Seven Quick Summer Getaways for Families on a Budget

Vacation Spot #1: Camp Sabros, Digos, Davao del Sur

What to love: 
The trip to Camp Sabros takes families outside of Davao City. It therefore provides an opportunity to appreciate and experience Davao’s quaint towns and natural scenery. Davao City hotels, such as Microtel, will be glad to arrange a day trip to the camp according to your preferences and specifications. The weather is cool and the camp is on elevated ground, which means it is surrounded by trees, vegetation, and Mount Apo, the tallest mountain the Philippines. 

What to check out:
• Camp Sabros is popular for its two ziplines. With one measuring 380 meters long and the other, 400 meters, they are considered as two of the country’s longest ziplines. Both are 180 feet above ground. There is also a cable ride for couples traversing almost the same height and length, highly recommended for the adventurous family members.
• For families that prefer to stay on dry land, they can hold a picnic in the camp. There are family-sized tables under the trees where they can enjoy their packed lunches or snacks. Should families choose not to bring their own food and drinks, the staff will be happy to cook full meals for the hungry group. Best of all, there are no corkage or entrance fees!
• The spacious camp allows families to play games under the shade.
• Furnished cottages for overnight stays available.

Traveler’s Tips:
• The road trip takes all of two hours from Davao City. Bring enough water and snacks for the little ones, and some anti-emetics to prevent nausea and vomiting, as the road leading to the camp involves twists and turns.
• Wear comfortable clothes and footwear. The camp takes about 10 minutes by foot and, although the way up is a sensory treat, the kids might tire easily.
• There is a farmers’ market by the Kapatagan main road where freshly-picked produce is sold at very cheap prices.
• Bring a camera. Camp Sabros is photogenic, with lots to offer for the shutterbugs.  
 
Money Matters:
• The overnight cottages go from P1,500 to P2,000; P500 gives the family member a chance to enjoy all the rides.

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Vacation Spot #2: Pranjetto Hills, Tanay, Rizal

What to love:
This is located at the foothills of the Sierra Madre mountain range, so expect fresh air and cool weather. For people who are tired of the concrete jungle, Pranjetto Hills is green all around. Fruit-bearing trees abound in this relaxed setting - indeed a calming sight for families.

What to check out:
• Pranjetto Hills is replete with hiking sites, nature trails, and scenic gardens. Parents that want their children to appreciate Mother Nature will find the resort a suitable place to start.
• There is an Olympic-sized swimming pool surrounded by trees.
• It boasts of a 120-meter zipline for the adult family members. The zipline has a 360-degree view of Metro Manila. After all, Pranjetto Hills sits at the highest point of Rizal Province.
• The cottages are country-styled: a lot of wood in the living quarters and furnished with creature comforts. Families can choose to stay the entire day or go on an overnight stay.

Traveler’s Tips:
• The trip up to Pranjetto Hills reminds one of Baguio: curving roads and steep climbs. Make sure your vehicle is in the best condition.
• Best to travel to the resort in the daytime, as the fog creeps up and covers the road soon as night falls.

Money Matters:
• A standard room will cost P2,000+ and comes with air conditioning, satellite cable TV, and hot shower.

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Vacation Spot #3: Orok Cold Spring Resort, Casiguran, Sorsogon

What to love:
Orok is one of the best-kept secrets of Bicolandia. Situated in the middle of woodlands, the resort is teeming with flora and faura and the freshest mountain air. Families will love the cold waters of the Orok spring. The resort is so laidback that one can just show up in everyday leisure wear any time of the day, it’s like being at home. Families can bring their own food and drinks without having to pay for corkage.

What to check out:
• The ice-cold water of the spring is a must. Take a dip with the kids and wash the summer heat away.
• The spring also serves as a fish spa. Just sit or stand in the water and feel the tiny fish nibble off the dead skin of your feet. One will appreciate the fact that the fish are in their natural environment, and not contained in artificial tanks.

Traveler’s Tips:
• Orok is 45 minutes away from Sorsogon City, which takes 10 hours to reach by land, sobring enough travel necessities (food, water, medicines, clothes).
• It is best to be accompanied by someone very much familiar with the place, as there are tricky fork roads along the way. The main concrete road becomes a one-way path as you get nearer the resort.
• Be there early in the day. It can get especially crowded, especially on weekends and as the day drags on.
• There are grilling stations in the resort. Bring seafood and meat for barbecue (always a hit with kids).

Money Matters:
• Entrance fee for adults is P10 while kids, P5. Day cottages can be rented for about P50.

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Vacation Spot #4: Islands Banca Cruise, Mactan, Cebu

What to love:
Islands Banca Cruises has wide sundecks that are perfect for little kids to move around in, cushioned seats and beanbags for parents who just want to bask in the sun and chill out, and trained and able crew who makes the trip enjoyable. It is a hassle-free affair - just show up, relax, and enjoy the ride, and let the kids frolic as they please.

What to check out:
• Try the lechon barbecue picnic on the beach or family-style seafood lunch.
• Fish-feeding is always a hit among the kids.
• Mom and dad can arrange for a soothing massage on board the gently rocking banca.
• Keep an eye on the breathtaking view from the sea and occasional pod of dolphins. There are refreshing cold towels at the end of the trip to cool your sun-kissed skin.

Traveler’s Tips:
• Bring sunblock lotion, moisturizer, food and drinks as children get thirsty and hungry easily, and light clothes that dry quickly.
• A trip to Cebu is never complete without bringing home dried fish, delicacies (rosquillos, otap, etc.), dried mangoes, and chicharon.

Money Matters:
• The prices vary as Islands Banca Cruises arranges tailor-made packages to suit guests’ interests, itineraries, and time. Trip specialists can customize the cruise according to preferences. For the Sunset Chillout Cruise, it is P295 per head.

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Vacation Spot #5: Acuatico, Laiya, San Juan, Batangas

What to love:
Located along the picture-perfect stretch of Laiya’s beach, Acuatico is a beautiful setting where one can enjoy frolicking in the sand. Kids can also play indoors in the game room, where an impressive selection of toys await them. The staff is on-point and eager to please.

What to check out:
• Families can spend some quality time in one of the Balinese-inspired villas and rooms. All rooms are fully furnished for a relaxing stay.
• While the beach may be inviting, the star of the resort is the infinity edge pool. Enjoy some refreshments, imported ice cream, cocktails, and light snacks at the Acua Floating Bar.
• The cuisine served at the resort’s Oceano Restaurant is a must. It serves the best Batangas favorite hereabouts: lomi with puto.
• Couples might want to try out the signature full body massage treatments at the newly opened Simona Spa.

Traveler’s Tips:
• Take the camera and laptop along. The Wi-Fi connection is particularly very strong throughout the resort. One can easily log in to Facebook by the pool area and upload photos of the ongoing family vacation.

Money Matters:
Expect to spend an average of P8,000 for a family of two adults and two kids.

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Vacation Spot #6: Eden Nature Park, Matina, Davao City

What to love:
Families will absolutely enjoy the park’s vast herb and vegetable gardens, wood sites, and pocket zoos. Eden is well-maintained, with helpful staff eager to suggest places to see around the park.

What to check out:
• Find time to visit the Bird Walk and get the kids acquainted with a variety of colorful birds. There are peacocks wandering around the resort, particularly by the dining area. Eden’s Deer Park features over 30 local deer!
• Take the guided shuttle tour and enjoy the places that matter: Flower Garden, Amphitheater, Plaza Maria, and Lola’s Garden. Stop by the Prayer Garden for some quiet time.
• Walk through the man-made forest, which has over 100,000 pine trees and different flora and fauna. Teach the kids the wonders of nature and the need to grow trees for the future!
• The whole family will love the Fishing Village ponds, which teem with tilapia, dory, and catfish. Catch a fish, have it weighed, and cooked any way!

Traveler’s Tips:
• There are some unidentified species of plants in the area, so be sure to bring along a camera and help document some of them.

Money Matters:
Even without having to stay overnight, the family can avail of the Day Package, which includes entrance and meal for about P470 (adults) and P300 (kids).Guided tours cost around P120.

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Vacation Spot #7: Hotel Centro, Puerto Princesa, Palawan

What to love:
The 1.2 hectares of open space in the resort allows provisions for outdoor games or good old family bonding. Families will appreciate the guest safety measures and security provided by the hotel. Hotel Centro’s staff is very professional, and always ensures that all guest requests are addressed to the letter.  

What to check out:
• Do not miss the appetizing food and beverages of the hotel’s three outlets: Expressions Café, Soul Pool Bar, and Sicily Club Lounge.
• Hotel Centro’s UR Holidays package is highly recommended: guests can enjoy Puerto Princesa at their own time and pace. Families need not worry about waking up very early or sharing a van with total strangers just to tour. The package assures families that they can tour exclusively.

Traveler’s Tips:
• Palawan is a sunny vacation destination. Bring sun block, moisturizers, light clothing, among others.
• Before leaving for Manila, go to the Puerto Princesa wet market and bring home some fresh catch. Guests can buy ice boxes (and ice, of course) to contain the newly caught/bought seafood.

Money Matters:
• Overnight accommodation in a superior room for two adults is at P6,000. Kids aged 11 years and below are not charged if they are sharing a bed with their parents. The amount includes buffet breakfast, discounts in the hotel’s various outlets, roundtrip airport transfers, among others.

Click the gallery to view photos of these destinations!

Photos are by the author except where otherwise indicated.