For those who love water sports, the pristine islands of the Philippines are the perfect destination for a beachside holiday full of kayaking, snorkeling and diving opportunities.
Here's our pick of the best destinations for a resort holiday with engaging water sports for the whole family to enjoy together.
Danjugan Island
This seemingly small island is home to a handful of biodiverse forests, lagoons and coastlines, rendering it a relatively untouched wildlife sanctuary. Sightings of coconut crabs and whitebreasted sea eagles are rare, but clownfish, giant clams and octopus are almost guaranteed.
As the entire island serves as a nature reserve, accommodation options are limited to economic but cozy options such as cabanas at Moray Lagoon Camp (RMB360 per night) and private rooms at Typhoon Beach (RMB485 per night). Both include meals and guides for trekking and snorkeling.
Getting there
Danjugan Island is an eco-tourism site, so booking is essential. For further details and reservations visit www.danjuganisland.ph. Return flights from Shanghai to Manila City from RMB2,700; to Cebu from RMB2,500.
Dauin
For divers, the Pura Vida Beach and Dive Resort at Dauin has the resources available for a productive family holiday. From signing up for diving programs at the Explorer Dive Center, to plunging into the waters and swimming alongside sea turtles and whale sharks in the manmade sanctuaries, there are plenty of options to accommodate expert and novice divers alike.
For a leisurely stay, Pura Vida Beach has three types of family accommodation, all furnished according to traditional Filipino style and named after marine creatures (such as 'Dolphin' and 'Hammerhead'). Count on the resort restaurant to prepare fragrant local and international dishes to keep you nourished throughout the day.
Family room from RMB960 per night.
Getting there
Round-trip flights from Manila to Dauin from RMB950.
El Nido
The El Nido Resorts on Miniloc Island provide the ideal proximity to the nearby Big and Small Lagoons, which can be reached by ferry boat. Think floating on crystal-clear waters, kayaking between limestone mountains and discovering the rich marine culture that inhabits these otherworldly terrains.
Upon your return, the resorts also host kid-friendly activities such as palm weaving and ping-pong games to keep your little ones busy throughout the day. Plus, what's better than dangling your feet off the water cottage balcony while watching the sun rise above the horizon?
Family room from RMB2,700 per night.
Getting there
Round-trip flights from Manila or Cebu to El Nido from RMB1,200.
Mindoro
For a relaxed hideaway, make a stop at Edgewater Dive & Spa Resort on Mindoro Island. This lesserknown property nestled among the hills and inland lakes provides scuba-diving kits and paddle boards for kids to try. When you've distilled enough zen, drive up to the nearby Puerto Galera and enjoy the white-sand beach for a change of scenery.
Family room from RMB1,150 per night.
Getting there
Round-trip flights from Manila to Mindoro from RMB320.
