Nasugbu
The first of Hamilo Coast’s developments, Pico de Loro Cove in Nasugbu, Batangas, offers a lot of fun for the family.
Check in: Pico Sands Hotel, just a few steps from the action and fun
Things to do: Play Frisbee, jet ski, kayak, snorkel, paddle board, play volleyball, basketball, tennis, table tennis, badminton, billiards or squash, wind surf, hike, bike, ride a boat, ride ponies, go bowling, swim, sunbathe, play video games, sing in the karaoke room, play board games, get a massage, visit St. Therese of the Child Jesus Chapel which is on a hill overlooking the coast.
Contact: 4647800 or 4647888; or visit www.picodelorocove.com
Davao
Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, craving good food or want to unwind, you wouldn’t run out of things to do in Davao, one of our favorite places in the Philippines.
Check in: Park Inn by Radisson (J.P. Laurel Avenue, Lanang, Davao City Center, Davao), also recommended by Agoda.com for being family-friendly (www.agoda.
com/park-inn-by-radisson-davao/hotel/
davao-ph.html)
Things to do: Eat all the crabs you can at Glamour Crabs Buffet (Padre Gomez Street), wakeboard at Deca Wake, feel like kids at the Zorb Park, zipline at Zip City, go to Paradise Island Beach Resort, visit the Philippine Eagle Center in Malagos, explore the Japanese tunnel, listen to live bands at Matina Town Square, enjoy spareribs at Lyndon’s World’s Worst Ribs (Roxas and Lanang), check out the crocs at Crocodile Park, walk around People’s Park, stop by Davao Butterfly House and get a dose of culture at Tribu K’Mindanawan.
Caramoan
Featured in the reality TV show “Survivor,” Caramoan in Camarines Sur is a great vacation spot for beach lovers.
Check in: Gota Village Resort
Things to do: Snorkel, swim, scuba dive, kayak, trek, sunbathe, rock climb, explore the islands, go spelunking. You can also enjoy nearby Naga—CWC (CamSur Watersports Complex) is popular with wakeboarding fans.
Calaguas
The trip is long, but the pristine beach of Calaguas (a two-hour boat ride from Daet, Camarines Norte) is worth the effort.
Check in: You don’t check in—you set up camp. Yes, you will need tents.
Things to do: Swim, sunbathe, build sand castles, eat halo-halo, trek, learn how to bathe by poso, take a lot of pictures.
Cagayan de Oro
For adventure-seekers and nature lovers, Cagayan de Oro is a great destination.
Check in: Seda Centrio, also recommended by Agoda.com as a family-friendly hotel (https://www.agoda.com/seda-centrio-cagayan-de-oro/hotel/cagayan-de-oro-ph.html)
Things to do: Go white water rafting and river trekking, visit the museums (La Castillia, Museum of Tri-Cultures and Museo de Oro), go to nearby Misamis Oriental and stop by the Ostrich and Crocodile Farm and Opol Aviary. Visit Macahambus Cave, check out the Gardens of Malasag Eco-Tourism. Try the canopy walk, zipline or rappel at Claveria, ride ATVs at Jatico Adventures, trek and rappel at Mapawa Nature Park, eat the huge ostrich burger at Rhythm Café at River View Inn (Vamenta Boulevard, Carmel).