. For a more peaceful experience, families can stay in:
These areas allow families to relax without the crowds of main tourist zones.
Yes. Many resorts in Panglao such as BE Grand Resort and Donatela Resort offer family suites, villas, or connecting rooms. Mid-range options like Bohol Beach Club also accommodate extra beds or cribs upon request.
Most hotels in Panglao and Tagbilaran offer decent Wi-Fi. However, areas like Loboc and Anda may have slower connections. If you need consistent internet for remote learning or work, check reviews or contact your chosen hotel in advance.
Yes, especially in Panglao. Restaurants near Alona Beach, Dumaluan, and Tagbilaran often offer pasta, fried chicken, rice meals, and fruit shakes that are popular with kids. Many resorts also allow you to request non-spicy or modified meals for young children.
A lightweight stroller is useful for airport transfers, malls, and resort grounds. However, not all areas are stroller-friendly (e.g., rough beach paths or countryside spots), so baby carriers are recommended for nature tours or rural areas.
The best time is during the dry season from December to May. The weather is ideal for beach time and tours. Avoid typhoon season (August–October) if you’re planning outdoor-heavy itineraries. Christmas and Holy Week can be busy, so book early.
Essentials include:
Don’t forget child-safe floatation devices if your resort has a pool or you’re planning a beach trip.
Yes, especially if you go with reputable tour operators who provide life jackets and kid-friendly schedules. For younger children, half-day tours to Balicasag Island or Virgin Island are preferable. Avoid rough-sea conditions by booking during calm-weather months.