Why Boracay is the Perfect Relaxing Holiday (With Kids)

During the last Christmas holidays, our family was desperate to escape the winter in Korea! All I wanted was to feel the sun’s warmth on our skin again!! We didn’t want to venture too far, and we also didn’t want an action-packed holiday. We were craving a relaxing holiday where the kids could swim and play while the adults could eat out, roam the shops and chill out.

We found the perfect spot – Boracay, Philippines!

While it may be crazy busy (one look at the photos, and you’ll see the attraction), Boracay was the perfect spot for our Christmas break.

It’s not just for honeymooners or solo travellers; it’s also perfect for families.

Here’s why we found it the ideal destination for a relaxing family break.

The Location

Being based in Jeju Island can make it tricky to get anywhere, as most international destinations require you to fly back to the mainland. Going via Seoul requires a change of airport, which obviously adds to the cost and travel time.

It took us three flights to get to Boracay, but by avoiding Seoul (we flew via Daegu), with easy connections and short travel times, it was surprisingly kid-friendly.

Boracay is one of 7,641 islands in the Philippines and probably one of the most famous. Depending on where you’re coming from, you’ll likely have to fly into Cebu or Manila and get a flight to one of the two airports available. I recommend Godofredo P. Ramos Airport over Kaliko because it’s closer to Boracay Island and reduces travel time.

One of our favourite experiences was getting to the island from the airport, which is really just a large tin shed! Have cash on hand and follow the tourists out of the airport and to the ‘taxi’ pick up, a rickshaw that takes you to the port.

We had to get two rickshaws because there were five of us with luggage. The kids absolutely loved the open-air trip where we could wave to each other and see how far behind/in front the other group was. The trip to the boat only took about 10 minutes, but it was a great start to the holiday. If you’re after something a little more comfortable, you can opt for pre-arranged minivan instead.

When you arrive at the port, plenty of different groups sell tickets to the mainland. All of them have very similar prices, and it’s an easy process. You’ll need to let them know your name and the travellers’ ages and pay in cash. Then they’ll escort you through to the boat. We did have designated seat numbers, but with so many people travelling back and forth by boat for work each day, no one was really worried about sitting in the right seats! When you get off the boat on the island your ticket also includes a rickshaw service straight to your accommodation.

Friendly Locals

Yes, the locals obviously rely on tourism for their livelihood so it’s expected they’re going to be friendly, but they really were some of the loveliest people we’ve met while travelling. The people are incredibly welcoming and will make your family feel right at home during your stay.

Boracay also felt very safe, and we didn’t have any issues (though, like travelling anywhere, be aware of your surroundings and on the lookout for anything dodgy). Its laid-back atmosphere meant we felt our family was in good hands!

Our hosts at Nirvana Beach Resort were incredibly accommodating. Our three-bedroom apartment was perfect for our family. It was spread across three levels, with a living area at the top (with a terrace balcony), bedrooms on the second, and kitchen/dining on the ground floor. It was a great layout, so everyone had plenty of space during the stay. The only slight issue we had was the ‘greyout’ which lasted just over 24 hours. The whole island lost power and was relying on generators. Because our apartment was right next to the generator the noise was SUPER LOUD and the smell also wasn’t great. Thankfully there was another, albeit slightly smaller apartment available that we moved into until the greyout ended.

When searching for places to stay, I didn’t find many options available for bigger families, although if you’re travelling with 2 kids or less, then you’re sure to find a heap of hotel options – right on the beach.

Our preference was to stay right near Beach 2 (closest to D’Mall which is full of good shopping and restaurants), but there are plenty of resorts all over the island and accommodation options if you prefer to stay out of the busier areas.

Eating Out

Let’s talk about food! Boracay offers a wide variety of delicious meals to suit everyone’s tastes. From fresh seafood to hearty breakfast options, you’ll find plenty of family-friendly restaurants to enjoy. Many are right on the beach with stunning views.

Another great thing about Boracay is how easy it is to get around on foot. Whether you’re walking along the beautiful White Beach or exploring the charming streets of D’Mall, everything is within walking distance, making it convenient for families.

Some of our favourites that we kept returning to included:

Epic Boracay – Located right on the beach, this nighttime party haven offers a family-friendly breakfast and lunch spot during the day! The menu is extensive (although being on an island, there were a few times when our options weren’t available as ingredients weren’t delivered). The service wasn’t as outstanding as other places, but the view was great, and it offered air con, so we chose to sit inside a few times to escape the heat. Kids loved the french toast, mashed potatoes and amazing smoothies.

Muchos Boracay – This Latin American place had us yearning to return to Peru! The drinks and food were delicious and arriving just before sunset meant we could enjoy the beautiful view with our meal.

Red Coconut Boracay – This lively open-air restaurant/hotel was so fun we went twice! The entertainment was amazing. The singer (Jason Park) played a heap of classic 90’s and early 2000 hits that had the crowd singing along (you can guess the average age of customers ;p). Our kids were surprised we knew so many of the songs. Our 6-year-old son was an instant fan. He drew Jason a picture that he promised to hold onto for our next visit. At 7.30pm each night there’s also a VERY entertaining fire show the kids loved. You can go up on stage after the show and get a photo with the performers. And even have a go at twirling the fire chain… if you dare!

Ice Flakes Boracay – If you’re after shaved ice THIS is the place to go. Amazing menu selection, huge servings and simply delicious.

Cyma Greek Taverna – Hankering for some delicious authentic Greek food? This place is a must! Set back in D’Mall the air con is pumping, the service is great and the menu is extensive. Living on Jeju Island, we hadn’t experienced Greek food for years, and this place did not disappoint!

Real Coffee & Tea – Last but definitely not least is one of the original cafes on the island. We were lucky to chat with the owners daughter (a lovely American lady who now lives in Australia but regularly returns to the island). It was a really nostalgic feel, with lots of photos on the tables and walls from over the years. They even got one of us so who knows we might even be on a table next time we visit! You could tell the Australian cafe/pub influence as there was a basket of toys on hand for the kids to play with which as you can imagine was quite the hit! These guys know how to make people feel welcome. The prices are super cheap and the food and drinks are DELICIOUS. We came back here for breakfast 3 or 4 times. Some of the favourites included the fresh mango smoothies, banana french toast, vegetarian omelette and mango pancakes. Highly recommend!!

There are so many amazing places to eat out in Boracay.

THAT White Sandy Beach

The amazing stretch of beach has white, beautiful sand, palm trees, and crystal clear water. It really is paradise on earth.

The kids can build sandcastles, and depending on the time of day, the tide can be in or WAY out, so there’s plenty of room for everyone to build. You can rent a mat from one of the many people walking up and down the beach or bring your own towels.

Unlike many other tourist beaches, deck chairs have been banned. But there’s plenty of shade available under the palm trees if you get there early enough in the day. The busiest time of day is definitely 5pm, when the crowds arrive to watch the sunset.

The best bit? The ocean is super calm, so it’s super safe for kids to swim in. Plus, you can rent clear kayaks if you feel like going a little further out. You can also jump on one of the many island-hopping cruises or sunset cruises if you want to take a look at the beach from a different perspective!