Our 10-Day Family Vacation in the Philippines: Baguio, Pangasinan, Batangas & Tagaytay
I am so excited to share my blog about Philippines. This beautiful country has so much to offer from its stunning islands to the vibrant culture found in both the north and south. Every journey reveals something new, surprising, and unforgettable. The Philippines will always hold a special place in my heart it’s where I grew up, and every visit feels like coming home. This trip was a wonderful reminder of just how rich, welcoming, and full of life this country truly is.
Philippines with your family doesn’t have to be expensive or stressful it can be full of wonderful memories, laughter, and surprising discoveries. We have decided on a 10-day family road trip covering Baguio, Pangasinan, Batangas, and Amadeo Tagaytay. This itinerary was a perfect mix of cool weather, scenic drives, spiritual stops, and relaxing beach moments all within a manageable budget.
If you're planning your next vacation to the Philippines or looking for family travel ideas, here’s our journey with practical tips along the way to help you save and enjoy more.
Day 1: Road Trip Kickoff – Manila to Manaoag
We left Manila early morning to avoid traffic and headed straight to Manaoag Church in Pangasinan. It's a beautiful and peaceful place, ideal for spiritual reflection or simply to take a break from the drive. The kids enjoyed lighting candles and exploring the church grounds.
The scenery along the way was beautiful, and from the moment we arrived at the entrance gate, the area was bustling with commuters, tourists, and visitors. It was quite crowded, but there was something heartwarming about seeing so many devotees of Our Lady of Manaoag making time to visit. The souvenir shops, the local food stalls, and most especially the peaceful cathedral created an atmosphere that was both lively and serene.
👉 Travel Tip:
Bring your own snacks and water for road trips. Provincial stops can be limited and more expensive. Gas station shops tend to have higher prices.
Days 2–4: Baguio Bliss – 3 Nights in the City of Pines
After Manaoag, we continued up to Baguio, where we stayed for 3 nights at Camp John Hay and wow!, it was such a serene and family friendly location. Nestled among pine trees, the cool and rainy weather was a welcome break from the Manila heat.
We arrived and settled in by late afternoon. The place was incredibly spacious and peaceful an ideal spot for families looking to escape the hassle and bustle of city life. It truly felt like a home away from home. The surroundings were absolutely beautiful.
I’ve also written a separate review of the chalet we stayed in, in case you’d like to check it out.
Highlights from Baguio:
🍓 Strawberry Taho and picking strawberries in La Trinidad
🧺 Baguio Market for cheap fresh produce and souvenirs
☕ Choco-late de Batirol for hot cocoa and traditional Filipino meals
🚴 Burnham Park bike rides and swan boats for the kids
📸 Family photo sessions with Igorot costumes at Mines View Park
We may not have had the chance to visit all the popular spots in Baguio due to our limited time, but I can honestly say—there’s so much to see, do, and enjoy in this city. Just keep in mind that travel time between places can take longer than expected, so it’s best to plan your itinerary with flexibility.
Here are some of the top places we were able to visit:
🧺 Strawberry Farm
We visited the Strawberry Farm and, although it wasn’t strawberry-picking season, we still had a great time exploring the area. The highlight? Enjoying the famous strawberry taho! It’s a must-try Baguio treat that didn’t disappoint.
🌸 Mirador Heritage and Eco Park
This newer attraction in Baguio City is peaceful and scenic, with a Japanese-inspired garden, a torii gate, and beautifully landscaped steps. It also connects to the Lourdes Grotto, which you can reach via a 252-step stairway. The entire park offers a calming atmosphere and stunning panoramic views.
🎡 Sky Ranch Baguio
Who would've thought Baguio would have its own charming little themed park? Sky Ranch gave our kids a fun, perya-like experience—simple, joyful, and surprisingly memorable for the whole family.
🌄 SM Baguio View Deck
One of our favorite hangouts! We enjoyed the scenic view from the top, bundled up in the cold weather, and of course, had our bonding moments over our favorite French fries. This wasn’t part of our usual routine, so it made our time together extra special. The kids especially loved going back again and again.
🛒 Baguio City Market
You simply can’t leave Baguio without visiting its iconic market! It felt nostalgic walking through the rows of vendors selling fresh produce, local delicacies, and regional goods. We stocked up on ingredients for all our favorite dishes and genuinely enjoyed every home-cooked meal we prepared during our stay.
👉 Budget Tip for Families:
Eat like a local! Go for carinderias (small food stalls) or market food courts. You’ll get authentic meals for half the cost of restaurants.
Although we indulged a little too much, cooking our own meals became part of the experience especially since we’re a big family. Going home to the Philippines means enjoying homemade dishes made from fresh ingredients we picked up at the Baguio market, especially during the rainy season. From breakfast to dinner, merienda, and all the chicha (snacks) in between, it was a feast filled with laughter, love, and endless kwentuhan. Truly, sharing meals like this with family is something that should be on everyone’s bucket list.
🚗 Day 5: Travel Break – Scenic Drive Back South
We left Baguio early and spent the entire day on the road. Back to South If you’re traveling with kids, this is the perfect day to rest, have podcasts or playlists ready, and refresh the family with a restful break from-trip.
👉 Travel Tip:
Keep power banks charged and download Netflix shows or YouTube Kids episodes for uninterrupted screen time on long drives.
🏖️ Days 6–8: Lian, Batangas – Beach, Peace, and Private Relaxation
Our next stop was Lian in Batangas, where we stayed at a private resort for 2 nights. This was probably the most relaxing part of the trip just sun, sea, and family time. Traveling to Lian Batangas is like at peace if you manage your time really well, we started early packed our things a night before. Made a few stops to buy fresh fruits along the way and we reached Beach House in Lian just perfect time before lunch.
The beach house was truly one of the best places we’ve ever stayed in Batangas. From the outside, it may seem like a hidden, underrated getaway but as we entered the resort and slowly made our way toward the shore, we were completely mesmerized. Our eyes lit up the moment we saw the beach the water was a stunning shade of turquoise, crystal clear, and the entire place felt so serene and peaceful.
We especially loved how the beach houses were thoughtfully designed. Each chalet offered a sense of privacy, while still having open spaces perfect for gatherings especially for big families like ours. As we started the barbecue, the kids played freely along the shore, catching little hermit crabs and building sandcastles. This experience was something truly special definitely a bucket list spot when visiting the southern shores of Batangas.
If you’re planning to travel to Batangas with family or in a group, we highly recommend renting a car. It made our trip much more comfortable and convenient, especially with kids and all our gear in tow. Having your own vehicle gives you the flexibility to stop for quick food runs, bathroom breaks, or sightseeing detours along the way without worrying about schedules or space. Many car rental companies in Manila offer affordable daily rates and options for larger vehicles like vans or SUVs, which are perfect for road trips down south. This experience was something truly special—definitely a bucket list spot when visiting the southern shores of Batangas.
I’ve also written a separate review of the chalet we stayed in, in case you’d like to check it out.
Best Things About Lian:
🏊♀️ Private beach access with no crowds
🐚 Beachcombing and sandcastle-building with the kids
🍽️ Grilling our own food—fresh seafood from the local market!
🎣 Boat rental for a quick island hopping and snorkeling experience
👉 Saving Tip:
Booking a private home/resort with a kitchen can cut food expenses in half. Prepare meals together as a family—it’s part of the fun!
Day 9: Quick Stop in Amadeo, Tagaytay – Coffee & Chill
We spent our ninth day in the charming town of Amadeo, Tagaytay—fondly known as the Coffee Capital of the Philippines. It was the perfect way to slow down after our beach days and mountain adventures. We visited a cozy local coffee farm and café, where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air. Sipping a hot cup while overlooking the rolling hills and cooler climate was pure bliss—simple, peaceful, and just what we needed.
The kids enjoyed running around the open grounds while we soaked in the calm scenery and had a few quiet moments to reflect. After days of moving from one beautiful destination to another, this final stop gave us the perfect balance of rest and appreciation. It was a reminder that not every adventure has to be fast-paced—sometimes, a quiet corner with good coffee and great company is all you need to feel full and grateful.
This short but sweet visit wrapped up our journey on a high note, leaving us refreshed, reconnected, and ready to plan our next family getaway.
Don’t Miss:
Buying Barako Coffee straight from the farms
Visiting local fruit stands for cheap pineapples, mangoes, and more
A quick detour to a local bulalohan (beef marrow soup) perfect for chilly weather
🚘 Day 10: Manila back to Dubai With Hearts Full and Phones Full of Memories
We arrived back in Manila with tired feet but happy hearts. Traveling with family across the Philippines may seem hectic, but with good planning and the right stops, it becomes a trip to remember.
💡 Final Travel Tips for Families in the Philippines:
Best Time to Travel: Dry season (Nov–May) for road safety and less rain.
Cash is King: Not all stops have digital payments, so bring small bills.
Bring Reusable Containers: For packed lunches or leftovers helps save money and reduce waste.
Use Waze or Google Maps: To avoid traffic and find hidden gems along the way.
Travel Light: Especially when hopping cities, you’ll thank yourself later.
This 10-day trip reminded us that you don’t need to fly far to create amazing memories. The Philippines offers so much for families cool weather up north, relaxing beaches down south, and everything in between. It’s all about the moments you create together, wherever the road may take you.
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